2003 BMW E39 M5 - Driving the Greatest Sport Sedan Ever Made (POV Binaural Audio)

Thanks to Acton Auto Boutique for throwing the keys to this 2003 BMW M5. Find their incredible inventory at www.actonautoboutique.com
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#RespectTheDrive #BMW #M5

[@emperorzz]

I love how understated M5's are, especially when you see them in person. You really have to explain to noncar people just how capable and fast these cars are

[@user59371]

And they don’t care anyways

[@carsnbikes914]

@@user59371 yeah 😔

[@bapr3887]

M5 understated? Its bloody mainstream. Understated is S8 D2, when its with manual trans, its better than M5 E39 in every inch.

[@iiplaya]

@@bapr3887 lmfao no…

[@Hot80s]

When you're a Driver you couldn't care less what people think period.

[@alolanstarboy]

The e39 M5 has been a car that I’ve always largely ignored. Until I saw an all black one and heard it’s low V8 rumble. It really struck a “brute in business casual” kind of vibe with me and I started liking it since then. Love the sound this car makes, one of the main giveaways that it’s more than it seems.

[@robertperillo8738]

I absolutely love my E39 M5. It’s the perfect compromise without actually compromising anything. Sporting… but with a great ride. Roomy.. but drives small. Very fast.. but docile when need be. Analog.. but new enough that you can comfortably daily drive it. Relatively reliable (especially compared to newer ///M cars), built like a tank, and man they can take a beating. The steering is sublime. The way it handles it’s weight is astonishing. It really is the greatest sport sedan - no, the greatest car - ever built.

[@casinokam2695]

The analog part is huge. The perfect mix of analog and being technologically advanced

[@michaelpatterson5298]

ever looking to sell?

[@Kryojenix]

I heard that the steering system isn't actually all that good and was a compromise to fit around the huge V8. Mainly compromises steering feel, they said. I won't be able to judge until I try another M3/M5, maybe the E92 M3. Until then, all I know is that the steering in my E39 M5 is much nicer than the steering in my Mitsubishi Pajero iO! 😂

[@Andrew-ch1zf]

Agree- best car ever made on a number of metrics

[@Derek_T]

The E39 and E38 7 series are the best looking sedans ever made.

[@scottym7192]

Hot take I think the E60 is the best looking 5 series

[@iiplaya]

@@scottym7192 the base model one no. M sport definitely

[@Aaron-bz9vy]

@@scottym7192 E34 by far

[@Kryojenix]

@@scottym7192 I think the E60 looks great in angular motion, whereas the E34/E39/E46 look great in a still photo at any angle.

[@WadeOntheLure]

I remember my dad just getting into NASA HPDE in an 02 Z06. We made track-buddies with a guy who had this car..we were astounded how well it did on Buttonwillow against the vette.WHAT A CAR...those were the days!

[@RichardinNC1]

I enjoyed my e39 M5 on track. I definitely kept up with Corvettes from that era.

[@tommosby8833]

I've been driving my E39 M5 since 2010 and it's still going extremely strong. Modern cars are not made like this anymore. It will be tough for me to let it go at some point.

[@ltpotatoecho6475]

Im wondering, how is the reliability of this car? I had a 2007 e92 335i with N54, which wasn't the best haha. But this m5.... the sound and the looks... so good, kinda wanna get one at some point haha

[@iiplaya]

@@ltpotatoecho6475 probably better than an N54 in all ways. This generation M5 with a manual would be awesome id just watch out for those rod bearings

[@rikwarren3999]

I have owned one for a number of years. It gets a lot of big city use. It has been very reliable, but requires a budget for maintenance and replacements. Oh Ya, and gas. I upgraded the audio. The radio and now have Car Play etc. so I eliminated that objection easily. The car is awesome all the time. A sophisticated car.

[@RichardinNC1]

At 6:45 never fails to merge onto a highway behind someone going 15 under the traffic flow. You finally get around them and they finally get up to speed and pass a mile later…

[@bubbleman2002]

For some reason I notice almost exclusively pickup trucks and SUVs accelerate at a glacial speed, and then end up going 10 to 15 over the speed limit after using 10% throttle for about a minute. I wonder if maybe the softer suspension with more travel combined with sitting up higher makes people feel like they're accelerating more than they actually are?

[@johnfrantz5885]

@@bubbleman2002 ik I often drive like that purely to save fuel and limit wear and tear on my drive train. It’s much easier on a car to gently get up to speed rather than floor it to your desired speed.

[@bubbleman2002]

@@johnfrantz5885 That's different. I don't floor it in my car, either, I just accelerate until the engine is at about 3,000 rpms and then I shift up. My car is definitely NOT FAST by any means, either. It's a 2012 Toyota Corolla. Even so, I end up having to wait behind pickup trucks and SUVs that just can't figure out what the long skinny pedal is for. Additionally, accelerating slowly is worse for fuel economy than accelerating more quickly for a shorter duration. Iirc BMW did extensive testing on this and concluded that while higher engine speeds are less efficient because of friction, they're not less efficient enough to make slow acceleration using only low engine speeds the better choice. Apologies if the formatting makes this hard to read, I am mobile posting.

[@sunilparekh7344]

Great video Ted love the amount of content the E39 M5 keeps getting even 22 yrs later. All of us that own one know the feeling of owning and driving this masterpiece

[@5Qu1Z33r]

I've owned my E39 M5 for 14 years now already - i feel SO privileged 😱

[@67FORDTRUCKF250]

Your videos rock ! I appreciate the smoothness of the drive and the patience with the fools on the road.

[@TedwardDrives]

Thank you!

[@scoob66]

@@TedwardDrives lol I need the patience, I got the smoothness but not the patience for morons lol

[@itz_-spyro-7104]

I just love your videos, they bring me so much joy and keeps me on the grind to my dreamcar

[@MushyBananas]

Saw one of these at my local gym today in this exact same spec & color and I couldn’t get over how timeless & gorgeous these things are after all these years

[@jakob9292]

I deeply regret not buying one if these, or a v70r. Like 3 years ago you could've picked up one that had like barley 100k miles and needed a thing or two for under 5k, now those are going for over 20k, and you can't even find a good v70r under 10k, damn shame

[@startingtech3900]

20k> its 40k here in CA for a good example 28 29 for one that "needs a few things"

[@yungboicontigo9278]

Blame Doug and cars and bids for this. They keep rising bmw prices idk why

[@jeremyfiester6243]

A sorted car was never 5k. 20k then, is 35k now.

[@jakob9292]

@@jeremyfiester6243 a 20k one was one that had under 50k miles, and one owner clean all around.

[@jakob9292]

@@yungboicontigo9278 no, the problem is all the "this car will rise in value" and the "best blah blah around Yada yada" or the "best car that'll appreciate in 3 years" you get the shit, and then posted by 20 500k+ sub youtubers, those peopledrove up the prices of the s2k, nsx, skyline, supra, 250sx, 350z, almost everything to 3x the cost. And it was also done by the people bidding, not bat or cars and bids.

[@paul2bischel]

excellent video as always! Thanks, Tedward

[@benclement7569]

This calls for a bathroom break to watch at work

[@nikolaychod]

I asked on Instagram when will you make new video with the M5, and here it is! Thanks mate! Greetings from Bulgaria! :)

[@ihopethiscommentisntabusiv4670]

I love these videos just for the awesome sound with headphones on. Really feels like you're in the car.

[@davidbee9563]

The videos of Sabine Schmidt tossing one of these around the track are something else! Have you ever tried one of the Dinan modified versions? Apparently, these engines respond well to the right upgrades. If you can find a 540i sport with the six speed they are pretty quick as well.

[@flush_entity]

YES! The 540I M-Sport is very, VERY good. To me it was the "entry" level M5 as it was a good 8-10k less than its brother. Wish i didnt sell mine but issues started popping up, more than likely my fault

[@davidbee9563]

@@flush_entity My problem with the 540i manual would be keeping a licence. They are so quick and smooth you don't notice how much faster you are going than you think. I can only imagine an M5 would be even more of a challenge to reign in.

[@SR-lx5if]

Been waiting all week for this!

[@RyanRoadReaper]

Finally, M5 content! Your car is the one that has given me the E39 bug, and now I'm on the market for a i6 Touring (don't want a V8, hell no, too problematic)

[@codylujan]

I agree. The BMW V8's are one of those, "appreciate but don't buy" type of things. I would, however, buy the new M5CS if I had a $100k burning a hole through my pocket

[@TrafficDE]

Had one with an M52B28 engine (528i). Solid engine and good mpg for an I6, i can highly recommend it if you're happy with a pre facelift e39.

[@malthusg1115]

It's videos like this that are the reason I subscribed. Brilliant video and beautiful car. A perfect car for a daily.

[@saeedahmad6752]

The balance and weight distribution is amazing, and this car drives like a rocket, even in the desert crosswinds. Brilliant design and performance results in this being a briliant car. The comments are spot on! It maybe the best among the best for all round performance for a 4 door!

[@LA63003]

I'm glad you acknowledge its the greatest sports sedan ever made!!!

[@liamblackledge1333]

When you refresh your suspension please go with Ground Control coil overs. I’ve got their kit on my E39 and it’s absolutely incredible. I’d rate it at an oem+ to clubsport depending on how it’s adjusted.

[@josephvarano9341]

Awesome vid! 🔥

[@markbellamy6965]

The steering box I believe was due to packaging issues around the size and weight of the V8 engine. The m5 was based on the 540i, which also had the steering box, steel front sub frame and different suspension arms to the other e39 cars. If you've been under one of these cars there's not a lot of space for the steering setup.

[@IAmThELeGeNd445]

Entertaining & informative... Tedward is an infotainment system!!!

[@jeradalexander1633]

Can confirm... I bought my first e39 M5 in January. It's a killer ride. I have the e60 shifter and a refreshed suspension with Koni Sports and Dinan springs. It's an absolute dream.

[@mikealicious3848]

Great to see another E39 on the channel. Hopefully you get the opportunity to drive a Dinan S3 E39 M5.

[@Dave-tz9zx]

Love that sound!

[@codylujan]

I want every single bmw ever lol. This is a beautiful classic

[@cyrus2857]

new tedward on the last day of school lets goo

[@The_journeyy]

*He's back with another beauty* 👀

[@Adamlllllllllllljjjljljjjjj]

Great video!! I love this M5 and how it looks like a regular 5 series which is awesome as this is the best looking 5 series in my opinion👌👌. I wonder how those black rubber marks got in the road (3:25)🥴🥴

[@TedwardDrives]

Mad at whoever left those marks. That’s where I shoot photos and it makes it look so trashy

[@Anirossa]

BMW always been particularly good with their stock exhaust systems, at least with all the ones I've experienced from the proper classics and all the way to the E39, haven't had newer.

[@savnoorsamra3597]

my 2019 g20 330i with stock exhaust pops and burbles like crazy. It's insane for stock

[@pclayton5063]

I was working at our BMW dealership when these first came out. Salesmen would often grab me to take a prospective customer out to "show them what it can do." I'd turn off the traction control and do just that on a certain section of country road. Really liked these cars (almost as much as my 93 E34 M5) once they stopped coming back in for clutch replacements and Vanos issues. Boy that could get real expensive with no warranty. Plus, the usual pixel issues with the gauges in most E39s. Still a great car and I've seen plenty of them with high mileage, so most aren't garage queens.

[@waic1639]

I don't remember seeing one of these on the road, it is a beauty!

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

The E39 M5 is definitely one of the best 5 series ever made, and one of the best BMWs ever made. This was when their designs were just flawless back in the day.

[@Sergey53]

Always nice to see a e39 in a good condition 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@1MrErling]

nice video. Thanks!

[@Dbird613]

tramlining

[@dakgildea]

Ohh boy this was exciting...love this car

[@stevennolan9017]

12:40-13:40…ridiculously dreamy, like i’m watching the best simulator

[@emptylungs]

"the Greatest Sport Sedan Ever Made" *Smiles in M539 restorations*

[@stevelimoncello3219]

Well-said Tedward, Luxurious Speed

[@emixmim]

I always appreciate E39 M5 content Ted! But just curious what made you to review a different one?

[@TedwardDrives]

Comparison! Always nice to drive others so you can find out what’s good or bad with yours

[@BetterThanNothingVideos]

Tedward - I ended up buying this from Oleg and Chris at Acton. Your video led me to make trip from VA to MA to purchase it. They should pay you commission! This is now paired next to my 02 E46 M3 with 52k miles. They are like cousins next to each other in the garage. Great job on the video.

[@TedwardDrives]

Congrats!! It’s a great car

[@thomasagueros729]

“Handles like a pickup truck” nice car, nice vid

[@gamestree5318]

The best car of all time, forget ur lambos and civics and what nots, this is the ultimate driving machine

[@irrelaphant1003]

I love the naturally aspirated bmw sedans, I picked up an m sport package e90 328i with a 6 speed manual and even if I had the words in my vocabulary to describe the driving experience I probably wouldn't be able to do it.

[@pascutia]

I get what you’re saying. I’ve got an E90 330xi 6 speed, and it’s so sublime. I could drive one forever and I wouldn’t get tired of it. I just wish I didn’t have the AWD. Really unnecessary imo, just adds a bunch of weight, adds weight to the steering, and bogs the car down.

[@911gt333]

8:12 it’s actually Ferrari Modena performance

[@Birmingham_racing]

E39 my favourite m5

[@jaynareynolds3684]

This body style has been emulated by many other car companies over the past 20+ years. No one has been able to improve upon perfection!

[@KarpucMotoring]

I've owned my car for 10yrs and your absolutely right about it being an autobahn burner more then a 1-2 burner. You can do that too, I find you hit redline too fast in first if you just floor it especially if your break your tires. 3rd, 4th and 5th gear is magical on the highway, I just wish I could go fast enough to take advantage of it more often. Nowadays if I take it out for a Sunday cruise I find the most enjoyable way to drive it isnt to go fast, just ring out the gears slowly, most people are afraid to take it to the higher rpm's before shifting at slower speeds but it just sounds like sex at the high rpm's. I took it to Mosport and raced it for that (videos on my channel) though I wouldn't do that anymore :)

[@mama7587]

Bro I SAW YOU on the highway! I didn’t know it was you though I saw e39 m5 near Acton MA and tried getting your attention near the highway. Not sure if I was going 495 South or north.

[@trashmail8]

I've always loved this car and its engine/exhaust sound since watching Alex Roy in the "Battle of Rome" and ambulance chase videos (look'em up on YT if you've never seen them!"). It's glorious! And also the Gumball video from SF to Miami where Alex Roy's "Team Polizei 144" M39 is doing 170 mph while chasing a Ferrari F-50. Iconic material! :D

[@HARDSenSaTion]

my dream car !!

[@Cabrera86]

Great machine. Never noticed the football shaped rear view before.

[@OpeoAslam]

The fold down seats are great when you need to haul a big ass cooler for a road trip. Wish my M5 had em.

[@CarToneHK]

The stiffer rigidity of not having folding rear seats is reflected on its torsional rigidity figure (at least for the ones I've found for E46, not sure if it is the same for E39)

[@randomuser8746]

My favourite BMW EVER!

[@MiniOne82]

Ahhh man, this made me miss my Dads E39 M5, his was a Red 2001.

[@sangrino7166]

😍😍😍 perfect

[@frozenpete788]

I don't have the rear fold down seats and I miss them in the e39. You can't put 2 wheels side to side in the trunk (the same wheels fit in the e28 ahah). Same with the e36, got the standard in the M3 but the diesel is very good for what it is even in sedan body. It reminds me a while ago when we were working on these at the dealer. Great cars that the e60 never felt as good

[@bikramsran1143]

I see those burnout lines at the start 🤣 not so sly hahaha. Great video though, one of my dream cars, looks and sounds so damn good too

[@TedwardDrives]

Not mine. Much wider car with huuuge rubber did that lol. The m5 would have been covered in rubber from a burnout that big.

[@bikramsran1143]

@@TedwardDrives hahaha I appreciate the honesty XD

[@EndstyleGG]

Sreten from M539 Restorations would definitely agree with the title :)

[@PROTO_JK]

Tedward: so much low end torque you barely have to down shift: proceeds to down shift and rip past a Mercedes’ 😎👍🏽

[@TedwardDrives]

I’m only human 😂

[@PROTO_JK]

@@TedwardDrives awesome content.

[@essai_]

The tire marks on the street where he starts talking about the bimmer lol 🤣

[@TedwardDrives]

Honestly kinda mad at whoever left those. Really screwed up my photo shoot location

[@moses_irl]

AAB is great! They work on all my cars

[@chaff5]

Lol I love the burnout marks in the background of the first few minutes of the video.

[@TedwardDrives]

Not from the m5. Honestly was pissed because someone screwed up my photo spot with those marks

[@chaff5]

@@TedwardDrives ah well crap I thought that was you having fun with it lol

[@nickfusco9667]

We’re about the same age and the “street fire” comment took me back!! Grainy footage of street races and people wrecking their cars. lol

[@maxwell8306]

I can’t wait until I can get my first M car

[@Maxsarkar]

My dream car for long drive

[@TheLambo123254]

love it

[@supersport1572]

Beautiful car and awesome call out to gumball 3000!

[@slurr4588]

Cant believe this e39 m5 had more power then the e92 m3 never thought about that

[@carolinacars739]

1:00 Ryan from E39 source has entered the chat...

[@TedwardDrives]

He’s such a great dude and insanely knowledgeable. I keep him in mind whenever I film one of these 😂

[@Plague_Rat778]

Unrelated to the vid. But was on Snapchat watching one of those car stories posted and a clip from your LFA drive when the Tesla nearly wrecked trying to make the exist was there haha

[@Plague_Rat778]

Exit*

[@Cryptiiix]

I feel like you should have mentioned a con is the MPG. This thing is a (fun) gas guzzler.

[@bmw_for_life8902]

I use Dinan short throw on my 135i makes the shifter feel much better

[@nah3193]

This was my dream car as a kid. I ended up getting more into japanese cars but mostly because I'm broke

[@afben8428]

I would love to see a review of a (stock) W211 E55 AMG which was Mercedes's response to this car.

[@edalder2000]

The entire screen rotating down for a tape deck insert? The Germans doing overengineering. You gotta love it.

[@donramontecarlo3735]

Such a great Car! But i feel sadly with you, that you are not allowed to realy drive it out in your county overthere! Greetings from Germany!!!✌️😉

[@thighgamingalexo28]

The Medusa intakes are called velocity stacks I think

[@vvarioPL]

Why didn’t you show your own one? Love E39 LCI looks, had 2001 525iA touring one day.

[@northshoreplaid]

My favorite car ever...never owned one. But wished I had!

[@sirmo667]

Hey I’m selling mine 😂 👀

[@northshoreplaid]

@@sirmo667 Hey..thanks for the heads up. But I'm NEVER going back to BMW. Have driven BMW for over 600k miles...but after their error with the i3..they lost me forever. I'm hoping(crossing fingers) I never have to own an ICE car ever again! here's to hope!!

[@sirmo667]

@@northshoreplaid What’s wrong with the i3? Never heard anything bad about them and they’re solid cars. One of the best selling EV vehicles

[@northshoreplaid]

@@sirmo667 Thought the style was boxy and very unlike BMW. They could've spent the 2billion on showcasing a 3 series and engineered the battery and drive train to work with the classic design. IMO

[@SamirFennecDz]

Une œuvre d’art 🥰🇩🇪🖤❤️💛merci Chris Bangle 🇺🇸😌👍

[@joaorodrigues-dy9rm]

Honestly love this e39 m5, the engine, build quality, looks, interior..... Bellissimo! But really a camry is also underrated, it isnt much slower thant that in a straight line i would imagine, speccially with that auto gearbox.

[@mitchkelleher7972]

Instant classics. These cars make it so glaringly apparent just how far BMW has fallen. I never liked ostrich hide-looks like it came from an animal that died of some kind of pox. "Well, the hides the upholster offered were too expensive, but on the way home, we found these dead cows in a ditch, so we skinned them quick and now we're watching an instructional video on tanning hides at home!"

[@leoantonov5513]

Well ackchyually recirculating ball steering is used not only in M5, but in every E39 with a V8 - 535i and 540i have it too, so it has nothing to do with a dry sump. Perhaps a big V8 didn’t leave enough space for a steering rack. However, they used recirculating ball steering in E38 7 series regardless of engine, even with straight-6 engines. Probably because of that isolating "luxurious feel". Go figure.

[@B0JACK]

4:07 pulled up to the scene in style?? lol

[@StrafeWasTaken]

I keep looking for one of these yet can't seem to find one that hasn't been through hell... One day...

[@Texaspatriot1776]

I still think this is the last/greatest of the M5.

[@ortontom]

I sell Porsche for a living, and over the years have had five e39 M5s. It's the best 4 door sedan/saloon ever made.

[@ghadeersyriac]

The greatest car in the world

[@BreakStuffClub]

@10:15 it always takes so much restraint to not just stab the throttle a little bit and swing the ass end out especially in sport mode. Such a punchy engine at any speed. I have an ‘00 in Anthracite!

[@wzei.]

can relate. heavily.

[@allanlai_]

Have you tried the e34 m5? Curious how differently they drive.

[@Karim2clean]

I was in college when these cars were going for 15k-18k... and I thought that was too much back then... Now I actually cant afford one lmao.

[@FFE-js2zp]

The 210 mph Jaguar Project 8 is 45 seconds faster than a Veyron around Nurburgring. And it’s a luxury car.