BMW E39 M5 | The Masterpiece M Car

We review the much loved 2000 BMW E39 M5 with a manual transmission and V8. After reviewing the E60 and the F10 we move farther back. We discuss what sports cars used to be like and what that translates into owning one today. Newer BMWs, Audis, Mercedes and Lexus have gone towards a more tech-centric design does this make older cars more fun?
F90 M5
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F10 M5
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E60 M5
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Index:
00:00 - 00:47 Greg the Owner Introduction
00:47 - 1:43 The Ghost Intro
1:43 - 5:36 The Interior and Technology
5:36 - 12:45 In the Shop, Suspension, Motor and Problems
12:45 - 18:46 Driving Impressions
18:46 Final Thoughts

[@WhiteBoardFinance]

Best BMW sedan ever made in my humble opinion. It could be the year 3475 and this car will still look good. I have a 2003 540 M Sport 6spd and absolutely love it.

[@d1sturb3d119]

Very true. Perfect driving car. My ISF feels like it. Not too much power and needs drive finesse to get the best out of it. I've driven one, would love to own one some day.

[@TheTrothKeeper]

Spot on! Best looking 5 series of all time.

[@kingpeasant5099]

I owned two of the E39 540i. Both 6MT. I truly miss them unlike any other car I've owned.

[@runner3033]

I have an 03 540 M sport 6 spd as well. I used to change cars every couple years to experience something different, but I’ve had my 5er for almost 10 years now. I just haven’t driven anything else that made me want to sell it. Like what was said in the video, everything is so complicated and hard-riding now, and financially it doesn’t make sense. Jesus, I sound like an old man...

[@gigafinger666]

I have the same car! And feel the same way. The best car I've even owned, when it's working perfectly ;)

[@CleanSC]

E39. The last perfectly styled BMW before they started roiding at the gym. It was a classy, understated gentleman's car that didn't command your attention with cheap tricks. It didn't catch your eye by force, but if you did happen to look at one, man you were treated to a beautiful machine. Couple that with simple design, no crazy electronics, and there's your proof on how cars should be made. No one wants the newer ones, look at the E60 and how that worked out. The golden age of cars is quite over.

[@juangil5625]

I love the E39 and I've always wanted that in a modern car. The nearest thing I found was a GSF, its not a manual but still. So I bought one, not cheap but worth it.

[@mainlymusicman]

dude, nobody wants all that stuff you described.

[@Kryojenix]

Slimfit tailored business suit with enough play for athletics - in car form.

[@mattbudesa3038]

Why you talking down on the E60 M5? It's a legend one of the best with a glorious engine.

[@TheAlneix]

Hit the nail on the head CleanSC also another downfall on e60 and later , the interiors are cheaper

[@bluecollarben9836]

Ahhh, the late 90’s and early 00’s. The glory days for BMW.

[@MatrixDiscovery]

The glory days for most makes

[@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo]

There was no e30 m3, CSL, M1, and 2002 in the late 90s and early 00s......

[@chrislim7976]

And Motorola. 🙂

[@robertrishel3685]

“It’s a sleeper.” To which all I can say is you would have to be fast asleep to not see that car is BADASS!

[@Vazztudio]

I would say: POWER NAP

[@fabianherrmann6398]

No Bimmer goes for a sleeper here in Germany. People see you drive that Badge they assume right away you are a hoon or an asshole, or both.

[@chron151]

@@fabianherrmann6398 🤣👍

[@papa_pt]

@@fabianherrmann6398 BMW sells every engine under the sun in Germany (u gonna hoon that 118d or 520d?), in America we only get the 2 or 3 most powerful options which bumps up their price and perceived value

[@YaseenAli-zn9ej]

Robert Rishel I hit 150mph in this car the other day😂

[@billymania11]

The E39 M5 is a legend. It's as simple as that.

[@covidhoax7646]

The legend of another BMW disaster…

[@tominator23]

The Tiff Needell video of this car when it came out was classic.

[@quackman]

those epic slides! Then he time travels back to do his review all over again lol

[@Affalterbach1967]

Should be a lot of spare Motorola parts in Western Chicago suburbs. Don't give up.

[@paulbugoni2846]

When BMW still built solid sports sedans....now they build fashion accessories that are made to lease, not own.

[@CCCPCommunist]

@rockn roll The new BMW platforms especially their B58 and 4 cylinders are being proven to be pretty reliable. The only scary stuff is getting those crazy tech options.

[@gnarlytothemax]

well said

[@TheHeretic435]

correct

[@GokuTheHusky]

I've seen ownership reviews of m4s. They're literally the most reliable rwd car out there. They're 8th in most reliable cars also

[@crsantin]

I've had my 2013 328i for 4 years now. It's not an M car but it's been fantastic. Very reliable. Not a single issue with it. It's plenty quick and a great daily driver. Still drives like new.

[@Levent_Ergun]

As a child I always loved BMWs M5 ads with Clive Owen. Him and those amazing ads got to me and I suspect I will end up getting one of these mostly because of those ads.

[@Jacobk66]

BMW made some of the greatest wheel designs in the early 2000s. Gorgeous!

[@medogabr9952]

Steering wheel or wheel wheel

[@bleebleblahble8833]

The Style 65 spoke m wheel wheels

[@aussie2uGA]

This brought back great memories. I had one of the first E39 M5's in the US, late 99. Avue Blue with Silverstone. Drove it nearly 50,000mi and tracked it regularly with very few issues. The early ones did like oil, about 1qt/750mi but no issues ever developed from it. Once we realized the brakes would overheat on track, one fellow owner went to home depot and bought two kitchen sink drain rings and some dryer vent hose, cut two holes in the front and routed the air back onto the brakes. It worked and became known as the "sink drain mod". Another owner retrofitted the Ratheon infra-red night vision system from the Cadillas of that time into this M5. Made it very much a Canonball stealth car. Great times!

[@agaad22]

One of the most beautiful BMWs ever made.

[@rabidbigdog]

Chris Bangle was a co-designer.

[@musantombela2924]

Absolutely!!

[@ShiftedPerspective]

Totally agree with your review. I have an ‘03 E39 M5 and absolutely love it. The more I drive it, the more I respect it. And people on the road constantly give me thumbs up. Very rare for a bmw haha

[@marcscott517]

I have an 03 as well. It's funny because my whole life I have owned BMWs. E34s , E36 M3 etc. Mostly older was all I could afford and afford to mod. It was funny to see the classism where some people wouldnt give you thumbs up back if they're driving a newer M. Or I would say nice car and they just say thanks. Even though my mods were super clean. Then when I bought the E39 M5 all that changed. Lol. Even AMG give you props.

[@UrbanSophistic]

I was driving my 01 M5 recently on the highway. A red B6 S4 sped up to me and gave a thumbs up as he passed. Definitely a first in for me.

[@matthewhawkey6272]

I have the 2003 and it is totally a masterpiece.

[@alexmartinez280]

These M engines like the S65 and S85 use oil squirters to COOL the pistons bc of the very high revs that can be held for long periods of time. That’s where the oil consumption comes from, it’s normal and totally fine for the true Motorsport engines.

[@asdasd01]

Do more late 90s and 00s ghosts from the past it would be awesome. We all know that new cars are shit

[@TheChocolateChamp]

Lol i know right

[@troyjollimore4100]

@@TheChocolateChamp But...they're NOT, is the thing. The bar is WAY higher. Now the onus is trying to take driving away from the driver...

[@TheChocolateChamp]

@@troyjollimore4100 i can get what you're saying but cars aren't as reliable as they use to be which is fact and they don't feel the same.

[@troyjollimore4100]

@@TheChocolateChamp Really? We expect most cars to go 200k miles easily. It's the electronics and tech add-ons that are problematic. And no, they feel more 'numb', even though they perform WAY better. But that's the price of efficiency. Soon they'll be self-driven, as well.

[@jamesstaggs4160]

I don't know about shit but the cars you're speaking about are usually more attainable. It's nice to dream about a supercar but I'd rather see a sub 20k or even sub 10k car since I know I could go out and get one. I highly doubt I'll ever be able to afford a Lamborghini or McLaren.

[@chrismunsey3185]

My favorite M5 of them all. Still looks great 19 years later👌🏽

[@austinfrazier7325]

"I'm on my laptop right now"......so glad I wasn't drinking anything lol. These are seriously the best outros of any KZbin series I've ever seen. For the love of God do not stop making these.

[@Ivan_2201]

Got a e39 540i, love that car.

[@joedaniel8503]

Same. it’s already smooth and fast

[@terrencejones9817]

Best sport Sedan Ever! Of note: The E39 530 was 400lbs lighter than the 540 and M5. It also had a proper rack and pinion. Many car magazines called it the best steering car ever. The Straight 6 was beautiful engine. Power everywhere and when opened up with an exhaust, sounded amazing. They weren't rocket ships, but they were still quick. I owned one for 8 years and sometimes regret selling it.

[@pascutia]

It’s one of my favorite cars! Perfect size, amazing interior build quality, involving to drive, very good sound insulation at high speeds, and amazing looks!

[@terrencejones9817]

@@pascutia agreed. Mine was an Msport package. 1/2" lower than a normal E39. M wheels and bumpers. It was a good car. But I had to move on.

[@FinnishCarGuys]

Just commented about the same thing. For 10% of the price of an M5 you'll be getting 75% of the performance, 100% of the quiet & comfort, 200% of the reliability and 300% of the steering feel when you're on a nice road.

[@medogabr9952]

Terrence Jones i had a 525. Thing was rock fucking solid. Took it from 125k miles to 196k i do indeed regret selling it.

[@TheHeretic435]

I got a 2001 523i THAI market edition (2.4L) 265,000 km. After refreshing everything, VANOS, DISA, etc etc, it's crazy fast off the line. The 5 speed steptronic shifts imperceptibly. I did upgrade the factory marshmallow sway bar bushes to hard polyurethane, which introduced a lot more shock into the cabin, but I love the car. I've driven it all over Sth East Asia - best touring car ever.

[@samcas707]

I really appreciate the commentary on how well damped and comfortable 90/00’s car were compared to today. I’ve gone through a lot of sport sedans from a new e46 m3 back in ‘05 through to an f80 m3 comp today, and from other manufacturers in between, and they have all gotten increasingly stiffer and more comprised on street - all for the benefit of what I assume is ring lap times to feed the marketing departments and wow’ing the new vlogger generation at track launch days

[@samcas707]

Mark Nicholls I’m convinced suv is way to go now for a daily driver. But you have to be careful, because even sporty SUV’s have been plagued with fast lap time demands compromising all that ride height and sidewall, which is even more egregious. For me, I’ll be getting out of my f80 m3 daily and buying a jeep trackhawk next year

[@nutsackmania]

I have a 330ci with B6 Bilsteins on stock springs, and it's got to be the best damped car I've ever driven.

[@647killa]

Hey Mark, thank you for finally reviewing an E39 M5. As a current owner of one, you really should have gotten a better sorted example. MY2000 was the only year these cars has oil consumption issues. One look at the forums will tell you that BMW refined the piston rings etc so resolve the issue. My 2002 M5 has 180K miles and does not burn oil, never had any rod bearing issues, and is proper fun on a the track. I used to race mine regularly at Gingerman and it is a total hoot. I have done the chain tensioners (takes a weekend to do) and VANOS seals. Other than that, just your usual hoses, seals, and bushings that wear with age. These are sport sedans that are ACTUALLY reliable, unlike BMWs after this. I’m pretty sure driving one with bad synchros is going to be off-putting for a hero car. The GETRAG gearbox on these cars is fantastic, along with the clutch action and feel. The steering could be better, but this wasn’t meant to be an E46 M3, which is still the best M3 IMO. Really, I believe you should find a 2001-2003 model with the facelift and even more amenities. Driving one of these hard will make you appreciate this 4000 lbs dance partner. Bonus points if you find an example with the Ostrich leather seats and LeMans Blue color. I’ve had my car for 6 years and literally haven’t found any such complete package that gives me as much joy and is pure in it’s form and function. I also had a 540i, which is the diet version, which I had to sell as I could only keep one. Amazing vehicles and Enthusiast Auto in Ohio might be able to let you drive a few pristine examples of fantastic M cars. Cheers !

[@Glasseyed86]

BimmerMann it’s not that special man. But you can keep telling yourself that on the forums

[@troyjollimore4100]

...and I know BMW owners with cars that go 100+k miles without an issue, and identical cars of the same year that are complete basket cases. You got a good one.

[@Mastershake001]

I had been waiting for Mark to go back and look at the e39 m5 and was also a bit disappointed in the car selection. I am also the owner of an 2002 e39 m5, Le Mans over Caramel extended leather which is 1 of about 14 in the US and noticed my car with 123k miles is in better condition than the one in the video. The car reviewed also didnt have the enthusiast "muffler delete" mod which really livens the car up on WoT. The facelift cars with the updated steering wheel, headlights, taillights and radio really help modernize the car. Overall a bit disappointed but im biased. Ill disagree with BimmerMann about the Getrag, its not that great with the stock shifter, but add a weighted shift knob and its a world a difference, still no where near the butter smoothness of the e36 m3 5spd.

[@647killa]

Sure. I didn’t exactly get a “good” one. I bargained on mine many years ago because it needed VANOS seals and chain tensioners. Looking back at how much I’ve used the car, it was a total steal for a keeper. My car is of a few that used to see the track regularly. It’s all about maintenance and knowing what you’re dealing with instead of throwing money at it.

[@647killa]

I’m biased too, if you didn’t notice already. The GETRAG gearbox is actually very strong and can handle a lot of power, which is what I was alluding too. The shifter or selector rod is a BMW part, and yes, it can be improved. I’ve got a ZHP knob in my car, but I don’t want to go short shifter as I’ve driven other cars with it, and it ruins the feel. My neighbor used to have one with the UUC shirt shifter, and while it shifted fast, it was lacking in feel. The E36 M3 shifter was nice, but it had weak bushings, unlike the E39. The E36 box was a ZF unit 5-speed, and the E46 / E39 GETRAG boxes are far more stout. I mean, GETRAG was the same company that did the legendary TT Supra gearbox. So for someone to destroy synchros on an E39 means it’s a basket case of a vehicle, driven by a complete idiot.

[@navarrojiii]

Thank you for the review! Picked up a 2002 M5 this year and all I can say is that there’s something special about this car. A vehicle that must go in the garage of any enthusiast that started driving in the 90s and early 2000s.

[@georgehrubec8542]

Another long term E39 M5 owner. This car fits just right. Not too big. Not too small. Just right. Anyone who drives it appreciates it even so many years later. Glad to see you finally reviewed it even though this car was not perfect.

[@ariellubonja7856]

I miss the subtle badging BMWs of this era had. Now you see ///M logos everywhere. Even on non-M stock cars

[@zachg9065]

This is one of my earliest memories of BMW from when I was a Child. I agree it looks great and brings me back to a simpler time.

[@Tinrs80]

Thank you for the Flashback! You are 1 of the only ones in your reviews whom mentions all the electronics on modern cars and how they will start to fail after a few years! i actually take that in to account now when i see the new cars. ill see them later used and wonder.👍🏾

[@amishterrorist17]

Showing the "Scott Turbowski" cut over text at this point is like pouring salt on a wound.

[@FishFind3000]

amishterrorist17 why?

[@Vazztudio]

He has been missed

[@EUC-lid]

I've only been watching this channel for a few years. What's a turbowski?

[@Yartin]

@@Vazztudio I'm out of the loop. What happened?

[@Vazztudio]

@@Yartin He is a guy that used to hang around when the shoppe section would come out. But the go way back before. Just dive into the old archive and you will come across with him. He's a mechanic in to virtual and real racing. I guess his sense of humor goes perfectly with this channel, but for some reason he stopped contributing.

[@feelthatfeelthat]

Speed Academy and Savage Geese. My two most fav channels on YT.

[@gsthree9534]

The best editing of any car video team. Love the sinister night shots. You have a real talent for this stuff.

[@jasonbostrom2165]

E39's never gets old!

[@speedacademy]

Where did you get that sweet hoodie?!

[@JohnBhaktul]

I am not sure who this new guy is in the shoppe segment but he is awesome. Very knowledgeable and talks alot. Please keep this guy forever

[@tykszeto]

Yes! The BMW films with Clive Owens were so good!

[@thedarkknight1971]

The E39 5 Series... And the E30 3 Series are my FAVOURITE BMW's EVER! I owned an E30 325i SE once (sadly couldn't afford repair bills when the cam belt said "See ya!" 😟, what... a car! They CERTAINLY DON'T make them like they used to! I once used to work as a security guard at a BMW car compound (parked up fresh off the RoRo ferries in Immingham/Grimsby - UK) and once saw this GORGEOUS Midnight blue with white cream leather interior E39 530i... MAN! THAT was a good looking car! 👌 My thoughts, you DON'T NEED an M5 (though it WOULD be nice!), pick up a decent 525/530 i or D Manual, look after it and vitally, enjoy it! 😎🇬🇧

[@HardcoreMotors]

I've had 2 of them. Objectively speaking- Best car ever made.

[@lukas7417]

Golden duo, great editing, down to earth presentation.. damn i love this channel so much.

[@FishFind3000]

That’s one thing I love about my e60 550i the v8 throttle response is instant.

[@JaZoN_XD]

Wow that testing rig for the suspension and wheel. Mind blowing.

[@saobx3956]

The blessed video has finally been dropped. Ever since I bought my M5 I've wanted someone to make a good video on it. Especially since you talked about it briefly in another M5 video.

[@musantombela2924]

One of my favorite M cars of all time!!🔥🔥

[@JBoulter11]

This car is so incredibly well kept and clean. Certainly makes a statement for Chicago Auto Pros. Thanks for reviewing this gem!

[@SupercarsinGreece]

Favorite classic! Still looks amazing!

[@StevenJabbori]

Brings me back to watching The Transporter. I know it was a 7 series in the movie, but thats where my mind went immediately. Stunning vehicle.

[@lawrencefearon6830]

Excellent. The overall quality here is only exceeded by his masterful narration of the '90's BMW experience.

[@michaeldraper8998]

I still remember getting a paper brochure from BMW and having a permanent crease for the 2 page spread of this car. 20 years later I still geek out seeing one on the road. 👏👍

[@basithph8958]

The M5 E39 is one of my favorite BMWs and one of the best all time cars It’s an amazing car to drive

[@poowill]

Great video as usual! Where do you get your BMW ENG footage in your videos? The rolling road test in this one was super interesting to see load on tires and suspension. I love how you use technical documentation in your videos, it adds a lot. Great point on how tire technology has totally changed the ride and handing behaviors in today's cars. Keep up the good work.

[@captainholmes]

I've always been torn between the e39 and the e90. This vid makes it even harder!

[@JF-ns5zs]

Would need to drive both in person, both feel dramatically different.

[@Wolf_Larsen]

I'd say get yourself an e39. It has much less of a douche factor and it's not half as overly high tech and therefore easier to repair and maintain. The e39's weakness is its gearbox, though, so you had better know how to treat it well. And the best part about the E39 is its phenomenal engine. It's not a screamer that's so finely tuned it's constantly on the edge of breaking. In fact, that motor was actually de-tuned and with a just different chip can easily and happily turn out 500hp. It's a wonderful car to eat miles with.

[@InigoZapata]

Get an E46 ;)

[@HappyDude1]

Dont take the e60!

[@garyyunghk3]

Contact enthusiast owners within your country, go to a car meet talk to owners. Try to experience all the variants. For the e39: bone stock, lightly modified (dinan s1, s2, ie lowered springs and sport shocks or coilovers, mod final drive) supercharged, enthusiast converted touring. For the e90/92: 2 or 4 doors, gts etc etc .

[@fabianherrmann6398]

Man those exterior driving shots and the music gave me a "Knight Rider" feel, pure awesome. And you driving filmed from the front made it look like you are in heaven, cause of the clouds reflecting in the windshield. Very nice car, expected since thy guy owns a car detail shop. Informative, attractive presentation, even the commercial was very well done, watched the whole thing with joy.

[@ErwinSchrodinger64]

When this car was released is about when I peaked as a BMW fanboy. Everything they did was perfect in my eyes. Their looks were so conservative yet very sporty. I loved their interiors just as much. Hell, even the E39 540, at the time, would beat Mustangs day in and day out. The 7 series was my favorite ultra luxury car and lets not forget about the Z3 M3 (especially the hard top coupe). Then there was that very, very special car: the Z8. Then, Chris Bangle came in and destroyed the aesthetics of the car. Yes, I know many people liked the direction he took BMW. But for me, they got damn too ugly.

[@stevekjr9563]

I know that same feeling. BMW were legends. And then Chris Bangle ruined it.

[@dtorg01ify]

*BMW management LET Bangle ruin it.* He didn't do anything without multiple levels of approval. That was the start of BMW's shift into what it has become now. Just another Kia.

[@person.w9780]

Honestly, i still don't get the hype around BMWs from this era looked. They look, ok? Just like typical cars from tha era.

[@ErwinSchrodinger64]

@@person.w9780 , you've had to grown up with the brand. Yes, they did look different in their time. However, I completely understand why you think they all looked the same. I think cars from the 70's all looked the same, as well. While I didn't like Bangle's styling, I'm almost sure when it was 1st introduced with the 7-series, it did increase sales numbers. What's interesting is BMW has reverted back to a classical styling with the current 5 series. However, their interiors look tacked on (they don't flow or have any elegance). Furthermore, the Savageese is absolutely correct about how buttons have become scarce. Everything is interfaced via screens. BMW, at one time, was all about subtle but very elegant styling with performance.

[@troyjollimore4100]

@@person.w9780 The big thing was that when it came to power, comfort, sportiness and 'feel' they were unmatched. Truly the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' at their respective price points. Since then, their competitors, and tech in general, have come a LONG way. Audi went from being a front-heavy wanna-be pig to a truly well-rounded rival, and a few others rose up to match. So much so that, when I test drove a 2014 328i against a 2016 Camry XSE... the Camry wasn't all that far behind! Also recently had a 2019 330i for a week rental. Is it still a nice car? Absolutely! Does it still command a $20+k premium over others? Not as much anymore...

[@nickedwards8418]

I'm glad you liked it. I was apprehensive watching this review, I guess it was an important car for the era when we wanted cars but could not afford them. I'm off to check out the E90/E92 videos now.

[@805NAVE]

I love the wood trim in this car. This interior is gorgeous as is the exterior

[@R3YNZ]

My Dream Car! Especially the Face Lift models from 01-03. Supposedly they fixed most of those issues on the facelift models. Minus the rust and timing chains guides.

[@DearMajesty]

I've driven one and it felt magical. I really like them

[@dannyjeffers]

low key one of the best car channels on youtube

[@dspada67]

I owned one, absolutely the best. I did a custom exhaust, lower ratio diff,coil overs , intake and tune. It totally transformed the feel, no compromise on ride or anything, still super refined but just made it beastly.

[@julianski09]

0:47 love that intro!

[@warrenw8705]

I owned a 2003 M5 and I loved it. Other than a clutch that wore quickly it was reliable for me. A muffler delete and evolve or Dinan headers are a must.

[@RobbieHerrera]

I’m still in love with my 2002 E39 M5. It’s a California car so it’s spotless underneath. I definitely replaced plastic parts in the engine compartment cuz they disintegrate from the heat. I did take the mufflers out for more sound and even then it’s pretty quiet LOL. The secret to keeping it happy is to drive it and change the oil regularly. Leaks and other mechanical issues start happening when you don’t drive it is what I’ve heard.

[@pascutia]

The inline 6 cylinder cars have much better steering than the steering box setup. It's really surprising how good it is. They also feel more agile when equipped with the sport package. I completely agree how remarkably refined these cars are. They feel so solid. Great review!

[@reesesboot]

want theater and drama while keeping things simple? try the e28 m5. always loved the e39.

[@jamiestunda]

I also dreamt about this car! The sound is amazing! I finally ended up with a F10 M5, but this car still has a place in my heart :)

[@sl0wh4nd81]

Opening music is so spot on man!

[@AhmedSadekTawfik]

for some reason .. the quality of the video is so damn satisfactory !!

[@danielmelendez9943]

BMW should do a buy back program, take the M5 from late 1999 to 2003 and fully restore them to factory specs, they would sell like hot cakes.

[@wonderboy1998]

What can we say... just another fine video from this channel. When you said at 15:26, i remember that russian drifter Giorgi Tevzadze.

[@TedwardDrives]

ooo that 3rd gear crunch!

[@GY9944]

One of the best looking modern sedans. Nothing exaggerated, clean,purposeful lines. Understated finesse.

[@scottfindley1345]

Mr Goose, I damn near fainted when I saw the title.. #1 car youtoober in the game my friend. Keep doing your thing, love your content, the attention to detail, the craftsmanship, and thank god someone keeps it f*ing real.

[@karlisknuts9436]

The issue with electric being and feeling old is very easy solvobol. I changed my cd changer for an android. Works like a charm. Bluetooth, music, navi. You can answer and speak on the phone not even touching it. Really changed the expierience. I drive an E39 530D with an LSD diff. Love the E39. Thank you for the video.

[@brianmoore177]

Bought a BMW Z3 new in 2001 and kept it for 16 years. A great time for BMW products.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

I agree with you completely. I would buy one of these in a heartbeat. Then sell research of my heartbeat to keep it well maintained.

[@ryujisakamoto1835]

One of several cars that is on my bucket list... Hopefully, I'll get one...

[@jose7777777777777777]

I knew what you were going to say about this by how you talked about the F90. M5s have always been less raw than contemporary cars, but IMO this one is raw enough that with a couple of light mods it’s super entertaining, while being comfortable enough that you could use it the whole day without feeling exhausted

[@davidandreasson3575]

Excellent and informative review - thank you!

[@busterscrugs]

I drive a 2003 E39 530i M-Sport that I manual swapped. Would love to hear your thoughts on a non M5 E39. I don't have the navigation so that pretty much solves all your complaints with the interior. None of the pixels in my dash have shit the bed (which isn't the LCD itself going bad btw, it's the ribbon cable that starts to break). 180k miles all stock other than headers (factory catback, so it still sounds stock). It's the facelifted model, which was BMW's first car to feature their signature "angel eyes." The 6cyl cars have a much nicer feeling rack and pinion steering as opposed to the steering box & servotronic of the 540i/M5 (V8 took up too much room so BMW couldn't do a rack and pinion on those cars). Similar to the M5, the 530i (and all E39's for that matter) have aluminum control arms, struts, and subframes. Since my car has the M-Sport Suspension package, it sits a solid inch and a half lower than a comfort suspension car, with slightly less body roll. Ride quality isn't compromised though, it still has its original struts and yet it rides better than most cars I've been in. Considering this platform came out in the 90's I think this is really impressive. Not to mention the 530i weighs nearly 500lbs less than an M5 while retaining a more balanced 50/50 weight distribution. Combine that with the better feeling rack and pinion steering and I honestly think you'd enjoy driving the non M car more as long as you don't mind half the horsepower. Still hits 150mph no problem lol.

[@tcaudiobooks737]

I'm a 530i guy and everything you say is true. For the sake of argument, IF you were ever tempted by the extra M5 power... you could just get a VF supercharger to boost the BHP to 350 AND keep all the steering/handling perks.

[@pablocruiser209]

Yet another top notch video. Thank you!!!

[@jooky87]

Been driving my e39 since 2006, not an M5 but the 528i with the rack and pinion steering, brilliant!

[@dumkopf]

Now, this I did not expect. Mark you're awesome.

[@kevinkarbonik2928]

I love them... I sorta have one... a 2000 BMW 540i Dinan, with numerous performance upgrades, Bigger intake and throttle body, full cat delete, Dinan tune ,6 speed manual. M sport suspension, I love it. But I also love my e60 M5 that is totally done, over 600hp...

[@stuna101a]

The "Ronin" model M5. The pinnacle BMW

[@stuna101a]

@Don’t Trip your right the Ronin model was a E34

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

wasn't Ronin a S8 ?

[@stuna101a]

@@ArtVandelayOfficial the car De Niro was in might have been. He was chasing the M5

[@brandonbistor1702]

Ronin was an S8

[@YasssStitch]

All of you replying to stuna, shut up. Ronin had this BMW driven by Deirdre. Sam drove Peugeot. Larry drove the S8 and bad guys were in a Citroen.

[@KARiM-G63]

Bmw e39 the best and real ultimate driving mashine ever built💪💪😍😍

[@hollisrivers5161]

Just like my 2003 325i. The bottom spec 3 series in the US at the time, amazing handling, great power, comfortable yet still able to drive hard in the mountains of Arizona, I love older Bmw design

[@FlatsixSTM]

This might be the best exterior intro montage I’ve ever seen on this channel! Got me so hyped for this car. I need to know that song..

[@lhm4772]

This engine has guts. Still naturaly aspirated and therefore still the real stuff for your ears. I love it. And I'm looking forward to spring.

[@christopherbrown1391]

My favorite m5 of all time when bmw was kicking butt the 540 was awesome also beautiful car

[@vlatkomafija]

my first experience with this car was some 9 years ago when my friend took me as a passenger in his 530d. even then this was an "old"car but i will never forget the refinement it offered. i don't think there are many cars out there that offered that level of solidity, comfort and refinement.

[@swilliams5517]

I owned a 2003 530i with the winter package and it was great! Even though it was the i6 with an auto, it wsa the best car I ever owned. Solid and luxurious and then it would boogie when you wan to. Wonderful, maintenance is another story.

[@takuan650]

I definitely agree about the BMW styling of that time. I liked the looks back then. These days I can hardly glance at BMW's without breakfast wanting to fall out my face (Chris Bangle syndrome, and everything after).

[@uz1144]

This is by far the best looking m5 ever. My all time favorite

[@blackscotydog]

You said it.. this was before everything went crazy. very nice car.

[@dennisrond7633]

The best BMW.. period! Got an 530iA sport Touring myself.. only thing not OEM is an Android system which looks exactly like the original mk2.. love this car..

[@pernormark1814]

Coming from Dougs review (all respect) this is on a different level in every way. Keep it up guys:)

[@mikep996]

I have this car and I put a full exhaust system on it it is far from quiet one of the best sounding cars you can imagine and very loud and brings the car to life

[@mthusiast2746]

Eisenmann race mufflers with Rogue X-pipe changes the persona quite a bit 🙂

[@bostonaudi]

I have a pre face lift 2000 M5 myself - it has factory badge delete and is a total stealth weapon. Still damn fast in today’s traffic. I also have an E46 M3, both are great drivers. The M3 is more of a firecracker, where the M5 is a smooth highway Uber car. With a muffler delete the M5 makes some insane sounds without being overbearing.

[@AntonioFDZ]

As much as I liked BMW's "the hire", with the classic "star", it was Tiff Needell with the e39 m5 and also the e46 m3 that made me love those cars. The way he drove them was mindblowing in my young mind. It added to the coolness factor the m5 already had.

[@matthewfuller1129]

Props for rockin' the Northstar Motorsports cap.

[@taforth]

Actually considered getting one in the mid 2000s, but was concerned about all of the necessary maintenance costs that you covered. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough of an enthusiast’s machine (ie too heavy, braking & lack of exhaust sound). Still a beautiful sedan.