Why the E39 M5 is the best BMW ever. Review!

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 3. 05. 2024
  • Get 15% off your Carly purchase with code "MatWatson" until the end of March at: bit.ly/Carly_MatWatson
    Carly's scanner and free version of the app with standard OBD features are compatible with cars that have an OBD2 port. To see if Carly's more advanced features - like coding or Smart Mechanic- should work with your car, check out their website. To access these additional features, you'll need to get their yearly subscription.
    This is regarded by many as the best BMW ever created. And this one is one of the very best out there. Not only
    is it in pristine condition but it also has a few key upgrades which really help enhance the character of the car. The only question is...Should I buy it?
    To find out more about this car and other tuned BMWs please see Imran's channel Evolve Automotive here: / evolveautomotive
  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 2,2K

  • @MatWatsonCars
    @MatWatsonCars  Před 2 lety +187

    You can get 15% off your Carly purchase with code "MatWatson" until the of March. Visit Carly's website to see what features work for your car model: bit.ly/Carly_MatWatson.

  • @Thisismyhandle218
    @Thisismyhandle218 Před 2 lety +1695

    E39 gave a whole new meaning to “fast saloon” when it came out - absolute legend and still my favourite 👌🏻👍🏻

    • @Thisismyhandle218
      @Thisismyhandle218 Před 2 lety +7

      @zetorih that’s an AMG…

    • @Mvrk_63
      @Mvrk_63 Před 2 lety +2

      Super Saloon

    • @imortaliz
      @imortaliz Před 2 lety +11

      the lotus omega/carlton is the one that has that crown, came out 8 years earlier and had almost the same power. It also had the record for fastest saloon :) But i would have the e39 over the omega anyday. e39 m5 for sure is my favorite car

    • @Nickoboss29
      @Nickoboss29 Před 2 lety +2

      You forgot the Thema 8.32 with Ferrari Mondial and 308 derived V8, Vauxhall/ Opel Omega Lotus, Audi RS2 sedan, the previous M5 generations, Alfa 164 V6 the 500E... etc...

    • @Thisismyhandle218
      @Thisismyhandle218 Před 2 lety +6

      I see your point however I said “new” meaning which implies there were previous cars that gave meaning. For me at least, the E39 put fast saloons on the map for a different generation, which has stood the test of time as people still want and talk about it.

  • @terptv710
    @terptv710 Před 2 lety +1257

    This isn't just a great BMW this is one of the best cars of all time

    • @sharepremium8614
      @sharepremium8614 Před 2 lety +19

      Stop the exaggeration

    • @efirehawk
      @efirehawk Před 2 lety +124

      @@sharepremium8614 He's not exaggerating. I have one. I've driven all sorts of cars, including Ferrari's as part of my job. The M5 E39 really is up there with the very best of the best.

    • @marieaudreyduchamp8839
      @marieaudreyduchamp8839 Před 2 lety +5

      Not with these horrible wheels

    • @terptv710
      @terptv710 Před 2 lety +51

      @@sharepremium8614 No exaggeration, I've got over 20 years experience as a vehicle technician. I've driven more cars than you've had cooked dinners...........

    • @rlsedition
      @rlsedition Před 2 lety +14

      @@marieaudreyduchamp8839 Oh, come on now.

  • @jernej.skoflek
    @jernej.skoflek Před rokem +21

    i owned 2001 e39 525i , i miss it so much, it was awesome! classy, elegant and sporty! one of the best bmw and cars in general.

    • @pegcity4eva
      @pegcity4eva Před 14 dny +1

      I had a 530i 5 speed it was awesome

  • @mlp-hot-rod5824
    @mlp-hot-rod5824 Před 2 lety +88

    The E39 remains one of the finest cars ever built. This M5 remains my fave. Shame they never made an estate version.

    • @patriziodinicola9362
      @patriziodinicola9362 Před rokem

      @A B
      Which one?
      Name please?

    • @nabahmadi5012
      @nabahmadi5012 Před rokem +2

      @A B it was for certain bmw bosses/executives only. If I remember correctly..

    • @ottson
      @ottson Před rokem

      Check out the channel "speed academy". They built an E39 M5 wagon

    • @MrGulyo
      @MrGulyo Před 3 měsíci

      I have e39 540i touring manual 6 ❤ i know thats not m5, but still amazing ❤

  • @Leon-yl8ge
    @Leon-yl8ge Před 2 lety +1681

    One of the best looking sedans ever. Back when BMW styling took a "Less is More" approach. These days the cars are grossly over styled, and just plain ugly.

    • @lohithreddy6629
      @lohithreddy6629 Před 2 lety +65

      Mid 2000s is peak BMW design

    • @jorgebarrera9313
      @jorgebarrera9313 Před 2 lety +53

      Don’t be so nostalgic, nowadays cars are just as beautiful.

    • @damarekonayaro5781
      @damarekonayaro5781 Před 2 lety +12

      @@jorgebarrera9313Agreed, the earlier M5 versions looked much better. That looks quite bland and dated.

    • @questionyourself718
      @questionyourself718 Před 2 lety +60

      @@jorgebarrera9313 u cant say that about the current M3 or M4. You just cant.

    • @TheNondiscriminatory
      @TheNondiscriminatory Před 2 lety +44

      @@jorgebarrera9313 the new M3/m4. The Honda civic type R. The Hyundai Sonata. The i3. And countless other new vehicles... God. God are they ugly. Styling has definitely gone down overall compared to the old days, for sure. There are standouts, like the Kia Telluride and Carnival, the 2022 Toyota GR86, the Rivian pickup.

  • @sdoubleu210
    @sdoubleu210 Před 2 lety +205

    Man BMW design from this era was so clean, simple, and gorgeous.

    • @mikerichardson8006
      @mikerichardson8006 Před rokem +4

      I had a 2001 E38 Sporty Shorty 740i that was simply a joy to drive. A big car, yet so nimble and poised with nearly anything you threw at it. I can only imagine how much 'more' the E39 was to drive hard.

  • @pdcichosz
    @pdcichosz Před 2 lety +6

    The chromed outline of the kidneys was a standard in ALL E39s. The M5 special was chromed vertical bits. Sideskirts look standard Mpack, same for the steering wheel. The seats are different though. And the internal mirror. The 'plasticky' aluminum is not a plastic, but actual metal - I have one with this trim.

  • @mike_oe
    @mike_oe Před 2 lety +64

    I owned a M-sport E39 for many years, every time I tested the newer ones, I was disappointed. BMW never managed to get the same mixture of comfort and responsiveness in the 5 series. The 6 cylinder rack and pinion steering was indeed better than the 8 cylinder circulating balls. If I had more time and money, I’d transplant a new B58 engine into a LCI E39.

  • @t1328
    @t1328 Před 2 lety +538

    I drove a colleague’s M5 at the time, and remember thinking it was the best balance between a daily driver and a sports car I had ever been on. You could be driving it casually with the wife and kids in the back and no one would know its even sporty, and then drop them off and go for a drive, start revving, and that thing just becomes a hooligan. Amazing car to drive. I’ve always felt it, and the E39 540i were the pinnacle of the 5 series.

    • @MsFishfish1
      @MsFishfish1 Před 2 lety +13

      Hooligan 👍🤣

    • @moustafael-moghazi109
      @moustafael-moghazi109 Před 2 lety +1

      Well said

    • @eksebro
      @eksebro Před 2 lety +2

      I agree 100% with the balance of being a daily driver & sports car 👍

    • @1anre
      @1anre Před 2 lety +4

      Wish the M5 came with rack and pinion.
      Doubt there’d conversion kits from recirculating ball steering to rack and pinion by now.
      If it came stock with rack & pinion steering the E39M5 would’ve been the best handling BMW ///M5 they ever made.

    • @xzing7
      @xzing7 Před rokem

      @Quirin M. Do you have a channel.

  • @fratsimsek2600
    @fratsimsek2600 Před 2 lety +485

    Timeless design. Those were the days when BMW design was flawless. Best looking M5 of all time. Subject is closed to argument.

    • @tutamiah6697
      @tutamiah6697 Před 2 lety +4

      F10 M5

    • @DM-rc4yu
      @DM-rc4yu Před 2 lety +32

      @@tutamiah6697 No

    • @bumpyroad3251
      @bumpyroad3251 Před rokem +11

      Yeah, later came Chris Bangle and fucked things up - BMW design never recovered from this.

    • @001barca
      @001barca Před rokem +18

      For many its one of the best looking sedans of all time. E39 M5 and E38 7 series for me are the best looking BMWs ever.

    • @Ardonn
      @Ardonn Před rokem

      You can't say anything is this or that when it comes to design and visuals since it's only an opinion and an opinion is not fact. Rather childish ;)

  • @calvinchann1996
    @calvinchann1996 Před 2 lety +2

    My second company car was an E39 525d. With the Bangle 5 series coming in, mine was one of the last E39’s in the dealership so had loads of options including the TV which worked. Picture would switch off when the car was moving as a safety measure. I think there was even a CD player behind the TV. I loved that car. Handled wonderfully.

  • @rtg0616
    @rtg0616 Před 2 lety +8

    I used to have a Z8. Hearing that engine with the roof down was incredible. Lovely car the M5.

  • @jyotsnabajpai2706
    @jyotsnabajpai2706 Před 2 lety +398

    Yes this is one of those BMWs which still stand on that tagline which every one loves "THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE"

    • @Dan23_7
      @Dan23_7 Před 2 lety +7

      Back when they were drivers cars
      I’ve had an e28 and 2 e30’s
      Loved them

    • @G20T
      @G20T Před 2 lety +2

      Yeah specially the e90’s back when anything was possible v8 supercharger

    • @pindadopje0162
      @pindadopje0162 Před 2 lety +2

      @@Dan23_7 nice I’ve got a 328CI e46 and the engine still drives amazing after 300k km on mileage

    • @Dan23_7
      @Dan23_7 Před 2 lety +2

      @@pindadopje0162 Nice… The e46 not far off classic imo, especially the M3 and the 330 clubsport

    • @pindadopje0162
      @pindadopje0162 Před 2 lety +2

      @@Dan23_7 mine is from 99 had to reinforce my subframe and a few standard maintenance stuff but so reliable beside that

  • @maksimstamatov
    @maksimstamatov Před 2 lety +518

    The original LCI E39 was the first model integrated with the iconic BMW "Angel Eyes" rings on the headlights. They were unofficially called Angel Eyes because they look like an angel's halo, from what I know at least. Great car overall!

    • @martynasskan
      @martynasskan Před 2 lety +29

      ya have no idea why he called them corona...its angel eyes

    • @DroneSupremacy
      @DroneSupremacy Před 2 lety +2

      Haha Maxi, small world 😆👊🏼

    • @aussie2uGA
      @aussie2uGA Před 2 lety +5

      I had one of the first e39 M5’s in the US (nov 99 delivery). It didn’t have the angle eyes, they came next year, it didn’t have the 16:9 navigation (had 4:3), and the “LeMans Blue” paint wasn’t ready (according to dealer) so they made the first few in Avus Blue.

    • @QuizzyV
      @QuizzyV Před 2 lety +3

      @@martynasskan BMW called them corona rings.

    • @esapaajanen8786
      @esapaajanen8786 Před 2 lety +1

      E39 was never called LCI!

  • @DaveEbmw
    @DaveEbmw Před 2 lety +5

    Great review as slways matt. I had my e39 m5 supercharged by evolve nearly 2 years ago and have driven it to within an inch of its life. Cannot fault their work and highly recommend their upgrade. Along with a few extras to keep it on the road with the added power 👌🏻

  • @jammasterquo
    @jammasterquo Před 2 lety +15

    My mates dad had one, one of my first tastes of something insanely fast from the passenger seat. One of the best looking 5 series generations in my opinion too

  • @supernpstr
    @supernpstr Před 2 lety +551

    The original alloys were a classic. These bbs ones are cool but not like the originals

    • @h.4rry491
      @h.4rry491 Před 2 lety +49

      100% correct, cars like this should not be altered in any way at all. They where perfection when they left the showroom and should remain like that...

    • @Turborider
      @Turborider Před 2 lety +47

      I have to say though this is a really clean build and the BBS wheels definitely work on that car. But I guess I would still go for an original unmodified E39 M5

    • @Pitti_Piotr
      @Pitti_Piotr Před 2 lety +4

      Come on at least it looks different than 99% of them

    • @Zaildarabeer1857
      @Zaildarabeer1857 Před 2 lety +1

      Nostalgia man.

    • @cwx8
      @cwx8 Před 2 lety +3

      The problem is the centre bore at 74.1mm. No wheels fit it.

  • @sideswipebl
    @sideswipebl Před 2 lety +309

    Real G's remember when the title was "this is the BMW M car ever"

    • @Hadi_765lt
      @Hadi_765lt Před 2 lety +1

      😂😂😂😂

    • @bernieboy
      @bernieboy Před 2 lety +8

      Haha thought I just imagined it for a second

    • @toc.mp3
      @toc.mp3 Před 2 lety +2

      Hahaah yes I was confused as f

    • @dns9155
      @dns9155 Před 2 lety +1

      I read the title over and over again xd

    • @moldytexas
      @moldytexas Před 2 lety +1

      Ngl I immediately clicked, was like "bruh what?" 😂

  • @andiparker3733
    @andiparker3733 Před rokem +2

    I used to have one of these.. R reg and silver.. so many technical problems all the time it drove me nuts! However, when it "behaved itself" it was a beautiful drive and was a pleasure to own

  • @bigc6723
    @bigc6723 Před 4 měsíci +2

    Big Cousin - Artist/Car Enthusiast.
    The E39 is automotive history. By design and performance and it’s beautiful simplicity is forever etched in our minds. Nothing will ever be like it. I have a Carbon Black E39 M5 all original best weekend car ever, I love this video. I feel this car needs a documentary. Something that’ll give it Justice.
    People will say F10 is better but nah, not really memorable. I don’t think it’ll be desirable age wise as much as the g80 when time passes. Thanks again Matt!

  • @p.zamora6576
    @p.zamora6576 Před 2 lety +69

    Working at my local BMW at the time when the e39 m5 and e46 m3 were out was the main reasons why I fell in love with the brand. The Z8 with this motor was one of the best cars I ever driven and my first real taste of what a performance/luxury car should look and drive like.

  • @PCBetter
    @PCBetter Před 2 lety +182

    Back in 2001 we called those headlights “angel eyes”. There was a mod to be able to add them to E46’s. Good ol days. Best M’s came from that gen. Definitely buy one. Keepers fo sho

    • @erwalkerca
      @erwalkerca Před 2 lety +6

      Yeah, never heard them called "corona" lights before.

    • @elpresidente1000
      @elpresidente1000 Před 2 lety +4

      ​@@erwalkerca Yeah but that is the official name. The term angel eyes was created by aftermarket companies.

    • @erwalkerca
      @erwalkerca Před 2 lety

      @Koze 394 hp, 368 lb-ft, and a 0-60 of 4.8 is fun in a four door sedan and seems a good reason to me.
      An '03 530i is not exactly the equivalent of an e39 M5.

    • @erwalkerca
      @erwalkerca Před 2 lety

      @Koze Only if you had to replace it.

    • @billolsen4360
      @billolsen4360 Před rokem +1

      Great car. If you wanna buy a 22 year old M5, just make sure you have deep pockets and lots of patience. You'll be embarking on a true adventure hunting for parts. On the plus side, you'll be helping to preserve automotive history AND putting your mechanic's daughter through Harvard Medical School!

  • @UNITGJ
    @UNITGJ Před 2 lety +2

    Drove one recently on a detailing job. Feel in love. Sounds amazing

  • @markeagland4969
    @markeagland4969 Před 2 lety +4

    What a great looking car and a nice review. I had the opportunity to buy one of these several years ago for £11k, now I am kicking myself. However, I have just bought a low mileage e39 540i, so I have 75% of the experience with a 4.4 V8.

  • @POZIMIND7
    @POZIMIND7 Před 2 lety +64

    I still love the look of this car ..

  • @Saif0412
    @Saif0412 Před 2 lety +71

    This is the Ultimate M5 and the build quality on the E39 series was on a different level, they don't make them like that anymore.

    • @joshbacon8241
      @joshbacon8241 Před 2 lety +1

      Why was there no Touring version of the E39 M5 like there was for the E34 M5 before it? From what I’ve heard previously, this may have been due to financial considerations?

    • @DominikHoga
      @DominikHoga Před 2 lety +4

      @@joshbacon8241 there was no touring version for e34 M5. But there was for e61

    • @joshbacon8241
      @joshbacon8241 Před 2 lety +5

      @@DominikHoga Actually, there _was_ a Touring version of the E34 M5, but not the E39 M5 that came after.

    • @kitchentrout5867
      @kitchentrout5867 Před rokem +5

      Build quality??? This car will bankrupt you.

    • @arayalynn03
      @arayalynn03 Před rokem +4

      @@kitchentrout5867 If a e39 will bankrupt you then you have serious financial issues and should probably reevaluate your life choices.

  • @marvinsamuels1237
    @marvinsamuels1237 Před 2 lety +5

    My favourite iteration of the 5 series. For me this had the best balance in its styling and the M version isn’t even my favourite. I liked the 523iSE and it’s subtle, classy finish and just enough performance for everyday use.

  • @markcarter3552
    @markcarter3552 Před 7 měsíci +1

    I love my E39. 25 yrs old , and still showroom cond.

  • @g9icy
    @g9icy Před 2 lety +76

    This is my favourite looking BMW ever. I nearly bought one for 10k 5 years ago and I’ve kicked myself for not doing it ever since. Buy one Matt, so I can live vicariously through you.

    • @AustinRides7264
      @AustinRides7264 Před 2 lety +5

      Sometimes you just gotta go for it! I was always scared to buy a bmw because of the repairs and maintenance. Found a cheap '07 760li with the v12 and 97k miles for $5k and said yep, that'll be my first beamer

    • @realMaverickBuckley
      @realMaverickBuckley Před 2 lety

      Trouble is, my mate DID and despite being a BMW aficionado and being a member of the clubs and having really good all round car knowledge it cost him £12k ($16k) in the first year. Around £7k since then. So .. swings and roundabouts, I was offered a 72k Silver E46 M3 Coupe (04) last January for 10,500. I needed a week to get some of that and his partner decided to give it to an auction house where it went for 15. (16,5 after fees) 😭
      But I know for a fact it needed work. There are alot of people that just don't factor the extra 20,30, 50% of the cost that will impact them down the road and I think that's partly why prices are going through the roof.

    • @g9icy
      @g9icy Před 2 lety

      @@realMaverickBuckley Yeah, it only makes sense if you can fix it yourself. Parts are still expensive though.

    • @xcofcd
      @xcofcd Před 2 lety +2

      @@realMaverickBuckley It doesn't matter that much if you spent some money on it. You actually should spent money and keep it in top shape. There comes a point where you can't even find cars in great condition anymore and then they really go up in value. Look at the E36 for example. Or I remember when you could get a E30 M3 for 10k. It's actually a great investment. There's not much at the moment where you can get returns like this with low risk plus you have fun with the car...

    • @alexg1778
      @alexg1778 Před 2 lety +1

      Yeah, when I passed my test 10 years ago and was looking at fast cars (that I had no business looking at as you do at that age lol) M5s were far cheaper. I could afford that price now, but I'm stuck in the same boat in that they've skyrocketed in value so I still can't afford one. 😂

  • @AlphaLlama
    @AlphaLlama Před 2 lety +39

    I recently bought myself an E39 and I’m absolutely in love! Now it’s only a 523i but it still has an toque-y I6 engine and it moves! Especially for only a 170hp. There’s also no rust (maybe a few bubbles here and there) and i got it for only 2.5k€. The car is not leaving anytime soon 😄

    • @fisken6680
      @fisken6680 Před 2 lety +2

      I got a manual e39 530i for 2.5€ and its an absolute beatiful car👍 Is your e39 a touring or sedan

    • @AlphaLlama
      @AlphaLlama Před 2 lety

      @@fisken6680 they really are, aren’t they? I love mine still! It is a sedan, it’s calypso red which is a pretty rare colour these days. Well, at least i haven’t seem another calypso red e39 on the road this far

    • @soundseeker63
      @soundseeker63 Před rokem +1

      And they will be worth quite a bit more than that in a few years time! Any E39 is a sound investment. I have a glacier green 528i SE and it is just a great car in every way. Great build quality, pretty much everything on it still works even after 23 years and when something does go wrong 9 times out of 10 you can fix it at home. Apart from being ugly as sin, modern BMWs are just not built to last like that anymore. These cars are probably the last BMWs that actually lived up to the repuation for "German build quality". No wonder they are already considered classics.

    • @giusepperescigno1657
      @giusepperescigno1657 Před rokem +1

      I have the same car and I am so happy. I paid it as a used Vauxhall Corsa bu the pleasure of driving it is immense. My daily car is a e92 330i M sport with 274 HP but where I am supposed to use this power?

  • @ottson
    @ottson Před rokem

    The front is absolutely gorgeous with the headlights, grills, bumper and my personal favorite; the aerodynamic mirrors.. Even the interior rear view mirror is gorgeous

  • @ukandrew
    @ukandrew Před 2 lety

    I want one 😁and all the Imran upgrades too. What a car. Obviously an older car, yet somehow still looks modern. Until that is, you see the stereo, “smokers package, and “first generation” cup holders. Apart from that the interior is timeless and those seats are amazing. Yet another good honest review from Mat. Enthusiasm in buckets for the M5. Surprised if Mat has not already pulled the trigger. Lucky old Mat.

  • @carlosroldan8864
    @carlosroldan8864 Před 2 lety +18

    Back in 2001, my father used to have a 540i 6 speed. I was fooling around with that car and then another 5 series (unusual thing over here) pulls up to me and we went for it. The second I heard the other V8 I knew it was something else. I was able to see the the little M badge at the rear and the 4 exhaust pipes, and then it kept getting smaller and smaller. Absolute beast of a car. And, at least to me, it is the best looking 5 series ever made. Hope I can get my hands on one of those some day

  • @adams7405
    @adams7405 Před 2 lety +6

    Worked repairing these at a BMW bodyshop around 2000 onwards and the crash protection is actually very good,even the early ones had 6 airbags and it was built very well.No deaths and few injuries as I recall.

  • @imfraeglasgow
    @imfraeglasgow Před rokem

    My dad bought an Imola red 2003 when in was in high school back in 2005. Used to sneak it out after I got my license from time to time and I truly love this car. So much so that I finally bought one myself last year 2002 Le Mans blue with the LMB individual interior. Amazing vehicle, easily the greatest sedan of all time.

  • @terokallio9339
    @terokallio9339 Před 2 lety +3

    Great car (I own one of the last ones, build in May 2003) and great review. One correction: the headlights are called Angel eyes, not Corona lights - eventhough that suits them well too 😅.

  • @jacoprinsloo199
    @jacoprinsloo199 Před 2 lety +13

    The E39 is still the best BMW ever built!
    I had the 540i back in the day; what a car that was! Still miss it to this day. 😞

  • @RSTurbo50
    @RSTurbo50 Před 2 lety +36

    Beautiful car. I had a number of E39 535i's and 540i's but never made it to the M5......by fat the nicest 5 Series ever built. This is the era of when BMW was at its best...

  • @ChristianBriese
    @ChristianBriese Před 2 lety +4

    Great car! I know for sure, because I own a 2002 530iA Exclusive Edition sedan myself and I love to drive it!
    The materials inside are so rigid and do have a quality you can feel. Comfort seats and double glass come on top of that.
    I recently let the whole car ceramic coated and will not even think about selling it :)

  • @vincentmotonya2859
    @vincentmotonya2859 Před rokem

    My all time favourite BMW M5 ,fell in love with it years ago in the early 2000 when I was around 12 years . gorgeous car

  • @AutoAbsolute
    @AutoAbsolute Před 2 lety +16

    Gorgeous car, my first car was an E36 - such a well made car, I got one of the last off the line with a special aspen green finish and grey interior. Built like a tank. Good times.

    • @adams7405
      @adams7405 Před 2 lety +1

      The early ones were not,I spent ages repairing them.E36 seemed built to a price,especially the interior. E46 was better but not the quality of the E39.How many E36 do you see now,there are plenty of E39 cars out there.....

  • @bartekd9885
    @bartekd9885 Před 2 lety +8

    I'd add couple of things to that "bear in mind" list, but they are more E39 as a whole. First is rust - look very closely under rubber seals on each of four doors, they are designed in a way that water just sits between door seal and interior seal. Headlights seem to also fog up sometimes - that's actually a sign that someone tried to repair it and didn't seal them properly with new glue (mostly post-facelift thing). Also take a good look at heated windshield fluid nozzles - there were some instances when some small burning may start from them. All electrics sometimes seems to get wonky, but biggest thing are those screens which tend to loose pixels and you just can't read anything from on board computer in gage cluster. And actually that "handbrake turn" couldn't probably be done, because it's the biggest thing BMW cocked up, and it jams not engaged each month really - thing is metal cord is placed in metal housing and it just jams with all the dirt and oter stuff, so best is to not count on using handbrake.
    But overall it's actually one of the best vehicles ever made I think, and it actually goes not only for M5 but E39 as a whole generation, but I may be not really objective.

  • @oB_Session
    @oB_Session Před rokem +3

    The first time I saw the commercial for this car, it was that mini film by Guy Ritchie starring Madonna and Clive Owen. I was absolutely enamored by it and that film still gives me goose bumps to this day. If you haven't seen it, give it a search, it's worth it. 😉

  • @Daveyboy_GolfR
    @Daveyboy_GolfR Před 2 lety +3

    Back in 2004 I had a 2002 330ci and a good friend / BMW mechanic had an E39 M5. He needed to do some work on mine so he gave me his M5 for about a week. To this day, I remember that V8 growl, and for a larger sedan, how nimble it was , how precise the steering was and the feedback through the steering wheel was just incredible. The throttle response was so instant, and gears were so tall just mashing it in third at 2500 RPMs and listening to that exhaust whale louder and louder till red line was something else! I enjoyed it much more than the E46 M3 which is also an awesome car. I'd love to get a E39 M5 but I only do that if I knew how to work on BMWs, as they're almost impossible to find in good condition with low miles without spending a fortune. Or having to spend a fortune to refurbish one that's been beat up with tons of miles on it.

  • @egm1843
    @egm1843 Před 2 lety +5

    My uncle had an E39 525d back in the day. I was just a kid and yet I knew that car was special. I remember not being able to take my head off the headrest when he pulled from 2nd. The torque in that thing was otherworldly.
    I can't imagine what this M5 feels like. Probably like one of the best cars ever. Not just as a saloon, but overall.

    • @Billy.Butcher
      @Billy.Butcher Před rokem +1

      My dad had one, the best car he ever owned

  • @ashterfadgadget817
    @ashterfadgadget817 Před rokem +2

    I’ve recently bought an E39 M5 and it’s awesome. Future classic, without any doubt.

  • @shtopfl5247
    @shtopfl5247 Před 2 lety

    This generation M5 is hands down one of the most beautiful cars ever made, as a beginner driver the 525 or 528 (can't remember) was the first car I really pushed on the autobahn and it left an imprint in my mind and heart it was so planted even through bends I thoroughly enjoyed the drive ❤ and I really want one for myself to drive in the summer , they will get very sort after im certain.

  • @IfInDoubt..
    @IfInDoubt.. Před 2 lety +5

    That E39 was supplied new by Lloyd BMW Carlisle, the site now home to Lloyd Mini. Dealer sticker for Bateman BMW which is around 40 miles south in Grange-over-Sands, now also a Lloyd franchise. Braithwaites Penrith plates too! Very local car to me, they have a stunning small collection at their garage.

  • @jorisbohnson649
    @jorisbohnson649 Před 2 lety +27

    The E39 is to the M5 what the E46 is to the M3. It just had it all for a late 90s early 2000s bmw. Looks, performance, rear wheel drive and one hell of an engine note.

    • @peterthehansmann
      @peterthehansmann Před 2 lety

      So it looks like u have no idea about bmws 🕺🏻

    • @jorisbohnson649
      @jorisbohnson649 Před 2 lety

      @@peterthehansmann if you insist, just an opinion mate. Everyone to their own.

    • @peterthehansmann
      @peterthehansmann Před 2 lety

      @@jorisbohnson649 yea because what u Worte is basically any m car or despite a few cars any bmw there is. Most of them have the looks Performance rear wheel drive and a nice Stundung engine note.
      And I would say that an E39 is more like a E36. E60 looks more like a e46 than a e39 does

    • @jorisbohnson649
      @jorisbohnson649 Před 2 lety +1

      @@peterthehansmann I think you've misunderstood what I said, I'm not saying it looks alike, I'm saying it's the best one out of the M5 line up. Had it all and did it all well. Not saying it looks the most like the E46 M3

    • @peterthehansmann
      @peterthehansmann Před 2 lety

      @@jorisbohnson649 i dunno about that I don’t think the e46 was the best m3 but that’s ok 🕺🏻

  • @honahwikeepa2115
    @honahwikeepa2115 Před měsícem

    Our daughter inherited her mother's 1998 AC Schnitzer 540i. We shifted countries and gave it to her. We had two E39's. 1999 523. The Schnitzer was an incredible car to drive in New Zealand roads.

  • @redrex91
    @redrex91 Před 2 lety

    Imran's taste in mods and oem+ looks is perfect. Love the red color and simple interior.

  • @alstound
    @alstound Před 2 lety +9

    I love the E39. It still looks great to this day and is of Goldilocks size (not too big or small, just right). It’s a lot of fun to drive, even in 528i automatic trim that lost a lot of performance due to age and lack of maintenance. The M5 will be a dream to own, but sadly is too scarce in Australia and will fetch stratospheric prices if I can even find one.

  • @ItsDaniPlays
    @ItsDaniPlays Před 2 lety +61

    Mat, I found your channel last year in August and i've been addicted to carwow ever since. As someone who's been a car lover ever since i was a little kid, I never once knew there was such an awesome channel like Carwow, out there.
    And the fact that you have your own channel (btw how the hell you have so much time to manage both this channel and Carwow is beyond me) is a huge bonus for your viewers as well. Keep it up!

    • @iHaveTheDocuments
      @iHaveTheDocuments Před 2 lety +1

      He does a video here like once a month so it's not much

    • @FriendlyNeighbourhoodSpidey
      @FriendlyNeighbourhoodSpidey Před 2 lety +2

      And he doesn't own the carwow channel. He's just the presenter.

    • @ItsDaniPlays
      @ItsDaniPlays Před 2 lety

      @@FriendlyNeighbourhoodSpidey And? Where did i say that he owns carwow? I just said i've been watching Carwow since last August, and you think i don't know he works for Carwow??

    • @ConnorHammond
      @ConnorHammond Před 2 lety +4

      You should check out Throttle House and Jason Camissa with Hagerty. Both very entertaining.

  • @samcourt6228
    @samcourt6228 Před 2 lety +9

    I love the E39 M5. Imola red is a stunning colour.
    The E46 M3 and E39 M5 were both such well proportioned cars that I still love today but given the prices these days, I’ve very much missed that boat.
    Imran has a lovely collection of old M cars; this is Z3M, his CSL etc.

  • @jamespink4202
    @jamespink4202 Před 2 lety

    I have run two E39 M5s for 250,000 miles over the last 9 years (a red one and a Bluewater). Never have they cost more than a regular BMW to run, just normal servicing with Mobil 1. They are huge fun (as fast as you could possibly want when fully lit) they drive, handle and stop (with Yello Stuff pads) and are incredibly well built and safe. Going up in value really fast. Fabulous cars!

  • @n8n8n8n
    @n8n8n8n Před 2 lety +15

    The most beautiful M5 ever made. I really love the V10 in e60, but e39 has this THING, looks very elegant, minimalistic. Pure beauty.

  • @pistonslapuk
    @pistonslapuk Před 2 lety +4

    E39 5 series is still to this day the best car I ever owned. So refined and the right was superb

  • @vincentmotonya2859
    @vincentmotonya2859 Před 2 lety

    I still remember the first day I saw n fell in love with the E39 years ago,Nd whats funny it got stuck but I loved it then till today

  • @001barca
    @001barca Před 2 lety +1

    One of the prettiest Sedans ever made and what a gorgeous colour to have it in. Perfect engine mod too, not too much not too less. Imran is a lucky bugger.

  • @andreiarama8745
    @andreiarama8745 Před 2 lety +8

    I have to agree with Mat, this car looks AN ABSOLUTE DREAM except for the wood inside!!! Love it !

    • @RB_750GS
      @RB_750GS Před 2 lety +2

      Can’t understand the obsession with wood inside a car, definitely not for me!

  • @cosmopolitanranks3996
    @cosmopolitanranks3996 Před 2 lety +3

    Love Matt Watson's reviews. They are always fun to watch.

  • @clips5872
    @clips5872 Před rokem

    Hi Mat, it would be cool if you have a camera by the exhaust, when you driving👍🏼 thank you for the video!

  • @julianpaulus6245
    @julianpaulus6245 Před rokem +1

    I would've loved to see this car on a track against a newer M5 with all the tests.... I'm so amazed with this E39 wow 👌

  • @marksanders2784
    @marksanders2784 Před 2 lety +4

    I personally would liked to have seen (and heard) a standard variant not on modded to the max, but still, what a machine.

  • @malcolmSC
    @malcolmSC Před 2 lety +6

    It's the most badass M car ever. Comfortable, fast, manual, drifts and seats 5 safely. Period.

  • @marygaleac
    @marygaleac Před rokem

    I’ve just came across this video…..I had one of these….issues that I couldn’t afford to sort led me to part with it….years later I still cry everyday……..

  • @edsmith4821
    @edsmith4821 Před 2 lety

    Game changer ! understated surefooted fast svelte executive express amazingly
    impressive even now . Before turbo this was the very best of normally aspirated engineering

  • @refillz5281
    @refillz5281 Před 2 lety +3

    The first sports sedan! The M5 forever a legend. Love the E39s

  • @operator_hoodie
    @operator_hoodie Před 2 lety +3

    2:05 Mat’s phone torch is on 😂

  • @Revheadrev
    @Revheadrev Před rokem +7

    My all time favourite M5 - I’ve been toying with the idea of buying one for years but sadly, can’t afford to have another car, I wouldn’t have this as a daily. Beautiful car - really interesting upgrades as well.
    Thanks Matt and Evolve

    • @jamespink4202
      @jamespink4202 Před rokem

      I have dailied two of these for 250,000 miles over 9 years with no issues. In my experience you can't go wrong.

    • @WarningSign1000
      @WarningSign1000 Před 11 měsíci

      @@jamespink4202 I dailied a 540i, and that was going from petrol station to petrol station, let alone an M5. Great car though but terrible on MPG.

    • @jamespink4202
      @jamespink4202 Před 11 měsíci

      @@WarningSign1000 Mine did 25mpg

    • @WarningSign1000
      @WarningSign1000 Před 11 měsíci

      @@jamespink4202 Mine did 23 MPG with a manual box.

    • @jamespink4202
      @jamespink4202 Před 11 měsíci

      @@WarningSign1000 They are all manual...

  • @mrknowitallyah6058
    @mrknowitallyah6058 Před rokem

    I love your videos dude. They get straight to the point and no E39 M5 Owner has ever cared about that cup holder.

  • @AndrewTSq
    @AndrewTSq Před 2 lety +4

    Uh, BMW:s Getrag manual shifters have always felt wonderful to me :) (and the BMWs you need is the BMW M3 E30, BMW M5 E39 and BMW M3 E46)

  • @aussie2uGA
    @aussie2uGA Před 2 lety +3

    I had great times with car. I had one of the first e39 M5’s in the US (nov 99 delivery). It didn’t have the angel eyes, they came next year, it didn’t have the 16:9 navigation (had 4:3), and the “LeMans Blue” paint wasn’t ready (according to dealer) so they made the first few in Avus Blue.

    • @printertoner
      @printertoner Před 2 lety +1

      I've currently got a nov 99 delivery e39 m5 (Dinan S2). While I'd love the angel eyes and the newer nav screen, I can't bring myself to change them. Mines in Titan silver, I do envy the other colors that were offered on this car...

    • @aussie2uGA
      @aussie2uGA Před 2 lety +2

      @@printertoner Very nice! Enjoy the car and don’t change it. As time goes on, people appreciate the unique and more rare look of the early ones. It’s like having the cassette player instead of CD - it becomes a really interesting topic as the years go by…

    • @printertoner
      @printertoner Před 2 lety +1

      @@aussie2uGA Most definitely! The only thing I want to upgrade on car is a brembo brake hit and the new nav computer in the trunk. Other than that, just regular maintenance and cosmetic fixes are the only items I've got planned! Truly a unique car, I'm honestly scared to drive it half the time because I don't want someone to hit me.

  • @jidedavids1948
    @jidedavids1948 Před 9 měsíci

    Your m5 e39 got me to subscribe I so love the m5 great job you doing out there on your reviews 🎉🎉❤❤😊😊😊

  • @JimacGTti
    @JimacGTti Před rokem +1

    E39 M5 and E46 M3 were peak BMW in my opinion, lovely to look at, fantastic to drive! I was always envious of those cars and have driven a few of each. I had to settle for my late-model E46 330d manual (in the same red as that M5) , remapped for a little more boost. It was decent, but not a patch on the E46 + E39 M division petrol drinkers of the time.

  • @rlsedition
    @rlsedition Před 2 lety +15

    That's the nicest E39 M5 I've ever seen. Just the right modifications.

  • @TheV8Pumpkin
    @TheV8Pumpkin Před 2 lety +9

    I remember when I first got my license... the M5s were going for 14-18k (USD) which ofc was out of range at that time but damn I loved e39s. I was picking up a e39 530i for 3200... and the transmission crapped itself on the test drive haha, ended up just taking my dad's hand me down lexus ES

    • @th3m3du54
      @th3m3du54 Před rokem

      What a shame 🙈 probably the previous owner took little care of that car

  • @diablow1411
    @diablow1411 Před rokem

    I remember this model particularly from older NFS games I used to play as a kid. Even now, I still think it's design is timeless.

  • @krakrakakakakahah241
    @krakrakakakakahah241 Před rokem

    Wow, what a beauty! And perfectly lowered. Lower than this looks ridiculous but it is nice to see the back and the front equally lowered...

  • @Tom-pe4iw
    @Tom-pe4iw Před 2 lety +8

    This was the first M5 my dad ever had and the first car I had ever been in (1999). He's had every M5 since. Me and my dad are getting an e39 when we find one in the right spec im looking for one with blue or red/burgundy paintwork with black and white, tan or brown leather he's looking for one with oxford green metallic and brown leather as this was the spec he chose in 1998.

    • @jetyn8
      @jetyn8 Před 2 lety

      Your Dad has very good taste,

    • @LayLoow
      @LayLoow Před 2 lety

      My brother had one aswell whataa car
      The best M5 created

  • @georgetown8986
    @georgetown8986 Před 2 lety +4

    Arguably the best looking 5 Series on the market. The E28 was sharp as well. These M cars will definitely keep you working hard.

  • @musamilton5613
    @musamilton5613 Před 2 lety

    Great video, i like how you detailed the car

  • @MD-sl3he
    @MD-sl3he Před 2 lety +5

    Without a doubt my favourite BMW of all time and the only one I would own.
    I do love a stealth car as well and this is M5 is spot on, exactly how I've done my cars over the years.
    Low mileage too.
    Simply gorgeous ❤️
    Less is more, in this case much much more.
    The new BMW grilles are way too big and this has nice small chrome ones.
    A manual gearbox in a world full of exhaust fart, pops and bangs auto's.

  • @reinulf656
    @reinulf656 Před 2 lety +3

    If they made a new car that looked exactly like this from the outside, I'd buy it. The interior just needs some small updates while keeping the original layout and keeping the same dashboard.. 🙂

  • @WyaTx2
    @WyaTx2 Před 2 lety +8

    Whenever Mat is near the trunk of the M5 look at the paint and look at him talking through the car 😂

  • @jasonbogdovitz7357
    @jasonbogdovitz7357 Před 2 lety

    My brother has a e39 540i 6 speed and I love it it’s so crisp and sharp what a timeless car

  • @isfanalexandru82
    @isfanalexandru82 Před 7 měsíci

    i have the black BBS rims on my e39 530i silver, it looks gorgeous

  • @DavidSwanson6576
    @DavidSwanson6576 Před 2 lety +6

    My all time favourite alloys!!
    That whole package is awesome 👍🏻!!

  • @MonkeyChocolate
    @MonkeyChocolate Před 2 lety +10

    The E39 ///M5 is still one of my dream cars. I grew up playing NFS Hot Pursuit and this is the car I always chose. Specifcally Dinan ///M5

  • @luinpuin4152
    @luinpuin4152 Před 2 lety +1

    Wow this is such a great looking car !! The color and engine really work!!

  • @itsjustaname777
    @itsjustaname777 Před 3 měsíci

    Wanted one of these since 1999 when a school friend's Dad had one brand new in Le Mans Blue (and a 360 moderna for weekends). Never got round to owning one, and now I'm so used to Audi s-tronics that I'm worried manual would be a "problem" in traffic. Plus they are all rusted now, so unless I import one from Japan there's a lot of work to do. Imola Red looks fantastic and seems really rare now. Also 400hp in a heavy saloon is a bit slow these days considering a remapped golf R is around the same and much lighter.

  • @Dan23_7
    @Dan23_7 Před 2 lety +10

    I was following one in Devon a few weeks ago about 7am so hardly any traffic, it sounded amazing
    Yep I agree, the best M5 to date (apart from the e28 😂)

    • @hello7533
      @hello7533 Před 2 lety

      During lockdown on my commute, i was fortunate enough to be absolutely battered by a straight piped e60 m5 every day. Quiet roads and a v10, dude was living his best life. Must have made an impression as I went and bought a f10 m5 shortly after. Mega bit of kit.

    • @Tonygarage132
      @Tonygarage132 Před 2 lety +1

      I own e28 535i and e39m5 I couldn’t choose tbh. Love them both. The e28 night drive tho!! The e39 night drive tho!! See indecisive 🤷🏿‍♂️ 😂

    • @Dan23_7
      @Dan23_7 Před 2 lety +1

      @@Tonygarage132 Was the 535 218hp, mine was a 2.8 (186hp)
      My e30s were a 325 and a 318is 16v Msport
      If only I’d known when I was young they’d be worth so much now 🤦🏼‍♂️ 🤣

    • @Tonygarage132
      @Tonygarage132 Před 2 lety

      @@Dan23_7 yeah man, I used to have a 91 318i about 86k miles n sold it for 6k worst sale regret ever !

  • @channelsibley
    @channelsibley Před 2 lety +5

    Spoilt by a supercharger. 400bhp was enough through that 6speed. Best e39 ever next to the 2.8

  • @NickLynchDrums
    @NickLynchDrums Před 2 lety

    Wow, looks like it was originally sold from Bateman's in the Lake District, judging by the dealer sticker in the rear window. It was the same place as my E36 Compact California of the same year!

  • @magnustan841
    @magnustan841 Před 2 lety +21

    A bit too sleeper for me, but I know some people will like that. That one looks to be in superb condition, almost justifying a high price, you’re just missing a fair few mod cons of the current car. Could there be a video done on the F10 M5? Nobody really talks about that generation, but I think it’s one of the best-looking ones and was so brutal. The current F90, pre-LCI remains my favourite though. 😊😊

    • @user-ve9tu5rv6e
      @user-ve9tu5rv6e Před 2 lety

      Do you like the pre LCI f90 for its looks or as a sports saloon? As far as I know it’s known to have the most numb and bland driving experience of all the M5s.

    • @magnustan841
      @magnustan841 Před 2 lety

      @@user-ve9tu5rv6e It’s the looks for me, I love the front end so much! The rear lights are bit too high for me, but I love the look full stop. It’s honestly the best-looking M5 after the original. As for the driving experience, I’ve never driven one, but I’ve sat in one, the interior is amazing. I heard the F90 is where the M5 returned to its best. I asked their earlier, but I always thought the reason the F10 is the least-recognised M5, because it was the first with a turbo-engine and we waved goodbye to the supposedly legendary E60 V10 version. The F90 introduced the smart M-X Drive, it has such a breadth of ability, really impressive package all round. I think it’s been received pretty well, amongst journalists at least.

  • @curtislovrak5390
    @curtislovrak5390 Před 2 lety +8

    I prefer the E34 M5 over the E39. The S38 revs higher, makes more hp per liter, and is just a wilder engine to drive. Sabine also agreed, saying the E34 felt like a race car, and that the E39 was smooth over bumps.

    • @mikesiegenthaler4224
      @mikesiegenthaler4224 Před 2 lety +4

      Agree, that s38 is a propee race engine

    • @k-dawg58
      @k-dawg58 Před 2 lety +3

      Let’s pump this comment to the top , e34 all day , first v8 was the 540i , especially in US here we didn’t get the updated m5 , the 540i is amazing!!

    • @peterhammer6915
      @peterhammer6915 Před 2 lety

      I disagree totally. I drove the E34 M5 several times and it was so boring in comparison to this. An M5 must be fast and the E34 just wasn't. Wilder engine?? This is the second wildest M5 engine ever made, just behind the S85. The S38 didn't even come close for me.

    • @ImhotepBE
      @ImhotepBE Před 2 lety

      @@peterhammer6915 I can only compare e34 540- vs e39 540(both auto), I had both for few years. I must say the e39 540 (before I got everything fixed) drove better then e34 and e39 was much faster and much !!! better on fuel.. was planning to buy e39 M5, but I dont think I will, prices are to high now, nice cars but are not worth it that much :/

    • @k-dawg58
      @k-dawg58 Před 2 lety

      @@ImhotepBE u can compare them 😂 no shit the newer one will be faster than older one , otherwise where is the improvement, each time their own , some people like apple , some people like banana , both are great Bmw generation, without e34 there will be no e39 , is history and legacy , see one in the streets is rare , take a picture save it or share with friends 👍

  • @khsmith6242
    @khsmith6242 Před 8 měsíci

    What’s the full wheel specs? Widths offset etc? And what size are the tyres

  • @pawlas00
    @pawlas00 Před 2 lety

    As previously owned e39 525i I can say this model have something was unique!! & this make me want to get back to this model 😍

  • @MrGreen_
    @MrGreen_ Před 2 lety +3

    Even as a standard car ,it was a brilliant vehicle