BMW E39 523i Goes For a Drive

[@Daniel-go4ux]

One of BMW's best cars, with one of their greatest engines. Owned 4 of these now, all 523's 2 touring's and 2 saloons, and they have never ever let me down, even the touring i have at the moment as a 2nd car happily burbles into life first turn of the key after 2 weeks of non use. They are great reliable, comfortable long distance cruisers, especially with the steptronic box. I do agree with hoovie when he said that 2000 was the pinnacle of BMW design, the e46, e38 e39, e53, all fantastic looking machines (all of which i (have) owned).

[@Robin-ti8id]

Our e39 touring is making noises everywhere doors are creaking and in the back it’s rattling like mad limousine is way more solid and doesn’t rattle everywhere

[@zx81uk]

​@@Robin-ti8id My E39 touring will do the same if I let it, once per month silicone oil spray and wipe all rubber and plastic door parts - there are a lot, and you have to get on your hands and knees = no more creaking! This is a labour of love but it's worth it because my E39 520i is better than my my F11 523i in many ways, especially for driver 'reward'. However, never forget the 323i E21 and 320i / 325i E30 are better for 'racing driver reward' but it takes a lot more skill not to spin off because they are truly 'wicked' and hence, get more adrenalin going = more fun for me. The E39 is simply 'too perfect' and cannot be called 'wicked'. My F11 is like a 7 series - wonderful to drive/ no regrets, and faster in every way than my E39, but not 'chuckable' like an E39). My E39 benefits from being 'manual' and it's a good test of skill to beat even the F11 ZF 8 speed gear box for smoothness. I can't see any electric cars being as rewarding as my manual E39, however, I do look forward to my first 5 series 'electric' touring. It's likely I will keep the E39 at all costs (welded up in many places!) and my F11 will be replaced by the 5 series electric touring one day!

[@edwinblank58]

One off the best BMW's ever.

[@rabeeaalmahmoudi8704]

And the lock and unlock mechanism sound is just pure art.

[@rauoool80s23]

By far the most gorgeous thing mankind has ever designed, is the E39.

[@Brigitte.286]

OMG yes​@@rabeeaalmahmoudi8704

[@soundseeker63]

Anyone who used to buy WHAT CAR magazine between 1996 and 2003 will recall how the E39 would win "Executive Car Of the Year" every single year, as well as every group test in which it participated with almost tedious predictability. Having owned 3 so far, I can see why....they are great cars in just about every way! I also remember road tests at the time commenting on the sharper steering + lighter nose of the 6-cyl models. If you can find a 528i/530i manual with sport suspension or the M-Sport pack, you have a real drivers delight there! One other great thing about the 6-cyl that you didn't mention is the fuel economy - 40mpg on motorway runs is very realistic in the 523/525/528. And the 530d will top 50mpg at a cruise! I will be keeping my '99 Glacier Green saloon forever!

[@ChristerByklum]

My first BMW is a 1999 523iA that I have had a few months now. I grew up in BMW’s, and the sound of this Six cylinder is the sound of my childhood and teens. Myfirst car was a Mercedes W123 and I have been a Mercedes owner for 25 years now, as well as a few Jaguars, but this, my first BMW is winning me over. Love the sound. And actually love that it isn’t quicker, as I can enjoy the engine sound for longer during acceleration.

[@EndTimesNowNow]

My FIRST was BMW 523i❤ good car. 1998'

[@davepax982]

Sometimes it's not the huge power of a car that gives you the fizz. It's the tactility and sounds emanating from the engine bay that does it. I LOVE the sounds of a decent straight 6 and I could listen to this one for hours. Such a sweet engine.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Best Generation of the 5 series without a shadow of a doubt! Another excellent review Matt.

[@danielmaxhoffmann1917]

I just bought one E39 523i, next week I am going to get the register plates... I had two E34, sold one of them (the rusty one), and decided to buy E39 as they have more modern suspension. Wish me luck with it!

[@nicksmith4361]

I’ve had my e39 523i manual for just over five years. It’s now nearly top spec with full leather, split rims, new sports suspension, brakes, sports exhaust, poly bushes, Bluetooth, immaculate body, everything works and I love it. It’s a keeper and BMW 6 cylinders works for me.

[@theoriginaljc-j]

My wife and I have 2 Tourings as daily drivers, original engines and gearboxes and about 280,000 Kms on both. We often take either car on 1500+ km journeys. Amazing cars especially as the oldest is now 23 years old.

[@GentilsGarage]

The Aspen Silver is the same colour as 007’s E38 in Tomorrow Never dies. Couldn’t agree more about what you say about the E39 and I don’t get tired of saying it either. Mine was a ‘99 523i, but was the M52TU which had some improvements compared to the models made before spring ‘99 as it have drive by wire, an improved torque curve and didn’t have the Nikasil liners. Love these cars and even in smaller engine they are great motorway cruisers, quiet, comfortable (unlike the subsequent generations) and a silky smooth engine. Great review sir!

[@skinnedknuckles2444]

I've been a long time E39 fan. I loved them at lauch, I would of been 7. I bought my first one before I passed my test at the age of 20, a 97 Calypso Red 528 Touring Manual. I still have to this day. I've owned many afterwards including a 98 528 Saloon Auto, a 99 523 Touring Auto, an 04 520 Touring Auto recently sold to a mate. I currently drive an 01 525d Touring Auto and I have a 99 E38 740 for those rare summer months. Personally, an E39 is more suited with an auto, especially from 2.8 onwards although Manuals are far rarer. 520 in both 2.0 and 2.2, a 523 or 525 in palrticuar would be better suited with a manual box. A 2.8 or a 3.0 manual is a fine thing, Not to mention the V8's... Diesels, are more suited as auto's imo. However way you look at it, These cars when new were luxury cars, so manuals would be Frowned upon, Especially when for sale within about the first 5 years or so, Now they are definitely hot property and more valuable. Any E39 in fine fettle is a dream to drive. Most have fallen victim to penny pinching over the years. A good E39 is rewarding, a bad one will no doubt nickel & dime you. Having said that, they're not complicated to work on mechanically.

[@GentilsGarage]

@@skinnedknuckles2444 exactly, I couldn’t agree more

[@soundseeker63]

I think BMW ditched the Nikasil liners from around 1997 and used "alusil" in the late M52 motors. M52TU of course has the bullet proof cast iron liners, as do the M54 engined models (which have oil consumption issues). All things considered the M52TUs are the most durable of the lot.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

That 6 cylinder sounds sooooooo good. What a glorious sound. This is peak BMW. After the E39, everything went horribly wrong for the 5 Series, which makes this one all the more special. The new owner is a very lucky boy or girl.

[@adrianyoungs8166]

not really mate, the 5er has got better with each generation. Still the best executive car ever made, as is the 3 series being the best compact executive car ever made, the X5, X3, 6 series, 8 series, Z4, dominate their respective classes.

[@jlkartvideos9887]

I have had 523i 7 years. Driven almost 300000km. Runs well. Exellent car to drive long distances. I have driven many times with my 523i over 1000 km per one day.

[@pascutia]

Awesome video!! This is exactly what I tell people about these cars. The V8 cars have a different feeling to them. They feel heavier and a little more cumbersome. Still fun and connected by modern standards, but the I6 cars are phenomenal. More steering feel, sharper ratio, and lighter front end. The whole car just feels more connected to the road. Do I love the V8 power? Yes, but I’d gladly take a manual I6 car over an automatic V8. The I6 cars are also significantly easier to service, and the fuel economy is better. I’m a big fan of the E39. They just got it so right. Awesome build quality, great driving dynamics, awesome looks, and the perfect size.

[@jimftr]

When it comes to engines, Not many car companies make better 6 cylinders than BMW, if any.

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

Toyota.

[@phil955i]

Still the best looking 5 series ever imo.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Seriously Matt you need to get one before they disappear and good ones become too expensive. I've been looking for a few months to find the right spec and engine, proving very hard now.

[@jaysimpson6857]

Not sure why but the 523’s had the smoothest engine and gearbox combination out of the whole range. Valve stems went on mine.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

I had a 525i touring , brilliant car , probably the best ride quality of any car I have owned That 523 is absolutely immaculate 👍🏻

[@rodhili3946]

Great review. 👍 based on knowledge and experience. Absolutely right about the steering, I've been saying it for years but those who know more than me say the V8 is the engine to go for. Straight 6 is the best package

[@GoldenCroc]

For a steering box, the V8s are pretty damn good, better than most cars rack and pinion. But if you dont need the increased power, the 6 does everything else better. (Former 540i touring owner)

[@1997fitzy]

Been daily driving a 525i of this generation this year. Absolutely fantastic. So comfortable. I think I actually prefer the SE to the M sport I had previously as the ride is just sublime

[@edsmith4821]

Yes I have one too Great around town more than enough on motorway can embarrass other cars .

[@GentilsGarage]

The pre facelift manual is a 2l 150hp car and was criticised at the time for being a bit underpowered. I drove the manual versions of the 520i back in the day and they weren’t that bad, but the auto takes a bit of the enthusiasm. The facelift versions dropped the 2L, and introduced the 2.2 170hp M54 which is good entry model.

[@andrewmorton3177]

I had a 2001 530i msport from 2005 until 2008. The engine was glorious! & in my opinion it was probably the best all things considered e39. Regret selling it & to this day I’d love another one.

[@ofirs5830]

Yes that 231ps engine was fantastic and had a nice sound as well. Love the 530i

[@doktoruzo]

Stunning example there Matt. That engine bay looks like it was made yesterday. Incredible.

[@e46M3_DakarYellow]

I have owned an 12/99 523i TU for over a decade.Great car to live with full of specks like comfort seats, sat nav, double glizing, even the heated steering wheel. Regret to sell it... But it was for the favour of an ///M3 E46 manual.

[@paulmcaleer2736]

For me the greatest 5-Series they ever produced - my Dad bought a Calypso Red 523i SE in back 1997 (with the GSM car phone) followed by 2 530d Sports in 2001 and 2003 respectively. There are also an E38 728i, Audi A8 and one of the first E46 330d SE’s in between. We have an G30 530d Sport X Drive at the minute and as great as it is it’s definitely not as iconic as the E39!

[@edoq78]

I had a 97 523i and still have a 99 528i - brilliant cars

[@Ratty_Rex]

My friend had an E39 535 with the m30 6 cylinder engine. It was a fantastic car!!!!! The auto box was very responsive and converted him from an avid manual box only to enjoy the BMW auto. Another great video!

[@Ratty_Rex]

Still prefer my E28 535 though.

[@garethshaw5165]

I had its successor the E60 in 523i it was a wafter not a racer , I also had a E61 525i and that was a quick bus. I think the E39 has aged really well

[@hughhennessy7912]

The E60 was the successor not the predecessor.

[@pickering746]

Always loved the sound of the indicator tick in E39s

[@e46M3_DakarYellow]

It was the sound of quality, like the wipers too.

[@pickering746]

@@e46M3_DakarYellow remember a mate of mine when he bought a E39 525i, to this day the smoothest auto box I've driven. Cars really were built differently back then 👍

[@spannersworkshop]

I love the E39, had a few bemmas e36 320i, 328i coupes, e38 728i pfl and 740i fl, e46 320i tourer and then discovered the e39, 528iA SE tourer and now an 03 530iA sport tourer... that era of BMW has always held my attention.. I'd be very annoyed if I found I had to go modern for some insane reason. My current one has the e46 M3 flappy paddle steering wheel which is great fun for a "spirited" drive :D

[@mattw8332]

I was going to post a comment but I probably typed what I was about to say in one of the previous E39 videos. All I will say is: I hope that the new owner of this is pleased because that looks fab.

[@georgimihalkov4781]

Great review and an amazing car! The best E39 is the 530i with a 5 speed manual. Or if you have deeper pockets - the Alpina B10 3.3!

[@Collinz1990]

Bought one for a cheap £500 car challenge just before the first lockdown, gutted it got cancelled was incredible it had 343,000 miles on it and drove absolutely fine!

[@adampark4612]

'Back in the day and when brand new: A 200 mile motorway cruise and 100 miles on A & B roads, with an occasional sprint, and I said at the time, this 528 is an instant classic!

[@evo5dave]

This era was peak BMW. I had a slightly newer 323Si and always regretted getting rid of it. A fantastic car.

[@cornishrider]

What an absolutely lovely example, superb build quality. Had the same engine in my E46 323Ci - Nice!

[@alkaskas101]

An e46 with a m52😱

[@kadi7471]

..I kinda never liked them when they came out..dont no why..4 years ago bought one as a stop gap for £500..its a 520i touring..nothing exciting..bog standard..apart from a straight six of course😎..its an auto (and I love it) and its underpowered..but oh boy I love to drive it👍..it never let me down and didnt cost much apart from oil/filters service..agreed on last well buit german BMW..a bit shame my cars time is limited due to the rust😔..nice review as always mate👍

[@edsmith4821]

The area managers car !! A step above the Cavalier and Mondeo this car was a king in its day

[@willswheels283]

Great review Matt as always, these are nice cars, good to drive and there’s no denying that, sadly I bought one that I was unaware had electrical issues, I picked it up from the seller, drove it about 20 miles, stopped to get groceries, and that’s the last time it ran in my ownership, I got it home 6 hours later on a pickup truck, the car had immobilised itself and I only had one key, although I bought it cheap I was expecting a bit more than a 20 mile journey! Not having further funds or time to faultfind it was broken up for spares. So my first BMW experience was somewhat disappointing, I won’t say never again but I’ll be a lot more cautious next time I’m in the market for an E39 or any other Beemer for that matter.

[@paulsmith8650]

Hello Wills. My 1996 manual 523i suffered a similar 'electronic' fate. The climate control and other trip computer gadgetry seemed to develop faults which were going to be too costly to fix. Although ahead of their time, I believe mass production of the mid 90s had some impact on long term build quality. I still consider my 1988 E30 325i as a better car, and the E39 was the last BMW i owned, and unfortunately I don't see me going back now which was a shame, as they were fantastic cars to drive.

[@willswheels283]

@@paulsmith8650 Yes lessons to be learnt here, don’t buy a cheap Beemer! Nice cars though and good to drive as you said, I think I’d go for the previous model to the E39 next time.

[@sanatandharma4435]

I have never owned a German car in my 43 years of driving, however, I recently saw one of these in a garage in Spain, where I live and thought it looked great. So I am going to have a test drive. It's a 1998 with 170000km on the clock!

[@TheLooseMechanic]

I owned a 528i on R reg, m5 wheels, staggered, without doubt the best car I have ever owned, and probably will ever own. Not the best on fuel on local runs, but excellent at distance work

[@yeungng6825]

Still the best everyday car I’ve ever owned 20y on. Pretty tail happy in the wet I remember…

[@brianiswrong]

Proper " Iam your boss" car back in the 90's 👍

[@MH_59]

Great video on an awesome car! I still daily drive my 39,000 mile 2003 E39 530i Sport Champagne Edition II

[@steveberridge4648]

Manual 528i was the best luxury saloon of all time. 523i not far behind. Get one whilst you can !

[@owengoodspeed5763]

These cars are beautiful. My ideal version would be a 3 Litre straight six which I would choose over a V8 any day. With manual transmission of course!

[@DavidJohnston58]

Loved my 525i when I had it, Cost £2k sold two years later for £2100 only spend was tyres and a service which mate done for me at parts cost (and a drink). I prefer long roof to saloon but I'd take either! 😁

[@michaeltutty1540]

Beautiful cars indeed. Love that straight 6. Mostly. There is a reason the transmission needs 5 speeds. The 4 speed auto before this was odd on that 4th was direct drive, not overdrive as one would expect. The engine proved a bit peaky and thirsty with the 4 speed. I imagine having overdrive for 5th gear helps a lot. Still, one of the nicest looking BMW saloons and estates ever. Just watch out for the dreaded Bosch wiring looms with biodegradable insulation. That can be costly to repair, and if it shorts out, it can incinerate the whole car.

[@garygriffiths2911]

I've never owned one myself, but having been driven around in a 5 series of this generation on more than one occasion it did come across as a mighty fine example of German engineering at is best. A better bet perhaps than the overly complex cars that followed this generation.

[@Schaefft]

Manual 528i, especially one built before 9/98, is the one to have, I love my Aspen silver one. Best compromise between performance, economy and durability. Automatic i6s are a little slow, especially the 523i and 520i.

[@piuthemagicman]

oooh I had a '99 520i manual touring, arctic green with a LOVELY oxford green interior! best cars I could imagine, having driven all kinds of cars from many eras. so practical too. had some fun times with the backseats down :)

[@guyemmott4009]

Now you're talking... Last of the proper built Beemers...

[@pauljohnson4871]

Love these test drives Matt. Nice car. I’ve just brought a rover 75 with a bmw Diesel engine and love it

[@petrolhead28]

Binned a 63 plate audi a3 sportback for a 523. Beautiful car. And the noise. Glorious

[@safakaswedishairgunforum-n1490]

had a 1999 touring 523 , best car i ever hafd!

[@Simon-ui6db]

now this is a car that I would replace my 75 with. Would need the straight 6 lump and an auto box

[@Ratty_Rex]

It's always been argues this is what the RWD 75 should have been...... ..... that BMW stole the whole "opulence without effort" from their Rover ownership to make the E39s.

[@peterriggall8409]

Beautifully prepared car as usual from Stonecold Classics. 👍

[@farmergeddon7527]

When I started my first job in 97 my boss had a brand new one of these and it had a built-in fax machine in it. I had a 1983 Mk2 Fiesta at the time so my mind was blown several times over. I since had a nearly new E60 535d and have since regressed back into shite cheapo motoring now Covid-19 has rendered me WFH. Full circle. Which was how you would see my 535d going early on a Sunday morning in a car park when it was booked in for new tyres.

[@Ty4ons]

I read a lot of contemporary reviews of the E39 back when it was starting to get cheap and the 523i models got praise for their torque compared to the base 520i. Despite the name it's a 2.5l engine and since all M52 engines are from the same block the fuel economy doesn't vary much between the models, the 523i might have an edge since it's tuned for torque. Due to local taxes in Norway the 520i is by far the most common model, but 523i are still a lot more common than the 528i which despite the name only adds 300cc of displacement.

[@bonofrancou2]

the 528i is the sweet spot

[@soundseeker63]

I've had both 520i and 523i models and I can confirm, the 523i feels WAY quicker in normal driving scenarios. It has 181lb/ft vs 140lb/ft and the power peaks lower down as well. Definitely worth the extra. I had a 328i as well - Can imagine that motor feeling very good in the E39.

[@ianshippen279]

I had an E39 525D and it was wonderful - like you say you can really chuck them around - it felt more nimble than my TVR wedge

[@nicolamiriano9150]

May not be the best saloon ever (in my opinion clearly) but surely the best BMW, as well as the E38 7 series and the E46. I'd take a 528i with this magnificent interior and this beautiful shape of grey or a dark green; obviously manual.

[@GoldenCroc]

What would be the best in your opinion and why? W124? Would be interesting to hear. (Serious comment)

[@nicolamiriano9150]

@@GoldenCroc I personally can't choose one because each car has its pros and cons. Maybe i can select the best for each brand and still i'm in serious difficulty.

[@GoldenCroc]

@@nicolamiriano9150 Fair enough.

[@seldom_seen_kid]

I had a 2001 Topaz Blue 530d sport and I still maintain it was the best looking, best driving car I've ever owned and the only one I miss.

[@cockshield]

Delicious blue that was!

[@nuclearlad]

I had a 530i in the family for about 8 years. While they are definitely solid on the inside, underneath, there are quite a few fragile plastic components (especially in the engine bay) that crumble to dust with age). Eventually rust was what took the car out, which is not entirely its own fault.

[@ese30]

En España los E39 están libres de óxido por el buen clima que soportan

[@6chhelipilot]

The 4.0 V8s also had more than their fair share of engine problems. Valve stem oil seals being one of them and hugely expensive to repair.

[@GoldenCroc]

Yep, wasnt the best. And timing chain guide failure etc. Nice when it works, though.

[@markbriggs5531]

What a lovely car. Such clean lines inside and out. Wish I could find a woman that looks this good! (I hope my girlfriend doesn't read this or I'm in big trouble!).

[@ventsislav92makaveev]

As a Mercedes man myself , this is the only other car/model i would consider switching to.

[@phil955i]

I'm a Mercedes man too and same here

[@andyfinlay9776]

Done that! Previously owned Benzos include W124, W129, W202s, W210s and the last few seemed to become a bit water soluble. A bit like a Lancia tribute. I bought a one owner from new 530D touring about 5 years ago with 204k miles on. Now around 260k, it's still a great driving comfortable car. It likes tyres though... Oh, and the Buick auto gearbox? Garbage, especially compared to MB ones of the era. My car has what should be a powerful torquey engine, but with the pathetic GM unit dropping down every time it smells a hill, I guess I'll never know!

[@bayuprakoso6502]

i have one of this 5 years ago its such a nice car very comfy and a good cruiser

[@mohdarifarifhafizi9874]

Wow BMW 523i this is cool

[@paulfinney]

I had a touring version of this 523i as well. on a 2000 plate. Strangely it was pre angel eye post orange corners. Sadly the track rod end snapped non a back road and I ended up in a lamp post. Absolutely gutted

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

Track rod end snapped? That's very, very scary, where did it snap?was it a cheap after-market part?

[@jmsbrydon]

I’ve got a 2000 model year 528i like that as well. It was a rare changeover year where they came with pre facelift lights but with clear indicators.

[@adams7405]

Least you are still here..another E39 virtue is its excellent safety.Very solid build ,lots of padding and my 2001 has 6 airbags,tensioned belts and more

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

Good video as always, thanks. I have driven an E34, liked it. I'm still wondering whether I should try a E39. I'm more a Volvo and Benz man. The E39 is a very nice car. Yet they do rust (like a Benz) and you hardly ever see petrol E39's with 400.000 plus miles on the clock (not that special for Volvo's). Also... overhere the image of BMW (drivers) is not that positive... Then again that holds true for Benzes also... Stick to Volvo's? In my experience they are more durable than anything else. But build quality is not so good as on the German (and Japanese) premium cars.

[@adams7405]

Mercedes had significant rust problems even if they were cosmetic.Unusual on E39,the pre face-lift cars have higher quality paint,check it hasn't been patched up.And there is a 530d here with 405,000 miles on that drives fine.Mines only done 158,000 but drives like a third of that.

[@adams7405]

I have had several and still own a lovely 540i sport.These are rife for serious collectibllity the reason thay are cheap is that plenty survive,all my 7 are still on the road. You need to keep up on the maintenance ,these are not Ford Escorts.Found the 523i to be the sweetspot it really goes beyond 4000 RPM and say it is quicker than my company A4 TDI but quite a bit thirstier,so much quieter and smoother.540 is fearsome,easily 300 BHP and 1600 kgs,and instant response from a NA engine.Buy now before the prices shoot up......

[@guy4469]

ok thanks , its sold, now £8000, wow

[@jonnygigs21]

I adored my glacier green metallic E39 523i. Such a beautiful car to drive!

[@robburns2111]

With these autos you can flick the lever to the left and drive them manually if you prefer.

[@ps36081]

I drove my mechanics 523i with this Auto box R/S plate Fabulous car.

[@ash7990]

Had a 520i SE, I liked the car a lot but I didn’t actually think much of the handling and road holding to be honest, but then I was used to driving an MG ZT at the time which had amazing handling and road holding for a car of its size/weight. Also you had to have good tyres on it as in the wet the back end could step out even though it wasn’t a powerful car.

[@bazosmarek7981]

what means SE?

[@ash7990]

@@bazosmarek7981 SE spec, not a Sport.

[@bazosmarek7981]

@@ash7990 so.. sport package? Mpacket?

[@1171karl]

I used to have one of these, a manual. It was nice but preferred the e34s I had before it

[@itsanarse]

I’ve never understood people who have issues with the BMW manual seat controls. Everyone I’ve driven with who went to adjust the seat says it’s complicated and can’t figure it out. They are labelled as to what they do!

[@user-ih7gc7dt9l]

You are making me actually excited about buying a bmw! If only they made a little Clio 172 sized model! That would be automotive nirvana for me.

[@counterfan90]

The Alfa Romeo 166 launch was delated by two years because this car made the original 166 a bit obsolete.

[@DashCamSerbia]

:(

[@hassankhan384]

Best desgin, that was the era when bmw made great, cars not only engines but also styles and qulity.

[@guy4469]

just watched it again love it thanks , i just wish you had knocked the gearbox over ,then gone for it .

[@lewis72]

1:42 By 1996, many manufacturers had already dropped orange indicators.

[@NeoNeko99]

Aspen silver! Same colour as my 540i used to be :)

[@bronxmanpatrickyt]

i own a 523i with a engine of the 525i , manual and its pretty fun

[@grayfool]

Nice. It's all been said but, well, it's the best one.

[@lrs3]

I'd love an E39 M5... I know speed isn't everything, but they're so bloody quick! A family member has one in blue and I am very jealous.

[@GoldenCroc]

540i is enough for most people, maybe try one first see if you like it. And you can get a touring. Of course, 100hp more as in the m5 is always welcome, for sure....

[@thomash2806]

Trip computer should be on a stalk on a BMW rather than on the wheel. The stalk with BC on it (for ‘Bordcomputer’ in German).

[@GoldenCroc]

Air recirculation is on the wheel funnily enough!

[@itsanarse]

Hey not just the front is aluminium, so is the rear subframe and suspension. Even the shocks are aluminium (and the wing mirrors!)

[@marcushooker6703]

I remember my dad having the exact same model as this in blue Y82SCR, sitting in the back on a 600 mile round trip to Torquay in the summer of 2003 with both my brothers in the back :)

[@modmod392]

Love an E39 6 pot 👍

[@stevenwilson5737]

I noticed and never understood why in these particular 5 series models is the windshield wiper configuration? They sweep to the left on all right hand drive car. Very odd. Great review and editing.

[@ese30]

Como conducir por la izquierda 😀

[@maxidyne]

Timeless classic!

[@EnthusiastCarHangar]

How does it compare to your Crown Vic? I compared my Town Car to my Mercedes and have my opinion. What is yours? In terms of quality and engine.

[@petertrinder3127]

That sold quick then.

[@RicHoffmeister66]

Love the prefacelift like these one. Dolphin style. Class and not right in your face style like now.

[@seancooke7332]

This was the best. The one that they all tried to match but never came close. The interior felt better than anything else short of a Rolls. Glorious Growl. Interesting that you didn't check out rear head and legroom. Would also be interesting to check out Hubnut's new Toyota Camry V6 to see how actually close it was to E39 quality, performance and refinement.

[@cockshield]

I think BMW know they made the E39 TOO good for their own good. They made a car that people want to keep hold of, not a car that people want to replace every 3 years.

[@GoldenCroc]

Quality, better. The rest, a good chunk worse. As to be expected.

[@Krezo200]

i own an e39, e64 and e85... i love all of them!!!

[@soundseeker63]

If you can find one in the UK that hasn't been eaten up by rust, these are a solid investment! Look at the way E30 and E34 prices have gone over the last 10 years... M5s and 530i/540i Sports have already shot up in price so these "cooking" models will be next. With modern BMWs becoming so bloated and over complex I think a lot of people are starting to rediscover the appeal of these simple 90's era cars that put the driver at the centre of proceeding. I will be hanging on to mine for sure!

[@arthurstube]

One the best BMW e39 had 525 loved it