BMW E39

[Obioban]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

Like any other car in the market. Welcome to the 21st century and what people want: Rolling computers with 4 wheels.

Yes, like any other car on the market-- which is not a category BMW used to occupy. They used to offer a product distinct from the rest, separated by driving experience.

I briefly got excited by your username, as the e39 530i really is a solid driver's car. Feelsome R&P HPS steering, linear, responsive NA power, rwd, manual trans available, no synthetic/artificial sounds. Plus, a 3470 lb curb weight for a 5 series-- including a full size spare tire!

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by Obioban

Yes, like any other car on the market-- which is not a category BMW used to occupy. They used to offer a product distinct from the rest, separated by driving experience.

I briefly got excited by your username, as the e39 530i really is a solid driver's car. Feelsome R&P HPS steering, linear, responsive NA power, rwd, manual trans available, no synthetic/artificial sounds. Plus, a 3470 lb curb weight for a 5 series-- including a full size spare tire!

Never owned a E39 but did admire them from afar. Beautiful machine even today, 15 years after the last one rolled off the factory assembly line.

Funny the curb weight of my G30 530i is 3700 lb, so it is roughly 270 lb heavier than that E39 530i.

But I did own an 2011 E90 until March of this year, so I am well acquainted with the look and feel of old school BMW machinery.

Unfortunately market wants and needs have changed and BMW has adjusted to what their core customers want on a car. It may not necessarily be in tune with what a small group of enthusiasts on Internet forums expect from the brand.

[Red Bread]

The E34 530i was the cool one. 3.0L V8, manual transmission. Who cares that it didn't make much power and liked to eat valve covers?

[Obioban]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

Never owned a E39 but did admire them from afar. Beautiful machine even today, 15 years after the last one rolled off the factory assembly line.

Funny the curb weight of my G30 530i is 3700 lb, so it is roughly 270 lb heavier than that E39 530i.

But I did own an 2011 E90 until March of this year, so I am well acquainted with the look and feel of old school BMW machinery.

Unfortunately market wants and needs have changed and BMW has adjusted to what their core customers want on a car. It may not necessarily be in tune with what a small group of enthusiasts on Internet forums expect from the brand.

Even that 270 lbs feels like a bit of an underestimate— the e39 530i’s weight includes a full size spare tire and 50% more cylinders!

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by Obioban

Even that 270 lbs feels like a bit of an underestimate— the e39 530i's weight includes a spare tire and 50% more cylinders!

I am a huge fan of the old NA in line sixes as much as the next guy, but I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised by the B48 2 liter turbo mill in my 530i. It is very smooth and responsive it almost feels and sounds as good as my old N52 but with better low end torque response, excellent passing manners and much improved fuel economy specially in city driving.

I used to be a card carrying member of the "There is no replacement for displacement" club but these new generation of engines have changed my mind a bit.