sports car · germany · RWD · sedan

BMW M5

E39 · The benchmark V81998–2003

The original super-sedan — V8, V10, and back to V8 hybrid.

Reviewer consensus · across 2 reviewers

Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling.

Performancestrong consensus

“This 5 L V8 is such a gem of an engine... it's so well matched to this chassis.” ▶ 7:03 Zygrene

“It is properly properly quick. You can forget that 5.3 second naugh to 62 mph time cuz it just feels way faster than that.” ▶ 6:32 CAR magazine

Handlingstrong consensus

“These Ground Control coilovers are doing a really really excellent job at making this feel like an o plus build... you get a level of body control that the stock suspension doesn't quite match.” ▶ 10:00 Zygrene

“It's progressive yet punchy when you need it to be and always fabulously agile far more so than a 1.8 ton saloon from 1998 has any right to be.” ▶ 6:00 CAR magazine

Fun to drivestrong consensus

“What a joy to drive... this still very much feels analog.” ▶ 12:10 Zygrene

“On the road the E39 is spectacular.” ▶ 3:27 CAR magazine

Daily drivabilitystrong consensus

“Even without modern luxuries like adaptive suspension the E39 rides pliantly and the wind and road noise from outside is almost non-existent.” ▶ 3:43 CAR magazine

“It really does feel like a full size luxury car because that's what it is.” ▶ 2:25 Zygrene

Valuestrong consensus

“It really is a testament to how well these cars hold up if you take good care of them.” ▶ 9:21 Zygrene

On YouTube · 31 videos