What it's Like To Drive a Better-Than-New BMW E39 M5 - One Take

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The BMW E39 M5 was, at the time of its release in 2000, the most significant sport sedan development in a decade at least. With a 400-horsepower V8, a beautifully balanced chassis with precise, hydraulic steering, and a 6-speed manual as the only transmission option, it was poised for success. M5's have grown faster and easier to drive (automatic) since then, but, frankly, not any better, and the E39 was a high water mark that has yet to be topped by the Bavarians. High maintenance costs plagued the used market, and many examples fell into disrepair. Others were kept minty fresh, or restored. This Alpine White 2003 model is the best-of-the-best, with only 28,000 original miles AND two trips through the pricey Enthusiast Auto Group for freshening. But if you had to ask me whether I'd rather spend $100k on a mint E39 M5 in a rare color, or on a brand new M3 CS? I'll have the E39, and after you see this video, you'll get why.
Paul Zuckerman of the Spike's Car Radio Podcast provided the vehicle and insurance for this review.
Listen to his appearance on the TST Podcast here!:
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[@tolyoz]

When the manual was a only option transmission. Great old times

[@peterpillar5724]

Feelthevision 123 when cars weren’t too fast for manuals 🙃

[@3pedal372]

Peter Pillar they’re still not, people just pussed out

[@s0lidjesus885]

The Fiesta ST was manual only :)

[@tylercouture216]

@@3pedal372 thank you !!!

[@bobbyrobbyn1838]

Alex Edmon I will NEVER drive an AUTOMATIC cuz I’m a REAL DRIVER and I am ONE with my MACHINE after I drive I PUT THE SHIFTER IN MY ASS because me and my MACHINE ARE ONE - niggas who drive manual

[@ScramJamJohnson]

That generation of M5 is the ULTIMATE "My Friends' Dads car"

[@bigjohnfury5662]

Wasn't built in BMW Motorsport Garching like the proper M Power. Cars

[@ScramJamJohnson]

@@bigjohnfury5662 Who cares?

[@bigjohnfury5662]

@@ScramJamJohnson the people who own proper M Power BMW Motorsport handbuilt cars

[@upnorthviking823]

@@bigjohnfury5662 lmao who cares if its from a diff factory.....come on

[@bigjohnfury5662]

@@upnorthviking823 collectors care , investors care , you seem unable to understand the fundamentals of M Power history

[@dlee6985]

“It’s so mint this brushed metal is not scratched up at all.” as cameraman pans across a big ass scratch.

[@TheHardcoreArtist]

no thats just swap gas reflecting off the sun. its mint!

[@Assimilator1]

@@TheHardcoreArtist It's what?? Looks like a scratch to me! ;)

[@DavidBello]

Went looking for this comment and it was here right away!

[@seanmoore4653]

I think it's a hair my friend

[@jasonmoskowitz246]

It’s a weather balloon

[@louisburley1597]

"That was an ugly shift and I'm sorry" -me in city traffic to all my passengers LOL

[@ericgustafson8716]

Louis Burley I’m not the only one!!

[@leslie7872]

Same. When I fuck up my rev match by 100rpm or don't shift smoothly from 1 to 2nd I apologize to my friends for bucking the car. "sorry clutch"

[@jaketonsfeldt4874]

And it seems like it only happens when other people are in the car with you

[@leslie7872]

@@jaketonsfeldt4874 I still apologize to my clutch when I mess up

[@Life2DamEZY]

they all look at me like "huh" and im just like ._. "nothing" lmaoo

[@Mcboernester]

This made me tear up a little. I owned a black e39m5 roughly 12 years back with an Eisenmann Exhaust. The chrome shadow wheels and the downshift sound brings back tons of memories. One of the best BMWs every produced :)

[@Orcawhale1]

With all the problems these cars develop over time, i wouldn't call it the best produced, infact id argue the opposite.

[@andeleputo89]

Orcawhale car to imply what problems though? Im sure you’ve owned at least 1 to speak on personal experience perhaps? Or maybe you’re just one of those brainwashed toyota cuck fanboys that thinks anything thats not a corolla is “unreliable”. This generation of the M5 is pretty damn robust. Only main issues were timing chain guides for the most part.

[@majedsaati8175]

@@Orcawhale1 What problems lol ?? Did u ever own the car to be able to judge accuratly ?

[@mariuszanfir2298]

@@Orcawhale1 I'm still baffled about this perception. Or maybe they were building them differently for the various markets (i.e. built in different factories)? In Europe, at least, the BMWs of this era were some of the most reliable cars. True work horses and a lot more fun to drive then the current offering.

[@Orcawhale1]

​@@andeleputo89 The fact that you use "brain washed Toyata cuck fanboy" unironically, tells volumes about the emotional maturity of you, kid. Clearly you've never owned the car in question, because any E39 M5 owner who isn't delusional would tell you, that it's not a reliable car. But's here a bunch of pointers, kid. The rearview mirror for instance has tendency to get a leak, which isn't that bad if you spot it in time, but can do significant damage to the interior, if not discovered in time. You then have the usual BMW dead pixels inside the dashcluster. And the parking sensors, which just die randomly. Vanos, ofc. Those were just some of the ones of the top of my head, but if come around for seconds, im sure i can mention a bunch more, kiddo..

[@TedwardDrives]

Glad to see the e39 getting some love. When I bought mine, people couldn't give them away. Thankfully I kept it!

[@nzos14]

Hard to believe they've ever been all that cheap, I've always wanted one of these since they were new. Got a e90 m3 a few years ago to fill the role but I'd still love to have one of these some day.

[@sander16v11]

Tedward hi 👋🏼

[@TedwardDrives]

@@sander16v11 Hi!

[@peppinoesposito5465]

@@TedwardDrives I sold mine for 8,000 dollars in 2015.

[@wjohnsonism]

Tedward!

[@E39Source]

LOVED the review, Matt! I've had my E39 M5 for (almost) 10 years now. 210,000 miles. I even started a whole KZbin channel about it, E39Source. :D

[@DJAdo80]

E39Source yeah!!!

[@joshuakhaos4451]

Miles one the dash are irrelevant, It's all about how well you kept it maintained.

[@DJAdo80]

JoshuaKhaos trust me if you watch e39source videos, Ryan goes above and beyond like no other e39 enthusiast.

[@ernestocastellanos6446]

Christian Ado No doubt. He spent about or more money on his car than what a F90 M5 is worth

[@wjohnsonism]

Ryan!

[@JaredR1996]

I love how Paul has a Boston accent: “Make sure you put sport mode on. Take off traction.” 😂

[@joetacchino4470]

Jared Richardson Long Island (pronounced Lawng Eyeland), not Boston.

[@IvelLeCog]

Leave the gun, take the cannoli

[@marktolsma8816]

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit 2 introduced me to this car back in the day. Ahhh memories.

[@stevenkirkey9796]

Me too, the one with the el nino car

[@ThePaperRobotChannel]

@@stevenkirkey9796 same, first M car I knew about and my all time favorite

[@chufa72]

Blasting it through Route Adonf

[@dvrz]

@@chufa72 I'm more of a Kindiak Park man myself

[@user-jc5vv6cm7o]

Yes dude facts!

[@stevenotto2581]

I get it man. I have an 02 E39 M5.....30K miles that I bought 6 months ago from EAG. No car puts a smile on my face like this car. It's just an incredible driving experience.

[@kerunbindra4053]

I would really like to learn more about your experience here - can we connect?!

[@derbigpr500]

I've always claimed, and always will, that the E39 5 series, in any variant, is the best car ever made. As an overall package. There are cars that do certain things objectively better, but no car has the same amount of balance and just a sense of every little detail about it being perfect. There are things about that COULD be better, but there's nothing about it that's bad or negative, or out of place. If I had to pick "A CAR" to represent all cars ever made, it would be an E39, don't care if it's a 170hp 520i or an M5.

[@bigpat_4295]

E34

[@Kaavs]

first e39 520i had like 150 hp. And yes, i owned one, and it desperately needed more power. 523i and 525i were okay in that regard. But still, even that poor m52b20 150hp engine sounded great when revved out.

[@tictac556]

Only thing I dont like about my e39 is the crummy cup holders... very small problem but still a problem, I hate having to hold my morning coffee in place when turning at the stop light, its irritating.

[@SCHMALLZZZ]

@Foto4Max if you live in the rest belt like a dope

[@richardharrold9736]

@@tictac556 argh, tell me about it! Triple E39 owner here... I know all about the cupholder pain! How such a shitty piece of design managed to make it into what is otherwise one of the greatest cars ever made...

[@GlennsCarCollection]

I grew up on American cars, Camaros, Mustangs and then Corvettes. The first German car I ever drove was an E39 M5, and I was like WOW, this is what a German V8 is like, and it’s been German cars ever since. 7 BMW M cars later I am still hooked.

[@garagers6667]

You’re so spot-on about the driving experience with regard to older cars. There’s no denying current-era cars make tons of power. But the trade off of huge weight (can never tune that out), all the nannies, disconnected, although shift faster autos, and pure lack of driving feel, just make the older cars better for an actual driving/racing enthusiast. Almost no one is driving cars to their max potential. Nor are they breaking records everywhere they go because their auto can “oUt sHifT a HuMaN”. Who cares? People who are obsessed with numbers on paper, think manual is outdated and slow, will never experience the joys of driving. Sad for them, that they have developed such a weird disdain for cars that aren’t computers with a wheel.

[@pontiacGXPfan]

You took pretty much what I was going to say and found a way to say it in a way that I couldn't

[@jeebus2121]

Thank you. Every time someone throws out the "automatics are faster than manuals" non-argument, I always follow that up with, "So what?" and never get an answer.

[@leslie7872]

13:34 I WOULD KILLL FOR SOME ROADS LIKE THESE IN MY AREA 😭 there beautiful.

[@harrison1056]

Aaaaaand every clapped out E39 M5 on Craigslist just shot up to $20k.

[@notoriousfatty240]

Harrison perfect time to sell 🤑

[@Che1seabluesdrogba11]

They've been expensive and going up for years already

[@papaannefranku9693]

Any e39 under 100k miles will be 30k or over!

[@papaannefranku9693]

Roohullah Zamani another 10 years

[@papaannefranku9693]

Ss X was it modded? Or at least a rare factory color combo? If not the person who brought it is a sucker!

[@keyboard101101]

I appreciate the fact that he didn’t peel off the dirt in the shoulder. Cars like this deserve respect.

[@DocumentaryHub]

All bmw's with a 6 cilinder and up from that era drive beautifully.

[@jsnyara]

I have a high mileage 2000 M5 and I love it! Even at 200,000 miles it's still very solid and handles great. Can't wait for the snow to melt so I can take er out

[@dawsoncav]

Same man, same. Got me a bunch of goodies over winter too

[@Banom7a]

or you can always find an empty parking lot and start drifting with it lol

[@dawsoncav]

@@Banom7a That's what clapped out E36s are for

[@johnpearson492]

I used to daily my 02 M5 in the snow, handled it like a champ. I couldn't stand the thought of putting it up for the winter.

[@AwakeFM]

@@dawsoncav same here :) Are you guys on M5Board?

[@JaimeMacDonald]

My high mileage E39 M5 has been the most fun I have had in a car in a long time. Everything is so mechanical and deliberate. Great video!

[@taylorc2542]

How much is it costing you?

[@JaimeMacDonald]

@@taylorc2542 Hasn't been terrible! Motor is healthy, done a few odds and ends and just slowly replacing parts as I go. The shocking part is how affordable most of the parts are

[@MrPizzaman09]

You should of mentioned the instaneous throttle response from the 8 ITB's. There is no car in history that is better. I owned one for 48k miles and I loved driving it in all situations.

[@gamefool117]

“The SENSATIONS is what you need.” Lol

[@Tim_Alfaro]

Good stuff! There’s a reason I own 2 and a Supercharged M5 Touring conversion! You should come drive the touring (all alpine white as well!)

[@jhorvath121]

I love my e39 M5! Great review and glad you got to do a one take on one of these that was properly sorted

[@whatareyoudoingyouidiot342]

This was the pinnacle of 4-door automotive achievement.

[@supernova1976]

One of the best cars i have ever driven, i never forget the sensation and that was back in 2006 , to me it felt like Ferrary f430 for the family and it handles the power perfectly. i will own one one day.

[@fredrik3863]

Thank you so much, this video is so honest and even if the reviewed car is the holy grail of E39 M5, it explains the spirit of the E39 M5. I just love the sound from this Bavarian master piece 😍 I get the same feeling that you are describing in this review when I drive my own E39 M5 that now is at 113’ miles (18 300 km)...

[@davedumond9268]

Great video. Brings back favorite memories of driving my friend's silver '02 in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains years ago. Lusted after one ever since and I'll probably go to my grave regretting I didn't buy one my own.

[@arthurs7882]

Your point on sensations vs specs is spot on!

[@gnarlytothemax]

The older I get the more I appreciate the whole OEM+ deal. Nailed it with this car - I would drop $100k for it if I had the means over a new M5 any day.

[@JA-ui3gg]

Great review of one of the best classic 4 door hot rods ever. If not the best.

[@CarYenta-1]

Matt, props for driving correctly in your surroundings and setting a great example for everyone. Cheers.

[@siennamayh]

I remember going to the Uk , London (or could have been Birmingham ) motorshow as a teen when these came out. They had a mock engine mounted to the wall with the v8 soundtrack banging out and the throttle bodies opening and closing in time. Great noise.

[@joecatetal3889]

i recently drove an e39 wagon w/a stick and the base straight 6 and LOVED IT!

[@80spodcastchannel]

I worked at a BMW dealership and one came in for service and I got the opportunity to drive one of these...I nicknamed it the FOUR DOOR VIPER that handles like a Porsche... what an awesome car....

[@jaredstephenson6468]

Damn. That was sick. I haven’t watched in a hot minute and I can’t do the videos that you don’t appear in, but that video was well-made, informative, and just overall probably the most enjoyable video you’ve made this side of the Boxster video.

[@highlysuggestible861]

Great narration, great vid. I had a 2000 540i M, of course I always wanted one of these instead. Having said that, the E39 540i M is also a fantastic drive. All the best from NZ!

[@AnthonyMichael504]

Truly love love watching honest reviews on the e39s especially the M5- did not know till today that all the GT race cars still use this motor... amazing and inspiring. Just more affirmation why I'll never sell mine and probably look to buy another soon :)

[@SkyScourgeGod]

The E39 M5 is my dream car and has been for several years. The E39 chassis overall though is an excellent car regardless of model. My first one was a 528i and my current one is a 530i, both are great for driving and not too hard to work on either. I'm a Honda mechanic and it feels like my 530i has been easier to wrench on than most Hondas I've seen at my dealer. I can't afford the M5 yet, but maybe someday I'll have one.

[@dspada67]

Hi from West Australia. I had a 2000 white one. Hands down my favourite out of all. I have a MTM SC Audi rs4 b7 , amazing, various M3’s but the the e39 is king. Great work mate.

[@nimmen]

That last bit is a beautiful stretch of road. After you turned right at the motorcycles.

[@khalid749]

I owned a Le Mans blue 2001 E39 and drove over 100,000 miles and I can tell you with all sincerity it was the best car I've ever owned. I cried when I sold it. That 5.0 L V8.... the sounds it makes with slightly modified exhaust is completely intoxicating. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat if I had the loose change to spare. They are getting up there in price and it is well deserved.

[@TheoIam]

Love everything about this. Going on 12y of ownership with my 03. I get everything Matt said.

[@bargym2312]

Ah man.. I daily drove one of these for almost 6 years.. This video is making me feel very nostalgic. What an incredible car!

[@seanmoore4653]

This guy has the best job in the world ! And he's a nice guy and just gives an honest review of cars and appreciates them! Nice guy!

[@singer9643]

Great vid!! I just picked up one of these on BaT this week and can't wait till it's delivered! Love me some analog M's.

[@MloooT]

Amazing review ! Best car of all times for myself, but it was great to listen to all the points you have made about it (thought I was in the minority who "likes" the body roll). Great vid!

[@2ndProtects1st]

I’ve owned 4 in the past. Now I have an LMB 01 with 36k miles and imola 01 with 7k miles.. both on heritage extended leather. One of my all time favorite car! I remember when I was 19 years old seeing and e39 M5 new going by me!!

[@papa_pt]

@7:00 correct. Gone circa 2011 with the switch to EPS which they never really bothered fixing

[@elektro3000]

Greatest sedan ever. I've wanted one for so long. I felt like crying when you said they've gone up that much in price so quickly. I long ago convinced myself that no matter how cool they are, I'll never truly enjoy one because a sub-3000 pound two seater will always be so much more fun to drive and a Land Cruiser will always be a better hauler for people and stuff, so what's the use case for a halfway vehicle? I don't care, I WANT IT!

[@johnpaull135]

Just wonderful such a great time for M cars and the e39 M5 is king. Love one now for all the reasons you covered. Thanks for the review

[@nlxsteve]

Loved this video Matt. I have an alpine white/imola red combo with 86k mi. (Low, but not too low that you feel bad about driving it). Alpine white is the best color for the E39M. Rare, subtle, classy, and timeless. Almost sold it a few months ago but super glad I didn't. Thanks!

[@Brandon-bv1bj]

These cars were made during the golden age where they start adding computers and tech to increase performance but before any emission regulations and complex electronics which limit driving pleasure. Good to see an E39 in such a pristine condition!

[@j.mentzy2480]

For build quality reference, I sold my dad's 01 540i Sport 6 speed yesterday. 173,000 miles and not one rattle or squeak anywhere, granted the MMI hasn't worked for 4 years and both rear window regulators were shot. Had the Dinan bolt ons and tune like this car, dynoed at 320whp/350wtq at 155k miles. Loved that car. If anyone is looking for the M5 experience without the skyrocketing M5 money, look around for a 540i Sport 6MT (or M-sport if its '02 or '03). I bet the cleanest one in the country is less than $25k, maybe even $20k.

[@jameswillard1]

One of the best driving cars I’ve ever owned. I had one from 2000-2002 and this was probably one of the most impressed I ever was with an automobile and a shame I didn’t realize at the time that this was the high point as far as engaging performance sedans. Ended up buying an E60 V10 M5 in 2007 with the hopes of it taking that E39 experience to an even higher level, but unfortunately all that happened was that it made me realize what a great (and superior IMO) car the E39 was in comparison as the E60 felt much more complex, heavy, and much less enjoyable in every area as a daily high performance sedan.

[@AlumarsX]

The E60 was better at making you take rests more frequently during road trips due to the fuel range.

[@hby7768]

I used to have one of these back in 2001. My all time favorite car that i have ever own so far.

[@TOShorts]

I own an E39 M5 and will never sell it. It is a spectacular driving experience that never gets old!

[@chrisa6385]

Absolutely love this era of M Cars. My 2001 M Roadster is so raw and visceral. Something you just don't get these days!

[@5lamasmiguel]

Beautiful way to start my morning. 😍 gotta love the e39 m5

[@davidbunnell2912]

My friend had an e39 M5. At the time I needed something more practical. I went for a 2003 e39 530i with a 5 speed. I bought the car in 2010 used and searched the web for a year trying to find a clean sport package example. As soon as one would pop up, it was gone and that was 10 years ago. People aren't selling the good MT cars. I put M5 swaybars, sport springs and Koni sport shocks, strut tower brace, 275s all around for a square setup and cold air intake. There aren't a huge number of mods for the non-M e39s, but what a great car. On a Portland to LA run, the range would just touch 600 miles between fill ups, and the car would get around 28 mpg at 75-80 mph. Lighter than the M5 with a better steering rack. I almost regret selling it.

[@pevangelista2779]

Had my 02 from 2009 to 2019, Le Mans Blue with the wood trim. Literally one of my dream cars and I'm happy to have owned it for a decade. Sadly maintenance costs got the better of me and I had to sell it before sinking even more money into it. One of the sickest and best looking M cars ever made IMO.

[@crherniman]

What an absolutely great video! I searched forever to find a clean white e39 m5. Took a few years but I finally got it! How many other Alpine White owners here?

[@kellysmith1144]

It sounds so go - scratch that - sensational! Looks great from the cockpit, too! What I like best is that unlike modern go-fast cars that one simply sits in and it goes like a rocket, this thing needs skill to get the most out of it. The performance is the reward!

[@DriversSide]

Such a fantastic car! The E39 M5 and E46 M3 were the golden era of M cars

[@gogibo66]

Loved to see how you tried to be composed but couldn't help but loving the car:)

[@sceneryaesthetic6302]

When I was in college at University of Kentucky there was a white E39 M5 on campus, always loved seeing that car. I didn’t realize how rare they are in alpine. I also saw an individual E39 M5 in Byzanz Metallic, that car has to be a 1/1. Today I own a BSM 540i M-Sport because I am too poor for M5 but I always have loved the E39, I sold my ZHP for the 540 and enjoy it much more so far.

[@AwakeFM]

I own a 2001 w/130kmi that I've been going over thoroughly and rebuilding/upgrading everything bit by bit. Awesome machine, I'll never sell it.

[@CryptoJoeTrading]

great video - love that tight cornered road you drove -you should use that again

[@TobiasRieper047]

This M5 is slick, love the looks of it, not too blocky and not too rounded either. The era where these cars where one of the better choices of sporty sedans. Would love to have one in dark green metallic, that'd look super sweet if you'd ask me!

[@TwoToneProduc]

I really missed you driving the cars on One Takes man Also its on an E39 M5, One of my favorite BMW's ever ❤

[@basithph8958]

I love the M5 E39 One of the best driver’s sedans

[@AustinMBecker]

Yep, one of the best ever.....

[@starsonata321]

this M5 and Lotus Omega, my two favourites

[@nickmotsarsky4382]

"Brushed metal is not scratched up at all." Shows big scratch.

[@ashwinramsaran7627]

Nick Motsarsky I was looking for this comment.

[@southernpimp5252]

I was waiting to see this comment! 😂😂

[@seanmoore4653]

It's a hair relax!

[@aminmahjoub7150]

Journalism like this from Matt is hard to come by, top notch!

[@stiggy186]

Matt made a great point about the sudden leap in values on these. When I bought my Pontiac G8 GT in 2014, an E39 M5 could be had for the same money with the same mileage. It was (and still is) one of my dream cars, but I knew as a broke fresh-out-of-college kid I couldn't afford to maintain it, so I went with the G8. Now, the Pontiac has been nothing but absolutely fantastic to me for 6 years, but there's always that little part of my brain that says "...but it could have been an E39."

[@ruarkeng]

Sold mine a couple of year's ago. It was ok, but the repair bills were getting up there. When the ABS module crapped out, I was out too. The steering was numb, the shifter was rubbery, 1st gear was too low, and it had the normal hitch in the TPS that made it difficult drive smoothly. I don't miss it a bit.

[@bowtiebonanza]

One of my favorite cars of all time.

[@johnpearson492]

I agree with your final evaluation fully. If I had the 100 grand to spend, it would not be on a brand new one. Newer cars leave me wanting for more rawness and involvement. I had an 02 M5, in excellent condition. I highly recommend it for anyone that wants an all-round well balanced car. Especially for anyone that appreciates a bit of straight line speed. I eventually decided I wanted something more agile, sold the M5 for an R56 Mini. Then I realized I wanted something that also had the immeditaness of a Naturally Aspirated engine, so I sold the Mini for an e36 M3. The M3 has been my favorite car so far. Perfect ballance of power, chassis, noise, comfort and involvement.

[@SpaceTimeManipulatorSTM]

I noticed the engine braking thing in my 128i and as much as i appreciate it I thought it was a problem. Good to know its a desired thing.

[@n0pic325]

And my old e39 520i automatic has 325.000km and is still running good over 23 years in our family. Greetings from germany keep up the good work. Still searching a imolared/japanred 540i with m Paket or M5 :D

[@klinatoc]

Had the opportunity to own one along with an 01M3 and 99/95 e36 m3 at the same time. Had to thin the heard during the gas price spike in 09/10. Didn’t have a family at the time so kept the e46 and sold the rest. Wish I kept the M5 and e46, now that I have a kid. Back in the market for another e36 for a track toy and a m5 for a family car and the e46 for... it’s a slick top base model 6 speed can’t sell it, ever. Agree with all that’s been said even the finicky pixels and rear view mirror in the e46/39. Cheap fixes for such great overall cars. All 4 were tiag on black😂, I got a problem with silver.

[@dacrab1]

Love these... but sure love one of its v8 siblings...my 2011 e90 competition spec sedan with 30k miles is a joy to drive!

[@CarCounsel]

A clarification, friend, as an E39 M5 owner driving one happily since new, now with 270K on the clock. The Dinan reprogram doesn’t change spark or fuel tables whatsoever. It actually makes SPORT *less* sharp than stock, and the standard mode more like SPORT and less like an old Benz than it was stock. Also: the grey gauges, updated wheels, widescreen NAV, optional M-audio, and halos front LEDs rear came with the other changes you mentioned for ‘01. So it’s 00 or 01 and later, I believe. Oh and VANOS not VVTi of course but I’m sure you knew that. Glad you enjoyed the car; every drive the last 20 years has been similarly joyous.

[@chrismunsey3185]

Man what a beautiful and badass machine!! Besides the E30 M3,the E39 M5 is my favorite M car of all time.👌🏽😍

[@bigmatt556]

Great observation about how much power is really useable. It’s like automatic vs manual. Bragging rights for numbers go to the autos, but pure experience goes to the manual. Choice seems obvious to me.

[@garagers6667]

Matt Bertram amen

[@NapoleonDynamite69]

4.5 seconds is incredibly fast, I personally don't care for anything faster than 6 seconds. It doesn't seem necessary in my opinion, unless you're young and want to do street races... I do not care for such things. Hand me a European luxury sports car with stick shift and a Harmon karmon stereo system, with window tint. Simply put, I won't be getting any sleep that night.

[@gnarlytothemax]

sometimes less is more.

[@kevinkarbonik2928]

@@gnarlytothemax no.... less is never more. lol.

[@spngr311]

My e39 m5 is the only car I genuinely regret selling. That car was amazing, even though mine was not nearly as nice as the one Matt drove.

[@MurphyAM]

I too have an Alpine white over Extended Caramel 02 M5. Previous owner was in talks with EAG for them to buy it before I scooped it up. I have had it since 2013, and I have added 105k miles in those 7 years. I will never sell this car, and I look forward to clicking off the next 100k miles. I whipped up a trailer hitch for it and even tow a small motorcycle trailer behind it. This car literally does it all and it puts a smile on my face every single time I drive it. I rode in a new one back in 00 or 01 and was absolutely blown away by what it could do. I knew one day I would have one of my own. It's almost a shame that these cars were limited numbers and long out of production, as they truly are brilliant in every way. From a time when BMW really was the Ultimate Driving Machine, and this the ultimate iteration of that mentality.

[@qalba3016]

And you are RIGHT I miss cars that have body roll I can feel the limit of the G force and when I should maintain speed or reduce Now with active body control, my limits are determined by tire sounds and that caused me over steering and finally skid off track

[@brandonwalker2925]

Fact check uncle Matt, the P65B44 version of the e92 M3 engine was used in the Z4 GT3 racecar for most of its service life. Maybe Turner used the S62 at first, and the Riley Daytona prototypes definitely did. Nice video...e39 is the best car ever made if you ask me. I'm building an LS3 swapped e39 Touring. Using the S62 would be cool, but I want a faster rack and pinion from the Z3 and not recirculating ball as is required by the V8 subframe.

[@Techjunkiero]

The best M5 all of time. Absolutely stunning and looks so good! Back when BMW designed timeless cars.

[@henrythomas4390]

Well, well done! The joy of driving a reasonably analog car. This to me is what it’s all about.

[@5lamasmiguel]

Imagine coming home one day and telling the wife you spent 100k on a “new car”. She comes out and sees this m5 back from 2003 🤣

[@charlieward7606]

that you have already owned and sold for a fraction of that xD

[@stevenotto2581]

Yep. Been there and done that!!! LMAO!!!!

[@MADLITS1K]

no wife better life

[@electrikoptik]

Imagine living in pussyfied country where you’d have to tell your wife how you spend your money.

[@RichRotorhead]

@@electrikoptik say louder for the guys in the back row

[@fredrik3863]

Wow, thank you very much for this! I will go out to my garage and show my Le Mans blue E39 M5 2000/04 this video :) What its youth was like 💪

[@grecoconduris6716]

I am pretty sure Holden GM benchmarked this cars chassis, suspension and handling for their Commodore (Chevy SS)

[@pascutia]

And that’s why the manual Chevy SS is such a brilliant car. Super underrated car imo. A manual SS with 40k miles is still worth almost as much as it was new.

[@kristianspencer1978]

The gtsr w1 is the king of all super saloons. One sold recently for $1m Australian. If I won the lottery..??

[@grecoconduris6716]

@@kristianspencer1978 pretty impressive huh?!

[@nickmatthews4939]

Modern turbo cars with mega power leave me cold. My current Alpina Roadster Z4 (with S54 NA engine) gives me the biggest smile per mile of any car I have ever owned, it rewards with an analog experience. A 👍🏻s up from me.

[@rickyaustin5757]

You’re right about chasing stats spoils cars, they’re now geared to make numbers not engaging feedback

[@AlumarsX]

Favorite one take of all time.

[@j_gray]

Proud to say that I got the pleasure of owning one of these for a couple years. Pretty cool to know that I owned arguably the best M5 of all time.

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

I was about to buy one of these amazing machines. But I bought a truck to take the family camping instead. No regrets but man... I really like these. Thanks for the vid. Just amazing.

[@john-okc450]

I own a 2003 M5 Dinan S2 (Window sticker reflects Dinan package) with 46k miles. I had no idea the market was this high, I never even thought about selling it. Truly is the "Ultimate Driving Machine"

[@rustyshackleford309]

Best steering wheel I ever held, had the same one in my 330Ci M-Sport

[@hasanz5259]

Best looking and driving sedan ever made! 🔥