Future Classic Friday: BMW 5-Series E39
There are certain cars that come along that are instantly brilliant, and go straight to the top of their class. BMW's 'E39' 5-series is one such car - from the minute it made its debut at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, replacing the much-loved E34, the executive saloon was touted as one of the best cars the German company had ever made.
By the time it hit showrooms in 1996, the E39 had stoked up even more enthusiasm. The media were in raptures over the car's impeccable driving dynamics, while the build quality, performance and comfort were also first rate.
The E39 was also an impressive piece of engineering, using more lightweight materials than any previous BMW, including a new aluminium subframe and - for the first time in a 5-series - rack-and-pinion steering. The new set-up gave fine handling balance and a level of agility that made the E39 feel like a much smaller car from behind the wheel.
All variants were punchy - even the entry level 520i had 150bhp from its 2.0-litre straight six, while the 523i and 525i models were pleasingly rapid. If you wanted proper poke, though, the real stars of the range were the new V8s - the 535i and 540i. Refined, powerful and with a wonderful exhaust note, they were also surprisingly economical, especially on the motorway. It's no wonder, then, that the E39 was widely regarded as the best executive car on the market by all of the contemporary car magazines.
The E39's armoury was strengthened even further in late 1996, with the addition of the 'Touring' estate model, which featured a pop up rear screen and an extremely capacious load bay. If anything, the Touring was even more handsome than the well-proportioned saloon, and again went instantly to the top of its class.
Indeed, the only weak link in the range was the diesel engine. The 525 TDS used the old 141bhp six-pot turbodiesel from the E34 (also found in the Vauxhall Omega), and while it was a tough unit, refinement and performance weren't its strong points.
BMW's answer was, in 1998, to yet again create a class leader. The new 530d used a three-litre six-cylinder engine newly developed for the model, with incredible performance and torque. It was, in the eyes of many, the best diesel car in the world. It was followed up in 2000 with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel in the fleet friendly 520d to coincide with a mild facelift - a car that might not sound that exciting, but was more than capable of delivering a satisfying drive.
The E39, then, was a true great. One of the best cars of its era, if not the best in terms of its context. Its status as a future classic is guaranteed, but don't buy one with your eyes closed. Early 530ds aren't renowned for their reliability, while E39s are currently cheap enough for people who can't afford to properly maintain a BMW to own one, and that means there are several ropey high milers out there, some with questionable modifications.
Don't buy one of those. Instead, seek out a well maintained and totally standard example. A good maintenance record is far more important than mileage, and be wary of rust, especially around the rear arches, trailing edge of the sills and on Touring tailgates. E39s are tough cars, but they're not immune to rot, especially with the oldest examples now being over 20 years old. They don't look it, though, do they? A truly handsome and brilliant car.
Comments
Craig Cheetham
NEC classic motor show 2020 postponed due to Covid 19 concerns
Classic car auction house Coys goes into administration
Motor racing great Sir Stirling Moss dies aged 90
Alfa Romeo anniversary races set for Silverstone
Government to make E5 fuel available for classic owners
Plans to introduce cleaner fuel could damage more than a million classic cars
Top 10: Classic cars from the Gulf motor racing heritage collection
Compare classic car insurance quotes and buy online. A friendly service offering access to a range of policies and benefits.
expertad on 3 November 2017
Possibly the best car ever made.Have a 1998 528iSE,260,000 miles,still does 145MPH on the Autobahn.Worth about a grand according to 'we buy any car' or whatever.And faster,better made and much nicer to own than my company 2017 Audi A4 TDI.Philip Burgess on 3 November 2017
On my third E39... started with a 525d followed by a 530d and now driving a 2002 530i. They are brilliant... best cars ever made and so much car for the money. Solid, reliable, refined and comfortable. For a second hand cheap car it's a total no brainer. Just a shame they stopped making them.
THE best car in the world bar none.
Edited by Philip Burgess on 03/11/2017 at 18:00
Dave Hocking on 3 November 2017
I drive a bmw 530i m sport champagne 2. Absolutely the best car I have ever had.It's finished in metallic black and cream leather interior. It's a 2003 limited edition I've been told, to commemorate the end of the E39 engine. It's so reliable and responsive, an amazing drive, I'm always cleaning it and looks stunning when polished. I'm always having notes struck to the windscreen asking if I want to sell it, the answer is always no. It's also a petrol one. There's only one thing missing, the phone handset which sits on the centre console.
AWESOME !
halcyon26 on 4 November 2017
I had a 525d and it was the best car I have ever had, fast, economical and pretty reliable. I still miss the Shaeffer green motor.........the body styling was understated and tasteful, in fact the latest version seems to hark back ! Your comments about the engine are crap!symonh on 12 November 2017
I have had two 528i's in Manual gearbox form, and both were briliant cars, especially the later version I had with the twin Vanos version of the engine. If I could critisise them slightly is that I found the 528i slightly underpoweredin some situations due to the car being heavy. Of course the V8 versions were more powerful but they had a steering box rather than rack and pinion which takes a lot of enjoyment from the drive. The 530i or an Alpina based 6 cylinder petrol would probably be the models to have simply because of the steering.
Edited by symonh on 12/11/2017 at 10:13
David rae on 13 November 2017
I own a 525i touring with m tec pack and full grey leather interior. Love the car . Smoothest driving car I’ve ever owned with every receipt and service from new. Paid 1400 for it . Bargain.john mulholland on 19 November 2017
I own a BMW 525i SE (2002) is a truly the best car i have ever driven.It is a joy to drive and own and i have lost count of the amount of people who have made me offers on the car (its Glazier gree/comfort seats in mint leather/low miles of 50,000).
I have done around 5000 miles in it thus far and it has been faultless.
It sticks to the road like glue and feels so well balanced.
Engine is eager and overtaking on the motorway is a doddle.
Another bonus is the mpg i get (with careful driving) both urban and on the motorways.
The previous owner only did 4000 since 2008 until 2016 (used for shopping trips) but car needs a full service/auto fluid change/rocker cover gasket changing and luckily there is an idie BMW garage not far from where i live.
The car looks stunning and oozes quality and class and has a real presence about it.
Yes service costs can be high (especially dealer prices) but find a good indie and costs are not so crippling.(Or maintain it yourself).
Its a car i feel very proud to own and like i have said a joy to drive and thus far has been very reliable.
Not surprised folk are saying it will be a future classic and totally agree with with the comments being made by various bodies that the car was the best ever made by BMW and one of the best cars in the the world in its day.
Muttley Macc on 20 November 2017
I had 2 e39s - both 520s. In my ownership, both proved to be fantastic cars which, personally, I think BMW has failed to better with subsequent 5-series. They weren't without problems though.....please read on! 1) 1st E39 was a 1996 520i SE manual in Glacier Green. Fabulous car albeit BMW had to rebuilt the engine due to Nikasil Lining problems - albeit that was carried out gratis by BMW. Performance was reasonable and economy was around 30mpg mixed driving styles. Mine was a fairly high mileage example which appeared to have been used on the motorway quite a lot - there were a lot of stone chips to say the least! In my ownership, the car didn't miss a beat and the gearchange, engine sound, comfort and build quality were all superior. Why did I change it? For another E39 of course.. 2) 2nd E39 was a 2003 (52 reg) 520i ES SE automatic. This was a lovely car but the issues were: a) Ignition Coils constantly failing (see most German cars from this period) b) the "ES" standard 2-piece alloy wheels corroded dreadfully (BMW forgot to mention this when I bought the car) c) Although the engine was more powerful than the early 520i above, the autobox really hampered both performance and economy (22mpg mixed / 32mpg m'way run). In reality, I would recommend the manual version any day and would leave the autobox for a more suitable engine (525i/530i/etc). In the end, I traded it in as running costs were too high and replaced it with a nearly new Mondeo Ghia - but that's a different story
Edited by Muttley Macc on 20/11/2017 at 12:32
Jamie Bramhall on 9 January 2018
I've owned 4 E39's, First being a 97 528iSE Touring Manual fully loaded, and i mean "fully loaded", 16 way lecci seats, phone, navigation, TV, xenons, blinds and double friggen glazing to name a few. I still own that car. with nearly 200k shes still my daily. I had a 98 528iA SE saloon also fully loaded, a poverty pack 01 525d SE touring auto and an ex foreign diplomat black sinister RHD 99 523i SE Touring auto with the champagne style interior. In my opinion the E39 is one of BMW's finest achievements and by far a car to be proud to have outside your house. They're getting few and far apart now especially Touring's. Once you drive an E39 then they're in the blood. I will own more and yet still keep the one i have. 4 Years of ownership and she still to this day puts a huge smile on my face. A lil story for those who have no idea, Jeremy Clarkson drove a 528i SE Touring manual across africa to find the source of the nile, It was the only car to make it with all the wheels still attached to the car. He claimed he'd quite happily drive the car back to england! Something along thoes lines anyway."Top Gears greatest car ever, a £1500 banger!". "Try one, You wont be disappointed?"
Edited by Jamie Bramhall on 09/01/2018 at 22:03
Compost Corner on 15 January 2018
One of the best cars I ever owned was a 1998 523i auto bought in 2001 with 30k on the clock. It was Biarritz Blue with black leather and was an absolute joy to own, until (with about 80k miles in 2006) the 'bakelite' coolant reservoir apparently cracked causing the engine to overheat and blow the head gasket. It seems this was a known problem - had the car serviced main dealer and specialist religiously and no one mentioned the reservoirs can age and crack. Put me off BMW a bit - beautiful car ruined for a piece of cheap plastic.Dick Fat on 8 September 2018
Have a 530i M-sport 2002. Its brilliant and I will never sell it! Its gonna be worth a lot of money in future. Only 120000 km on ODOMike Maxson on 1 August 2019
I have a 520i touring 2002 ...92k miles. First BMW I have owned after several audis and a couple of mercs. It's the best car I have ever owned without question. I had a 2002 2.4 A6 which came close, and was an excellent car , but the build quality of the BMW is beautiful. Just a joy to own and the 2.2 straight six has ample power and the smoothest auto change imaginable. I am NEVER going to sell this car. Just plan to maintain it and improve some minor paintwork blemishes. Car is a joy. Had to replace rad and water pump a while ago ,which I believe is normal on this model....but wasn't a fortune if keep away from main dealers.Clint Joseph on 13 September 2019
I have owed a 540i touring for a week. It is heavy and to aggressive. This car is not a patch on my 2000 Honda Legend which is truly a refined car. Bar the handling.Ken Herbert on 28 September 2019
I am ex trade and have owned over 100 cars and normally change them after about 6 months, these include a new Daimler XJ6 also a new BMW E39 V8 540I that was just so bad BMW took it back! Some time later I bought a 19000 mile M5 and life changed big style. I have owned for over 17 YEARS and can't bear to sell it as it is the best car I have ever owned. Yes it is VERY fast but thats not it's only skill it is the way it feels and makes you feel. I have always wanted a Bentley and have test driven the w12 Conti GT also the Flying spur and rejected them all in favour of my E39 M5. I paid £32500.00 for it in 2002 and it fell in value to about £6500.00. Currently it is prophesied especially by the American market to be worth over £100000.00 within the next five years, hope they are correct. There are some well used examples around that have been bought by boy racers and messed up with add ons etc never do this to such a great car keep original. There are many owners who have driven these cars for well over 250000 miles with little or no serious problems, I have even heard of a few done 500000 miles on the same engine, so looked after they are nearly indestructible. I have kept mine in pristine condition with all mods recall etc and canuba waxed. Fuel consumption is really good for such a wonderful car and average 28.5 long term! once did over 30 mpg on a slow cruise around Ireland.I fitted angel eyes which is well worth doing.Having now driven the very latest Bentley W12 I may decide to get one of these as they are a game changer for the enthusiastic driver but the E39 still feels as good as the Bentley but not as fast now with a 0 to 60 of 3.8 secs and the wonderful DSG auto box that does appeal to manual freaks like me. If you are interested to buy my car I will only sell it to someone who is a BMW E39 M5 enthusiast! Call me on 01404 815015.E Jones on 21 February 2020
E JonesFebruary 2020
We bought a e39 Bmw 3.0i Topaz blue with cream leather 2004 (2001 model ) and wanted something special to bring our new baby daughter home from hospital when she was born, it was an ex lease car which had covered 56k miles and was in excellent condition, we had bought it as a second car and was never used for commuting, it has been kept inside a garage since I bought it ,by now it has covered 86k miles and is in the same condition as it was in 2004 ,I did get the underside spray’d with Wax-oil a few years back we have not had may problems with it , A sensor on the air conditioning and a leaking gearbox oil cooler, it has been serviced every few years in a local BMW specialist garage , I get a comment from the mechanic every time I take it to him , there’s not a lot I can do to it !! , It is now only used on special occasions like our eldest daughter’s wedding to carry the bridesmaids in 2018 or a Sunday afternoon drive , I start the engine every few months and leave it run to operating temperature,It has never failed to start , very little issues with rust on the body , I was told by the mechanic yers ago to get the brake lines cleared and wax oiled were they go up and over the rear axle It was bought as a high mileage car but by now has only averaged around 4500 miles a year.
I never intend to sell the car as by now it is part of the family and our three daughters think the world of it . I am now starting to think it will be a future classic !!!
Add a comment