Why The BMW E39 5 Series Was SO Far Ahead Of Its Competitors - BMW 535i 

This is so accurate. I had a manual late model manual 525i, poverty spec. First car bought with my own money - got it 10 years old for £1,900 when I was about 25, with 130k miles. Friends thought I was mad. Kept it nine years. Took it across Europe, massively overloaded it, drove it too fast, did all the routine servicing myself, even took it on a track day and nothing serious ever went seriously wrong! Now I have an SL500 - which I love - yet I still miss the E39!

My mother bought the 540i. It was the first German car she bought and it was like having a Bentley to us - it was so luxurious, well made and designed we’d never seen anything like it. It had a distinctive interior smell that I can remember today - something about the leathers. It was fabulous and she loved it.

2003 530i. The first real brand new car I ever bought...Still have it. Still a head turner.

Here in the America they sold the E39 V8 as the 540i. A friend had one and it was a great touring car. I owned an E90 for several years. It drove well enough but it was not as nice looking as the E46 I had previously. I totally agree with you that E39/E46 was peak BMW design. I no longer view BMWs as objects of desire.

Just picked up a 2001 530i manual with 150k miles and it is hands down best overall car I ever owned. Power everything, sunroof, heated seats and excellent stereo all in working order. Dinan chip and Bilstein performance shocks also make this beauty a real driver's car to boot.

My dad (sadly he passed away in 2020) had one of these. It was his favorite car he ever owned and he kept it for over 10 years. Not a single problem in that time. I drove it a lot too, sometimes for 1,200 kilometers on a single day. If I had to pick a car for long distance traveling at speed with reasonable economy I still would take an E39 530D over anything else on sale today. I've driven most E39 models apart from the 520D. I agree on the E39 M5. It's great, but ultimately it can't disguise its weight. I'd look for an E46 M3 instead. One of my former colleagues owned old Jags and Volvos and wanted a car more suitable for daily driving. She was not into BMW's at all, but I persuaded her. I found a 10 year old E39 540i for her with all the bells and whistles. She drives that car to this day and doesn't consider buying anything else. That's how good it is.

I've always gone through a lot of cars, often loving them initially but then getting bored of them quickly or irritated by their shortcomings. I never owned anything for longer than 2, maybe 3 years. Then I bought an E39 540i. I kept it for 16 years and drove it over 100,000 miles in that time. I bought other cars to replace it, but then sold them instead and kept the BMW. It was perfect, brilliant at everything. Nothing ever irritated, but it was never boring. It felt solid, dependable, comfortable, comforting, quiet, refined, was effortless on long drives, could cross continents without raising any sweat and with no drama, but was very very quick when needed and handled plenty good enough for some fun too. As Jeremy Clarkson once said about one, its like your best mate. Always there for you through everything. I sold mine about 4 yrs ago now and I don't think I'll ever be able to replace it, unless of course, I find another one......

The 540i with the 6 speed was basically an M5 Lite. That car was an absolute stealth monster .

You’re absolutely spot on! I’ve loved BMW’s ever since being taken out in a m8’s dad’s brand new e34 525i sport as a 15 year old back in 1991, that day I promised myself I’d drive a 5 series. In 2004 I bought myself a wonderful e39 530i msport the best all round model in my opinion. Sold it in 2008 for an e60 535d, after that came an f10 520d & I’m currently running an f31 335d msport touring that I’ve had for 6 years now. However that’s as new as I’m going to go, I’ve fall out of love with the new models & now the plan is to keep the 335d as a daily & buy myself the best e39 530i msport I can find to have as a toy & replace the car that I never should’ve sold in the first place.

I spent some time in the 530D E39 and it was mind-blowing. The 0-60 wasn't far behind the petrol equivalent, but it could do twice the mpg and it was such a fun car to drive. The torque and the gearbox made for an epic mile-muncher that could give you great driving pleasure on a good road. Possibly one of the most complete all-round car packages I've driven.

I'm showing my age, but IMO the peak era for BMW was in the late '80's -- second gen 3 and 5 series (E30 and E28). I'm even tempted to go even further back, to the 1970's 2002's, E3's and E9's. That's when BMW's were mechanically bulletproof, high quality, and had real style.

Thanks Jack! I think the other thing is that when this was released, the Engineers who designed them wanted to be proud of what they'd done, it was a statement to their skill, before the Accountants came along & started dictating the specifications. A good car, much missed it seems! 🙏🙏

It was and remains a fine machine indeed. Looks have aged tremendously well. Big old seven series from that era also still look the part I reckon.

Another great video Jack. I sold BMW from 1980 until 2015 and the E39 was a revelation at the time. We were dealing with a waiting list of over a year so BMW, to keep loyalty, offered a 7 series at a really low monthly cost until their ordered E39 arrived, an offer which was taken up by a number of customers. Also, you are spot on by BMW's obeyance to the Chinese market which frustrated me enormously as I could see the older values going down the tube.

Had a 535i as my second car in 2007 and wil never forget it.

I’ve had my 528i e39 for 5 years, over 180k on the thing, and she runs like a dream. My only car, my daily, my project. If you take care of her she will take care of you and then some, never will I give up my E39, the smaller 6 cylinder is pretty good on gas. She’s cranked everytime and never left me stranded, a car I’ll stand by everytime

I had a 2003 M Sport 540i Touring. It was an exocet of a car! I remember laughing my head off whilst driving at 150mph as it was just so damn capable and effortless. Designed for derestricted autobarns. Brilliant gearbox which adapted to your driving style. I only sold it when I needed more space and got a V8 XC90 instead.

I carried out pre delivery inspections on these 5's when they were new fantastic cars great vid THANKS❤😃

Here is the USA I owned a 1997 BMW 540 / 6-speed manual. Motor Trend Car of the Year. I added a micro-chip in the engine management to increase HP to 300. GREAT touring car. Very tight around freeway exit ramps. I LOVE old school BMW's.

Thank you for formulating the reasons for design evolution. I found it very astute.

Great review Jack. You’re so close to 100k subs as well! My dad had an E39 which in a moment of madness he part exchanged for a Mk2 LR Discovery… not his best ever decision!

l totally agree i have a 2005 E46 330ci ...utterly magic coupe .. i love driving it even in heavy traffic is just PERFECT....

Was surprised to see the car in the thumbnail is actually my car. The picture is some years ago. it now needs alittle resto but still in great condition. It's 530i auto, all original with 86k miles and drives amazing. Great video, was considering selling it.

Totally agree. Had a 2001 E39 530d Sport in Topaz blue and its a car I still think about regularly.

My family is massively in love with this generation of BMWs. My parents have had 1 of 2 e38 740iLs continuously for the last 22 years. My brother and I have owned together, an e39 M5, and still own an e36 M3 as a daily and an e36 328is as a project car. They are just brilliant vehicles! The V8s are wonderful, the I6s are epic.

Another great episode. You’ve captured the experience perfectly.

We still own two E39 V8s, an M5 and a 540i Sport manual. My sister had an E39 530i for many years too. I have to say that despite the V8s steering feel being slightly dead 'on centre', I prefer the way that BMWs recirculating ball with auto lash adjustment quickens off centre. When cruising on the open road the V8s allow for slight on centre corrections without a 'sneeze factor' (and you need it on poor roads with 235s on the front) whereas I found the rack and pinion in my sister's car to be pretty dead and lifeless across the lock. Each to their own, but for me I like the recirculating ball on the V8s.

Great car. Thanks for sharing. The 6 cylinder here in the US run forever, while the v8s seem to need more care. A classic, timeless model.

Nice work man!

Very nice car. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

Really enjoyed your review. Subscribed! I have an 03 540i Msport and agree with practically everything you said. They are built like tanks, but due to age, LOTS of bits need replacing/attention. Time consuming for the DIYer, but not too costly when you're doing the labour yourself. Still my favourite BMW. Everyone goes crazy for the Ms but a minter non-M E39 is a seriously good value.

I really enjoyed this video and the perspective presented!! 👌🏾👍🏾😎 Have subscribed 😊

It was indeed peak BMW. The style, proportions, feel of the drive was simply perfect. Ty for a great breakdown!

I have a 520i Touring. It’s every car I ever want. Practical load lugged, family vehicle and a performance car when I want it. The build quality is unreal. Mine has 329,000km from new. The fit and finish is as it left the factory. I have a 2017 VW and it’s not even close in terms of quality. You’re right. It won’t be repeated again. Great film.

I had a 2000 X 530i touring, inline 6 cylinder with the autobox and loved it. The engine was so smooth and the drive compelling. I ran it on LPG to help with the cost of fuel but still a great drive and I sold it with 180,000 miles on the clock.

I concur... I have an E39 530i agean individual edition which Ive had for 8 years plus now. I never want to sell it. As you hit the nail on the head with these excellent BMW's they are a brilliant all rounder. No box was left un-ticked with these gems

I rolled one at 120 MPh. All tge rolls! End over end and barrel too. Upon later inspection, 3 out of the 4 doors opened freely. The car saved my life. It was the fire that burnt my laptop and cellphone.

Excellent revieew Jack. Truly one of the stand out BMWs. I seem to remember that the 6 cylinder cars had rack and pinion steering and the V8s had recirculating ball. I'm not certain about this - it may have been the previous generation.

Great commentary! Bravo, complimenti.

Another excellent video. Thank you.

Oh, that sounded soo sweet and looked good with the aero kit and lowered stance. What a car 👌😘

Nearly at 100,000 subs Jack. You really deserve that milestone.

My local garage absolutely loved when I owned a 2000 BMW E46. Beautiful to look at on the hoist.

My parents bought a 1 year old 523i in 2000. At that time the car was beautiful, hardly any car could match its looks. I later bought the car from them and have owned it for over 16 years now. Even today the car has a special driving experience, you feel higher quality, really premium when you drive the vehicle. Since I can repair a lot of things myself and he runs on LPG, the costs are limited. With modern lights, the car still looks beautiful today.

Jack, your channel is definitely one of the best car channels on RU-vid; not only for the types of cars reviewed, but it's the unbiased honesty and valid points made. Keep it up mate. Personally, I think driving standards are declining year on year due to all the electronic interference and 'safety' items engineered into modern cars. I hate them. Earlier cars are far better because they give you a seat of the pants experience and you actually have to drive them instead of just being a steering wheel attendant. In regards to BMW's, a mate of mine had an early model X5 and then later sold it for a much later (2015) X5. On numerous occasions we drove both cars from Melbourne to Sydney and back (He was buying up Porsche 911's ( for his business Zuffenhaus Classics) to restore and sell back when prices were going crazy.) a round trip of 1750 km (1085 miles). The old X5 just felt solid as a rock and never missed a beat for about 8 years he had it. Sold it with 350K km's on it, bought the new one and regretted it immediately. It felt plasticky and weak and much less involving and nice to drive. Had numerous problems with it and sold it after 50K km's.

Great stuff!

By far my favourite 5 series ever. I love the way it looks, probably something to do with me growing up in the 90's, fell in love with it playing NFS III hot pursuit. Now in my mid 30's I still never owned one, but I swear one day I will get me an M5.

It's true with everything: you either get something that does what you want properly (ie a sports car) or you get something that doesn't actually do anything quite right. In my experience, people tend to idolize sports cars only to be let down when they actually buy one, because most of them aren't balanced (which they're not supposed to be). As always, love your content. I hope you are able to do a video on two cars I love in the future: the Honda NSX and the Lancia 037. Wish you all the best.

I adored my E39. So refined and both comfortable and sporty. It felt special which my later BMWs never did - and it saved my life when, on a single carriage way road, an on coming car tried to overtake; head on smash with a closing speed of 100mph.

I loved my E39 a drivers car. Fond memories. Thanks

One of my favourite cars ever made, even though haven't driven many versions of them. Still on my wishlist is one of the Champagne Edition 530is, but I remember seeing that even before used car prices started going nuts being at a fairly eyewatering price. Still, I'd have one tomorrow if I could find the space and the right one.

Thank you very much. I am driving one for 17 years. It is very good car.

This was my car for nearly 14 years❤

Another great video... the stance on that particular car looks very odd indeed, though. Still gorgeous.

My E39 530D Touring was simply the best car I have ever had. It drove like a dream. More importantly it saved the life of myself and my three children when an out-out -of-control articulated truck hit us on the AI. The fire brigade officer who attended the accident said that we were lucky to be in that model of car which was one of the strongest ever built. 🙏

As a lifelong SAAb owner (had 9, currently a 01 Viggen convertible which is faster than the car you are testing), it is my pleasure to inform you the pronunciation of 9-5 is "nine five" and 9-3, "nine three". Almost to 100k! You consistently have one of the best automotive video comments sections of all automotive journalists.

Ahhh so true Jack! I had a 535 Sport Auto for a few years in silver - and I bought that over an M5 as all M5's were manual - and that, to me, was a bit like fitting a cruise liner with a manual tiller to steer it: it just isn't a sports car. The lazy auto box suited it well, and it did have a direct linkage in 4th and 5th for motorway cruising. Mine had the M suspension so was a bit crashy over less than perfect roads, but on good tarmac it steered well for such big car. First car I had with "mood lighting" at night, and a TV with Teletext! Also (and I suspect mine had been messed with by the previous owner), you could engage the cruise control from a standstill and pressing that "Res" button when the barrier lifted on the M6 toll never got old :) I've had a lot of 5's over the years and before that one, I had a couple of E34 525's. The sixes (one manual 12v and one auto 24v) were very smooth, but any issues with the cooling system and it was game over - they may have carried on running after the problem was sorted, but invariably the heads would be warped and they'd die soon after. I had the expansion bottle split on the 535 too, but the engine survived without any issues. I know what you mean about the driving position and seats too - after that one, I dabbled with smaller cars including an A3 2.0T and a diesel C-Class estate - awful seats in both, only your backside was in contact with the seat - nothing under the legs, as your knees were up round your ears. I went back to a 520d and was so relieved to have a full size seat again! Had a couple more 520d Tourings since then inc the current car - a 2017 vintage. They are still, to me, the best overall daily for long journeys carrying a lot of kit/people, but the build quality has got steadily worse as they've cut costs here and there (although thankfully, the latest one went back to individual buttons rather than that awful ZX81-style panel for the radio). 8 speed auto is a wonder though. I dread to think what the next one will look like...

good episode, thanks

I love my 528i, I have had it for 12 years now and will never sell it. The interior quality is fantastic as is the handling and overall feel of the car. I think BMW from around 2000's are the best ever made, with just enough electronics and safety features without all the nonsense of today's cars.

I was the happy owner of a gorgeous M5 E39. There's no single day I regret selling it back in the day. It was the perfect balanced car (other than fuel economy, that is)

The Renault Alpine video, now this... you've been reading my mind, Jack! I've been looking in to a GTA V6 Turbo and E39 540 combo, with something small/sensible and newer than 2006 for city driving!

The late 1980s to the early 2000s were the absolute best period for BMWs. I still vividly remember being in high school when my mom pulled out of the driveway in her humdrum Subaru Legacy and coming back in a brand new silver Z3 2.8, complete with hardtop. Riding to school in that car was an absolute special occasion; I insisted on learning to drive manual so I could get a chance at driving that car. Unfortunately I drove it all of twice before it had to go; my siblings started having kids and she needed a larger vehicle. She just about cried when she traded it in; it was by far her favorite car. Last year I bought an almost identical 2001 Z3 3.0 complete with hardtop so we could go out on road trips and make memories. I've owned some impressive cars including an AE86, an MR2 Turbo, two Celica GT-Fours, an Audi 200 Quattro 20v, an E34 540i/6, and others, but the combination of nostalgia and fun to drive has put the Z3 near the top of my list of favorite cars.

had a 530d with a stage one. absolutely brilliant car, loads of power, comfortable, fast and good on fuel

The E39 is a car which I always adored, I'd really like to get one and start restoring it. This video was brilliant, this gentleman eloquently described what's currently wrong with BMW and how the E46, E39, E90 are the best models ever made. Such a great video!

Thank you Jack ... From South Africa .

Thank you for another great video. For me the E46 and E39 are the best BMW’s. I have a pristine 1998MY 328i with 57.000 km

I had an E39 540I M Sport Auto - loved that thing. Also had a 166 before it which I loved too (I even loved the looks).

I have owned every 5-series since the E34, until I switched to an M4 in 2017. I had two E39s: a 535i V8 and a late (angel eyes, big gps screen) 540i V8. They were both amazingly well built, fast and good handling cars, and I remember them fondly.

Best car out of 30+ I've owned. 540i individual, comfort seats, coms pack so had the old school phone in centre console, sat nav even a TV! Extended leather was lovely, was a bugger to sell though, was probably down to 2 tone aubergine and champagne leather haha, X59EBL what a drive.

I had two of these and I totally agree. I drove a lot of cars of the same segment back the and although they were good, they couldn’t compare to the perfect package that was the E39.

About time Jack 😊

My dad had bought his 530i some time ago now and it’s probably one of the nicest cars he’s had, its comfortable and sporty at the same time now my mom has a 523i touring its a bit slow but it rides so smooth, they are really nice cars!

I drove a 530D touring, fully equipped, electric rear door, electric towing hook, massaging seats, etc. They had it all! It truly was the best BMW ever build. Although I enjoyed all newer models after that, the build quality has never been that thorough again. Also remember the double wipers, when you took of the mounted wiper, it had the build in emergency wiper blades. And the flashlight in the glovebox. I could go on for hours. But it also had a few downsides. Remember the digital display in the cluster. They always died slowly, pixel by pixel. Or the flimsy cup holders right under the climate sensors, that when you put a hot coffee in them, the climate control started to blow cold air into the cabin, also when it was freezing outside! But I would take this car back today if could… thanks for the nice review.

Owned 3 e39s. One was a touring 530. A M5 & last a 540. . All lovely cars. Bought the last one, a 540 rather than a much newer model. The perfect shape and size. All drove really well and loads of space in the touring. The 540 & M5s seats were quite hard and that was the reason I sold the 540. I was older then so needed more comfort around the rear! 😆 The touring had comfort seats and it was like a motorised sofa.. I still look and ponder on another. Maybe I will take one final plunge in the not to distant future before they are all banned. Nice review, thanks,👍

Bought a 528i manual 5 years ago. I was 1 year old when the E39 model came in and 23 when I bought mine. I sometimes wish I was older so I could get it while it was newer. Mine is with almost 400 000km and still feels quick, has an Eisennman exhaust unit and sounds absolutely amazing, absolute joy to listen to the straight 6 M52. I fitted LSD diff, so it's quite capable in winter as well, and quite fun to drive sideways. Comfort is great, looks are just timeless, this car is a true masterpiece. Now, with 23 years on the clock, it starts to have problems more often, but hey, what other 20+ years car can handle 15-20km distance driven floored like it's a walk in the park? I love it, can easily keep it for the next 30 years to come!

I had a 2003 E39 525Ti. Best Estate-car/Station-Wagon I have ever owned or seen on the road. Looked great, "Mile muncher", comfortable, baggage capacity (if you needed that), roof rails for really long items (like christmas trees or timber, I remember). I agree certainly one of the best looking stylish cars BMW ever made. Like so many others here, I regret I was not wise enough to keep it long-term.

I've covered 300,000 in three E39s, a 535 auto and two late M5s. Never an issue, just servicing, brakes & tyres. Hewn from solid feel, never a heart stopping "moment" and always a joy to drive whether touring (Rome, Bavaria, Madrid) or spanking around the Cotswolds. Brilliantly comfortable, gutsy, fine handling cars, superb build quality. Buy one now, superb!

Still have my 2002 m sport auto e39 530D imola red , bought it back in 2007 got it remapped on a roaling road years back to 225 bhp , car goes very well for such a heavy sturdy car , when it’s washed and waxed it still turns heads to this day

my parents have always had e39s for my whole life, the I6 engines are super smooth and reliable and I find the interior such a lovely place to be

“Their taste is somewhat different”. That’s a very nice way to put it, kudos to you

I grew up on the backseat of a late '90s BMW e39 523i, that my grandpa owned brand new back then - it was such an awesome car and I remember my grandpa smoking several Mercs on the Autobahn in the early 2000s haha

Great content and description of such an epic car. I currently own an e39 540it(touring), an e34 540i 6 speed, a 2001 e38 740 msport and a 2002 X5 4.6is. Truly great cars, made with an ethos that no longer exists, sadly.

I can only agree. I had an E34 525 and later on an E39 523. While the E34 was "archaic" in the way it felt (mostly because of the sport suspension the preowner fitted in), the E39 gave me the feeling of a "2nd skin". Every knob and button was in the right place, everything was thought through without being overdone and it was just fun to drive! Compared to later models those still had "a soul" while newer 3 and 5 series just feel like heartless machines.

I had a 98 528i Touring which was specced up and beautiful. Still going strong when I sold it with 260,000kms on the clock. Frustrating failures in the high miles included the sunroof, door seals and window regs (it had double glazing). Great car though.

Amazing sound, worth it for that alone.

I had the previous model (E34) as a 3l V8 - I always thought the 4/4.4l M60 was too thirsty (though a faster car) but the 3.5l was spot on and of course the E39 chassis significantly better than the model it replaced - though that was good for its time. A friend replaced his 523i E39 with the replacement model and his wife (!) noted how much better had been the car they had traded in.

I had the 528i in manual form, and my dad had the 540i with auto. Brilliant cars. I recognise those roads, they are not far from where I live.

My choice was between the E39 or the Jaguar S-type. The Jag it was, and never regretted it. But, can appreciate!

I had an E39 540i for ten years. I loved this car so much. I had stage 1 race cams in it and 310 bhp. The only thing that I felt let down the E39 V8's was the steering. But it was an amazing car even though my regular average fuel consumption was 14.9 mpg

I own a 2003 530i (5-speed) with 212,000 miles. It's a daily driver and still have no problem with a 6 hour drive. Great car with superb handling. I occasionally get offers, usually from younger guys. Probably on of the best BMWs ever built.

Cracking stuff Jack..... I'm after a cheap (beater/work car) I think you've just convince me to buy an E39 buddy!.... It's Auto trader for the rest of the evening then 🤣👍

Had an E38 740i of that era. Excellent, well built, great driving car.

I had a 2002 e39 540 touring and it was great yet expensive at the time to own. Prior to that I had an e34 525 touring. While it wasn't as powerful as the v-8 it felt lighter to drive than the e39. They were both solid machines. Here in the US we got a 3.0 liter v-8 also in the e34.

Great video I have a 528i it's my second one first was a touring I used it for work but the one I have now is a jem late 98 orient blue had a full engine rebuild in 2008 I bought it in 2018 the car is like it's only 5 yrs old I've done a few mods to improve the performance and handling I love the thing I have also a e60 530i msport which drives fantastic but tbh I prefer the E39 I'll never sell it but the e60 I've had it 12 months now and I think I'm selling it on

I had a 540i paid in cash, it was such a great car. I had a hard time maintaining it at a lower rank pay in the military as I wanted to be smart with money, but I kept it going healthy for 5 years. I miss it so much!

I agree with everything except your conclusion about the model range. I think the M5 is the perfect "mile munching" highway cruiser. It's plenty comfortable while still being powerful and, critically, having a clutch pedal. If I need something softer because I want to drive my living room sofa around, I won't be looking for a 525i, I'll be looking for a W140 S600.

this is beautiful

I love these old BMW's. Beautiful cars.

I had an E39 528i from '07 to 2010. I changed it for a manual E60 530i. I missed having an E39 so much I bought an E39 M5 as well a year late. Still have both. That auto gearbox is the ZF 5HP20, same as used in Jags at the time. IMO, a manual 530i Sport is the one to have, then a manual 525i. Even the 2.2 520i gets most of the E39 appeal. The auto 535i auto is probably near the bottom of the variants to have - V8 consumption, straight-six performance. E60 is better in some ways than the E39: + Lower wind noise. + 6-speed manuals. + Higher-output petrols on facelift E60s + Still looks modern (subjective, I know). + Better sounds system (M5's sound system is terrible. Must've used Matsui). + Less prone to rust (from my experience). Worse in others: - Worse interior quality and style. - Lower like-for-like spec (no interior boot release, no glovebox torch, no his 'n hers temp control as std). - iDrive is terrible; requires more operations to change from CD to FM radio (E39 is one button push. E60 is 1 push-down, two up, two clicks left, one push). I may add to these as I think of more !

I bought an e39 535i manual, with 106k, back in 2009 for £1050! Absolutely brilliant, wish I'd never sold it (like so many cars). Btw, the saab is called a 9-5 not a 925.