[3GFX]

I credit the E39 with truly fostering my love for BMWs.

A hardly used 1997 BMW 528i was my dad’s second Bimmer (after a 1986 7 series). That was the first car I drove over 200kmh myself…not that he knows! The car was a wonderful car to be in the back seat or front seat of. Good build, great everlasting looks. We all know that. The 528i eventually made its way to my older brother, to which he added some 19” Speedlines and it just looked the part. He had that car up until 2 or 3 years ago! When eventually between electric gremlins and a head gasket, the fix was more than the value. I will say it was interesting to hit the station change button on the steering wheel and having the sunroof open…up until that motor went. The electrical gremlins were comical at times.

My dad actually replaced it with a new 2003 BMW 530i. Surely the E39 made an mark on my father to buy another one. That was the car I took to prom, the car I snuck out of the garage to take to school. But it was also the car that cocooned my parents when they were t-boned by a light pickup doing 120kmh! They survived with only one of 4 passengers getting a small bruise. The car didn’t survive though…but even the police officer on scene said it was one of the safest cars he’s ever seen. Dad now has a 2006 E60 530i with less than 15000kms on it. I guess the E39 left a lasting impression on him to stick with the 5-Series.

For me…it was the car I lusted after in my parents garage. The car I got to occasionally get behind the wheel of to enjoy. It solidified my desire to own a BMW in my life and here I am with my first Z4.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

Strange. My M5 I've owned for 14 years presents as essentially new inside and out. It's been garaged 24/7 since new, so that clearly helps. 66k miles of fun so far. It's all comes down to the owner's care imo.

What a nice stable. Wow.

[raysspl]

Undeniably one of the best cars of yesteryears

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by E39hijinks

Nice in its day, I owned one before. But they started showing their age many many years ago. Still a classic, though. But for what it is, too much upkeep required just so you can drive an old BMW around. An E30 M3 would be a far better "old" BMW to drive around. As for E36/E39, interiors fall apart, are brittle/creaky/faded and peeling. E46 aged much better.

If you live in a warm and humid country such as Australia these things are meant to happen especially if the owner doesn't take care of the interior (a nice UV protectant and leather conditioner do wonders for example). Then again, all cars will suffer under such climate. I was shopping for an e39 M5 and saw all sorts from almost perfect to crappy here in Sydney....

[addicted2bimmers]

Love this car to death.

[paul223]

Originally Posted by GoodMoodley

This was my first BMW. On my third one now but this one was a little more special.

Miss this car. Still have the wife though

Time to trade wife. Lol

[mfarrzhp]

Great thread! I've always been a huge fan of the E39. Especially the 540i sport and M5. I never pulled the trigger on one, and it may be too late to get a low mile 6MT at a reasonable price.

[HighlandPete]

As a long term BMW owner driver, I rate the E39 as the pinnacle of BMW design, quality and desirability.

I think Uk's AutoCar got it right when the E39 was launched and they gave their first full review of the 528i.

Their headline; "New 5-series so close to perfect"

My post from the following topic. "Top Gear greatest car: The E39 5 series"

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1268172

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

My 1998 540i Wagon



Following pics at 81,000 miles, 8-years old, the day before I parted with it.

[GoodMoodley]

Originally Posted by GoodMoodley

I agree. I actually sold it my neighbour. I have had to watch in sorrow as it fell in to disrepair. He smacked it up 3 times and had shoddy repairs done. If I remember I'll take a pic of its present state and post it.

This is the current state of that car. Wish I didn't have to see it everyday.

[Housekeeping]

I've got an 03 M5, just turned 60k miles. The car is great, hate to drive it, only did 550 miles last year. I'm jaded with my 2013 putting out nearly 675hp so the e39 feels a bit slow. Actually had the M guy at the dealer drive my e39 as I thought it was low on power.....haha, he said it was one of the best he'd ever driver....guess it makes sense since I have a tune, intake and exhaust on it. Anyhow, great car.

[SakhirM4]

This was my 1998 Canyon Red 540i with M5 wheels. Loved it, except I got tired of the automatic - wish it had been a 6MT.