My guess is that last production run of an E39 M5 will be the 9/02 production month as a 2002 model. The new 5 series is due as a 2003 model year and Europe gets the first batches. 2003 production will more than likely start in October 2002. Since the 5 series has only one body style in the US that the M5 is based on (4 door sedan), M5 production as an E39 will cease.