A rare BMW E39 M5 has surfaced with a surprising mechanical twist—its engine is actually a naturally aspirated Volkswagen W10, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The car’s unusual powertrain combination hints at a hidden engineering story, further complicated by a documented connection to Volkswagen’s legendary former CEO. Collectors and automotive historians are likely intrigued by how such a high-performance Volkswagen unit ended up under a BMW’s hood, raising questions about its origins and purpose. The discovery also sheds light on the automotive industry’s occasional cross-brand collaborations and the obscure modifications that sometimes emerge from high-level automotive circles.
This BMW E39 M5 hides a naturally aspirated Volkswagen W10, a six-speed manual gearbox, and a paper trail linking it to Ferdinand Piëch.
