DRIVEN: Why The E39 BMW 530i was a brilliant car, and they'll never be cheap again 

Was there ever a better era for BMW when they had the E38, E39 and E46? Definitely a time when BMW really was the ultimate driving machine and developed by engineers and not accountants.

The design on this generation is simply timeless.

This 530i is from the “ultimate driving machine” era when BMW “M” meant motorsports, today BMW “M” means BMW marketing. Old school bimmer is unbeatable with its signature str8 six NA engine.

A car from the days when 16" wheels were perfectly proportioned for a saloon.

The E39 generation 5 series is a gorgeous looking saloon and estate.

To me, This generation of BMW was their absolute peak. Its been down hill since.

I have an E39 530i Sport (Champagne Edition 2) and I absolutely adore it. I’ll never sell it. It’s not cheap to maintain to high standards, however it’s worth every penny. Buttery smooth and adequately powerful engine, an unbelievably comprehensive suspension set up and beautifully weighted steering. I wouldn’t put anything past it as a daily. I’ve bought many cars since owning it, old and new, to see if they could topple it off it’s spot, but they just didn’t come close for me. It’s perfection and I can’t really fault it.

I've always been intrigued by these older Bimmers. Can smell that interior through the screen, they have a special scent that's for sure

When BMWs were made to their best and styling was elegant and lovely. The E39 is in my opinion one of the best BMW have made and no 5 series has bettered it overall.

As someone who was insane enough to get a 2001 530iA as his first car: It was the best decision i could've made emotionally, but for sure one of the worst ones financially.

The color Chiarettot red is named after a rose-ish wine from around Lago Di Garda, a lake in the north of Italy (they filmed the Top Gear Perfect road trip 2 special around there), so you were correct in saying it was named after a region of Italy

Most anti-age BMW ever. I want one so badly. I'm italian and I'm from the Chiaretto area. That color is legit

E39 is the best car I've ever owned. Comfortable, classy, and beautifully balanced.

The only problem with these cars is that once You've got one You can't bring yourself to part with it. I have had one for over a decade and every time I have gone to upgrade no other vehicle seems to be able to match it. They're very practical, and tick all the boxes.

A vehicle that can be enjoyed for many years and doesn't cost the earth to run. They are a delight to drive, with instruments and ergonomics that have to this day never been bettered.

OG BMW with heart and soul...in Zimbabwe we once had a 540i of this generation, what a car that was.

This and the E38 7 series are such handsome sedans!

You couldn’t be more correct there Jay - I absolutely adored my full factory E39 535I M Sport in blue with full grey leather interior and silver interior trim , really enjoyed that car for many many years

For me, there is nothing more homely than an E39. My Grandad had an E39 540i Touring. My Dad had an E39 540i manual and at the same time, my mum had an E39 M5. Nothing better than looking out of a car window at night at all the lights flashing by, especially when that is accompanied by a soft V8 rumble and the effortless ability to sail past unsuspecting traffic.

It's awesome how good the looks of the E39 holds up

Just saw another guy with a e39 next to mine on the street. We looked at each other, waved and both had a big smile on our face.

I like these "classic" cars - I went for a 2001 W210 E-class myself and I really enjoy it. Smooth and comfortable to drive and just enough electronics to keep me cool and relaxed on a hot summers day without having to fear hefty bills at the repair shop.

Great review Jay. I still love jumping in my 530d sport after 16 years and many miles. Still get thumbs up from those that appreciate a good looking car.

Simpler cars with better build quality = winning formula. Some cracking cars in this era. Shame some car company Accountants didn't understand this. Thanks J!

I'm a Mercedes guy, but if I had to choose a BMW, it's this one. E39 was the best imo.

I had a beautiful blue E39 540i for ten years. I loved that car. Had stage 1 race cams and 310 bhp

One of the best most elegant styling ever A car I have always loved unfortunately never owned

I think you're right. When I see this version of the 5 series, I always say: "That was a great car." No matter how old, certain models (from most Luxury manufactures frankly) will retain some semblance of their cachet.

Whilst not quiet as beautiful and perfectly proportioned as the E38 7 series of the day, this is still a very pretty car 20+ years later. Those 16 inch alloys are perfect, they allow for a nice 55 tyre wall and the discs fill the wheels. 👌👌👌👌

I’ve owned my BMW E39 540i manual for over 18 years.

Whenever I think of BMW, this is the car that comes to mind.

I had Sapphire black one of these, it was a special order car i bought it at 3 years old and drove it for 7 years, it was genuinely quick, totally solid and stunningly beautiful. Reliablity wise, well it blew 3 light bulbs in that time, that was it, despite my work colleague telling me how big a mistake i had made buying it over his equivalent Lexus. Ironically, he was telling me this as i gave him a lift to the local dealer to pick up his Lexus which had been in the garage for 2 weeks with transmission issues. I just sat quietly listening with one of those smug looks on my face. The E39 was one of the greatest cars ever made period.

Absolutely love my E39 M5. Perfect daily driver. Nice to see some of these older “classics” getting some appreciation.

The days before the grilles and engines had less plastic in them.

I think you assessment is bang on. Keep up the good work with your videos! Watching from 🇨🇦

I bought a 1999’ E39 5-speed 528i with only 122K miles on it last year. Replaced the clutch, got new tires for it and it rides perfect. Upkeep isn’t cheap, but any time I leave the office and see my car in the lot it makes me smile. I’m keeping it forever

I love all 5 series but e39 is my favourite of all time. My brother used to have a 528i and 530i back when I was a kid. Soo smooth and felt quick in its day

The best 5-Series hands down, particularly in M-Sport flavour... the E39 will always be leagues ahead of other 5's in the design and build-quality department. My M-Sport Touring has 220k on the clock, rust in all the usual places, and drives flawlessly. The 3.0 i6 (M54B30) is the one to have, being the best blend of power-to-weight and reliability...

The timing is strange on this video!! Haha. Ive just upgraded form a 10 1.4 Ibiza to a 02 525i manual! Probably be best decision of my life so far haha brought on a whim too as I was finishing my insurance policy on my old car. My mother started my obsession when she had an 8 series years ago, the quality of car you get back then is totally different form the junk being released today. I work on a variety of new and old cars every day and my 5 series stands out form them all, I love her.

I own a 1995 540i6, 2001 540it sport pack, 2001 740i msport and 2002 X5 4.6is. These years were the best of the brand, hands fkn down. My entire fleet is gaining in value monthly.

Best looking “5” I might add, pure class and DROVE like a Bimmer.

Great buy Sinjin. Jay, I'm 100% behind you on this amazing car. I had a fully loaded 2001 530d Sport in the same exterior & interior colour with all options. I've always said it's one of the best all round cars I've ever owned as a daily for comfort & power. I've done many 400 mile journeys non stop & still feel refresh after the drive. I would agree not the cheapest on bills as I only ever used the main dealer. Fuel economy on the 530d sport was amazing. Not boasting but I've had Bentley's, Merc's, AMG's, Alpina's, Porsches, Ferrari's, list goes on but this & my Lexus 600hl were my 2 most favourite cars for complete comfort & reliability. For me your channel's one of the best on RU-vid for reviews. Keep them coming! The Gogster (Gogi)

@JayEmm: thank you so much for the appreciation you´ve got for this car. I also own an E39 BMW. It has been manufactured 23 years ago and I´ve been happy owner for almost 10 years now. Nice video you have made lots of love from the heart of the Europe.

Spot on Jay. I’m glad I own 5 of these. I’m betting they go up in price too. Not that I’d ever sell them. Greatest car ever built!

I've been driven in a E39 528i last year after perhaps 15 years, and I was shocked how could I forgot that these were so comfortable with really high quality interior.

I had the V8 535i version of that car - silky smooth.

One year into ownership of my 530i touring Manual. Was also 25 when I bought it. Absolutely loving it, even though none of my friends understand the choice 😂

2nd best looking BMW for me, can't beat the looks of E34 in my eyes

Had a 525 diesel. Absolutely loved it to bits. 250km+ trips were the best!

Still have my 02 BMW 530I - took care of it with the normal maintenance (trans and differential service, oil changes, etc) and it still drives like NEW. My AC is *ICE cold* too. Handles great, shifts great. I'm at 195k and it has served me well. I don't intend on ever getting rid of it. The comments here are spot on. Great German Engineering.

Thank you for the generalized review, as one doesn’t have to cover typical issues (plenty online to share for the DIY community). As a 2nd owner (for 11 years now) of a 2001 530i 5-speed manual - (black on tan) and doing a minor resto (repainted bumpers and new OEM headlights), it’s an absolute pleasure as a daily commuter!

I absolutely LOVE my 2003 e39 530i - my mother bought it new and I fell in love when my dad brought it home- they gifted it to me last year- it was babied by BMW and garage kept its whole life- by far, the absolute most fun I’ve had driving car.

I currently own a e39 530i. For the last 5 years and 80.000km it has been a joy to drive and own. Mine is a rare 5 speed manuel. I have had only minor issues wich were only age related. It now has 230.000km on the clock, and i am not planning to sell it. There are a few things i need to fix (minor oil leak and door rubbers wich are going). Definitely the best i car i have ever owned.

So well done. My 2000 545i manual transmission car by the way has been a joy. 238,000 miles with only minor issues. Happy New Year! Best Wishes, Dave Mc.

BMW's from this era were built to a high standard with quality interiors that last. As James said the later series will built down to a price. If you want one i wouldn't wait to long, only the less well cared for samples will be left.

Love these cars, this reaffirms my decision to keep hold of my E34

As an old man My favourite BMW is the 1983 735i (no idea what the model number was) in bright red. A guy down the road had a brand new one,and I thought (and still do) the electric seat and headrest switches were the coolest thing I had seen in a car 👍

My classmate's parents had an E39 Touring in a similar colour (might've been Calypso Red). I didn't know much about cars back then, but it always made such an impression on me when I saw it on the driveway. Hard to exactly describe that impression, but it had that balance of a "high class" look, with just a hint of sporty aggression.

You're spot on. These have future classic all over them and values are already on the rise . I owned a 530i Sport with a manual box and it was the best car I've ever owned. The only downside is the large number of common issues that will empty your bank account if you buy the wrong car.

Really enjoyed watching that, took me back to my first job when the boss asked the secretary to move his car round the back of the carpark as he was away for the weekend and she was to scared to sit in it. My 26 year old self was only to happy to help and I always remember it feeling special when I sat in it to this day

I’ve had the opportunity to drive a few nice examples of 528s and 530s. It’s amazing how something so old an so cheap can make you feel so damn special.

A few weeks ago I bought a 2004 BMW 530I M-sport wagon. It is one of very few left in good kondition 190.000 kms. Fully loaded with all the boxes ticked. Love this car

These "older" BMW's are simply beautiful.

I own a M Sport 2002 530i in silver the last 5 years ( driven only in summer ), gorgeous thing to look at. It has cost me its share to put right but it runs beatifully and it´s mpg is ok as well. I put 3500 miles to it this summer going on holidays and I´ll tell you it keeps up with fresher metal in the highway thanks to the engine response and really good high speed manners.

The recipe for an awesome RU-vid channel tell a story about an awesome topic and when the viewer gets a question pop in there head answer it!!! Really enjoyed this video. I’m an e39 530d touring owner (green on green on green) paint leather plastics(dash is two tone green along with the door cards)!!! And love it. Stumbled across this video and loved your honest impartial approach!!! Liked and subbed hitting the 🛎😉👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Thanks for the review, have been thinking about picking one up for a while now.

E39 was built to a spec nota price - my 1998 528i is still my favourite car despite driving for more than 30 years .... love it !

I had one of these many years ago. Loved it. Perfectly stable at well over 100 mph. So quiet I sometimes didn't even realize I had gotten up that fast. Who looks at speedometers? 😂😅

I had a E39 530d at the age of 19, was one of the best cars I have ever had….. wish I still had it!

Brings back memories! Sold my e39 back in the day at 189k on the clock. At 90k renewed the control arms, rocker cover gasket, DISA valve, rad, water pump, thermostat and viscous coupling . Apart from that carried out the usual maintenance/service and it never let me down. The M54 lump was still strong at 189k!

I had a e39 touring 525i petrol, es sport trim..silver inlays instead off wood and so on..was a rare trim for the touring model ..loved it ..best car I ever had

I think the E39 series was the last of the elegant, understated body designs that BMW was known for. Also, the most beautiful of the 5 series. Twenty two years ago I drove my brother-in-law's new 540i/6 Sport and told him,"if you ever decide to sell or trade it, please call me first". In March of this year he did. - White, with 49,381 miles on it, maintenance records, garage kept with cover and adult driven and maintained, my brain said, "preserve this last of the 20th century driving machines". With the 6-speed Getrag and a complete DINAN stage 2 tuning (from the cold air intake to the exhaust tips), done in the Mountain View, Ca. facility, what would any sane BMW enthusiast do ?

sold mine but bought another one within a month it’s simply the best car I have ever driven and probably the best they have ever built.

ive had 2 of these now. both 2003. my favorite car for sure

Bang on as usual 👍

Wow I literally searched for a non M E39 review from u like 2 days ago lol perfect 🤩

Love this gen styling. Just perfect dimensions.

I have two 2001 E39 530D Tourings, one auto the other manual. Great motorway cruisers and still an enjoyable drive round the wiggly bits. They make easy work of towing our 1,800 kg Hobby caravan, the self leveling rear suspension keeps the rig nice and level. Classic and timeless design and mechanically simple enough for DIY maintenance.

At this point anything that isn't FWD four pots (excluding hot hatches of course) will become a classic, yes even the freaking Opel Omega.

I bought my first BMW and first E39 last year. A 99 528i. I named her Berlynn. I absolutely love the car and plan on keeping her around. M52TU dual vanos engine only puts out around 193 CHP and she sits at just over 4,000 lbs, but will still get up and go! The ride quality is unparalleled by any of the other 16 vehicles I have owned. The car drives so well and will get you where you have to go. Unfortunately, there was some neglect by the previous owners that I am stuck with fixing. Not major things, just tedious things here and there that needed fixing. Such as a leaky banjo bolt for the feed line into the vanos unit, a bad CCV valve, dry rotted CCV hoses, and a leaky valve cover gasket. I have been fixing these issues and the car has been happy! The maintenance can be tedious as hell, but if you can manage to take care of the cars, they will take great care of you! E39s are beautiful too! I love the body lines and the simple yet luxurious interior. The heated seats and split climate control are nice as well. Even an additional climate control unit for those rear seat passengers! The E39s were undoubtedly ahead of their time and the technology works well even today when cared for and maintained properly. The M52 engine may not be as powerful as the M54, but the M52 is also a very robust and reliable engine! The only thing anyone should be aware of is do NOT under any circumstance let the motor overheat and go into the red. If it does, pull over and shut it off immediately. While the M family of motors are reliable, if they are overheated, they may as well be trash. When overheated, the threads for the head studs become soft and often end up separating from the block which allows the studs to back out, causing constant head gasket failure. Not even time-serts of any kind are successful at fixing this issue. Best advice? Live by the manual and do your best to maintain and keep up with the car and do annual coolant flushes and refills. Thanks for the great video my friend! Keep at it!

I have a pre facelift e39 530d automatic with the older m57 without the intake swirl flaps. It has a business package with red individual interior coupled with sport seats and aluminium m-sport shocks & spings from sachs. This is the last christmas that we are going to spend together as i have a need for a 4 wheel drive off road vehicle and i have to sell my loved one after 4 years of great memories on the road. I've had lots and lots of different cars all the way from civics to E class mercedes and this e39 530d is the best car i have ever driven or owned.

I literally just bought a 2002 BMW M sport in silver with black trims and individual wood interior trim with post facelift steering wheel because of how I’d feel whenever one in the same trim drove past. Yes there’s exciting cars to drive from speed, but being able to drive a stunning modern classic in this trim is exciting on its own! The m54 has enough poke up top and it may feel large to corner, but it grips on for dear life Thanks for the affirming video!

Had an E39 330d sport mapped, 15 years ago. graphite grey, full leather, auto, lowered on 18,s carbon bonnet..absolutely loved it

I owned a 2001 fully loaded E39 530 and what a joy it was to own and drive,.. the ABS system gave me a headache but other than that it was flawless

One of the best BMW’s I have ever owned, had the E39 528i for about 6 years from new and did over 100,000 miles without any problems. Impeccable ride and build quality. Subsequently had E60 530i which was nowhere near as good.

I presently have two E39’s. A 1998 540ia and a 2003 530ia which is my daily driver, both get around 22mpg at 80 mph! I do my own maintenance and repairs out side of a starter for the 540ia and a alternator for the 530ia, I did the regular basic maintenance, I am Seventy one yoa. Both have over 140,000 miles everything works on them. I will die with these cars out living me at this point!

Very nice car. I love that colour. Keep up the good work.

I worked in BMW sales for many years. That model has been the best 5 series ever. well build ,the way one expect.

I have had both a 530i and 530d Sports Tourers and loved both. Fabulous to drive, comfortable and well engineered. Thought about getting one again as a weekend toy but found prices already on the up for a good one. Bought a Marlin V8 instead.

I literally just got a manual example recently and have been doubting on my decision, your video has certainly assured my choice!

Had the touring version, incredible car possibly the most balanced ever...perfect ride/handling compromise.

My dad had a Topaz Blue E39 530i manual back in the mists of time and it was brilliant!

I watch, sub and like a lot of your vids but I cannot wait for your s2000 to be done or any content on it!!

I have a manual 528 e39. I'd say its handling is actually very sporty, you can push them hard around corners and get little/no understeer, and oversteer is controllable. Mine is an SE and all the suspension bits are in good condition. My dads e39 hasn't had the bushes replaced and it drives like a boat😂. I'd add that the car is very well balanced and the steering gives lots of feel, they managed to make a car sporty whilst being very refined and with excellent build quality unlike modern cars.

i have the same engine in my e46, although paired to a 6 speed manual. such a joy to drive

Interesting, Hoovie is also celebrating BMWs of 2001. Excellent content.

I like your shirts JayEmm! Really cool. (And btw, I also like your reviews 😊)

I have 2 of these..97 528i and 2001 535i Msport...both have their unique characteristics despite both being e39...love them both

Brings back fond memories of my Glacier Green metallic 2001 LCI 525i SE E39. Great cars!

What a coincidence, I also have a E39 530i with the same wheels and am also 25. Brilliant car