E39 5 Series // The ultimate car from the 'good old days'

The 1990's was a great time for humanity. Out of that period came some of the best cars we've ever seen, none more than the 1996-2003 E39 generation BMW 5-Series. It's a highly regarded car by many, but what do I think of it?
Car on review: 1998 BMW E39 535i V8 manual.
#e39 #bmw5series
***************
If you'd like to see your car on JJ on Cars, email me at [e-mail] or contact me via Facebook or Instagram!
Instagram - / jjoncars
Facebook - / jjoncars
"Buy me a coffee" - www.buymeacoffee.com/jjoncars

[@JJonCars]

This car is for sale! Email [e-mail] for more information. Located in Stourport-on-Severn. It's a really nice car, and rare high spec manual to boot.

[@khajiit8221]

The 1990s was the sweet spot for cars in my opinion. Way more advanced than 70s/80s stuff, yet not overly complicated and still reliable and simple enough to work on. Safety and security was getting good at this time as well, along with performance AND economy. God I miss those times.

[@nickwillobey2205]

Total agreement.

[@ianmcwilliam1753]

As a 10 year owner of a 97 540i sport 6peed manual , the e39 platform is a very satisfying car to drive. The perfect blend of performance and comfort. It does everything so well. High speed cornering with total stability, straight line acceleration is surprising good . Top speed is quite unbelievable (approximately 165 mph delimited). What initially impressed me was the rate of acceleration from 80- high triple digit speeds. The rate of acceleration didn’t seem to diminish as the speeds increased. All the gearing was matched perfectly to the engines power curve. It feels so much faster than a 282 hp car should. I loved this model so much that I bought the M5 about four years ago . 9,000$ for a 95,000 mile clean history example. That car is a super sedan that is hard not to drive like a hooligan . Also found a 91 850i v12 with the rare 6speed manual for a ridiculously cheap price . Got it running and driving . While it’s nice to drive , it doesn’t have the soul of the e39. The 540/6 and M5 have an analog feel that I haven’t experienced in other sedans . I’ve looked for more modern sedans to daily drive but just can’t seem to find anything as rewarding and reasonably priced that beats these older models… the only downside to owning these is the amount of maintenance required to keep them driving like new . They’re old now. 25years old so irrespective of mileage the rubber suspension bushings become brittle and crack , ball joints wear so tires wear quickly and handling/ steering loses that supremely confident feeling these cars have when new. The upside is that OEM parts aren’t too pricey and the internet is a great source for DIY information. Otherwise Labor costs for repairs are astronomical. Personally, I couldn’t afford these vehicles if I didn’t know how to repair and maintain them. But if you’re interested in the e39 model nows a good time to get it. I believe It will eventually be a highly sought after classic car that is actually fun to drive. Aside from the already popular M5.

[@jddarnes1131]

I owned a 540i and can testify this is one of the best car ever made.

[@cultoureblog5892]

These cars are so insanely perfect. I daily one since almost 3 years now, and apart from some light issues that can (and should be, thinking about your wallet) be fixed by yourself, it has been flawless. Thought about getting rid of it for a number of times now, but I just can't get over it.

[@moh2502]

E39 is the best Bmw ever made and probably the last Bmw that was so well built to come out of the factory.

[@natecoo5787]

The previous E34 5 series M60 engine was design correctly with double sprocket timing chain guide and can last into 300K miles plus. But the E39 M62 V8 has the newly design U Shape guided that is prone to early failure, literally a ticking time bomb! From a DYI view point, if you want to go with a reliable non ticking time bomb E39 the V6 engines, the 530i is the better choice, this V6 engine is bullet proof and makes decent amount of horse power not to mention smooth like butter. The E34 540i or the E39 530i are my choice for reliable 90s BMW experience the ultimate driving machine. Any other choice and the BMW will stand for Break My Wallet. This is coming from the view point of a DIY ownership, if you don’t wrench than you will pay, and these cars are up there in age so you will pay dearly in hourly labour cost!

[@LifeStartsAtrpm-ru1xo]

2:09 The cup holders are the only thing that are not built to last forever on the E39. I bet you did that on purpose, perfect timing! 😂

[@anilec333]

😂I replace with uro or AliExpress one!

[@michaelhynds8035]

My E39 530d, fantastic car. I loved it.

[@harshadagashe]

4:04 - the million £ smile 👏

[@mro9466]

Outside/Inside= it looks perfect

[@anilec333]

Owned a 530i e39 almost 1.5 years. Rebuild all the suspension and bushing! . Like new , super smooth!

[@bekabeka71]

My mom had the exact same car the first production 523i, that thing was bulletproof I was only 13 at that time and that was the first car I learned how to drive at that age

[@zzhughesd]

Correct. My thoughts 20 times a day. Motor trader myself I just reminisce and these were brilliant. Absolutely ace solid honest cars

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

The late 80s into the mid 90s was the absolute sweet spot. I am a Mercedes fan and still own a 1991 S class and 1995 SL . I have owned the same cars from 2010 and 2017 and they were junk compared to my oldies. My daily is a 2021Tesla as I thought I might as well have the best EV and keep my old Mercedes for real driving 😊

[@njuham]

"Once we get out of the 80's, the 90's will make the 60's look like the 50's" ---Dennis Hopper

[@Nakkisampyla]

Ultimate driving machine, yes it is.

[@willswheels283]

Agreed, the E39 5 series is a great car, I had a 525TDS auto, for the very brief time I owned it I enjoyed the drive, sadly the electrics died on mine due to a flooded ECU. I agree also that the 90’s was a good era for cars, not over complicated and reliable. Good review JJ.👍

[@JJonCars]

Cheers Will :)

[@DjNikGnashers]

Serial BMW owner myself, and love the brand. I have always regarded the E39 as peak BMW build quality. The only thing I didn't like about 90's manual BMW's (owned two E36 models), was the clutch delay valve (which was easily removed), and the rubbery feel to the gear selection. It's a shame the brand has lost it's way over the past 10 years, there are so many models which I just don't 'get', and the styling is now ghastly. I do like the new M2 though, despite many not liking it, although it isn't as pretty as my current OG M2 (which is the best looking BMW coupe ever in my opinion).

[@JJonCars]

Ha that's interesting, as I like the look of the M2 too. Feels like everyone hates everything BMW makes now without individually looking at each car. I guess that requires the least brain power haha. Some of them really are horrible though

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@JJonCars Ys, the XM and other SUV's are vile ! I actually find them offensive to look at 😂

[@ianmcwilliam1753]

I thought there was something wrong with my 540 6peed when shifting gear’s especially rev matched downshifts . I soon realized the ridiculous clutch delay valve ( an inline restricter fitting that allows for smooth starts and gear changes ) but doesn’t come on the m5. It prevented sporty driving and made revmatched downshifting impossible. It took ten minute to remove .what a difference afterwards….The e39 540i/6speed is a perfect sport sedan. After purchasing a 2000 M5 I realized that the 540 is missing only one thing from the factory, and that is an LSD differential. In the m5 the Lsd makes the car feel more planted when accelerating in a straight line or around a curve. I’m considering installing a Quaife or Wavetrac diff in it and keeping the same ratios.

[@MattysCars]

Can't wait to watch this. I've got a real hankering for one of these.

[@billyminto4969]

I had one of these 20 years ago, a wonderful car. I wish I'd kept it! They're actually pretty good fuel economy on a long run, I got 35 mpg on motorway trips - but flooring it on twisty roads, you could just watch the fuel gauge retreating left!

[@JJonCars]

35 mpg in the 535i? That's not bad. Yep, I was watching that needle drop almost as quick as the rev needle going up 😄

[@adams7405]

Most I did in my 540i was 30,average is about 24 about the same as the 535

[@classiccarssp]

Great video! Love my E39 M5 ❤

[@safbeafbe]

Lovely video, lovely car. Thanks again JJ. Personally the 2000s is my favourite decade for cars but that’s probably just my age.

[@JJonCars]

Thank you :) Yes, the 00's was a fantastic period for cars, agreed

[@ThrottleBody]

1995-2005 was prime car.

[@CocaColaStar]

Gorgeous Colour!

[@Lot76CARS]

Great review JJ. I keep looking at these cars on and off for sometime after my dad owned one back in period… you just made my desire to own one several notches higher!! They must be absolute peak BMW, the E60 that followed was beaten with the ugly stick and time hasn’t helped mellow my view. However, the E39 simply looks premium and won’t age the way Chris Bangle designs have. My pick? 528i / 530i manual, ideally touring in Aspen Silver and the turbine alloys your test car has….not that I’ve given it much thought 😂

[@JJonCars]

Haha, sorry, not sorry :) Cheers Simon

[@malcolmclayton6651]

It's the tree huggers . All the best UK .

[@magicmurnane]

Love the work mate, very entertaining and interesting

[@JJonCars]

Thanks mate! :)

[@Birmingham_racing]

90s is my favourite era cars. My brother had the e39 525i and 528i

[@zm321]

That car has the 'comfort' seat option.

[@samcourtrc6767]

Just a smashing car gorgeous

[@ongherman3189]

I owned a 1997 e39 528i,seems like there's not much review on this particular model.I loved this car very much though.

[@matthewbell1968]

Excellent video of a true 90s icon. If I could find a straight six SE without rotting sills (which kills so so many of them) I'd be a happy man! Didn't Princess Diana have one as well? Love the 90s content 👍👍

[@JJonCars]

Thanks! I hadn't heard anything about Diana having one but she could well have done!

[@carsandcustard]

Very enjoyable watch! Need to do a video on my E39 avec a Chris Harris mention 😅

[@JJonCars]

Cheers Harry. Yes you absolutely should

[@DavidMorley]

I have a 2003 E39 sports estate. 525i manual. I'm investing a bit to get it top notch. It's a keeper especially for long motorway journeys.

[@thetoughcookie3665]

Btw radio flap soft opener is broken 😁 Mine one is 523i, 28y old and 365tkm done. Still with original clutch on it. Certainly have spent much time with it on the garage, but on the other hand it was already 14y old when I bought it and done like 308tkm or so. A great car though, much more nature than modern ones. I also own 4wd version of this, and the earlier model too 👌🏻

[@RandallSlick]

I can sadly assure you that the cup holders and the audio display were not built to 'German' standards. eBay is your friend. The late 530i Sport on 17s was the pinnacle. No V8 nonsense and usable, comfortable performance and beautiful handling. Avoid late 00s 530d at all costs since turbo and injector failure is not uncommon and that's not cheap.

[@Sawubona2007]

Just subscrizzled. Look forward to watching all of your videos. Cheers.

[@JJonCars]

Thanks for the subscrizzle :)

[@borjejohansson6805]

Yes, yes, yes.❤💪💪💪

[@garywinterbottom6073]

I liked thè original a4 1.9tdi b4 the pd they were superb engines. 😅

[@davidlarkey690]

You can buy a brand new genuine bmw e39 short shift that massively improves the throw for about £130. It's better then the e46 shortshift and many have put that in the e46 m3. Well worth doing for the cost

[@carfella7994]

Absolutely superb cars in there time. Peak BMW in the 90s. Had a couple of them, passed on the E60. Wasn't a fan.

[@adams7405]

E60 looks good with bigger wheels and M sport trim,dowdy against the E39 in base form

[@Andersljungberg]

According to carinfo BMW 530D had 410 Nm from 1750 RPM and 194 horses from 4000 RPM Note from year 2001

[@adams7405]

Great review...I have had several.Not sure about your quoted weights, a base 520 is about 1400kgs and my 530i, the sweet spot 1520kgs or so.540 has plenty of wallop I never actually had the 535,523 is a good wafter with torquey engine and auto box.They really are great cars and well maintained will last forever.Still prefer wheeling out my 540i to my company model 3

[@douglasmurdoch]

He didn’t do his homework on a lot of things 1500kgs ish for m54 b30 engine you can always tell people that don’t own one

[@simonh870]

Back when BMW built cars properly. Unfortunately the bean counters mean that modern ones don't feel as well built despite costing a similar amount. i would take a 530i manual personally. 230bhp, the much better rack and pinion steering, and with better MPG and reliability compared the V8's

[@AutoAtlantica]

Truly sublime cars. The M62 in the 540i is truly sensational in my opinion, a more compelling machine than in my 740i e38.

[@adams7405]

300 BHP and 1600kgs a lot quicker than most on the road today

[@christopherriley1187]

I have a couple of e46’s if they’re the same as the e39 it’s not wood it’s possibly a veneer but it’s on aluminium. Enjoyed your video 👍

[@JJonCars]

Thanks! Tbh, I am not sure what it is, looks like wood haha

[@jadesmith6823]

Subscribed ✅ Would love a review on a BMW 320Ci coupe.? I've had my baby for a decade now and absolutely love her ❤️ Thanks again All the way from Tasmania Australia 🦘🇦🇺

[@JJonCars]

Thank you! I would have asked to review yours, but you're just a little too far away 😆 Lovely cars and no problem 👍

[@petrolhead28]

I miss my scabby cheap e39. I considered it to be bmws engineering peak as the 190 was for mercedes. The budget clk I replaced it with is nice but I'd happily go back to and e39. Bloody ulez

[@paranoidcobra7731]

The diesels, my friends.. M57 engines are the sweet spot for longevity and great mpg

[@Andersljungberg]

Dut it was also like that at the time That a diesel gave the maximum number of horse power at significantly lower rpm I would guess somewhere between 3500 to 4000 rpm. And didn't BMW diesel at that time turbo. Didn't have diesel cars at that time even good torque

[@teaboyuk]

The 90s were all that !!

[@JJonCars]

Backseat JJ doesn't know what he's talking about :)

[@samcourtrc6767]

Have the 530d msport E39 in black with black auto

[@JJonCars]

Great car :)

[@Andersljungberg]

which gives the most horse power at 3000 RPM It would perhaps be a fairer comparison between a diesel and a petrol engine. But then perhaps you should also factor in the torque at the corresponding rpm or lower

[@JJonCars]

Diesels have their benefits, the low down torque and fuel economy is nice I will admit. You have to rev the petrol engines harder to get the power. But you can't beat the smoothness and sound you get from the straight 6 or V8 petrol. Also, though diesel has good low down torque, at the very bottom of the rev range - say 1000 - 1500, big naturally aspirated petrol is usually better. Diesels really struggle before the turbo has chance to spool up.

[@richardelson3261]

Lovely old German sausage

[@akdomun]

One of the best cars I've ever driven. However, the cupholders always failed though.

[@adams7405]

Cup holders were an afterthought and I agree with BMW ...never needed a drink in 35 years of driving,I can either stop or wait until I get home

[@user-my4ef9mh7t]

e39 & e46 is my favorite bmw of 1990's

[@Euphorica]

E36

[@benmarley3086]

E46 is the last of the simpler looking BMWs. I prefer simple

[@hater8812]

Should I buy e39 525D automatic? Or is too boring to have automatic?

[@JJonCars]

Automatic is totally suited to this car. I have an automatic car myself, and I don't think it's boring :)

[@adams7405]

The ZF box is great but get a petrol

[@GetToDaChopa]

haha you finaly got one for review. maybe youll sell your clk and get a e39 eh? i would actually argue that the e39s are better with an automatic gearbox, they drive very smooth and actually the computer in the e39 knows when youre driving fast and will instantly change how the gearbox operates even holding a gear for you for a few seconds until you go back off the accelerator and it goes back to normal.

[@JJonCars]

Haha! Well, maybe. But I like the coupe looks of the CLK and the pillarless windows :P Yes, my uncle also until last week had an auto 535i, and it very much did suit the car. It was an advanced auto for its time

[@ianmcwilliam1753]

I have the 540/6 speed manual. For me ,the manual transmission makes driving the car more enjoyable and rewarding. The bmw flywheel on the m62 engine must weigh around 30Lbs (15kgs approximately) which makes it very smooth and streetable I also have a 98 540 automatic but I hardly use it.(it’ll probably become a parts car for 97 540 6speed) there’s Not much traffic where I am so I’m always in the 6 speed. I’m in Florida and we didn’t get any of the e39 diesels which I would’ve loved to get a 530td auto or manual. It would t matter with all that torque.

[@gnuttz1972]

But weirdly you never see them on the road these days but Mercedes of that era are far more common.

[@adams7405]

I have 2 and there is 1 in my road...don't daily it as I have a company Tesla for the grind

[@bensmithkent22]

Really? Most mercs of that era have rotted esp the ones from 98-2005 ish. Terrible era for quality. They rectified it with the cls though that was simply stunning.

[@gnuttz1972]

@@bensmithkent22 good point. i meant the slightly earlier Mercs. Guess my point was im a bit surprised that e39’s are rarely seen which is a shame seeing that they are such great quality. Im sure there are collector’s out there.

[@JJonCars]

They do seem quite rare. But as always, now that I've got my eye out, I have seen a few about

[@JJonCars]

I think they sometimes get bought by folk who underestimate the running and servicing costs, end up running them into the ground. Some Mercs can be lucky with the typical old dude driver who gets it serviced every year regardless of usage or mileage. Just a theory

[@cheungman83]

Has anyone told you that you look like Edward Norton 😅

[@JJonCars]

Once or twice 😄

[@michaelhynds8035]

Please call them grab handles..

[@nickzourb190]

First!

[@Gokhanaj]

Except that economically, and technologically we're in a better place than 90s.

[@patrick7800]

Indeed we live in a safer world now😂

[@JJonCars]

The power of nostalgia eh :)

[@dennisthemenace9133]

My 540 is slowly duying near the russian border. sad.

[@JJonCars]

I am sorry to hear that :(

[@dennisthemenace9133]

@@JJonCars probably it's not worth to take it back to britain. Maybe on day

[@njuham]

The owner could've had the courtesy to clean the car's interior, looks filthy.

[@JJonCars]

It was clean. The camera shows up some bits that you don't really see otherwise

[@raycroal]

boo hoo