30 Years Ago, Did BMW Create The Perfect Car? E39 540i Review

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Today I drive what many consider to be "Peak car" - the E39 generation 5 series. Constructed with a greater quantity of aluminium, and still from that era where German cars may have actually been better, how does it fare today?

#BMW #E39 #5Series

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[JayEmmOnCars]

CarVertical: The History Checking Service
Use this link or code "JAYEMM" for a discount!

[AlexLR]

About 25 years ago on my way home from school my dad said "Shall we stop at that new BMW dealership on the way home and have a look around?" A short while later he'd bought a one year old 528i for £15k. I was shocked. It felt really special, it smelled brand new and for a kid used to scrappy old volvo estates it was the fastest car on the road. He always lusted after a 540i over the M5 which I didnt understand until I got a bit older myself. So the E39 will always be something special for me. Still remember the big grin I couldn't wipe off my face after he booted it to 125mph on the A41. Thanks for the video!

[lonesomeguitarplayer]

After quite a few 4 cylinders, I finally purchased my first straight 6 BMW. An e39 Oxford green 530i Touring with lots of beautiful options, fine leather sports seats, and an interior both classic and ergonomic. An absolute joy to drive ... and listen to. With lots of thanks to my son Jim, who gave me the idea in the first place, because of his enthusiasm for his own e39 saloon.

[anthonygray]

When I started to drive in 1976, a 30 year old car looked absolutely archaic. This mid 90s Bimmer still looks contemporary.

[camilstoenescu]

Dunno if it's the 'perfect car', but it's definitely one of the most beautiful sedans ever. And the best looking 5 series.

[davidk]

I was such an odd teenager when these were new. My friends all lusted after Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini, I wanted a 5 Series in Oxford Green with a Sand Beige leather

[zoppotromp]

I am glad to still maintain mine. 300 thousand km and running strong.

[EasyPCUK]

I’m 23 and I have an E39 M5. It’s hilariously cheap to insure. I’m based in Yorkshire but you’re welcome to have a go in mine!

[simonh]

Aguably the best car BMW have ever built. Build quality, reliability and styling all went down from here.

[DouweBuruma]

I’ve been driving e39 for 13 years now, currently a 2002 530i, and I still love it!

[domsventures]

E46 vs E39 in terms of looks.. Honestly couldn't call it. BMW did a great job in this era of cars!

[petec]

I daily drive a 1998 540i with now nearly 200, 000 miles on the clock. It's glorious, and I can still give people a run for their money off the lights! The auto actually helps with that.

[timhulio]

Can someone not show current BMW designers a photo of this car? They could even Google it if they're connected to the internet.

[michaelcliffe]

I started my appenticeship as a panel beater/body repair tecnician in 2000 at BMW in Frankfurt/Germany and the E39 was just so abundant on the shop floor, run off the mill and ordanary being a fleet car/entry managers car in Germany's finance capital city. Just as I finished at BMW in 2003 the golden era (unbeknown to me at the time!) came to a horrible end and 20 years later, still being in the trade, I see these beautiful cars in a different light!

[karlg]

E39 540 msport owner here for the last 10 years, i love my car its a riot on the weekends & has some dinan goodies

[AntoniusTyas]

I don't know why, even though my teenage years were defined by E60s and F10s, the E39 just feels right whenever I look at one. The proportion, the mix between modern and classic stuffs in the interior, and the simple details just work together nicely. Even the E46 didn't do that much in my book (would prefer E90 and F30/F80, tbh), but the E39 and the E38 7-Series feels so right.

[maz]

E39 (M5) is still my pick for all-time greatest BMW

[TheMarkyMarx]

Great review, thanks for posting. I had the 528i e39 in 1998 and loved it and once the lease expired I got the 530i in 2001 in the same silver colour and M54 engine replete with the stunning BBS style 42 (bolted) rims. 210, 000 miles later and I'm still driving it today. Beyond the struts, brakes and tyres, I have had the alternator and oil pump replaced and changed the belts and various pullywheels and that is it. It still drives beautifully and looks as good as the day it came off the factory floor in Munich. A timeless design classic.

[bernardpullon]

I've owned my ex-Japan 1997 540i for several years here in New Zealand. It's my favourite car. 365000km and going strong. About to put a new radiator, water pump and thermostat in. Similar sort of suspension maintenance gone into it. Magic car.

[intellectualwino]

I had a 2000 E39 540i 6-speed. Best car I ever owned. Not so reliable, but in terms of fun factor? Off the charts.