is the E39 the best BMW ever?

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   I first owned an E39 a new on "S" reg, I think it was 1998. I really liked it but not enough at the time and the dealer local to me was fairly disinterested as the 
vehicle was not purchased from them. I had it about 18 months and switched to an Audi A6 and had two new of those.

Roll on 8 years ago and I was looking for a knock about everyday car, long story short thanks to the Club I paid 500 pounds for and E39 523i. Its not pretty but just clocked the 200,000 miles and it still serves me well. 

Only down side is a big of corrosion and age related deterioration, bit like the owner.

I wished I had kept my original one.   

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Norrie Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 15 Jul 2012 Status: Offline Points: 4117	Post Options Post Reply Quote Norrie Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: is the E39 the best BMW ever? Posted: 23 Jan 2023 at 9:31am
	I first owned an E39 a new on "S" reg, I think it was 1998. I really liked it but not enough at the time and the dealer local to me was fairly disinterested as the vehicle was not purchased from them. I had it about 18 months and switched to an Audi A6 and had two new of those. Roll on 8 years ago and I was looking for a knock about everyday car, long story short thanks to the Club I paid 500 pounds for and E39 523i. Its not pretty but just clocked the 200,000 miles and it still serves me well. Only down side is a big of corrosion and age related deterioration, bit like the owner. I wished I had kept my original one.

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Somerset Jim Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 27 Dec 2022 Status: Offline Points: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote Somerset Jim Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 25 Jan 2023 at 5:39pm
	They are a lovely vehicle. I’m on my second one now and a friend of mine bought my fathers old 525d touring which he still uses as his main family car to this day. It is approaching 200k miles and is going strong.
	E39 540i Sport 2000 E38 735i 1998

DJ Syxx Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 07 Sep 2012 Location: London Status: Offline Points: 208	Post Options Post Reply Quote DJ Syxx Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 12 Mar 2023 at 11:56am
	Its a tough one but not hard to argue the case of being up there as one of the all time best. I had over 2 years of good driving pleasure with my E39 530i. It needed some work here and there but wasn't hard to work on. The engine is pretty robust long as you look after them properly. Parts are still easy to obtain and many good OE equivalent parts can be used to keep these things going. The biggest issue with them is going to be corrosion as they usually go at the sills and jacking points. Luckily mine had solid jacking points and the floor was pretty clean for a car near on 20 years old. What I loved most about the car was how complete it was. The exterior is timeless like the E46 and the interior is just right and a great place to be sat in. I consider the E39 the older brother of the E46 and there is more DNA passed down from it to the E46 as there is many simillarities. I've got an E60 now (V8) which is great to drive in terms of response and feel but the E39 I felt was the better drive which is suprising I know. I just a little more engaged with the car and despite being the older generation, still felt very solid. Would love a V8 variant E39 but having driven the 540i and looking after a friends 535i, I found the steering box quite dull. I can understand why the 6 cylinder models are more popular. I wouldn't say no to a 540i but if it was a toss up between a 530i and 535i, I'd choose the 530i all day.


Paul Rice Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 17 Aug 2011 Location: Doncaster Status: Offline Points: 748	Post Options Post Reply Quote Paul Rice Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 13 Mar 2023 at 6:53am
	E39. Best all rounder, a leap forward at launch For me, best ever (for us mere mortals) E46 M3 Coupe Edited by Paul Rice - 13 Mar 2023 at 6:53am
	Paul 2003 Z4 2.5 Sterling grey 2024 218 Grand Coupe Misano Blue In love with driving again