2000 BMW E39 M5 Review - Even Better Than The V10?

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

"I think I just gave a thumb-up to a hearse"

[@julianevans9548]

Loved it. Maybe this could become a 'thing' - like Lotus owners waving to each other.

[@Adventurechronicals]

Just spat my drink over my desk

[@anastassiosperakis2869]

it's "thumbS up"

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

@@anastassiosperakis2869 Thanks

[@frenchtoast-d7u]

Better? Yes, the E39 in general is quite possibly one of the greatest cars of all time.

[@onkouth]

I had one of these for 6 years, it was bulletproof, it was so solid, the build quality was incredible and it just did everything beautifully, I have had several modern BMWs since and as good as they are, this was certainly my favourite and for me the best. Definitely pound for pound one of if not the best car ever made.

[@ProjectFairmont]

I would say the same for the E34.

[@frenchtoast-d7u]

John Oleary I remember reading an article about the 1st gen Idrive in the E65 and what non E65 owners thought about it after having tried it out. Even an airline pilot thought that it was bad lol.

[@onkouth]

Andrew Ball no, as I said it didn’t have a single solitary problem the whole time I owned it, at the time it was extremely quick and even a modern Mercedes or Audi would struggle to sit with it on the twisty bits. Brilliant car in every way!

[@onkouth]

Andrew Ball I am from Ireland, possibly the wettest country on the planet and I have never experienced any rust on any of my BMWs and have never heard of anyone who has, you are surely thinking of Mercedes Benz who’s early 2000 cars literally disintegrated before your eyes, like my brothers 2004 E Class that he owned at the same time I owned this!

[@adamkelsall3942]

I sadly sold my 2003 E39 M5 a year ago. I loved the thing. Brimming with character, useable and very much suited to UK roads. They're a brilliant thing. Don't give too much attention to the internet doom mongers who preach mechanical issues with these cars. Like you said buy on condition from a loving enthusiast. Suspension bushings, the odd spot of rust and keep it well oiled with the correct Castrol oil and you'll not go far wrong. Other than the engine and brakes the car is pretty much a normal E39 and parts are reasonable. Just find a nice one and buy it :-)

[@adamkelsall3942]

Green Mills lack of use, moving house at the time, money needed elsewhere. That’s life!

[@NickWalenda]

@@adamkelsall3942 totally Agree, havent driven mine in a year

[@speedrepublic5270]

Internet doom mongers 🤣 nicely put either way. Would LOVE an e39 even over my E63s.

[@reversoworld5348]

I had one and have owned most of the M5s but the E39 has a special place in my heart. I had three days of one to one driver training in it at the Nurburgring and it was fabulous.

[@hellatightdude]

Could I ask you how much annually you paid for maintenance? And if you did most of the work yourself or took it in? I’m very tempted to purchase one of these

[@GRfourfun]

Back when I was in the army in 2000 based in Germany my mate bought an E39 M5 brand new. He used to go on the autobahn flashing arrogant Porsche’s out of the way! One hell of a car, loved being a passenger in it.

[@eleonik76]

I had many BMW'S in my life,and repaired even more. From my experience and life with them,I can say that E34/E39 are one of the easiest to work on. And even many can argue,I believe the E38/E39 models were at the peak of BMW engineering. They had their fair share of faults,like the cooling system, rust,and jerky electronics,but in general very solid car,which gives you joy like no other. Also many will argue about E60 M5 being better because of its V10. Well,at that time no family saloon had V10 F1 related engine under the hood,so in that sense yes,it was impressive achievement. The sound astonishing. Rest was crap. Very jerky in city, highly unreliable, expensive like hell to maintain,and interior..horrible. So yes,E60 was definitely more advanced and faster,but in no way better.

[@DashDriver-z1r]

I would have a e60 m5 convert to manual and just address the failure points. The smg we got was not great but other than the ridiculous service intervals they aren’t that bad

[@ptneis2077]

Well Said.... Eleonik 76

[@Screaming-Trees]

@@ptneis2077 E34 and E39 are my favourites. E34 5 series was my first car. I quit BMW after the E39 era. If I had to choose between the two it would be the E39. All time favourite. I have a new Audi A4 now (2023) with all the sports features but it's not the same. Different era car altogether. I've love to get another BMW at some point. I'm tempted to try the 2024 5 series that was announced earlier this year but it's probably not going to have the same feel as the E39.

[@ptneis2077]

The Only Car Within The Last 5 Years what would tickle my Crumpet.. I,d have to Say is definitely The BMW M3 Touring.. I mean look at those back Wheel Arches Jesus.. Big difference in compare with a normal Touring.. The Only Thing What,s Letting it down is these bloody great wacking screens.. They should of left that for the main stream Gimps... But never the mind, what did Meatloaf say....? Two outta Three Ain,t BAD! @@Screaming-Trees

[@BlueWafer]

@@Screaming-Trees electric steering is what ruins the new BMW's for me. Compared to the rack & pinion on the 6cyl E39 models, the electric steering on newer models gives you worse steering feel than a 2004 fwd ford focus

[@carlosjaros2486]

Never forget when i got over taken by one of these in a tunnel in Austria about 20 years ago in my Delta HF Turbo.Didnt even tried to race it just enjoyed the v8 sound.My favorite M5 for sure

[@Tom90Y]

That brings back a lot of memories my father owned a Silverstone Blue M5 back when they were new. It was also the 1st BMW I was a passenger in as a kid

[@1970boggy]

When that shape BMW 5 series was released it was rumoured to be the all round best car in the world. I’ve driven that shape M5 it’s fantastic 👍 My father owned one it was amazing

[@andrewdonnelly2170]

I own a silver metallic 2002 M5. I've had it since 2013 . My dream car. Still puts a smile on my face every time I start the engine. Best all around car ever in my opinion.

[@Bku695]

Probably one of the best m cars ever made !

[@davidjoy7654]

I have an E39 5 series 2.8i M sport auto registered September 1999. It is silver and in immaculate condition. Everything works and the suede interior is perfect. It is a such a great looking car with Angel lights and the orange front indicator lights changed to clear. I know it is not an M5 but for me at 74 gives me all the power I require now. My son found it for me 8 years ago and I paid £1150 from a private seller in London. I have never paid so little for a motor and had absolutely no trouble, except needing a battery! My son keeps all topped up and checks it over every fortnight on his visits to me. I really hope that it will see me to the end of my driving days as it gives me so much pleasure. Compared to the later shaped BMWs it is as stylish to me as my favourite car as a child the 2.4 Jaguar. Enjoyed your video and style of presenting. Thanks for posting. As it was great to see the motor moving around the lanes as it looks identical to mine. Except under the bonnet but who is looking.

[@ludicrousfool7953]

“Last one with a manual gearbox” Actually, if you lived in the U.S., the E60 and F10 M5s were offered manual transmissions. With the current M5 however, no manual is offered in any region.

[@dair919]

This is true.

[@mr.airgun6921]

Interesting. E60 manual seems like a great proposition. I wonder why the US got manual when traditionally you have always been more auto market & the UK got the SMG.

[@TopiAS06]

Maybe the point was, e39 m5 is last with manual, only?

[@jameswillard1]

Andrew Ball I’d take that bet that E60 M5’s won’t be going up in value for probably ever. The nicest lowest mile ones will retain some desirability but a (admittedly pristine) 600 mile E39 recently sold at auction for $188k. A 600 mile E60 (assuming one existed for an apples to apples comparison) wouldn’t command even half that amount for good reasons. Also, based on your logic the SMG was better because it was slightly faster than a manual? And if that’s the case than the greatest M5 ever would be a brand new one because it is the fastest accelerating by a mile

[@TopiAS06]

@Andrew Ball i personally, dont want nnew m3/m5 etc with manual, some do want. dkg, dct and other ones, are just faster, and gear goes allways in, cant really fuck up that gear chance. but 39 m5, e46 m4 i would take with manual.

[@odetowny]

Had my 2001 m5 for 14 years. Couldn't bring myself to part. I think the kids will have to fight over it once I'm gone lol. Just an incredible car, that puts a massive smile on your face every time.

[@jimjones8125]

Who remembers the Clive Owen and madonna advert 😂😂

[@clemfandango7175]

Jim Jones love that

[@vladmares8128]

take me to the venue!

[@brianvanfrank574]

Jim Jones seems like just yesterday

[@adogmcdizzle]

Star

[@drewdavis239]

Who remembers the james brown and the devil video

[@l34052]

I've always wanted one of these, I will forever love the NA engine over a fartbox sounding turbo.

[@fatkev1983]

I still have my e39 M5. Albeit off the road at the moment. The prices just keep going up too. If you're liking the gearbox and shifter... I bet its had the shifter replaced with a Z3 item. Direct swap, very cheap to do and gives you a much sharper shorter shift. The OEM shifter has a comically long throw, even for its day, in the e39 M5. I did poly bushes throughout as well as a suspension arm and steering overhaul. What was already a good handling car became a car that really defied its weight and size. Best exhaust mod - simply cut the 4 small mufflers off the rear and get an exhaust fabricator to make up nice straight pipes. Not too loud but also means you don't need to be high up the rev range o hear the best of the engine. These cars were over muffled as the idea was subtle performance. A few weak points... and there are many - the thermostat fails often and is a costly job to replace. Clutch can get toasted easily if you're abusing it. The plastic trim on the lower corners of the front bumper shatter easily if cold. Crankshaft bearings can be an issue and should he inspected at some point. Oil consumption is pot luck... always carry a litre or two of the correct oil in the boot. I've heard 1l for every 500 miles wasn't unheard of. Mine gets 1l for every 3500 miles when I drove it daily and I drove it hard. Nowadays... when I see an e39 on the road you realise how bloated cars have become. The e39 almost looks svelte and compact now.

[@joshbrock2663]

idk. i have both and the e39s shifter is shorter. then again my z3 has triple the miles on it and the shifter is pretty sloppy these days.

[@fatkev1983]

@@joshbrock2663 look it up, 1.9 Z3 shifter. People have used this shifter in e28, e39 and e60s. The big engined Z3 shifters made it too notchy and the Z3-M shifter would cause damage. The small engined Z3 shifter seems to be the sweet spot on a lot of BMWs. If your E39 shift feels good and not long, chances are ots not an original M5 item. As said, common complaint, even from new, was the E39 M5 throw was accurate but too long even for its day.

[@kzoomin]

The oil consumption was mostly a problem with the early 1999-2000 model years due to ring seal. In 2001-2003 the issue was addressed. And if oil consumption is an issue for 01-03 S62s, most likely old failing valve cover gaskets and bolt seals need replacing. Along with oil seperators and hoses. What happens is excess fresh air is introduced to the crankcase during high vacuum conditions (off throttle high rpm/engine braking) through those gaskets and seals. Which causes the oil seperator hoses to collapse inhibiting the proper function.

[@kzoomin]

E39 m5s are great reliable cars given the proper care and maintenance. There are plenty of 200k+, and some 300k+, even 400k+ mileage examples out there.

[@PowerslideSWE]

It IS the best M5 :D I agree, it is indeed a classic. I miss mine...

[@PowerslideSWE]

@Andrew Ball Mine was sorted, no expense spared by PO and in excellent condition, I made alot of money on the sale aswell. I drive a mk 7.5 Golf GTI that I don't bond with.

[@PowerslideSWE]

@Andrew Ball Rust on an at best 16 year old car is not unheard of. Mine had zero rust and zero rust repairs, but it wasn't driven in the salt and crap of winter, that's the key.

[@_dervalentin7720]

@Andrew Ball yea who would have thought that a newer car turns better und goes better wow And your the gear changer not the car Atleast in e39s

[@_dervalentin7720]

@Andrew Ball in the E39 u fucking idiot it olny came with a manual

[@swiper1818]

I owned one of these for about 6 years until 2008 - absolutely superb car that I wish I had never sold!

[@BassMessiah100]

Is this the best M5 ever? No. This is the best car ever.

[@DeltaDubai03]

It looks good, it sounds good, it is powerful, comfortable. It is old enough to give you this nice feeling that you have to drive the and not the opposite. It s reasonably priced, although t is going up. It is even fairly reliable for a 20+ year old BMW M car. The best M5 ever; possibly. Definitely, a treat to watch it in this nice review!

[@jamesstaggs4160]

My God he has an M Coupe and the E39 M5? I need this guy to be my friend. It's hard to argue against the V10, but I think the E39 is the better platform and MUCH better looking. The late 90s and early 2000s brought us the best lookin Bimmers ever, the E36, the E39 and the E38 (I like the 740i).

[@lkr8013]

I'm Billy no mates

[@MrMihaiD]

Glad to see a review of a man who understand what he as talking and also appreciates this beautiful pieces of engineering.

[@Xerdoz]

See, BMW. No need for stupid popping, crackling and farting exhausts like you're doing with your new cars.

[@ConquerDriving]

Agreed!!!

[@pistonpoweruk]

It’s because all new cars are turbo. Long live normally aspirate engines. The s65 and s85 were masterpieces.

[@tjpj1919]

Or played through the speakers

[@khumomatlakane2009]

I find quite nice

[@cannonball9478]

@@tjpj1919 literally nothing more pathetic than speakers making sounds a decent engine should be making

[@dgracer1]

Had one for 8 years. 2 trips across Europe, Stelvio Pass on one trip. Put 100,000 very happy miles on it. Miss it terribly

[@itsalgud1459]

Truly the last great M5. Stick shift, great handling, and no fake sound!😣 I have a friend who owns one and I’ve rented it a few times, and it’s plenty fast enough for me.

[@raycolwill9342]

"She pulls very well low down and in the mids".....lol sorry mate Very true of course and again ...great vid

[@johnpearson492]

I ran mine as a daily driver for 3 years, and absolutely loved it. Very enjoyable car in pretty much all situations. I even drove it through the winter, and with the LSD it did well in the snow. I've since sold it as I was attracted to smaller more nimble cars. Now I am dailying an e36 M3 and find it the absolute sweet spot of speed, agility, comfort, and looks.

[@MrRedders]

Quickly becoming one of the best car reviewers.....IN THE WORLD. I know I'm late to the party with this video but the recent content has been pure gold. Keep it up!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks Mark - better late than never!

[@graemew7001]

You said M cars this week and I'm overjoyed to say you've done the 2 I hoped to see, Lorenzo is a man IMO with impeccible taste in cars.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yes he is, and your guessing was on point! But can you guess #3?

[@graemew7001]

@@JayEmmOnCars I hadn't thought of the 3rd one but I'll have a guess at an E30 M3 Sport Evolution....now they were rare new so no doubt pure hen's teeth now!!

[@Stormy177]

@@JayEmmOnCars M3 CSL?!

[@lkr8013]

You guys are far too kind but my cars are blushing

[@graemew7001]

@@lkr8013 Believe me Loranzo if I was in possession of your two BMW's featured on this channel I'd have one hell of an inner battle if I were going out for a drive alone. I wouldn't know which one to take, they're both stunning and IMO far better looking than later BMW's (maybe thats my age though).

[@fam.hunger5244]

Without a doubt the best M5 ever. The E39 generally is the best 5 Series ever, and for sure one of the best cars ever. Never drove a car again that was so sporty bur also comfortable at the same time, the engines were phenomenal and the suspension(M-Suspension) the best ever when you wanted it sporty AND comfortable. No one again achieved a suspension that was able to it like the E39 M-Suspension. The interior was just so high-quality and amazingly looking - simply the best M5 ever and one of the best cars ever produced.

[@charlesscott-finnigan4681]

I loved owning one of these.It is a magnificent car.All you would ever need.That engine is a peach😎

[@EightyFiveHundred]

Having owned both a 6speed e60 m5 and e39 m5 AT THE SAME TIME for years. The e39 m5 (s62) was more fun to drive lazy and the e60 m5 (s85) was the one to drive like an air-cooled 911/964/993. Loved them both, sold the e39 m5 at 180,000 miles and still have my e60 m5 at 165,000 miles.

[@fkfakemusic3172]

u still got the e60?

[@EightyFiveHundred]

@@fkfakemusic3172 yes, 186,000 miles now…kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKvadJ2Knpl1abc

[@m5e392]

Great review! Just confirms everything I love about this old lady. Have had mine for 3 years now.. spent some cash on small renovation, keeping the car in 100% shape, as a fun car for sunny weekends. Kinda expensive but the car deserves it. It's still the top of the game for me. We went to Italy/Austria mountains last year, visited Dingolfing factory on the way back home to make some pictures.. it's just - fun and very rewarding car. With a proper character. Just love it :).

[@simmey2011]

My favourite car of all time. Owned one for year. It was incredible! If you have been thinking of getting one -do it. As the man In the video says, buy on condition. Only thing that failed on mine a year was the viscous coupling and number plate light bulb. Saving up for another one as we speak.

[@RiddlerG3]

Can't believe I just stumbled upon this cannel! You sir are one of the most (if not the most) underrated car youtuber out there. Judging by the quality of these videos you should have been huge by now!

[@stephhamilton8100]

a fine car, Im looking for one at the minute. I had an E39 528i for a few years and loved that. I have an F10 530 at the minute, had it for a few years but cant compare to the e39 for pure driving enjoyment

[@TheSandMan9991]

My "attainable dream car" of choice. Must be Imola red...

[@visionist7]

With full leather dash!

[@805NAVE]

An imola red one just sold on BaT

[@PowerslideSWE]

Mine was with super rare alcantara interior...

[@Virtuoso23]

"German cars" and "red paint" should never be in the same sentence. Titanium grey and BMW Estoril s blue are much wiser choices.

[@tylercouture216]

Have you seen the BMW's on EAG page they have the best

[@mamadoo1969]

one of the best modern cars in the era … owned the same color 2001, had a black one & a white one, too.

[@danielkresz8577]

classic! no question. when I sold my E39 530dA I cried. I loved the solid interior and the massive feel and sound of closing doors. I really wanted an E39 M5 but I think I made the wise and right decision and went for an E92 M3. I love the newish feeling, precision, racey character and - knock on wood - no issue life, but sometimes I feel sorry revving the shit out of that "6k above" engine. and still easily fading brakes. E39 M5s are pure magic.

[@AJ-hk6zb]

This car will never get old, the perfect super sedan.

[@hubbyofmad5122]

Nice balance of driving vs interior vs outside shots great job mate

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thankyou

[@cmcdeevtec]

Great video bud 👌🏻. I’m not the biggest German car lover but I have to say, that shape M5 is very special. Beautiful looking machine.

[@zatenm]

that was my dream car in my college days... in many ways it still is. Thanks for the blast from the past and the enjoyable review

[@TheHesK9]

A guy down my road had a straight piped one of these. Used to start it up as I was walking to school. It was glorious 😍

[@MrORLY]

Jay, if you're ever in the North West you're welcome to a drive of my E39 530i Sport manual. See if you agree with me that it's the perfect daily driver package.

[@101andytoll101]

If he did he'd end up on the side of the M53 :)

[@MrORLY]

@@101andytoll101 Probably get a damn sight further than he would in your 156 ;)

[@2702simmo]

Liam Dolan I’ll have a go 😂 in Bromborough so probably not far 😜

[@darrinmoore3139]

I love mine. It’s my daily driver. Just fun. Never stop smiling.

[@techyd8411]

I’ve been fortunate to drive one of these a few times and they really are truly great cars to drive, as James says they don’t feel like a big car, at all - of course later cars are huge now by comparison!

[@zgpm7031]

His shirt makes him look like he works in a Zoo

[@js00065]

😆

[@kenzod5679]

Brilliant.

[@tonieveritt7045]

Jay i have to agree with u the m5 was the best bmw ever built it was a rocket it went like stig u could go through a set of back tyers in no time but it was a sweet car monster of a car

[@bluehead_info]

Styling has aged on that car. I really like it's look.

[@ConquerDriving]

8 throttle bodies and a manual gearbox wrapped up in a cossetting place to sit.. I would like some of that. Does it have cruise control for the boring bits?

[@ClintWestmetal88]

Makes me miss mine, expensive to keep running and driving as they should but totally worth it. Best all round car I've had. Such a wide range of abilities- great on the motorway, great to hustle down a favourite road, quick, comfortable, engaging, timelessly good looks from when BMW actually knew how to design a car and a soundtrack to die for. Just have the bank balance to keep it that way.

[@ryanmoloney99]

without a doubt the last great m5

[@NickWalenda]

100% agree

[@NickWalenda]

However you must drive the E34 M5, my other M5s are alot quicker but there is something about the build quality of that

[@willmaddox1986]

Omg the lust I have for one of these in that spec is unreal

[@elektra5how]

I have a 2002 e39 in imola red it’s only a 525i m sport but I absolutely love it, had it since 2012 an no plans to ever get rid of it

[@Coldpies]

What a machine. Don't worry about the herse used to sing the ghostbusters theme as a kid when i seen one.

[@805NAVE]

Ha “roller blind” I love it. My favorite feature in my car is what we call here in the states the power rear sunshade lol

[@50pesos]

The sweet spot of M5's

[@ckneasel]

Mike Tyson reference 😂👍🏽

[@stephenoverstreet9898]

Man Jay, you are really tempting me with these beautiful BMWs. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. This might be my first BMW.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Glad to be of service

[@RickFishUK]

One of your most enjoyable vids. Keep it up!

[@garymarchant1926]

My old car, definitely one I should never have let go of

[@Stealthwerx_Performance]

E39 M5 in Silverstone Blue is automotive perfection, would love to drive one.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

They won't disappoint Gareth. No easy power gains with a map though!

[@carchaps]

Great review! Was a useful reference for me when looking to purchase my M5….. keep it up 👍🏻

[@jameswillard1]

I can tell you first hand that the E39 was miles better to drive than the E60 because I went thru the worst case of buyers remorse when I got rid of my 2001 M5 in 2006 to buy the highly anticipated new V10 M5 and realized almost immediately what a disappointment that car was in comparison. It was so much more complex and lacked the analog drivers feel of the E39. Ironically, although the SMG was lousy ofcourse, that wasn’t the main thing that bothered me, the car just felt so much heavier in ride and handling, the steering lacked the feel of the E39, the V10 didn’t feel that special until it was at high revs (which was not that easy to regularly access in day to day driving). I only had that car for 6 months and residual values at the time we’re tanking as there were many people who were underwhelmed with their cars as well and decided to get out of them quite quickly judging by all the nearly new extremely low mile examples for sale and it baffles me that people nowadays seem to look back like the E60 was such a sought after drivers car especially when I see how ridiculous the running costs to keep that complex 12-13 year old car on the road is. I understand that E39’s aren’t inexpensive either but atleast you’re getting a world class driving experience that is as enjoyable as any sedan I’ve ever owned before or since it.

[@jackthehat8593]

Recirculating ball steering is crap, I hated it on both of my E39's. The E60 barely weighs any more than the E39 thanks to using aluminium panels (though I guess in the E39's case, rust will have made them lighter lol). I bought a second E39 M5 after selling my first, it was definitely a case of rose tinted glasses. As standard they're just not that good anymore in my opinion. I disagree about the V10 not being special. It is a unique engine that in my car sounds great at all revs. The S62 was just a modified M62, nothing special about that. Regarding values, that has always been a problem for ALL M5's. The E34, E39, E60 and F10. Right now it is a race to the bottom for F10 values, they're already cheaper than some E60's.

[@Tracertme]

Great taste in BMW's Lorenzo well done...

[@lkr8013]

Thank BMW for creating such gems for us to appreciate unlike now

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

Nice video mate, I'm starting to like these classic cars now , you appreciate them more now considering what modern electronics have done to cars

[@Willyfarns]

Ooh yes ... and uploaded just in time for tea time !! 🤣🤣 Cracking work on the recent uploads Jay 👍

[@ianmitchell9102]

Selling my silver Porsche 944 turbo and my carbon black E39 M5 are my two biggest automobile regrets of all time, I’ll never forget the memories though !!

[@uniwersalnykabanos]

Best sound,best feeling , full comfort

[@jamienat.1943]

ABSOLUTLEY ITS A CLASSIC CAR! ITS AN AUTOMOTIVE LEGEND!

[@brunobalestra]

It's like you read my mind and heart and videos all my favorites. Love your channel!

[@Buck3366]

My friends father has one of these tucked away along with a rather fantastic 930 911 Turbo. Talk about a hard decision to make on for Sunday morning blast.

[@VladoT]

As always a great review! Cheers.

[@tracktimevideos5164]

I was surprised that my lowly 260bhp megane kept up with one of these the other day, it was modded and really did sound glorious though.

[@visionist7]

It's super heavy

[@tracktimevideos5164]

@@visionist7 true, about half a ton heavier.

[@jackthehat8593]

@@tracktimevideos5164 these are not fast by any stretch of the imagination anymore. I've had two and for every bit they're good, they're also bad.

[@stevenotto2581]

LOL!!! Only because he let you keep up mate.....Only because he let you......

[@stevenotto2581]

@Andrew Ball What year is your M5?

[@plaxic]

My favorite sport sedan ever - thanks for the review

[@harrylalli]

Nice work James, I have bought an E39 M5 in the past 6months and love it! James you need to buy one and join our E39 M5 WhatsApp group...planning a trip to Munich next year 🥰

[@azeemsyed3764]

hey PM me the link

[@dj_paultuk7052]

Also Tiff's fav M series car.

[@garrisong]

Old video I know but I have a 2000 323i in titanium silver and I absolutely love it. It’s my first bmw it’s so comfortable to drive even more than my XC90 Volvo. It’s just an amazing car. The getrag shifter you mentioned in the video I think is the same in my car and it shifts flawlessly, a little stiff when it’s below freezing but once it warms up it’s a pleasure to shift. My opinion some of the best drivers cars ever made I like it so much I’m already looking for a 330ix awd with the 6 speed manual. I just recently subscribed great reviews I like your video style keep up the great work.

[@martinnaylor]

I've had my E39 525i sport over twelve years now so that says something.

[@ivorproblem1332]

I had a E39 530d Sport tuned to 272bhp. That thing was bomb proof.

[@opinionator3884]

The best M5 ever? Yes. Next question.

[@OmegaSwitch]

The E39 M5 is perhaps the greatest modern classic car imo

[@bmcguinness4053]

Bought the e39 m5 last year. 83,000 miles. Epic car. Jay I also have the e34 m5 3.6. Not a patch on the v8, feels much older, but lots of high revving character. In dry storage, engine perfect but interior needs tidying up. You're welcome to drive it but im not in the UK 😕

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Where are you?

[@bmcguinness4053]

@@JayEmmOnCars Ireland mate. But you might find one closer to home on the e34 M5 club on Facebook. Quite a few UK members in it and some of the examples look excellent

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@bmcguinness4053 I generally don't like to go on groups begging, I prefer when people come to me tbh

[@bmcguinness4053]

@@JayEmmOnCars fair enough. When mines out of storage in spring I'll get in touch again. Would love your thoughts on the e34 M5.

[@WhiteMouse77]

....just like a good branded wine.... give it two decades of right maintenance and it rewards you with feel of sunshine.... I think what makes the most of its matured character is BMW themselves changing newer M5 generations from cognac gentlemen club into celebrities' high party...

[@Mpower-hz4gk]

The sweet spot in Bmw engineering and styling.

[@bledzeppelin76]

Great review as per jay.. only a matter of time before big things happen 👍🏻

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Cheers for your support Dan

[@samcourt6228]

These are lovely, lovely things. I think BMW design peaked with the E46 and E39; they’re both soooooo well proportioned to these eyes. It’s a shame they rust so much. The modified exhaust sounds lovely on that car.

[@ThexMJT]

I still think the e6x and e9x are ageing well. An e60 actually looks very modern and new especially in m sport trim.

[@samcourt6228]

@@ThexMJT I agree that the E6x looks good in M Sport trim. I’m a big fan of the E9x too and like my current 335i, but there is just something about the E46/39 that I really love.

[@ThexMJT]

@@samcourt6228 Agree with the E46 and E39 they have aged timelessly, cant quite put finger on it but they do just look good to the eye

[@Mouse2113]

My fav M5. What a fantastic noise

[@lewis72]

If the value is going up from where it was 5 years or so ago, it *has* to be a classic.

[@lewis72]

Andrew Ball This isn’t about if it’s worth more or less than an E60 M5 or is more or less desirable than an E60 M5 either. Whether a car is a classic or not is often subjective but it IS worth more than the nominal value of an 18-20 year old car and it was arguably one of the best cars available in the early 2000s.

[@lewis72]

Andrew Ball I agree. IMO, it has two meanings: 1) Have class. 2) Old and it’s easy to confuse 2 with 1.

[@FelixIsMyName]

The E39 M5 and Alpina B10 are two of my favorite 5 series.

[@y0057]

You may want to try the e34 m5, They really are special last hand built very analogue cars with truly soulful engine notes. I know they are ultra rare. Would let you try mine a last year production Nurburgring spec car, but based in London. If possible give us a shout. :)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Drop me an email on [e-mail] - I'm only 90 minutes out of central london

[@simonh870]

I would love an M5 E39. I had a couple of E39 528i models and whilst not quite in the same league as the M they were still terrific cars. I have had a few other newer BMW's since and none have been built as well.

[@arhalimi5883]

Hi James .. that ws a wonderful review. I bought one 523i 2.5L (Y 2000) in May'19 .. no frills but I am loving the vroom vroom it gives me from the straight 6. Lining up to buy an e38 730i next. Wish me luck.

[@francispowell1811]

Excellent review. Cost of ownership estimates and more indepth analysis of the handling characteristics would be helpful. Really enjoyed this!

[@EGGLOVER2010]

A new BMW grille is bigger than this M5

[@visionist7]

Lmao!

[@js00065]

Hahahahaha!

[@azeemsyed3764]

Heck yah its a classic! Arguably the best 4 door performance sedan Ive been blessed to get behind the steering wheel of!

[@XclusiveAaron]

That road to Halstead is a bloody good driving road!

[@allanlai_]

Very nice. Is E34 M5 on the horizon too?

[@ThunderChunky101]

Really good looking these old Beemers...