[thxbuff2001]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

The E39 M5 has certainly stood the test of time. When the F80 was launched I noticed some similarities and started to compare more closely their dimensions which led me to believe the F80 is a spiritual successor to the E39 in terms of size, output, and function.

I think the F10 is the successor, but Im bias

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by thxbuff2001

I think the F10 is the successor, but Im bias

Based on size, the F10 is about the size of the E65 7 series. BMWs have gotten huge. A G30 nowadays is about the size of the E60!

[pennsiveguy]

Originally Posted by KevinM

I've owned my E39 M5 since 2004 and it is still my favorite car. I used it as a DD from 2004 - 2016. I retired it in 2016 when I bought a MT F80 ZCP. I also felt that given the F80's size and low-down torque (the lack of which was the main reason I didn't buy a E90 M3 as a DD) it was the spiritual successor to the E39. It didn't quite work out that way for me. I'm (obviously) now in a M2C as a DD, and it is different enough that I don't compare it to my M5.

I agree with much of this review, but not all. The steering is good but not great. The DD I had before the M5, an E39 530, had fantastic rack and pinion steering as does my Z4M coupe. I would have loved it if the R&P rack had fit in the E39 M5, but the remainder of the package is so well-balanced, I don't really care anymore. I agree that the suspension is perfect for what the car is. It is supple but controlled. My F80 crashed over everything even when the suspension was in "comfort" mode.

One of the things I love about the E39 M5 is that is really is a "Q-ship." Very few people know what it is, and it is not obnoxiously loud or flashy. However, enthusiasts who know what it is always give a thumbs-up. The exterior and interior have aged extremely well. When I drive it, the combination of luxury and sports sedan seems perfect and unlike any other car. Here you are in a 400 hp sedan with a full leather interior, only available with a manual transmission and with an advanced (for the time) limited slip differential...

The excessive oil usage only occurred before the pistons were re-designed in 2/2000. My 2002 model used no extra oil between 7500K oil changes when it was my DD. My car has been amazingly reliable, but it does require attentive preventive maintenance.

Sure, the technology is dated. I installed a Aux jack in the center cubby, so I can connect my iPhone and listen to music, etc.

While my M5 probably spends too much time on a battery tender these days, it makes me smile and it feels special whenever I do take it out. I do not believe I'll ever part with it.

A very handsome fleet. Well done!

[cncmastr]

I absolutely adore my E39 Dinan S2! I am very thankful to have this gem as part of my stable. Every time I drive her, I am reminded of how special of a car she is, and how rewarding it is to drive her.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by cncmastr

I absolutely adore my E39 Dinan S2! I am very thankful to have this gem as part of my stable. Every time I drive her, I am reminded of how special of a car she is, and how rewarding it is to drive her.

Gorgeous color, imola red?

[Thomasd50]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

Usually his reviews are better than this. Not really much discussion about the driving experience. I get that its an older vehicle, and not a press vehicle rachat de credit banque, so it can't be pushed hard, but he's usually much more descriptive with how the cars drive and feel.

In fact, this model is rather sensitive, but it should not be forgotten that these cars were the glory of the brand at the time.

[Humdizzle]

cool car. and im sure its fun to drive. I had an e36 and e46 m3 for four years each.

While the e46 and e39 were probably the pinnacle of bmw design.. they just can't do what a modern f80 can. power grip braking infotainment cf roof etc. at least without some serious work. And if you're looking for a fun weekend sports care there are way better sports cars in terms of steering feel and all that.

If they copy and pasted the e46 body onto a new m2 and updated the entire electronics, braking system, suspension, headlights/tails (LED)... then i'd probably put my f80 up for sale tomorrow though lol.

[NYBulldog]

I had one for years. If you want to drive it hard, that baby moves. But you drive like a normal human being and its very civil. He complains that new M cars are too rough and then this one is too restrained. I don't get it. I had a Dinan exhaust and Intake and BBS LMs, it was one bad mother.

[Haywood]

Originally Posted by wknddrivr

A lot of the reviews agree that the steering isn't great on the E39 because of the recirculating ball setup. As an owner of a 2002 E39 M5, I would agree.

The steering in my E36 M3 (which I still drive regularly) offers a lot more feel and is a lot sharper than the E39 M5, as was the steering in my E90 328 (from what I remember, the car was totaled a few years ago)

The E36 is much more raw and more fun than the E39 M5, so it's more enjoyable in the canyons on the weekend, but the E39 is a much better car and incredible overall package...much better daily driver and great grand tourer, but its way more of a luxury car than a sports car.

Steering in the E39 M5 was certainly was not BMWs best work. It's precise, but slightly numb...not as numb as the new stuff though. I've also got a 2017 530i, so I can compare them directly. The 2017 is a little bit more numb but a hell of a lot lighter and the ratio is slower on the 2017 which drives me nuts.

Aside from the steering on the E39 M5, it really has no other weak spots. My 2017 530i was my daily driver, but it's going away and the M5 will be my daily. Will not miss the G30 at all. The E39 absolutely stands the test of time and does not feel like a 17 year old car (aside from the Nav system)

Can't agree more as I have an e36 and e39. I love the quickness and tossability of the M3 and the beautiful balance and V8 power of the e39 (I also have a Dinan S1 package). I don't think the steering is terrible, but I don't ever plan to track the M5. It's just a timeless machine that BMW has still not be able to replicate in future M5's IMO.

[Hockeytyme]

I had a full stage 3 Dinan S3 M5 with supercharger, rear diff, fly wheel, clutch, all kinds of engine parts, wheel, brakes, etc.. The thing sounded like a Nascar and drove like Dukes of Hazard on the pavement. What an unreal car!! I have had several super cars and currently the fastest M5 in the continent but dollar for dollar nothing beats my old E39!!!