We name the greatest BMW M5 ever. Part one: the classics

[@farishanafiah8461]

Not a difficult decision at all for me. The E39 all the way.

[@SmallBlogV8]

"We're going to decide which is the greatest of them all." Well, fair enough to do this now, because it damn sure isn't going to be the messy-looking 2.4-tonne PHEV that's about to spoil the lineage...

[@lbnewell23]

I cant believe that at the moment most of BMWs lineup when coming out with new cars they’re all slower than their predecessor 😂. Who is approving these cars

[@flacjacket]

​@@lbnewell23I'm less concerned with them being slower than I am with them being ugly as sin and heavier than the garages they get parked in.

[@lbnewell23]

@@flacjacket I agree but I would assume the manufacturer cares about them being slower. The new model should never have worse performance than the previous one. That’s not progress. I don’t care that the new cars are half a second slower but it just blows my mind that they approved the cars to launch when they are worse in every performance metric than the cars they replaced

[@squaregaming8964]

Good, means we won't have any trouble deciding which one is the worst

[@lbnewell23]

@@squaregaming8964 trouble deciding which ones worst is good because it means all the cars are great and that’s what we want

[@flacjacket]

Nice to see someone else acknowledge the E34 for its looks. IMO the best looking BMW since the E9 and one of the best looking sedans of all time.

[@hassanger8128]

Disagree. It is the F90 M5 CS is the most beautiful car in the entire BMW history

[@natefrommtl]

The E34 is THE best looking sedan of all time. Name a sedan that looks better

[@mro9466]

​@@hassanger8128 cool story bro

[@e34m5guy]

I bought my E34 M5 26 years ago and used it as my daily driver for 4 years. To this day, it was the best daily driver I ever had or probably will ever have. Now it’s a weekend fun car and it always puts a smile on my face when I get behind the wheel. They made the right choice - the E34 M5 is a beautiful driver’s super saloon and I love it as much today as I did when I bought it in 1997.

[@madanto2394]

By a small margin the Alpina b10 is better but the m5 is still incredible as well do not get me wrong.

[@shakesnbake]

T400 BHP is such an iconic number plate! E39 is what made me fall in love with the M5!

[@bmcguinness4053]

I'm very happy seeing this video. I own an e34 m5 and e39 m5. Both are epic machines. The e34 has been seriously underrated. Finally getting some credit as a driving machine.

[@kunalmore5212]

Amazing collection!

[@MattH-wg7ou]

Always been my favorite!

[@slamtailsuspension1933]

Always loved the E34, I've got an E34M53.8, and 2 B10 Biturbos. Yes the E34 has always been underrated, last of the great old school bimmers, round glass headlamps, clamshell bonnet, just great.

[@andytan911]

Salute, the 2 best M5 in my book

[@marka.2484]

But when you have to choose, to get rid of one of them, the E34 or the E39? I'm really curious.

[@e36sam]

Finally. I've worked on classic BMWs for years, and have considerable experience with all of what you've tested here. I've long held the opinion that the E34 M5 is severely underrated, and the E39 is deeply overrated. My opinion is slightly more polarised than yours. I actually really don't like the E39 M5. It doesn't feel special to me. It feels like a faster 540. I hate the Sport button, which just feels like someone's turned the PAS off. I don't like the chassis, it just feels spongy to me. I don't like that the engine, whilst easier to live with and service, doesn't have fancy exhaust manifolds, and manually adjustable valve clearances. It's also horribly muted. If you ever get the chance to hear one with the airbox lid removed, you'll understand! The E34, on the other hand, feels special. I really like E34s. They flow nicely, and they are possibly the best-looking saloon car ever made (subjective, of course). I'm of the opinion that, out of the box, the 535i Sport with a manual box is the best normal BMW ever made. And I'm also of the opinion that the E34 M5 (as a 3.8) is the best M car, which holds the M values really closely. You're dead right that it's a driver's car. Every time I have one in, it's always nice to have an 'extended road test' once it's fixed. Ideally for the entire weekend. Sidenote: I don't usually watch long KZbin videos; my attention span is awful. But this was a compelling watch.

[@tinorosmg9374]

E34 so underrated. Absolutely love it.

[@DjNikGnashers]

I would say the E39 M5 is the best car of all M5's. Build quality was peak BMW, the sound, the performance, and reliability.

[@hassanger8128]

No, it is the F90

[@bimmerfan729]

I honestly don't think there's an incorrect choice between these three. Absolute legends, all of them.

[@markbiggart1265]

That E34 would be my pick every day of the week in that exact spec, absolutely stunning.

[@TheOrdersixtysix]

The E34 M5 3.8 is the pinnacle of BMW M, what a driving machine. There’s little else that combines a true race derived engine in a car that’s modern enough to be a regular daily yet old enough to be analog and playful. Love it!

[@devonjclark6317]

Quick Correction; The e28 used the m88 motor whereas the e34 used the s38 engine. 3.6 liter and the later 3.8. Phenomenal cars. That e34 looks absolutely STUNNING!

[@cheyennegrahamoneill9330]

US model E28 M5's used the S38, and the E34 M5 used a 3.6 S38 until 1992

[@kristianspencer1978]

Didn’t the E28 M5 use the engine from the M1.?

[@kavbhamra4750]

​@@kristianspencer1978one had a wet sump the other dry

[@Lukec4ge]

Having had two E34 3.8 M5s, and an E46 M3, I think maybe the S38 is better than the S54….more power, more torque, less top end

[@benamarayoucef9402]

My father had a e28 and later I take the e39 530i and the M5 .. later we take the e60 530 👎👎 and from that time we came back to the e39 and we never sold it ❤ The e39 is the iconic car of the all time of the 5 séries

[@marka.2484]

The most elegant and powerful-looking M5 is definitely the E34, in my opinion. What a great sculpture.

[@jamessohl733]

The first saloon the M division worked on arguably was the E12 M535i and was the grandfather to the M5. It was the largest engine they had at the time bar the M1 which was being developed at the time. The E34 M5 had a run out edition which featured the wider grill and Nurburgring suspension which was made in I believe just 2 colours. This I am told took the E34 to another level handling wise.

[@Lukec4ge]

E34 was the first car with EDC (along with the Alfa Romeo 164 V6). Kept the damping in sport. I had the five speed. Never drove a 6 speed- it was car of the year (Performance Car) in 1992

[@yourpalbobbyboi]

E28 m5 would be the first car I buy if I win the lottery . I’ve owned 5 bmws and besides my current g80 m3, which is the best modern sport sedan available today in my opinion. My second favorite was a 1986 e 28 535i that I bought for $800 in college . It was kind of a piece of crap but was still so good ! I was born in 90, so really had no real money till 2013 . 1985-2005 was the best cars ever made . They are just ridiculously priced now but if I ever can get a little car collection going. The e28 m5 is my first car that wouldn’t be a regular driver .

[@trogdortheburninator8149]

I love the passion that comes through in this comment!

[@evorobin]

The E34 chassis is so flattering to the driver 😎

[@ignatious.6002]

I actually agree, that E34 is massively underrated for the car that it is

[@UssGo]

E34 m5 made me turn into bmw’s. E39 made me go crazy for m5’s. And now I’m a proud owner of a f90 m5. Last good one.

[@dr80008]

e34 M5 has to be the prettiest sedan of all time! It's just perfect. But I have more personal connection with the e39 and e46 M3 era. And it isn't just because of the cars. I love BMW brochures from that time, with the two white squares on the cover, as well as the logotypes... The whole brand ecosystem was so well done. I still have BMW magazines from that time, with M3 and M5 road tests and articles about concept cars, like BMW Z9 and this future technology called i-Drive. The feeling back then was so optimistic. The model range was so simple and every car was desirable. Even the e53 X5 was somehow cool. Model naming scheme followed logic. Also, I think the people buying these cars new were just more classy than today. All around, it was a cultural high point. Later on the range became weird, design got too busy and planned obsolescence took root. Nowadays I don't even know or care what products they make.

[@Lukec4ge]

I agree…

[@1987M5]

Every iteration of M5 is marvellous in its own right; each are quite different and special .

[@Car10121-s]

Never forget riding in an E60 press car just before it got sent to the press event in France in 05. That V10!

[@donsompie]

For a long time, I've regarded the E39 as the most elegant of the 5 Series models, and it has always been my favourite. However, after seeing all three of the earlier versions, I must admit the E34 is exceptionally striking.

[@Vattiis_Happonnen]

Absolutely

[@flacjacket]

The E34 looks like a classic in a way the E39 doesn't, mostly because of the headlights. I think the E34 is one of the most perfectly proportioned cars ever built.

[@DolleHengst]

It's why i prefer the E32 7-series over the E38 that everyone loves apparently. The E32 is the big daddy, it has a dominant presence, without looking aggressive. The E38 looks like a puppy in comparison, with all its round shapes and covered headlights. Too friendly.

[@erniearambula3525]

Stating the E39 is the template for future M's was an accurate statement that in itself makes the E39 M the perfect M car no other M can make that claim.

[@erezyoal]

In my opinion the E34 is The best looking M5

[@richardvand.3925]

I have owned a lot of 5-series and in my opinion the E34 is the best looking, especially when it has the small kidney grille. It also somehow ages better than E39. Now I don’t have a M5 but an E34 Alpina B10 and that car brings a bigger smile on my face than my more modern cars. Absolutely love it and I do everything possible to keep it in mint condition

[@cthis4786]

The E39 M5 would have been even more perfect if it had gotten a rack and pinion steering rack.

[@_que]

I had a 530i E39 in manual guise for 12 years , the steering was one of the best I have ever had…

[@andreipenghis6935]

Agree, but i think its the greatest of all, even without rack and pinion.

[@Lukec4ge]

The V8 E39 5 series couldn’t accommodate a rack and opinion steering, hence the recirculating ball set up. Interesting to note that steering feel was not a thing of the M5s until The E60 M5, but by then the weight of the car was its undoing

[@nswgb69]

Owned my E28 M5 for nearly thirty years! Owned two e34 M5's as well. The 39 was always a little soft looking for my taste.

[@davide8641]

the truth

[@kavbhamra4750]

@@nswgb69 which number do you have?

[@SibusisoPrince-]

Yes my brother, the e34 is definitely the best looking. Good taste👌🏾 The e39 is the greatest of all time.

[@warrenhoare2852]

Great piece. Really takes me back to the boom days. Me and my then girlfriend, split up and sold our house… she reinvested her half, I blew mine at a local bmw dealer. Drove away a gorgeous e28 in silver with bbs wheels and m-tec kit. It was only a 520, but in an era of cavaliers and cortina’s it was something very special❤

[@ivarmarkusson382]

i am lucky to be of the age that when i was younger there where alot of E34 m5's and E39 m5's around. they are both almost w/o a flaw.. to me the E39 is the pick. i sometimes say that the younger generation today does not realise how the e39's felt back in the day for someone that thought a normal car was a mid 90's corolla. not only the power but the whole design of it, the fit and finish, the comfort, and then.. the power and handling

[@alanwayte432]

The E28 looks incredible

[@damianmackinlay]

The E34 is what a BMW sports saloon should aspire to be. Beautifully proportioned and understated. Well made, comfortable, practical. Such a great car.

[@robboy18]

The new 2025 M5 weighs more than a military humvee.

[@hassanger8128]

You're just lying

[@dianerigney9020]

I am lucky to have all three of these cars. I have owned my e28 M5 for a very long time. Currently, it has an s38b38 engine. My daily driver though is the e39 M5 (I like the e39 M5 so much that I have two of them). The torque of the V8 is always available and makes downshifting unnecessary. And it is a six speed. One of my two e39 M5 has seen countless track days and while it isn't a great track car because of its weight, it is still very fun to drive hard on the track. They are all great cars and a joy to drive.

[@hamiltonxulu6716]

They all wonderful... But the E34 was the last hand built M5 for the M MotoSport Division

[@jamesmartinwyatt]

I'm amazed that a car as old as the E28 can have such a great ride/handling balance, driven hard, today, on UK roads. It makes you wonder what the OEM's have been doing since, with all their trick adaptive dampers and computerised systems! All three of these are wonderful, for me its the E34 that has stood the test of time the best, it still looks wonderful.

[@stevec9704]

I like the channel and big Beemer-file here. My favorite is E60. Nothing better than that F1 roar of a V10, but the E34 is a close second. Thanks.

[@mattosborne2706]

I've been fortunate to own both E39 and E60. Both fantastic cars, but the V10 is just something else. I tried the F10 when looking to replace the E60, but it left me a bit cold. Nowhere near the drama or appeal of the E60. I still think the E39 is the definition of a super saloon, but overall, I preferred the E60. Even the SMG3 'box gets better as you become more familiar with it.

[@ilmelangolo]

M3 next please!

[@karimsadredini8875]

Among the 3 classics, I'll go with the E34 M5. The V8 is the better car without a doubt, but that sleek classic looks yet modern for its era followed by its raspy and screaming exhaust note of the 3.8 Six and light curb weight of it takes my breath away! Everything looked and felt different back then in the 70s, 80s, and 90s imo.

[@cheyennegrahamoneill9330]

They say the S62 isnt race "derived" which is true, but they did develop the P60 engine off of it which powered the E46 M3 GTR which was an extremely succesful racecar until Porsche complained about homologation. They also did race S62 powered cars in many series - just not E39 bodies. They installed them in E46's and found a lot of success. Even up until very recently there were S62 powered racecars on tracks around the world. The S38 was based on the M88 engine but by the time that 3.8 came to be, it had gone through two road legal evolutions... So the S62 wasnt race derived, it ITSELF was a race engine and the monster P60 was derived from the S62... Whereas the S38 is the great grandchild of a race engine

[@Lukec4ge]

The exhaust manifold in the E39 M5 strangled the real power- it was used in the V8 535i, and 540i models. With a bespoke tubular exhaust manifold, you can yield an extra 40bhp. The S62 engine was also used in the Ascari supercar, the last versions pushing 600bhp. Awesome engine

[@flat6croc]

Early E34 on turbines is to die for. The seminal M car, proper driver's. Even the E39 is ultimately quite mainstream. Harsh reality is that few M cars are actually driver's cars.

[@kresienm9031]

E34 is still the best looking and the last hand built BMW.

[@Brendon4Jesus]

Brilliant - love what you guys are doing! E34 yes please..

[@altie29]

the absolute dream saloon for me would be the E34 body with the E39 engine

[@ChrisKeirRacing]

I've owned an e39 m5 and F10 m5, both great cars, i used them as a daily at the time and really enjoyed them, except the fuel they used.

[@lbnewell23]

I know it’s not going to be the new one but since it came out recently would’ve been cool for it to feature

[@rip4273]

Great video. M5 E34 3.8 six speed manual is my favourite one

[@MattH-wg7ou]

I probably like the 2nd gen E34 best. But the 3rd gen E39 is also beautiful and I love that V8. But to me the E34/E39 is exactly how a BMW should look! Along with the gorgeous 2000ish 740i with MPar wheels. Edit: after watching, and remembering my love for V8s and my experience driving an M3 V8 manual...Im gonna go with the E39. I love V8s and that M3 drive was something great! I can only imagine driving the E39 M5. But man that E34 has perfect looks.

[@tfunkhou88]

Drove the E34 M5 and fell in love instantly. Drove the E39 M5 and was surprisingly underwhelmed…it just didn’t feel like it WANTED to be driven, despite being capable.

[@a.r1941]

Da haben sie aber einiges falsch gemacht vielleicht war es aber auch die Lenkung😂😂😂😂

[@Lukec4ge]

The E39 M5’s limits were much higher than the E34 M5, so initially they seemed less fun. You just had to push them to their (very high) limits…

[@tfunkhou88]

@@Lukec4ge oh, I know it’s more capable. It’s just a lot less fun/involving to me compared to the e34

[@philips6182]

That e34 spec looks stunning

[@nickc5259]

Really happy I've found this channel/video Dan Prosser superb, I've missed his content Also, I owned an E39 M5, Individual model in Estoril, one of my biggest car regrets was selling (just before the market went nuts 😂🤦). Btw, anyone who now owns one, remove the rear silencers, the noise is incredible and only enhances the car.

[@Lukec4ge]

Put a bespoke manifold on it, and release an extra 40bhp

[@nickc5259]

Yeah, I looked into the manifold, I couldn't justify the price at the time.

[@pereldh5741]

For me, its a tie between the E34 & E28… Great little film!

[@timmietz]

E34 by a country mile for me TBH.

[@marks2551]

For me the E34 3.8 6 speed is the GOAT, owned an Orinoco Green one back in the day and it was absolutely superb, whish I still owned it now..

[@gob7116]

E39 is the best m5 and the most popular one for good reason. Not a difficult question at all. It's 20+ years old without feeling the age and still holds its own in terms of build quality, power and comfort to this day. Can't say the same for all the other cars when they were/are 25 years old.

[@NORWAYORNOWAY]

They are all gorgeous and the three "classics" just make me shake my head at current BMW design. How do they (each current BMW designer) not lay in bed thinking, "My god, what have I done?"

[@OsborneCox.69.420]

These cars reside DEEP inside my heart and soul.

[@BusterBronco1987]

I love my E34 530i Not an M but someday I will find one

[@EuropaCar]

Very surprised to see the E34 pip the E39

[@sportreviewhd4767]

E34 for me the most beautiful

[@karimsadredini8875]

One of the best performance car channels with great content, thorough research, presentation, and epic picks.👍

[@Simon-du7yx]

E34 is just so damn good looking. 😍

[@sebastiangrosch1333]

For me it‘s the E34 M5, my dream since i was a child. Luckily i could effort it some years ago, and it‘s standing in my garage. I absolute love it❤

[@MikeOttati]

I've had at least one of each of the generations (except the F10) and the e34 is the keeper. I've got a pair of 3.8's, sedan and touring version. Definitely my favorite (though i do co own an e28 with my son, and semi daily an e60 M5, that v10 makes any journey special)

[@wads80z]

The advantages of the E39 (power, comfort, toys) will be superceded yet again by the more modern M5s. The feel, the delicacy & the race engine pedigree of the E34 has not been matched...

[@carguy3645]

I absolutely LOVE ALL of the BMW M5 lineup. They are all winners all are special and all of them are great!

[@Bimmer_Bill]

E34 m5 was my first M car 30 years ago. What was so wonderful was the dual personality nature, luxury cruiser at low rpm’s, then a different animal past 4,000.

[@orgrg1525]

Later e28 m5s than the very first ones came with larger rollbars and stiffer spring options. It'd be nice to see one of those compared. I can't see someone describing one with that setup as a car that doesn't feel like it wants to go fast.

[@Yosuf06]

8:10 i totally agree with you in that. actually. the 90' is the best and BEAUTIFUL BMW design ever they make in their history. and this one is my dream M5 i want to own 😔.

[@jaketherake71]

I have owned an E28 535i and currently own and drive almost daily an E34 M5. I tested a E39 M5 once, expecting to be blown away. But it was too bland in its driving characteristics for me. The motor is glorious, but it just wasn't giving me warm friendly, accessible, BMW feelings. The e34 M5 does. And it's a work of art that everyone appreciates more and more every year I own it.

[@1983dmd]

The greatest M5 ??? The e28 Alpina B7 Turbo !!!

[@darklegion7780]

The m5 ended with e60

[@sakhiweshezi]

Didn’t know LA Knight had a little brother… YEAH!

[@moumouhbelhaddad987]

V10 la classe

[@zahidkhurshid6234]

E39 for me ever since I was a kid and had no idea about cars. But I must say e34 is also a very good looking car.

[@euroasianbob9268]

All 3 great cars but drive all 3 and park side by side at s Cars & Coffee and see which one gathers the biggest crowd. The e28 in a landslide. The e28 is the Icon and winner.

[@Tomasz527422]

E34 for me

[@johnstephenson757]

@16:00 Thought I was listening to Keir Starmer for a moment there 😂

[@johnpearson492]

I daily drove an e39 M5 for three years, it was just a fabulous car in every way. It is in my opinion, peak sedan and just about peak BMW. Today I daily drive an e36 M3 as I prefer the raw nature of the older e36.

[@mro9466]

It's the first one, always has been. And I'm an e34 fanatic. But e28 has to be the purest.

[@patmaher9435]

The E34 is the one I 'want' others may be demonstrably better, but I want the E34, I'd choose it.

[@karlchen9849]

I have both E34 (3.8L) M5 for over 23 years and E39 for over 10 years now. I will choose my E34 M5 over E39 M5 - because it's been serviced/restored back to top condition. The E34 has better build quality than E39. But finding a good E34 M5 nowaday is much more difficult.

[@e46m54nissansr20937]

Big love ❤️ to Hartge. RIP

[@dmitryschelkonogov9258]

E34 looks younger and more epic than any other. Style of it is not loosing the focus of sportiness even years later. ⭐️

[@eesafredericks2122]

omg i watched this the exact moment it came out haha definitely the E28 or E34 for me but absolutely nothing between em'!

[@sensiblezoomer]

I love these videos gents, great production quality and great analysis. Great to hear Dan and Andrew discussing at the end too. Keep it going, you deserve 20X the subscriber count.

[@mav1202M2]

Well done! 👍🏁

[@melondoc]

I always wanted an M5 when I was growing up in the 90's; so I looked at the new M5 coming out and got a manual CT5 Blackwing 😆

[@TheBucketOfTruth]

I briefly drove an E39 and didn't see what all the fuss was about. Though I was hardly pushing the limits in the city grid. Just felt like a luxury sedan with a bad manual gearbox. I drove an E92 M3 and while a bit gutless on torque it felt so balanced and like it was carved from a single block of granite. Excellent sporty car. But then I drove an E60 M5 and fell in love with it a bit. So much character. It's just let down by that SMG gearbox. I think if the E60 M5 had been available with a DCT it would be much better regarded today. I'll have to get a go in a manual version one of these days because that's the most tempting M5. Put a shorter final drive or some shorty gears, a short shift kit, etc.

[@rooster16091982]

The gearbox takes getting used to and eventually you understand why it suits the car - unfortunately it's at its best when you're absolutely hammering the car.

[@JohnGuyu]

☕️ EAT NO SLEEP TRAINING ( This Is Like 40 Years ) BMW M

[@classiccarssp]

Having a E39 M5 Post face lift and one of the last 400 units made of the E34 M5 Evolution 6 speed I can tell you that being quite different, the E34 M5 Evolution its my final pick ❤ About the "moderns" M5... I respect the V10 E60 but cannot stand the doogy SMG gearbox (Red flag) and the high maintenience from this engines/electronics puts me also aside + Bangle new design era back then, was not very well accepted in the past.. but we often forget! 😅 Then comes the very last M5''s series with Turbocharged engines and autoboxes.. they are rocket machines but lost the true essence, feel & tact from the Old School era (E28 E34 E39)

[@AlexA-ts8sq]

Е34 М5 !!! 🤩

[@davidspropaganda]

One flaw with the E34 M5 3.8 Nurburgring pack's is the Servotronic steering which was much criticised in period in the 7 Series etc. It's nowhere near as bad as the electric systems of recent history, because it is intuitive, but because the resistance (very light) is basically the same at all times, engine speed, road speed, etc it feels very artificial. The basic power steering system is the same as the 525i, 535i which have very nice steering full of natural feeling weighting, but you can, I have read, change the Servotronic additions back to the standard and then you will have an M5 with the Nurburgring suspension and much much nicer steering. I think most 3.6's and non Nurburgring spec M5's did not have Servotronic steering.

[@JamesMonty]

Fantastic video, loved every moment. Look forward to the modern ones. I think now power is becoming stupid, emotion and enjoyment mean more to someone like me who passed my test in 1990! But I love tech too, so it’s a fine balance

[@user-uv3cs4ox8s]

Notice how the colours just get more droll as time goes on... *including the new bunch

[@chiemekaa]

The G90 is 400kg shy of 2xE28...

[@gavshields83]

Not fair using the CS though...