E39’s are peak BMW for me. Everything is so solid, even the sound the doors make when they close, you can feel and hear the quality. The way the leather feels and smells, the styling of the interior, it’s all spot on. My favourite car.
If a car makes you sad when you get to your destination and you think of other reasons to get back in the car just because you love driving it. You don't actually care if you burn your weeks worth of gas. To me, that is what a car should bring that ora and 90s BMWs just brings exactly that 💯
Anyone can buy new car and its nothing big now days with these fianance crap and all that but owning a old car a real car and keeping it alive is biggest thing you'll be more proud of owning a car from 90s then owning a brand new let's say 2021 car that you know nothing about, and qulity is cheap now days I've been in few new ones and just over techy and nothing amazing. It's sad that people now days falling for those stupid EVs those aren't even real cars they are dead they give no real feeling or emotions, they are as dead as their deadly sound is and the terrible ugly desgins and cheap qulity garbage.
Y'all top me--no such experience but I believe same character seeps into E46 330, E92 M3, that I still own and enjoy daily. Loved 2004 Dinan M5, once barrowed.
@@hassankhan384 100 % agreed! Todays cars, and specially the so called "luxury brands" from Germany are designed and built to make the shareholders rich and not to satisfay the buyer!
E39 was and still is my first car. Before I got it, I was part of the echo chamber effect of people ragging on them simply because they're BMW's, and Bimmer drivers aren't the greatest according to them. It then grew on me rapidly and ended up buying a base model 523i with a 528 engine. Nothing has made me change my mind in life more than that car. I couldn't have imagined myself owing one, but here I am, and I couldn't be happier
@@bradleykurtz5536 I've driven many car brand from Ferrari to Toyota and nothing I mean nothing drives like a 90's BMW. Even the modern BMWs still lack that complete driver connection with the cars that the golden 90's cars had and will never look as eye catching.
my e39 530d is 22 years old and stays with me forever, I don't want anything else. as someone mentioned in the comment below, even the sound when you close the door, you can hear that everything is of the highest quality and fits perfectly
I am lucky enough to have owned my 523 E39 for nearly 20 years - I am owner number 2. It never puts a foot wrong and has covered just over 100k miles. I over service it (oil changes/service every year regardless of mileage - usually sub 2000 miles) and I've done a shed load of preventative maintenance e.g., metal impeller thermostat, PCV, coolant hoses, vanos seals, metal disa valve, rocker and spark plug gaskets and so on but if you look after it, it will look after you. I'd never sell it as it's part of the family now and I adore it. Thanks for making the video.
@@OvertakeFilms the presentation was awesome. The music was perfectly matched creating a truly emotional experience and gave the video more depth. Clean clear video all the way through. Great work and much appreciated.
The E39 is one of the best cars I've ever driven. I own a 2000 528i Touring with 150k km on the clock and it drives and feels like a new car, even after 21 years on the road.
I love my E39 honestly, thank you for making this. When mine finally dies I will be very sad, such excellence is hard to find in a car and BMW hit the nail on the head with this model.
I drive a stock '96 E39 523 manual as well. Only 123,000 km. I absolutely love it. Totally agree with everything you said. My mechanic, who used to work for BMW, says this is the best BMW ever built. The 2,5 litre 523 engine will last forever if maintained well. It breaks my heart to think that the car will rust away some day, as it's always parked outside...
Arguably the zenith of perfectly balanced German engineering and style. The sweet spot. Destined to be a cherished classic by discriminating automobile enthusiasts.
It is a mad world when people pay 10k for an E28,or even a Ford Escort.My 530i was one of the best cars I ever had,and paid 5k for it in 2007.It really was as good as my 2019 Audi A6,which thankfully my company pays for.....
I own several BMWs, an e39 sedan included. It's the oldest one...but It's definitively my favourite one. Such a gorgeous car to drive around, and incredibly good looking (and build quality as well) after 25 years.
Gorgeous examples - great to see one so clean and original. BMW really nailed it with that understated, yet powerful design which still looks elegant today. These are high on the want-list, but they are getting increasingly difficult to find in decent condition without the prices shooting through the roof. Cinematics and music are magnificent as always - i love the mood you create!
Thanks so much for your support. A relaxed vibe felt like it matched with this car perfectly. It will be interesting to see what happens to the values of more ordinary models now that the M5 is climbing so much. Thanks for watching!
This was just too emotional to watch, E38, E39 ❤️ will forever stay close to my heart. I daily an F30, it just doesn’t feel as genuine as the E generation chassis
I'm fortunate enough to have a manual 528i wagon. Its well over 200k & was never properly cared for; but it's still going strong. Along with a few tasteful mods, I hope to restore it to perfection & die with it. I agree, the pinnacle generation of BMW.
I agree with every word and sentiment of this story having owned and loved an E34. My 22 year old '99 E39 540i/6 is probably the last car I'll ever drive and I am preserving it for all the reasons mentioned.
Great video! I love my E39 and despite getting another car, I couldn't bring myself to part with it (I've had it since 2005). So now I have two cars ;) Very cheap to insure (probably due to age), economical even by today's standards, wonderfully balanced and oh so reliable. It's one of the best cars I have owned.
Just bought a 2000 E39 528i Automatic (would be awesome if it was 5 speed manual) with 171k miles from a buddy of mine at work, hes original owner and kept it in excellent condition! I love this car so much...... Just hate I dont have a garage for it..
My first daily is a base 525i that sounds like a vacuum when I step on it but it drives amazing. Im planning on S62 swapping it here soon once I get my first job.
Amazing video. Great watch! I love E39’s to bits, I’ve owned two, a 1996 rust free 523i Saloon that I paid £350 for, ended up getting scrapped after I sold it on. And then I bought a little did I know rotten 528i Touring, extremely high spec example, sat nav, comfort package, and so much more, but I jacked it up one day and the entire Jack went through the sill. I scrapped it for £100 as I found out someone had already had the catalytic converters off of it, it was straight piped a bit.
I own a 523i 1999 for 12 years now. I'm a second owner - absolutely love my car. I'll never sell it! 2019 I installed her a LPG system and now it runs me about 6-7$/100km. I love everything about my car. Same engine - M52TUB25 Dual vanos 170bhp. It is a stunning piece of motorsport engineering. A True BMW. I have had my wrench time with her - preventatively taking good care of her, but she never disappointed me and my smile keeps getting bigger and bigger with every single passing year.
I have forever respect for e39. Owned 1 from 99 to 06. 528i. Till today I miss it. Hope 1 day I will get 1 in near mint condition to add to collection . Thank you for the beautiful video. Peace
After owning 3 e39’s and still having one, this video made me realise how good it actually is and why i keep going for one. Maybe one of the best cars ever made❤
It is so great to see there are more enthusiasts that love and appreciate the E39 the way it is and was designed by the engineers. I am very often misunderstood with my love for my always broken old BMWs and my stupid desire to collect even more of them. It typically changes when I take them on a ride and they are impressed of how well these machines feel, even from the passenger seat and how well they have aged. Having that said, I just bought a pre-LCI 528i Touring a few hours before, joining my beloved LCI 530d sedan. Both to be kept strictly classy and OEM. Greetings to all of you out there from Bavaria, Germany.
I have precisely the same model... Though mine isn't as polished as yours! I picked it up a few years back for £750 and it was a rust bucket. But the engine was sound and the frame was solid. Now the tyres on it cost more than that I paid alone. I've definitely spent alot of money to restore it, but dam does it look beautiful now! Electric blue (silver green) and starts first time without fail. Pure joy to drive. Respect.
Had a 99 528i 5 speed. BEST CAR EVER! Loved it. Was like driving a slot car. Best balance of luxury, spot and handling. Then came the next generation e60. To this day I never understood how BMW could go from making the best car ever to the WORST ever. They lost me then and there. Only BMW I’d ever buy again is an E39.
You really should, i would be awfully suprised if e39s wouldnt see a price increase over the next few years once the recession stops and the economy is growing again. this is my second car (523iaT) and its a blast, bit silent on the exhaust side for me but im getting it sorted after i get some bushings fixed in the rear
It was my first car because it was cheap. But now that I have a good job and have the money to choose, I still prefer a BMW E39 over newer push button german cars. You will fall in love with this car
Drive a M20 E34 to and from my uni everyday, its the lightspot of my day, sitting in it focusing on my driving and just enjoying it, old 5 series were built right
great video about a great car! I have a '03 5-speed 520i wagon and enjoy every kilometer in it. We even take it "camping" for early morning hikes as a "sleep mobile" sometimes, it has so much space. Mine has now 435.000km on the clock and is running on LPG (and petrol) and about as smooth as it can be - while still only consuming about 11Liters of LPG per 100km. Not a fast car by any stretch, I think the Vanos system has "retired" a while ago, but this actually improved fuel economy, so it's fine by me. We take it for car cruising throughout the Alps, listening to the almost silent, silky smooth engine or some quiet music. It is so "entschleunigend" (de-aggrevating) as we say in german. None of todays' cars can do that any better. Plus, the E39 has just THE most beautiful dash ever made, IMHO. Greetings from Germany 🤗
So towards the end of last year I bought my first BMW car. My intention was to flip it for an instant profit. Engine, radiator, coils etc were replaced in 2012. Currently have 120 000 km on the clock. After driving the 2002 BMW 525i home I was hooked. Not into highway speed but the acceleration is addictive!! Its my daily runner & pulls my trailer. Its an amazing find that will certainly become a classic.
I own the exact same 523i and seeing you drive it around really makes me feel like my own car is featured in the video. Beautiful compose, excellent edit. Loved the video.
Wonderful video, great production, lots of E39 enthusiasm involved, wonderful thanks so much! I wish I could send some images of my outstanding E39 530d Touring in top conditions. As you say, built to last. Could not imagine anything better for this kind of money. I would never change for a current model. Great to know there are E39 brothers out there in UK too. Regards from Austria
Beautifully filmed tribute to what is arguably the best all round BMW ever made in my opinion at least. I have had 11 examples over the last 20 years ranging from 528 se's to 530/540 sports and se's and now am fortunate enough to own an M5. The various examples I've had have seen me through life in a reliable/solid and comfortable way like no other car could and have been instrumental in providing a safe and well built yet sporty to drive car for ferrying my kids around for years. I always feel at home in them and have found it hard to feel fully satisfied with any other BMW's even newer ones which we've owned. The SE examples have a comfort and ride quality like very few other cars yet feel light and nimble probably thanks the the use of aluminium components in the suspension. Unfortunately the ULEZ scheme is killing these beautiful cars off at an alarming rate here in London and I feel very sad knowing that many of them will be scrapped even though they will have many many more years of life in them thanks to the impeccable build quality. Long live the E39..in other countries at least!
At around 6:18 I got goosebumps across my entire body. What an amazing video that you put together. It encapsulates exactly why I love the E39 so much. It does everything so incredibly well, that it’s hard to think of a better all around car. Supremely comfortable, solid, safe, refined, and great to drive. It looks great, and it’s the perfect size.
As a 33 year old man the E39 sedan has been my dream car and my favourite BMW since I was a high school kid. The cosiness of the back seat, the design of the interior and smooth ride whilst being a drivers car really sums up why its still my favourite BmW nowadays. And yes! I cannot agree more with you that I really do appreciate cars made in the 90s when you can still activate everything with a push of a button, rather than having screens that blinds you in the night! I literally have an urge to go and get myself one tomorrow in fact!
Talking of well built 90’s cars, a very underrated car is the Toyota Celica MK5 (1993 is the sweet-spot year) go for a standard 2.0i twin cam 16v and prepare yourself have some GREAT fun out there down the twisties in an amazingly well built car with great feel and pop up headlights too! 👍
thank YOU a lot for the video. I also own and drive E39 523i for more than 10 years and each time I get an engine roar next to a red line I have the same smug smile on my lips as this owner :-)
Totally agree...I’ve owned a 523i, 525i, 528i, 530i, 535i and 540i. The 540i was fantastic as you’d expect but the fuel consumption made me cry. I think the best of them all was the 535i V8 which was very powerful great sounding and reasonable on fuel costs. I must buy another one ASAP and bin my VW :)
My 535 was hardly any more economical than the much faster 540,23MPG uk average from both.530i was the one,quick smooth and around 30MPG over 50,000 miles,my 528i was 27.
Every time I think about another alternative and then get back into my e39, that thought immediately evaporates. They are simply the best production vehicle ever.
I've had an 02 525d manual since 2014. Love it 230k miles on the clock now. Still very smooth. I'll be very sad when it finally has to go. Living in a seaside town, rust will finish it off eventually.
Great film, super filming, I should take note! E39 ‘peak’ BMW 5 series, my dad also had a 525tds touring in Aspen silver, what a lovely car. They don’t show their age like the hideous Bangle generations that followed which have not aged very well. Never been more affordable, I’d love a 528i personally.
@@Lot76CARS BMW cost accountants were sniffing around at the face-lift,the earlier cars are more collectible. Single vanos, no disa intake flaps,nicer carpets.No where near Mercedes cost cutting mind.I do wonder how much my 97 528i is worth,90,000 miles with 1 previous owner in silver,but I don't think I would part with it
I'm gonna say it: the interior of the e39 is the best looking in any mass produced car ever. Everytime i see one i fall in love again. and of course it looks very nice on the outside aswell. especially in the m-trim.
Yes this is one of the best cars ever made and my personal fauvorite. The handling is so intuitive, when the rear breaks out its like the car is talking to the driver and time seems to slow down for a short while. And I have never in my life heard anyone say that they do not like this car.
Indeed a fine car. I am pleased as punch with my 523 se on a 98 plate. At 1400 it was in the bangernomics range but is anything but. It's smiles per mile that count not mpg. It's predecessor an A3 fastback.
Bought a manual '01 530D Touring in 2007 as a replacement for my '93 520i E34 SE Touring. In 2012 bought an auto '01 530D Touring, it's a month younger than the manual. Both the E39 now have just short of 170,000 miles (270,000 kms) no rust apart from some chips and scratches that need treating. I imported them from the UK to southern France which probably explains the lack of rust. No major mechanical issues apart from a turbo on the manual that blew not long after I bought it, probably because it hadn't been used for over 12 months. Other than that just servicing, water pumps on both, a front suspension rebuild on the manual and had to have tthe wiring loom where it goes through the right-hand tailgate hinge repaired (common fault as the wires break with flexing). I did have the dreaded swirl flaps removed from the inlet on the auto. They are great motorway cruisers and fun to drive off the motorway as well. The self-levelling suspension combined with all that torque makes them a great tow car (we have a 1,800 kg Hobby caravan). Still have the E34, it now has 250,000 miles (400,000 kms). Mechanically original apart from a gearbox rebuild by the dealer when we bought it, consumables, service kits, schockers and I am in the process of rebuilding the front suspension. Replaced the cloth upholstery with leather some years ago. Only other problems have been a water leak round the full length sunroof due to the drain tubes getting blocked and the microswitches for the tailgate and the tailgate glass need replacing. The E39s are vastly superior to the E34, the extra legroom in the rear and the almost completely unobstructed load area due to the air-suspension are a big plus. Still looking forward to getting the E34 back on the road though. All 3 definitely qualify as The Ultimate Driving Experience
My 2003 E39 520i Touring Manual is the smoothest and most quiet car I have EVER driven. Its like floating on a Cruise ship or orbiting space. Just ridiculous 🙏🙏🙏
Great video. I had 4 UR Audi Quattro's between 1995 and 2003 so missed out on the E39, then I had two Jaguar Xj8's before moving to Australia then dulling down to a Volvo. Now back in the UK, I just bought my first ever E39 yesterday and I pick it up in about 12 hours and having driven it, I can't wait. I like the 6 cylinder engine, the sound, the handling, the ride and the fact it isn't a temperamental computer on wheels. I will try to never ever again buy a car governed by the electronics. I want engineering. ;)
I just got my 2000 528i back from the mechanic after a fuel-pump replacement, and the straight-6 is still butter smooth at 200,000 miles. Secondary ride is very good over slightly broken pavements. But one irritation is the ABS module which triggers the dash warning light.
I love how they made a 530d so much I bought one. Has 200hp and good mileage, and with a good exhaust it sounds really great (except on idle where you hear the typical diesel tractor noise)
Awesome car i have a e60 530i and just purchase a e39 520i year 2000 with 72.000km on the cluster . Im going to keep it as original as she is right now Awesome car
My goal by 2030 is to have a 528i Touring 5at and 530i Saloon 5mt… best balance of the E39 to me… easy to work on, fun to drive, styled with intention and worthy collector car.
🏆👏Awesome Video my Brother , I agree with everything about the E39's , their such well Build Handsome Appearance Machines in their ERA , i would time travel back in these Glorious Times to drive in the 2000s so simple so intelligent so beautiful I used to owned a 94' and a 95' BMW E34 525i back then , I can say I was going to pick my first car the e39 but The e34 came across my view As my first and second then finally brought my 2001 Titanium Silver Metallic E39 525i with the very Nice Classic Spoke 5 Style Wheels as my daily mine 3rd Modern Classic the Best Making Of BMW 🇩🇪 Of the 2000s , BMW Build this Generous Vehicle with Passion Ahhh Nice👍🏼😌
SNAP! I also have the exact same model, colour & spec as yours. I've had her for 5 years now. Apart from the usual where & tear items, she hasn't put a foot wrong (so far 😉). Every Friday, I make a point of taking the back roads home just because she's still so good to drive.
@@THE-BUNKEN-DRUM Nice, Keep it always as I have 5 other cars. This BMW e39 tops all of them (my other cars are nice .....I am a car guy}, especially as far as drivetime and the communication of the road to the driver. It is a great experience always.
Just stumbled upon this channel. With the chilled vibes, great cinematography and narration I subscribed straight away. Had an E36 328i coupe in midnight blue with white leather interior back in the day and I can see myself in a E34 or E39 next depending on budget and what is around at the time. The new Bimmers lack soul and are built to break!
Great video, such an immaculate car you have there. I bought a 2001 E39 for £700 when my 99 323se gave up the ghost, and at first it felt sluggish compared to the 3. It did however feel so comfortable and well built, a proper cruiser that eats motorways for fun and is rewarding on the windey bits. Got rid of that as a deposit towards a 2010 320d tourer, which is nippy and frugal, but in every other sense feels like a big downgrade. It's silly things like the indicator stalks feeling so much more cheaper and fragile, the interior not being as comfy that I noticed. I was getting a burnt oil smell coming through the vents, which wasn't great when having the baby in the back. Turned out to need a rocker gasket change. If I'd knew that I'd have definitely kept it. They have such an understated presence about them.
I own a 99 528iT and love it. You don’t see many tourings in the states. Came from an 99 E46 328 so know the power train well! Both great cars but the E39 definitely seems more solid. Could be mistaken, but I heard the E39 generation was the last where the engineers got to build it, then the bean counters had to price it. (No budget). From the E60 out the engineers are given a ‘budget’ of some kind to work around. Again could be false , but I believe it! 😳
This is peak 5 series. I have an E34 and love it. But still have a soft spot for the E39. They are so complete refined, understated and small enough to enjoy on a more narrow winding road. From then quality went down, they got bigger and bigger and less involving. Shame BMW did not did a better job to protect them against rust. Still want one...
The E39 and E46 are the cars that made BMW what it is today. Forever Legends! Take the M3CSL/M5/MSport body molds and modernize the interiors and see how many fly off the assembly line.
Hello there, very nice video, I'm born in 98 and my first car was e39 520i 1998 and i was inlove with her, and now i'm searching again an e39 becauose this is an amezing car expiriance!
It's a fantastic car, I am loving my e39 530i LCI. One thing I regret though, is getting an automatic. The cars are quite old now, and most frequently are not that well kept, so the automatic can feel very slow and heavy at times. This is currently the only thing that makes me want to sell it, as I used to drive an e46 323Ci manual, and it was much more fun and felt faster, although the car has 50hp less, and still weighs a shit ton...
My plan is to purchase a 1999 E39 528i and 1999 Mazda MX5 1.8. Firstly because personal research over the last 10 years I believe that these two cars are the BEST cars in their leagues. Second reason is that I plan to drive each one for a week and swap to the other as this will allow me to constantly appreciate each of the two amazing vehicles without getting used to just the one which is what I’ve experienced happening in the past. Ive spent 3 years driving my 1995 1.4 Astra LSi, so I’m preparing myself to thoroughly enjoy these two vehicles when I buy them this summer 😊
Now that would make for a fantastic 2 car garage. Swapping between vehicles really does help, as otherwise you can acclimatise to how one car drives and it then becomes the norm. Good luck with your purchasing!
E39’s are peak BMW for me. Everything is so solid, even the sound the doors make when they close, you can feel and hear the quality. The way the leather feels and smells, the styling of the interior, it’s all spot on. My favourite car.
Right on the money there mate
I would not say it better!
Theyre really only an abs module away from being the perfect car. Not just perfect bmw
arguably outright peak car
If a car makes you sad when you get to your destination and you think of other reasons to get back in the car just because you love driving it. You don't actually care if you burn your weeks worth of gas. To me, that is what a car should bring that ora and 90s BMWs just brings exactly that 💯
Totally concur with you bro
Anyone can buy new car and its nothing big now days with these fianance crap and all that but owning a old car a real car and keeping it alive is biggest thing you'll be more proud of owning a car from 90s then owning a brand new let's say 2021 car that you know nothing about, and qulity is cheap now days I've been in few new ones and just over techy and nothing amazing. It's sad that people now days falling for those stupid EVs those aren't even real cars they are dead they give no real feeling or emotions, they are as dead as their deadly sound is and the terrible ugly desgins and cheap qulity garbage.
absolutely!
I have an E39 530i individual and every single time I park up and get out the car I always glance back and say to myself ... nice!!!
Y'all top me--no such experience but I believe same character seeps into E46 330, E92 M3, that I still own and enjoy daily. Loved 2004 Dinan M5, once barrowed.
@@hassankhan384 100 % agreed! Todays cars, and specially the so called "luxury brands" from Germany are designed and built to make the shareholders rich and not to satisfay the buyer!
E39 was and still is my first car. Before I got it, I was part of the echo chamber effect of people ragging on them simply because they're BMW's, and Bimmer drivers aren't the greatest according to them. It then grew on me rapidly and ended up buying a base model 523i with a 528 engine. Nothing has made me change my mind in life more than that car. I couldn't have imagined myself owing one, but here I am, and I couldn't be happier
Same bought my first one at 17 and it was a pile of shit but I was in love...
I had the same experience! I bought an E90 as a summertime project and my perception of the brand was completely changed…
@@bradleykurtz5536 I've driven many car brand from Ferrari to Toyota and nothing I mean nothing drives like a 90's BMW. Even the modern BMWs still lack that complete driver connection with the cars that the golden 90's cars had and will never look as eye catching.
my e39 530d is 22 years old and stays with me forever, I don't want anything else. as someone mentioned in the comment below, even the sound when you close the door, you can hear that everything is of the highest quality and fits perfectly
Same as mine. Remapped they go like stink too.
I am lucky enough to have owned my 523 E39 for nearly 20 years - I am owner number 2. It never puts a foot wrong and has covered just over 100k miles. I over service it (oil changes/service every year regardless of mileage - usually sub 2000 miles) and I've done a shed load of preventative maintenance e.g., metal impeller thermostat, PCV, coolant hoses, vanos seals, metal disa valve, rocker and spark plug gaskets and so on but if you look after it, it will look after you. I'd never sell it as it's part of the family now and I adore it. Thanks for making the video.
Very please to see this video, the E39 is absolutely one of the best drivers car. Great contribution to the E39 brotherhood!
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@OvertakeFilms I'm a testimony to this video. Have had a 540i for 6 years now. Bought a E39 M5 recently.
@@vosedon I might look out for an outstanding 540i Touring too. Currently my 530d Touring is state of the art and the ultimate long distance cruiser.
@@OvertakeFilms the presentation was awesome. The music was perfectly matched creating a truly emotional experience and gave the video more depth. Clean clear video all the way through. Great work and much appreciated.
I still say e39 is the best drivers car to date
They are amazing cars, thanks for watching!
The E39 is one of the best cars I've ever driven. I own a 2000 528i Touring with 150k km on the clock and it drives and feels like a new car, even after 21 years on the road.
Same as my 530d Touring too. Incomparable to any other car, especially modern cars.
They have such a well built feel to them, an era of BMW I'm not sure we will see again... Keep enjoying your Touring!
I love my E39 honestly, thank you for making this. When mine finally dies I will be very sad, such excellence is hard to find in a car and BMW hit the nail on the head with this model.
Glad you enjoyed the video, BMW at its best!
The E39 is the definition of the word car
its so nice to see completely factory E39's how they came from BMW.
I see them less and less on the roads nowadays.
I think BMW know more about them than the average Joe Soap,I won't buy them unless they are standard,apart from an ECU flash
Nice motor👍🏼, i have same model & still going strong😊
I own 1999 E39 523i and I want to keep it on the road as long as possible. It is amazing car for everyday use, nothing compares
Thanks for sharing!
Love my 03 530i.
Bought it new, my first 'real' new car.
19 years, 135k miles later. I look forward to driving it every day.
I drive a stock '96 E39 523 manual as well. Only 123,000 km. I absolutely love it. Totally agree with everything you said.
My mechanic, who used to work for BMW, says this is the best BMW ever built. The 2,5 litre 523 engine will last forever if maintained well. It breaks my heart to think that the car will rust away some day, as it's always parked outside...
Arguably the zenith of perfectly balanced German engineering and style. The sweet spot. Destined to be a cherished classic by discriminating automobile enthusiasts.
It is a mad world when people pay 10k for an E28,or even a Ford Escort.My 530i was one of the best cars I ever had,and paid 5k for it in 2007.It really was as good as my 2019 Audi A6,which thankfully my company pays for.....
I own several BMWs, an e39 sedan included. It's the oldest one...but It's definitively my favourite one. Such a gorgeous car to drive around, and incredibly good looking (and build quality as well) after 25 years.
Gorgeous examples - great to see one so clean and original. BMW really nailed it with that understated, yet powerful design which still looks elegant today. These are high on the want-list, but they are getting increasingly difficult to find in decent condition without the prices shooting through the roof.
Cinematics and music are magnificent as always - i love the mood you create!
Thanks so much for your support. A relaxed vibe felt like it matched with this car perfectly. It will be interesting to see what happens to the values of more ordinary models now that the M5 is climbing so much. Thanks for watching!
This was just too emotional to watch, E38, E39 ❤️ will forever stay close to my heart. I daily an F30, it just doesn’t feel as genuine as the E generation chassis
I'm fortunate enough to have a manual 528i wagon. Its well over 200k & was never properly cared for; but it's still going strong. Along with a few tasteful mods, I hope to restore it to perfection & die with it. I agree, the pinnacle generation of BMW.
I agree with every word and sentiment of this story having owned and loved an E34. My 22 year old '99 E39 540i/6 is probably the last car I'll ever drive and I am preserving it for all the reasons mentioned.
Bmw at their finest!
i have both. the e34 is a lot fun and fairly quick but the e39 is an outright better car. and yes, faster too
Great video! I love my E39 and despite getting another car, I couldn't bring myself to part with it (I've had it since 2005). So now I have two cars ;) Very cheap to insure (probably due to age), economical even by today's standards, wonderfully balanced and oh so reliable. It's one of the best cars I have owned.
Wow, nice! They are starting to disappear from the roads, great to hear some are being preserved!
Just bought a 2000 E39 528i Automatic (would be awesome if it was 5 speed manual) with 171k miles from a buddy of mine at work, hes original owner and kept it in excellent condition! I love this car so much...... Just hate I dont have a garage for it..
The E39 5 series is a legend in the car world.
My first daily is a base 525i that sounds like a vacuum when I step on it but it drives amazing. Im planning on S62 swapping it here soon once I get my first job.
Amazing video. Great watch!
I love E39’s to bits, I’ve owned two, a 1996 rust free 523i Saloon that I paid £350 for, ended up getting scrapped after I sold it on. And then I bought a little did I know rotten 528i Touring, extremely high spec example, sat nav, comfort package, and so much more, but I jacked it up one day and the entire Jack went through the sill. I scrapped it for £100 as I found out someone had already had the catalytic converters off of it, it was straight piped a bit.
Mate If I was you I’d get another one before the prices shoot up!
Just bought a 01 540i M62TU with a 6 speed, sold my Audi for my first bimmer and has introduced me to a whole other level of enjoyment
I rewatch this video every now and then to remind myself i get to daily one of the best cars ever made. Long live the e39!
I’m with you. E39 528 for 21 years now. There is no substitute.
I own a BMW E39 525D for 7 months now. What an amazing car. Even the short distance drives are a delight. I regret not buying it sooner.
I own a 523i 1999 for 12 years now. I'm a second owner - absolutely love my car. I'll never sell it!
2019 I installed her a LPG system and now it runs me about 6-7$/100km. I love everything about my car. Same engine - M52TUB25 Dual vanos 170bhp. It is a stunning piece of motorsport engineering. A True BMW.
I have had my wrench time with her - preventatively taking good care of her, but she never disappointed me and my smile keeps getting bigger and bigger with every single passing year.
I have forever respect for e39.
Owned 1 from 99 to 06. 528i.
Till today I miss it. Hope 1 day I will get 1 in near mint condition to add to collection . Thank you for the beautiful video. Peace
After owning 3 e39’s and still having one, this video made me realise how good it actually is and why i keep going for one. Maybe one of the best cars ever made❤
It is so great to see there are more enthusiasts that love and appreciate the E39 the way it is and was designed by the engineers. I am very often misunderstood with my love for my always broken old BMWs and my stupid desire to collect even more of them. It typically changes when I take them on a ride and they are impressed of how well these machines feel, even from the passenger seat and how well they have aged.
Having that said, I just bought a pre-LCI 528i Touring a few hours before, joining my beloved LCI 530d sedan. Both to be kept strictly classy and OEM. Greetings to all of you out there from Bavaria, Germany.
I have precisely the same model... Though mine isn't as polished as yours! I picked it up a few years back for £750 and it was a rust bucket. But the engine was sound and the frame was solid. Now the tyres on it cost more than that I paid alone. I've definitely spent alot of money to restore it, but dam does it look beautiful now! Electric blue (silver green) and starts first time without fail. Pure joy to drive. Respect.
Had a 99 528i 5 speed. BEST CAR EVER! Loved it. Was like driving a slot car. Best balance of luxury, spot and handling. Then came the next generation e60. To this day I never understood how BMW could go from making the best car ever to the WORST ever. They lost me then and there. Only BMW I’d ever buy again is an E39.
You really should, i would be awfully suprised if e39s wouldnt see a price increase over the next few years once the recession stops and the economy is growing again. this is my second car (523iaT) and its a blast, bit silent on the exhaust side for me but im getting it sorted after i get some bushings fixed in the rear
It was my first car because it was cheap. But now that I have a good job and have the money to choose, I still prefer a BMW E39 over newer push button german cars. You will fall in love with this car
Drive a M20 E34 to and from my uni everyday, its the lightspot of my day, sitting in it focusing on my driving and just enjoying it, old 5 series were built right
Put mine away for winter today, took it for a quick drive as the fuel light was on and just the 10 minutes reminded me why I still keep it!
great video about a great car! I have a '03 5-speed 520i wagon and enjoy every kilometer in it. We even take it "camping" for early morning hikes as a "sleep mobile" sometimes, it has so much space. Mine has now 435.000km on the clock and is running on LPG (and petrol) and about as smooth as it can be - while still only consuming about 11Liters of LPG per 100km. Not a fast car by any stretch, I think the Vanos system has "retired" a while ago, but this actually improved fuel economy, so it's fine by me. We take it for car cruising throughout the Alps, listening to the almost silent, silky smooth engine or some quiet music. It is so "entschleunigend" (de-aggrevating) as we say in german. None of todays' cars can do that any better. Plus, the E39 has just THE most beautiful dash ever made, IMHO.
Greetings from Germany 🤗
They are great cars and still heavily undervalued although everybody seems to adore this generation.
So towards the end of last year I bought my first BMW car. My intention was to flip it for an instant profit. Engine, radiator, coils etc were replaced in 2012. Currently have 120 000 km on the clock. After driving the 2002 BMW 525i home I was hooked. Not into highway speed but the acceleration is addictive!! Its my daily runner & pulls my trailer. Its an amazing find that will certainly become a classic.
I own the exact same 523i and seeing you drive it around really makes me feel like my own car is featured in the video. Beautiful compose, excellent edit. Loved the video.
Wonderful video, great production, lots of E39 enthusiasm involved, wonderful thanks so much! I wish I could send some images of my outstanding E39 530d Touring in top conditions. As you say, built to last. Could not imagine anything better for this kind of money. I would never change for a current model. Great to know there are E39 brothers out there in UK too. Regards from Austria
Austria, wow! I'm really pleased to see this story reach so far and very glad to meet another fan of the E39, Thanks for your support! Enjoy your E39.
Beautifully filmed tribute to what is arguably the best all round BMW ever made in my opinion at least. I have had 11 examples over the last 20 years ranging from 528 se's to 530/540 sports and se's and now am fortunate enough to own an M5. The various examples I've had have seen me through life in a reliable/solid and comfortable way like no other car could and have been instrumental in providing a safe and well built yet sporty to drive car for ferrying my kids around for years. I always feel at home in them and have found it hard to feel fully satisfied with any other BMW's even newer ones which we've owned. The SE examples have a comfort and ride quality like very few other cars yet feel light and nimble probably thanks the the use of aluminium components in the suspension. Unfortunately the ULEZ scheme is killing these beautiful cars off at an alarming rate here in London and I feel very sad knowing that many of them will be scrapped even though they will have many many more years of life in them thanks to the impeccable build quality. Long live the E39..in other countries at least!
Time for people to go shopping in London for one then....we people really swop an E39 for a fridge on wheels,or a bicycle? WTF.....
At around 6:18 I got goosebumps across my entire body. What an amazing video that you put together. It encapsulates exactly why I love the E39 so much. It does everything so incredibly well, that it’s hard to think of a better all around car. Supremely comfortable, solid, safe, refined, and great to drive. It looks great, and it’s the perfect size.
That song on background fits so damn well.. Piece of art 👌
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it!
As a 33 year old man the E39 sedan has been my dream car and my favourite BMW since I was a high school kid. The cosiness of the back seat, the design of the interior and smooth ride whilst being a drivers car really sums up why its still my favourite BmW nowadays. And yes! I cannot agree more with you that I really do appreciate cars made in the 90s when you can still activate everything with a push of a button, rather than having screens that blinds you in the night! I literally have an urge to go and get myself one tomorrow in fact!
Talking of well built 90’s cars, a very underrated car is the Toyota Celica MK5 (1993 is the sweet-spot year) go for a standard 2.0i twin cam 16v and prepare yourself have some GREAT fun out there down the twisties in an amazingly well built car with great feel and pop up headlights too! 👍
I’ve got an E39 523i with 264.000 km and would never sell it. In my opinion the last elegant 5 series. Thanks for your video! Best wishes, Andreas
I have a E39 528i these are great!!! 171k miles!!
thank YOU a lot for the video. I also own and drive E39 523i for more than 10 years and each time I get an engine roar next to a red line I have the same smug smile on my lips as this owner :-)
Totally agree...I’ve owned a 523i, 525i, 528i, 530i, 535i and 540i. The 540i was fantastic as you’d expect but the fuel consumption made me cry. I think the best of them all was the 535i V8 which was very powerful great sounding and reasonable on fuel costs. I must buy another one ASAP and bin my VW :)
My 535 was hardly any more economical than the much faster 540,23MPG uk average from both.530i was the one,quick smooth and around 30MPG over 50,000 miles,my 528i was 27.
Every time I think about another alternative and then get back into my e39, that thought immediately evaporates. They are simply the best production vehicle ever.
They do pretty much everything you could need a car to do! Thanks for watching.
I've had an 02 525d manual since 2014. Love it
230k miles on the clock now. Still very smooth. I'll be very sad when it finally has to go. Living in a seaside town, rust will finish it off eventually.
Great film, super filming, I should take note! E39 ‘peak’ BMW 5 series, my dad also had a 525tds touring in Aspen silver, what a lovely car. They don’t show their age like the hideous Bangle generations that followed which have not aged very well. Never been more affordable, I’d love a 528i personally.
Thanks! A 528i would be lovely, I'm a fan of the amber lights! There must be a few hidden gems sitting away somewhere...
@@OvertakeFilms totally agree, amber indicators all the way!!
@@Lot76CARS BMW cost accountants were sniffing around at the face-lift,the earlier cars are more collectible. Single vanos, no disa intake flaps,nicer carpets.No where near Mercedes cost cutting mind.I do wonder how much my 97 528i is worth,90,000 miles with 1 previous owner in silver,but I don't think I would part with it
@@adams7405 agree, with the orange indicators, I’m tempted but I’d have to get rid of my 190E Merc as no space… 528I manual… tempting😉
Aspen silver is just the most gorgeous colour. There's an E39 in this colour on the Orkney islands I see it each time I go there, it's just beautiful.
I'm gonna say it: the interior of the e39 is the best looking in any mass produced car ever. Everytime i see one i fall in love again. and of course it looks very nice on the outside aswell. especially in the m-trim.
Yes this is one of the best cars ever made and my personal fauvorite. The handling is so intuitive, when the rear breaks out its like the car is talking to the driver and time seems to slow down for a short while. And I have never in my life heard anyone say that they do not like this car.
love the mix of shots and the music, they really do compliment eachother very well
My dad had the 528i and it’s the fondest car I’ve been in as a kid
Indeed a fine car. I am pleased as punch with my 523 se on a 98 plate. At 1400 it was in the bangernomics range but is anything but. It's smiles per mile that count not mpg. It's predecessor an A3 fastback.
Bought a manual '01 530D Touring in 2007 as a replacement for my '93 520i E34 SE Touring.
In 2012 bought an auto '01 530D Touring, it's a month younger than the manual.
Both the E39 now have just short of 170,000 miles (270,000 kms) no rust apart from some chips and scratches that need treating. I imported them from the UK to southern France which probably explains the lack of rust. No major mechanical issues apart from a turbo on the manual that blew not long after I bought it, probably because it hadn't been used for over 12 months.
Other than that just servicing, water pumps on both, a front suspension rebuild on the manual and had to have tthe wiring loom where it goes through the right-hand tailgate hinge repaired (common fault as the wires break with flexing). I did have the dreaded swirl flaps removed from the inlet on the auto.
They are great motorway cruisers and fun to drive off the motorway as well. The self-levelling suspension combined with all that torque makes them a great tow car (we have a 1,800 kg Hobby caravan).
Still have the E34, it now has 250,000 miles (400,000 kms). Mechanically original apart from a gearbox rebuild by the dealer when we bought it, consumables, service kits, schockers and I am in the process of rebuilding the front suspension. Replaced the cloth upholstery with leather some years ago. Only other problems have been a water leak round the full length sunroof due to the drain tubes getting blocked and the microswitches for the tailgate and the tailgate glass need replacing.
The E39s are vastly superior to the E34, the extra legroom in the rear and the almost completely unobstructed load area due to the air-suspension are a big plus. Still looking forward to getting the E34 back on the road though.
All 3 definitely qualify as The Ultimate Driving Experience
My 2003 E39 520i Touring Manual is the smoothest and most quiet car I have EVER driven. Its like floating on a Cruise ship or orbiting space. Just ridiculous 🙏🙏🙏
Great cars. I own 528i 1997 with just 61k on the clock. Everything works as new and drive is sublime. A classic, without doubt
61k, nice!! enjoy it!
I owned a 2001 E39 525i. Fabulous chasis. It was a lot of fun to drive. Excellent drivers car.
Great video. I had 4 UR Audi Quattro's between 1995 and 2003 so missed out on the E39, then I had two Jaguar Xj8's before moving to Australia then dulling down to a Volvo. Now back in the UK, I just bought my first ever E39 yesterday and I pick it up in about 12 hours and having driven it, I can't wait. I like the 6 cylinder engine, the sound, the handling, the ride and the fact it isn't a temperamental computer on wheels. I will try to never ever again buy a car governed by the electronics. I want engineering. ;)
I just got my 2000 528i back from the mechanic after a fuel-pump replacement, and the straight-6 is still butter smooth at 200,000 miles. Secondary ride is very good over slightly broken pavements. But one irritation is the ABS module which triggers the dash warning light.
What a beautiful video. I drove a E90 330i sport pack for 5 years. Bullet proof. I love BMW ❤
One of the best Cars ever made . Greez from Germany
Love E39's, I've had quite a few, a 523, two 525's, three 530's, a 540, all M-sports except the 540 and 2 M5's.
These cars are just so insanely good 😍
You just made me love BMWs more I don't care what anyone says but if you look after this car it look after you too
The best car ever made, period.
I have two, 528i 2000 and 530i 2003! Both still drives like new!!!!
I love how they made a 530d so much I bought one.
Has 200hp and good mileage, and with a good exhaust it sounds really great (except on idle where you hear the typical diesel tractor noise)
Awesome car i have a e60 530i and just purchase a e39 520i year 2000 with 72.000km on the cluster .
Im going to keep it as original as she is right now
Awesome car
Own a 01 530 as well,these cars are built like a Tank.Nicely done Video and Music..Love it Thanks
My goal by 2030 is to have a 528i Touring 5at and 530i Saloon 5mt… best balance of the E39 to me… easy to work on, fun to drive, styled with intention and worthy collector car.
My E39m5 is a joy to drive
🏆👏Awesome Video my Brother , I agree with everything about the E39's , their such well Build Handsome Appearance Machines in their ERA , i would time travel back in these Glorious Times to drive in the 2000s so simple so intelligent so beautiful I used to owned a 94' and a 95' BMW E34 525i back then , I can say I was going to pick my first car the e39 but The e34 came across my view As my first and second then finally brought my 2001 Titanium Silver Metallic E39 525i with the very Nice Classic Spoke 5 Style Wheels as my daily mine 3rd Modern Classic the Best Making Of BMW 🇩🇪 Of the 2000s , BMW Build this Generous Vehicle with Passion Ahhh Nice👍🏼😌
I appreciate your passion for the E39 as I have a triple black 2002 530i sport and it is such wonderful car to drive and look at as well.
SNAP! I also have the exact same model, colour & spec as yours. I've had her for 5 years now. Apart from the usual where & tear items, she hasn't put a foot wrong (so far 😉). Every Friday, I make a point of taking the back roads home just because she's still so good to drive.
@@THE-BUNKEN-DRUM Nice, Keep it always as I have 5 other cars. This BMW e39 tops all of them (my other cars are nice .....I am a car guy}, especially as far as drivetime and the communication of the road to the driver. It is a great experience always.
@stanleyadams2046 : Amen to that, brother. 🙏
I miss mine. Had two of them, they were great cars and would have another one on a heartbeat
Just stumbled upon this channel. With the chilled vibes, great cinematography and narration I subscribed straight away.
Had an E36 328i coupe in midnight blue with white leather interior back in the day and I can see myself in a E34 or E39 next depending on budget and what is around at the time.
The new Bimmers lack soul and are built to break!
Thank you for the support! More content to come soon! Both the E34 and E39's seem to be creeping up in value, for the nice ones at least.
So true...one of the best driving machines in history of the petrol era
Thanks!
Great video, such an immaculate car you have there. I bought a 2001 E39 for £700 when my 99 323se gave up the ghost, and at first it felt sluggish compared to the 3. It did however feel so comfortable and well built, a proper cruiser that eats motorways for fun and is rewarding on the windey bits. Got rid of that as a deposit towards a 2010 320d tourer, which is nippy and frugal, but in every other sense feels like a big downgrade. It's silly things like the indicator stalks feeling so much more cheaper and fragile, the interior not being as comfy that I noticed. I was getting a burnt oil smell coming through the vents, which wasn't great when having the baby in the back. Turned out to need a rocker gasket change. If I'd knew that I'd have definitely kept it. They have such an understated presence about them.
I'm on my 3rd E39 523i...Love them way more than my E60 523i..
I own a 99 528iT and love it. You don’t see many tourings in the states. Came from an 99 E46 328 so know the power train well! Both great cars but the E39 definitely seems more solid.
Could be mistaken, but I heard the E39 generation was the last where the engineers got to build it, then the bean counters had to price it. (No budget). From the E60 out the engineers are given a ‘budget’ of some kind to work around. Again could be false , but I believe it! 😳
Got a 528i aut with air suspension great car
This is a great e39 review. Nice work 👍🏾
This is peak 5 series. I have an E34 and love it. But still have a soft spot for the E39. They are so complete refined, understated and small enough to enjoy on a more narrow winding road. From then quality went down, they got bigger and bigger and less involving. Shame BMW did not did a better job to protect them against rust. Still want one...
Very nice video and even nicer cars 👍
Love my e39 2002 530i sport. Drives like new and looks great- style 42 wheels are beautiful
Saddest part is, we know we are all here because the end is coming.
@@roderickmartinez4715
The end of his comment, thank God.
The E39 and E46 are the cars that made BMW what it is today. Forever Legends! Take the M3CSL/M5/MSport body molds and modernize the interiors and see how many fly off the assembly line.
This channel should have way more subscribers
Thank you! It's a passion project, hopefully it will build over time with a bit more commitment!
Top class car and video, well done 👍
90's Beemers are the best! I've got mint Z3 roadster, E36 318is coupe and E46 330Ci. Only for sunny day use.
Hello there, very nice video, I'm born in 98 and my first car was e39 520i 1998 and i was inlove with her, and now i'm searching again an e39 becauose this is an amezing car expiriance!
Wow, that's a special first car!
I just got my 99 528i it was such a steal
I have a V reg 530D in the same colour as your V. I absolutely adore it. Enjoyed the video. I want the steering wheel yours has!
It's a fantastic car, I am loving my e39 530i LCI. One thing I regret though, is getting an automatic. The cars are quite old now, and most frequently are not that well kept, so the automatic can feel very slow and heavy at times. This is currently the only thing that makes me want to sell it, as I used to drive an e46 323Ci manual, and it was much more fun and felt faster, although the car has 50hp less, and still weighs a shit ton...
The preface lifts look so good
My plan is to purchase a 1999 E39 528i and 1999 Mazda MX5 1.8. Firstly because personal research over the last 10 years I believe that these two cars are the BEST cars in their leagues.
Second reason is that I plan to drive each one for a week and swap to the other as this will allow me to constantly appreciate each of the two amazing vehicles without getting used to just the one which is what I’ve experienced happening in the past.
Ive spent 3 years driving my 1995 1.4 Astra LSi, so I’m preparing myself to thoroughly enjoy these two vehicles when I buy them this summer 😊
Now that would make for a fantastic 2 car garage. Swapping between vehicles really does help, as otherwise you can acclimatise to how one car drives and it then becomes the norm. Good luck with your purchasing!
@@OvertakeFilms Many Thanks
I can’t wait to enjoy them.
Best wishes to you and your cars too