What's it like to live with a BMW E39 M5? Owner's Honest Review | Car Chaps

After one and a half years of owning his BMW E39 M5, Neemah reflects on whether it is the right choice - or whether the faster V10 E60 M5 or Twin-Turbo F10 M5 are better.
In this video we break down:
- The positives
- The negatives
- Cost of ownership
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[@neemahwright3193]

“Boatloads” - Word of the day 🤣🤣🤣

[@carchaps]

Boatloads of boatloads

[@ReesSorby22]

I was looking for this comment ;)

[@jimtaylor431]

I adored my weedy E39 523i... the E39 M5 is unquestionably my absolute grail, and I really hope to be able to own one some day.. but feels like that dream is pretty steadily slipping away from me as prices (rightfully) go up and up :-(

[@carchaps]

Some good quality examples I’ve seen recently for the 15/16k price point! I think the market is quite hot at the moment and examples quite overvalued. Don’t lose hope yet!!!

[@ThexMJT]

They are an absolutely beautiful shape. Timeless.

[@carchaps]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@exorcist1998]

Great video. I have owned mine for 17 years now and I still love it as much now as when I first got it.

[@carchaps]

Great to hear!

[@PowerslideSWE]

I've had 2 E39 M5's. Had my first for 3 years, cost me fuel, alot of that and 3 services. That's it. 2nd one was in much rougher shape, 120000 miles, cost me £500 to diagnose and fix and intermittent misfire, fuel and 3 services, thats it. They are 20 years old now, shit wears, drive sensibly, warm up properly, don't bounce on the rev-limiter and that are very reliable, but they are old, stuff will go wrong, perhaps I was just lycky with mine. And as with ANY 20+ year old BMW you DO NOT drive it in the salt of winter.

[@carchaps]

Apart from my diff going, technically I could’ve just regularly serviced my car and have been in the same position. I do like fixing every niggle hence the large maintenance bill. They are great cars and on the whole quite reliable if looked after (as you say). Rot can be a problem but luckily the common problem areas are relatively easy to rectify. Definitely a car to be used rather than sat in a garage for many years doing nothing !! Thank you for watching 👍🏻

[@MS-sy8ls]

Love the honesty - and the car! Great review 👏🏻

[@carchaps]

Thanks mate, we appreciate the kind words

[@ging3r333]

Love your channel, I'm 18 in the UK and dream of the day I can afford to buy and insure an E39 - this and the last video gave me a lot to think about more realistically haha

[@carchaps]

Glad you’re enjoying the content! You should definitely look into it when you can - despite the running costs it was relatively cheap to insure and tax. Amazing car

[@ging3r333]

@@carchaps They're absolutely gorgeous too 🤤

[@laurentiu.panait2536]

Never give up on your dreams young fellow.. there are guys out there living our dreams and having fun while you are day dreaming. Wake up to the real eorld, go out there if you want it, go get it boy. I'm your age and I cannot wait to finish uni and move on

[@deadsinner2004]

I see you mentioned annual car tax for an M5 in the UK as being £290.00. Here in Ireland, we pay car tax based on the size of the engine (for cars registered before 2008). For an M5, the annual rate is €1,809.00 or, if you choose to pay quarterly, the rate is €511.00. Yes, that is €511.00 every 3 months - or €2,044 p.a. ! In the USA, they don't have car tax, only an annual registration fee of $20. I think we must pay one of the highest rates of car tax in the world. It's enough to make a grown man cry.

[@carchaps]

Damn 🫣! I’m definitely not envious! Pretty crazy they can command that sort of money purely to own a car. Bet you’re potholes are as bad as here too 🤣 Thanks for watching !

[@crherniman]

That's insane. In most places in the US we pay sales tax on purchase price when we buy the car and annual registration. It varies by state. My M5 in Tennessee is about $75. But in California they base registration on the value of the vehicle. I have motorcycle registered there and it's valued at about $2500 and registration is $209.

[@crimeariver2519]

I've got one (2001 MY). Mine's a well-kept car and I've receipts (just from 2006 onwards) for over £30k just for servicing and maintenance. 'M' - the most expensive letter in the alphabet. 😄

[@zgpm7031]

30k? I assume that includes the price you paid for the car.

[@nikolamladenoff3516]

@@zgpm7031 Ehm, for 16+ years, it's actually not bad at all, some may even call it cheap.

[@_mitric_n]

To me it's funny how E39 M5 owners always say stuff like: "it only has 400HP, but it's still fun"... Like ONLY 400hp 😂😂😂

[@carchaps]

True but I’ve often found it’s more fun to push something less powerful to its limit than use 50% of something overpowered. The most fun I ever had driving was ragging a Hyundai i10 round some twisty roads 🤣! Thanks for watching though !!

[@_mitric_n]

@@carchaps Couldn't agree more! Cars these days are good, but I don't think there is much space to use all that power. And honestly to me personally nothing could ever beat the feeling E39 can give you. I wouldn't trade that for G90 or anything else, that car is pure gold :) Have a great day :)

[@carchaps]

You too !!

[@farkinarkin5099]

Classiest performance sedan, ever!

[@carchaps]

It’s definitely up there

[@sanimadani4216]

Sick chanel lads

[@carchaps]

Many thanks 🙏🏻

[@billymania11]

Only two cars got me interested in German automobiles. The Porsche 930 Turbo (1978) and the BMW M5 (V8). I will not own either as I drive a BMW M2 and I'm sort of old now. Your M5 looks the part and compliments your public presence.

[@carchaps]

Thanks Billy! M2 is a great car and would love to own one! See you on a twisty road somewhere !!

[@964tractorboy]

Two great choices. Don't rule out either just because of advancing years. You can always sell them if they don't work out. But if you never buy them in the first place...

[@E39m5wulf]

I have to agree with you 100% the E39 M5 IS the best M car. Especially if you need 4 doors and loads of trunk space. Aged like fine wine.

[@carchaps]

I used to be dead set on it. I could be tempted by a classy E60. The F90 is probably the best all round objectively but the newer ones don’t get me as excited as these things. Thanks for watching !

[@lewis72]

I get 27mpg from my E39 M5 on a run and around 21-23mpg with just usual driving. Still, as you say the fuel costs aren't worth worrying about. I think overall a manual 530i Sport would be a better proposition as you get 80% of the car for about 30% of the cost.

[@carchaps]

Probably says more about my driving! Yeah I agree, in todays climate I think those models are becoming more attractive ! Are you part of the U.K. E39 M5 owners group?

[@lewis72]

@@carchaps "Are you part of the U.K. E39 M5 owners group?" - No.

[@andrewj595]

I have koni sport shocks and lowered front springs, as a result, the handling is super dope!

[@carchaps]

Yeah a blend of sporty and comfort is needed! The BCs are ok but really it’s too stiff for my liking!

[@analogdriven]

Lowered front springs... am I correct that, stock, these cars sit higher up front? I've seen quite a few E39s that have a much bigger gap between wheel and fender up front, including mine. At first I thought it was because the PO made a few mods that took some weight off the front end but the more of them I see the more it looks like they're just like that.

[@carchaps]

@@analogdriven yeah lots of stock cars have the nose up look which isn’t my first choice visually. Pointing the nose down on these definitely gives it more of a pronounced M look in my opinion !

[@RsHounting730]

Honest review.😀For me the E60 M5 it's just the engine, nothing less nothing more. But the E39 M5 is full of everything, what a car needs. If you know what I mean.:-D

[@carchaps]

I think the best answer to this problem is to own them all !! Thank you for taking the time to watch 👍🏻

[@smokinstendoss]

Stupid high quality video man, great work

[@carchaps]

Thanks very much! Just starting out so very much enjoying the process of finding what works and self improvement !

[@alecxpro2071]

BMR Performance are the best.

[@RiperSnifle]

Lovely lovely thing. Even if I could just about afford one I could not afford to daily it. Sad times! Enjoy it mate

[@carchaps]

It definitely costs a lot in ‘M Tax’…

[@MrGman2804]

I test drove one of these about 18 years ago. At the time my daily driver was a UR audi quattro 20v with about 220bhp. I had that car down to a fine art and it was 4wd. However, when I drove the M5, I feared I would end up in the hedge or worse. So believe it or not I decided against the M5 because it was too powerful and I wasn't confident I would have the self control to not over-use the power. Did I do the right thing? Financially no. So I ended up buying a Jaguar XJ8 4.0 with 290 bph which was brisk, but not like the M5. A good M5 now is becoming hard to find and valuable.

[@carchaps]

We do hanker after an XJ though…

[@kona328WH]

Looks like you have a square setup in regards to the wheels. Looks great and Iiked the raked stance.

[@carchaps]

Yeah! Can be a pain sometimes as it throws stones up at the wing mirrors but looks good and you get great grip in turns! (Bit of tramlining though)

[@kona328WH]

@@carchaps worth it tho right! You have the heritage leather option?. Can't see it in any of your videos properly but just caught a glimpse. I'd love an Oxford Green e39 M5 with the caramel heritage leather. Enjoy. Expensive but a good feeling to own one.

[@carchaps]

@@kona328WH yeah it’s heritage interior. Nice and comfortable but not the most supportive in spirited driving. That is a nice colour combo you described! Let us know when you get it 👍🏻 thanks for watching !

[@kona328WH]

@@carchaps I wish but I don't think it's ulez compliant. I have an F56 MINI JCW. It's no M5 but it'll do. Thanks.

[@carrier7676]

Short answer is "Yes", but long answer is.... also "Yes", but thats after watching the video!

[@carchaps]

😂😂😂

[@Fact_Check77]

Yes, what else would you like to know?

[@lincolnM5]

I have an E39 M5 and an F10 M5. Both have increased power and a few fixes. It's hard to choose a better car.

[@carchaps]

They are great cars! Honestly, I’m tempted by an E60. This may seem masochistic but the near F1 sounding V10 is certainly alluring! Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@lincolnM5]

@@carchaps I don't like the style of the e60. The engine is great, but problematic, the gearbox is terrible, the f10 M5 is a close relative of the e39 M5.

[@carchaps]

Yeah after having been taken out in one (F10) I did think the handling and the feel of the car when losing grip was quite similar to the E39. The E60 would be fun for a while I think but when the excitement wears off and the maintenance bills come in…..maybe not so much 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@lincolnM5]

@@carchaps The F10 is also two classes faster than the E39

[@nickwillobey2205]

There's boatloads in Kent every day!

[@carchaps]

Don’t know how I managed that word so many times🤣 Also you sure you aren’t mistaking the rusty ships for an E39???? Easy mistake to make 🤣

[@PhantomMark]

V5 is registered keeper, not proof of ownership :D 39's rock, the M5 is a cult awesome machine.

[@carchaps]

Our on set government DVLA documents advisor was on holiday so you’ll have to forgive the mistake 😅😉

[@PhantomMark]

@@carchaps lol - more of an info mention for others sake, as it is a common misunderstanding :)

[@carchaps]

@@PhantomMark Only teasing! Thanks for the correction 👍🏻

[@dgracer1]

I had an E39 M5 facelift model. I did all kinds of driving in it, city and motorway and I regularly got 23mpg and on long runs it could get 27mpg and even got 30mpg once. I wonder was it down to the upgraded VANOS.

[@carchaps]

One thing that doesn’t help me is with the aftermarket head unit in the car, I’ve lost my high OBD functionality so can only really look at the average MPG instead of ones for a specific trip. I’m also not exactly tame when driving this car so I don’t personally help my own consumption much 🤣

[@dgracer1]

@@carchaps I found the onboard computer was highly inaccurate. I actually did proper calculations (very OCD) and that’s how always got my mpg.

[@carchaps]

@@dgracer1 hahah don’t worry it’s understandable. I guess with these cars the only important figure is smiles per gallon 🤣

[@Isaac_Gbornor]

I bought the Single Vanos so less fuel consumption,

[@iangrumpypirate568donovan3]

The cup holders are crap. Apart from that it’s an awesome car.

[@doca8792]

“Good bit of kit” …as you say o’erder

[@iandavies1893]

I had a friend with one when I had a 4 litre s type and the s type was quicker low down and rode better with more precise steering. Got a remapped e class with less power but loads more torque than the M5 and is real world quicker and only half a second slower to 60mph.I get 30mpg to 50mpg and better steering and ride so no contest. A 530i is probably better overall. Good video though.

[@carchaps]

Personally I’ve stopped worrying about numbers. If money is no object, this would make a great daily car except maybe having a manual if the commute involves some traffic. I can see the allure of matched performance with less fuel consumption but for me it’s the soul of the car that attracts me rather than any of the 0/60 times or torque figures. Sounds a bit cliche I know 🤣 I think the design has aged better than anything else in the same category of it’s era. As always, it comes down to personal taste, and it’s probably best to just own all the cars rather than pick one hahaha! Thank you for watching 👍🏻

[@Ya93sin]

I get 32ish mpg on the motorways and have averaged 23mpg since buying the car - super unlead fuel. Definitely a bit odd that you're getting 22!

[@carchaps]

I’ve seen a couple of people get numbers like that but not many! 22mpg is me on a good day 🤣 I’ll probably blame my heavy footed driving for my poor numbers😅

[@stevenotto2581]

If you're getting 32 mpg, you should sell it and buy a clapped out Ford Pinto as you literally have no idea how to drive an M5.

[@edva135]

sadly my e39 with new bc coilovers clunk very hard when going over speedbump or a little deeper hole. it feels like strut tower wants to jump out of the car

[@carchaps]

It’s always worth making sure they have been setup properly and also checking the rest of the suspension. There are a few arms/bushings etc that need doing on mine. The BC coilovers are great around some twisty roads but wouldn’t recommend overall for everyday driving. I found it’s a bit like driving a golf cart suspension wise 🤣

[@edva135]

@@carchaps yeah they ride great,i have all new front suspension,everything tighten up few times,idk maybe coilover cartridges are defective

[@edva135]

@@carchaps mine rides pretty comfortable,except i have big bangs over deeper potholes..maybe need to check control arms :D

[@ashterfadgadget817]

I think you should say 'boat loads of torque' more often.

[@carchaps]

We were actually going for a world record…. Unfortunately we didn’t make it 😅

[@Wit2344]

So the guy likes mushrooms and driving his M5...xd Nice one!

[@carchaps]

Who doesn’t?

[@Medge2sc]

How much torque does it have?

[@carchaps]

The technical term is ‘boatloads’ (369 foot pounds) 😅

[@andreiarama8745]

Between the E39 M5 and E60 M5 I would go with the E90 M3.

[@carchaps]

They have a bit of a hooligan reputation in the U.K. and I’m not the most keen on the styling interior/exterior, but I can definitely see their appeal. They sound amazing too!

[@andreiarama8745]

@@carchaps for me the E39 is too old and thirsty and the E60 is too big and thirsty ahahaha. I had a diesel E60 and I think that a turbo engine with a lot of torque suits it better than the V10

[@elefteriosmouratidis]

Doesnt the E39 M5 have 400 bhp and not 392?

[@carchaps]

Technically it has 394 according to official specs and that was a little mistake on my behalf…… however, I think anyone would struggle to find an example making exactly that right now 🤣

[@964tractorboy]

400 PS (so-called "metric horsepower"), or 394 bhp.

[@mogsmog215]

Not the best sounding?? Very close between this and the E60

[@carchaps]

Personally I would say stock, the V8 of the E9x series tops the e39 by just a smidge. The 39 is quite raspy so definitely benefits from an aftermarket system !! But yes… e60 is an unbeatable sound 👍🏻

[@mogsmog215]

I've got an an E46 M3 with an AC schnitzer box and I love the noise but anytime I hear an E9x I get that twinge of something I can't explain 😄 An E39 or E60 is a dream car for me. Can't beat old school beemers

[@davidh4632]

6 grand damn, I love the look of these but the steering puts me off. However, not much else out there that is as good.

[@carchaps]

The Diff going immediately didn’t help! A lot of the things I’ve done aren’t completely necessary and more preventative so you could definitely run this car for less. Lots of jobs like when I changed my rocker cover gaskets, lead you to difficult to reach places that you might as well replace everything in them while you’re there which definitely adds up!

[@davidh4632]

@@carchaps I realise you can go down a rabbit hole, buying on condition rather than miles is a good idea with these old performance cars.

[@carchaps]

Definitely agree! Big selling point for me was it had had the big 3 done recently at Mr Vanos 👌🏻

[@964tractorboy]

Try one. The steering has never been an issue for me whenever I've driven one.

[@Akiss]

Do my eyes deceive me, or are you running a square setup with four rear wheels?

[@carchaps]

Yeah I’m running square! Although I have 265 size tires on the front rather than 275 all round.

[@Akiss]

@@carchaps always fantasized about that for my e34 M5. Looks great!

[@romulus_]

I see that you're just starting off. couple of tips -- no need to waste minutes on going through the parts costs one by one, even if you fast forward. just display it all on screen and get it over with in 30 seconds with some brief explanations of anything juicy. it's just not that interesting. the interstitial music is an annoying trend and most people's choices will age poorly. otherwise, nice presentation and choice of car.

[@carchaps]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback! After viewing back ourselves a few times we can see what you mean and will definitely take this on board for our next videos !

[@marcom2248]

One of the last really good looking BMW. In the old days they did not give a single f*ck about the taste of the world. Nowadays they only care about the Chinese...

[@carchaps]

The E39 an E46 are the high spot in BMW styling - and possibly even European ‘everyday car’ styling. So timeless, and hasn’t been beaten since. Like Mercedes in the Eighties and Audi in the Noughties, late Nineties Beemer styling was the high water mark

[@marcom2248]

@@carchaps I agree.

[@mubarakalmohannadi5451]

Nothin like E60 m5 after 6000 rpm ..nothing..e39 m5 is a good car . It fall in its face when reached 6500 rpm..but e60 m5 is far better ..my god e60 m5 screaming from 6000 rpm till redline.especially if it had isenman race exhaust..it is just music .

[@carchaps]

The great sound of the e60 M5 is undeniable! More modern technology within and more power available! But I don’t think I would feel as comfortable owning it over a long period of time as well as using it the way the car gods intended. Rod bearings, smg pump, stuck injectors, throttle actuators. An expensive list. I personally think they are all really good in their own way but the V10 is certainly special !!

[@mubarakalmohannadi5451]

I own both ..to be honest I enjoy driving e39 m5 ..but when I drive e60 m5 it is just magic my friend..this car is really a master engineering.the way it behave after 6000 rpm is unbelievable.you have to drive one to understand what I mean .

[@coastalrider1155]

It’s not the fastest it’s not the best handling it’s not the best sounding are we talking about an m5 or a 520d lol the car is 20 years old and is still a weapon

[@carchaps]

100 %…… All factual statements but I guess I was trying to say that it doesn’t matter as this car provides the same/if not more enjoyment for the driver compared to some ‘better’ models. Thanks for watching !!

[@silow1474]

That's 10mins of my life I won't get back

[@carchaps]

Thanks for watching! Looking forward to seeing the videos you upload soon !!

[@eloisegordon6089]

Alright Scotty Kilmer …enjoy your Toyota themed mid life crisis 😂

[@jeremiahex]

Nah dude. E60 M5 S85 V10 is the greatest. Don’t get me wrong, E39 M5 is great, but not like the E60 M5.

[@carchaps]

As with everything, personal choice 🤷🏻‍♂️ Can totally see why someone would want the E60 over the E39 !

[@jeremiahex]

@Eklips Kustoms (Razeen Francis) obviously you don’t own one and never will because you can’t afford to own one.

[@ArthurJGibson]

SMG takes some getting used to. E60 M5 leaves a few things to be desired. Ride quality, range, cost of running. There's an argument for both. I own an E63 M6 and it's interesting but I wouldn't change it.

[@jeremiahex]

@@ArthurJGibson exactly. Smg is so misunderstood thus when abused by those who have no understanding of the mechanisms that are in motion, damage them then trash talk. Same with the S85. All you hear the haters say is: rod bearing failure, etc. these cars separates the men from the boys.