E39 hype

[Chihuahua]

Am I the only one that thinks the E39 is over-hyped? I have driven them all (US cars that is), even the M5, and I just don't get it.

[BMWCCA1]

I have a 2002 530i Sport/Premium, 5-speed manual, DSP, Heated Seats, leather, new Contis, Jet Black with black leather sport seats, SSK, ZHP knob, S/R, garage kept under cover, never wrecked or painted, perfect stock modular wheels, etc. I've owned every previous 5-series and loved my E34 so figured I'd really love the E39. Mine has just ticked 80k-miles and I never drive it. Owned it over seven-years. My 128i M-sport 6-speed is just so much more fun. Hate to give up and sell the E39, but it might just ring the bell on BaT and I'm nearing retirement . . .

[W///]

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

Am I the only one that thinks the E39 is over-hyped? I have driven them all (US cars that is), even the M5, and I just don't get it.

Oof, careful now, you'll start a riot on a BMW forum.

Personally, I think the E39 is one of the best designed BMW's (visually) inside and out.

All I will say is, I've driven my E92 M3 back to back with an E39 M5 and I will always pick the S65 over the S62, but that's completely personal preference. I think a 530i 5MT would make an absolutely wonderful daily though.

So no, I don't think they're overrated, but I also would pay the silly prices the E39 M5's are going for as there are other cars I'd prefer in that price range.

[OEM3]

I would say they are the best looking BMW sedan for sure. I have a 2000 528i. I would say they are over hyped cuz they can be a maintenance nightmare lol

[335i54n]

the e39 chassis with rack and pinion isnt hyped enough imo but the e39 m5 Stock definitely is overhyped. the e39 m5 is without a doubt the most reliable bmw ever made imo with a true v8 grunt that make it the best dd

[HighlandPete]

How can anyone over-hype the E39? According to many, probably the pinnacle of BMW's ability to put together a genuine spread of talents, virtually no other BMW (or competitor) has ever matched.

That applies, whether we look at the 530i, the brilliant M5, or the impact the 530d had on many markets. The proportions, the interior design, fit, finish and detail, excelled. The handling and comfort on M-Tech suspension was so well balanced, it earned its praise and accolades from the motoring press and users alike.

AutoCar here in the UK described the E39 5-series, "So close to perfect". My own observation, owning a 540i wagon, BMW produced a truly refined model which was 'complete' down to the smallest details, like the precise damping of switches and controls. No wonder the E39 earned the title of "Executive Car of the Year", most years of its production, here in the UK.

I expected the E60 to improve on the E39, it didn't. Even the F10/11, based on the 7-series platform and parts, although a good car, just doesn't ooze the same "sum of the parts" BMW achieved in the E39.

My next door neighbour bought an E39 535i back in 1998, ran it almost 300,000 miles, until an accident wrote it off. He went out immediately and found another genuine example. His wife still drives it most days, still looks good on the road, the 'purr' of the V8, as good as it gets.

[DubaiRich]

If I could do it all over, I would've kept my '97 540i/6. By far the best of all worlds, and the design is timeless.

[PYE46M3]

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

Am I the only one that thinks the E39 is over-hyped? I have driven them all (US cars that is), even the M5, and I just don't get it.

how old are you OP? just curious

[tom @ eas]

One of my favorite BMW commercials to date:

Still miss my e39 540.

[IcewaterPete]

Great commercial! Great car.

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

Am I the only one that thinks the E39 is over-hyped? I have driven them all (US cars that is), even the M5, and I just don't get it.

Yep, just you. Seriously though, my E39 M5 is still my favorite BWW ever. And I've owned (and own) a lot of BMWs. It just does everything so well. It was my DD from 2004 - 2015 because I couldn't find anything I'd rather drive. Now it's a garage queen (well, I suppose my 2007 Z4M coupe is as well), but every time I drive it I feel so connected. Manual box, NA engine, mechanical limited-slip differential = huge driver involvement. Same for the Z4M coupe, but the S62's torque makes daily driving so enjoyable.

[PYE46M3]

Fantastic color combo there. E39 M5 is easily one if
Not the best looking BMW ever made. Beautiful from every angle right down to the wheels.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by PYE46M3

how old are you OP? just curious

47. I got into BMW when the current 5 series was the E34, so I definitely have an appreciation for the 'older' generations of BMW (hell, I have one). I've never understood the fascination with the E39. It looks decent in wagon and M5 forms, other than that it's bulbous; it looks like a bloated turtle to me and it's really, REALLY showing its age now. I don't think they drive that well either, especially the V8 cars. I had an E60, and in my opinion it was superior to the E39 in every way imaginable (even looks). I'd rather have an E46. Just my $.02 obviously.

[a5m]

Agreed. Fantastic combo. Don't usually see the lighter interior.

Lusted after the E39 M5 since seeing it in magazines in high school. Don't know why I thought it had a supercharged V8 making 400hp. Learning it was NA made it that much more special.

[tom @ eas]

This was a real treat to see visit the shop a while ago. The closest to a e39 M5 Touring we'll see:









Full flickr album can be seen here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmSV5WUb

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by KevinM

Yep, just you.

Very possible!!!

Nice stable you have there.

[PYE46M3]

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

47. I got into BMW when the current 5 series was the E34, so I definitely have an appreciation for the 'older' generations of BMW (hell, I have one). I've never understood the fascination with the E39. It looks decent in wagon and M5 forms, other than that it's bulbous; it looks like a bloated turtle to me and it's really, REALLY showing its age now. I don't think they drive that well either, especially the V8 cars. I had an E60, and in my opinion it was superior to the E39 in every way imaginable (even looks). I'd rather have an E46. Just my $.02 obviously.

Ok that is fair. But you are among the few because both E46 and E39 are universally loved because of how beautiful they are and how they are so similar in exterior design. E60 was a huge step down that disappointed a lot of people but it has aged well. With every generation cars become "better" aka more comfortable and luxurious but I don't think E39 looks dated on the exterior or interior. To me its a perfect design. E60 interior on the other hand is terrible. Just compare the steering wheels and door cards.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by PYE46M3

Ok that is fair. But you are among the few because both E46 and E39 are universally loved because of how beautiful they are and how they are so similar in exterior design. E60 was a huge step down that disappointed a lot of people but it has aged well. With every generation cars become "better" aka more comfortable and luxurious but I don't think E39 looks dated on the exterior or interior. To me its a perfect design. E60 interior on the other hand is terrible. Just compare the steering wheels and door cards.

I'm a big fan of the E46. I think it's arguably the best 3er to date. The E60 definitely didn't disappoint me, I owned one and of all the BMWs I've had over the years that's one I wish I would have kept. Other than the interior soft touch surfaces that peeled if you looked at them wrong it was superior to the E39 in every way (just my $.02).

[Thorsveinyhammer]

Originally Posted by KevinM

Yep, just you. Seriously though, my E39 M5 is still my favorite BWW ever. And I've owned (and own) a lot of BMWs. It just does everything so well. It was my DD from 2004 - 2015 because I couldn't find anything I'd rather drive. Now it's a garage queen (well, I suppose my 2007 Z4M coupe is as well), but every time I drive it I feel so connected. Manual box, NA engine, mechanical limited-slip differential = huge driver involvement. Same for the Z4M coupe, but the S62's torque makes daily driving so enjoyable.

Love it. Oldie, but goodie.