BMW E39 M5 | Ghosts From The 90s by savagegeese

[Richard550iGT]

550i GT love the car, hate the build. Need recommendations for replacement.
Cheers

[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.

[Germanauto]

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)

Fair enough. It would have been better of him to give some analysis than just say it was "bad." Bad relative to what?

[Germanauto]

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.

This sounded so heartfelt it almost brought a tear to my eye loll. That's an amazing collection of cars, and you maintain them obsessively like I do.

[CSBM5]

Like KevinM above, I bought an E39 M5 in early 2004 and owned it for over 14 years. I did just about everything an enthusiast could do with the car (except daily drive it, lol). I had actually ordered and bought a new 2002 540i/6spd which is what started me immediately hunting an M5. The final few years it wasn't being driven more than 300 miles/year, so I decided it was time for it to move on to someone who would enjoy it also (sold on BaT in 2018).

The steering box has a quicker ratio between the M5 and 540i, and that part is immediately noticeable between the two. Overall, the M5 steering is both great and blah at the same time. Of course here in almost 2020, if you sample an M5 in order to truly evaluate the steering you really need a box that isn't worn (super low miles car or replacement), new center track rod, new tie rods, new thrust arm bushings...if any of these have issues, it only makes sense it won't feel it's best.

The steering in the E39 M5 is both great and blah at the same time. With essentially new components, the M5 still is so-so around center with some minor play, etc. Turn-in sharply from center isn't as sharp as many would like; however, a good portion of that play is actually in the thrust arm bushings which when replaced with monoballs becomes immediately apparent. However, it can't compete with a good steering rack overall, but I'd wager it's probably the best recirculating ball steering box ever produced.

The great part of the steering is when you are tracking/autocrossing the car and driving it at/over the limits of adhesion. It loads up nicely as contact patch side loads increase, you get nice feedback in the wheel as you are approaching the peak of the front tires, etc. Overall, you "know what's going on down there" when you're extracting the maximum the car is capable of giving (and myself and my daughter spent many events doing so driving the M5 over all those years). There are no shenanigans in those conditions; no variable ratio to deal with, no insulation from the contact patch, just nice connected communication.

I've said it since I bought the M5 almost new: it will go down in history as one of the single best all-around M-cars BMW ever built. Put yourself back 20 years ago. What else even came close to the M5? Heck, it was only a few tenths of a second slower to 100mph than a Ferrari 360 Modena back in 2000, yet it was quiet, sat 4 (or 5) people, large trunk, and would return mid-20s gas mileage cruising all packaged in a sedan body shell that set world records at the time for torsional and bending rigidity for a sedan that size. The feel of the 8 individual throttle bodies on the S62 was heaven 20 years ago and still is today; that precise torque management your left foot could do -- priceless, especially with the tail hanging out wide and the S62 wailing. (gotta stop here before I write a book)

[stein_325i]

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.

That is one hell of a garage there! Those Z4MC are so cool and rare, I almost never see them!

[sharocks]

Couple things.

The steering is meh on the M5.

The car he was driving wasn't capable of being driven hard.

I have one of the first E39 M5's imported into the country, I want to say it's like the 40 something car imported in. It burns oil like no other. Good Lord it goes through half a quart every 300 miles. Which is considered normal via the owners manual btw.

So they have their issues. But for a car that can do it all without causing much of a ruckus? M5 takes it hands down in the stable. Just did a 1200 mile road trip with friends and it did it without a hiccup other than needing oil (that's part of owning this particular one haha).

[rjd598]

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.

EAG is about to blow you up

[wknddrivr]

Originally Posted by clee1982

Is your m sport passive suspension or adaptive?

Passive M-Sport on 19 Michelin Primacy 3 Summer Performance Run Flat Tires.

I think the M-Sport suspension is perfect on the G30, but the ride suffers from the run flat tires. They crash over expansion joints etc.

[wknddrivr]

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.

Amazing garage...I'm considering selling my E36 and replacing with M2c so my garage will look very similar

[wknddrivr]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

Agreed. I would not give up my G30 for a 20 year old E39.

That is exactly what I am doing. G30 will be gone and forgotten in a week or two.

Honestly driving the two back to back, the E39 is a better driving car and feels better built. It's also quieter. No rose colored glasses...I've got both cars in my driveway and switch off between the two regularly

While the G30 is an extremely quiet car, the E39 has better sound insulation on the side and less wind noise over the driver side rear view mirror. On the G30, there's a disconnect because the windshield has acoustic treatment so the front is quiet, but the side windows do not so you hear noise coming from the side but not the front...it has always driven me a bit nuts noticing the imbalance in noise between the front and sides.

Aside from the noise, the E39 feels like a much more premium car than the G30 and my G30 is loaded with every option except the self driving crap (Napa leather, multi contour seats,premium package, m-sport, m-sport brakes etc.)

The E39 rides better (no crashing over bumps due to run flat tires) handles better, and feels overall like a better balanced car.

Although the G30 is 10 inches longer, the interior of the G30 does not feel larger than the E39...slightly wider, but definitely does not feel anymore spacious foot room feels very similar. The trunk in the G30 is a lot larger though.

If you drive a well maintained E39 back to back with a G30, it will feel like the E39 is 4-5 years older mostly due to the interior design with hard buttons everywhere...for someone who doesn't know cars, there is no way they'd guess there's a 20 year gap between these two generations...the G30 is simply not all that much better than the E39 if at all....basically the E39 is missing Spotify, a decent navigation, and heads up display....it's got everything else the G30 does and does everything just as good if not better. (seat heaters on the G30 take forever...E39 are almost instantaneous small thing but lot of small things like this add up)

I realize this post focuses a lot on features. But there's no point in comparing the driving experience...as you would imagine the E39 is much more involving and surprisingly more luxurious and refined at the same time. The G30 feels like amateur hour in comparison, mostly due to the crappy EPS steering and run flat tires. Truly believe non-RFT would vastly improve the ride quality because as I mentioned, the suspension itself seems to be properly setup.

[apascutia]

Originally Posted by wknddrivr

That is exactly what I am doing. G30 will be gone and forgotten in a week or two.

Honestly driving the two back to back, the E39 is a better driving car and feels better built. It's also quieter. No rose colored glasses...I've got both cars in my driveway and switch off between the two regularly

While the G30 is an extremely quiet car, the E39 has better sound insulation on the side and less wind noise over the driver side rear view mirror. On the G30, there's a disconnect because the windshield has acoustic treatment so the front is quiet, but the side windows do not so you hear noise coming from the side but not the front...it has always driven me a bit nuts noticing the imbalance in noise between the front and sides.

Aside from the noise, the E39 feels like a much more premium car than the G30 and my G30 is loaded with every option except the self driving crap (Napa leather, multi contour seats,premium package, m-sport, m-sport brakes etc.)

The E39 rides better (no crashing over bumps due to run flat tires) handles better, and feels overall like a better balanced car.

Although the G30 is 10 inches longer, the interior of the G30 does not feel larger than the E39...slightly wider, but definitely does not feel anymore spacious foot room feels very similar. The trunk in the G30 is a lot larger though.

If you drive a well maintained E39 back to back with a G30, it will feel like the E39 is 4-5 years older mostly due to the interior design with hard buttons everywhere...for someone who doesn't know cars, there is no way they'd guess there's a 20 year gap between these two generations...the G30 is simply not all that much better than the E39 if at all....basically the E39 is missing Spotify, a decent navigation, and heads up display....it's got everything else the G30 does and does everything just as good if not better. (seat heaters on the G30 take forever...E39 are almost instantaneous small thing but lot of small things like this add up)

I realize this post focuses a lot on features. But there's no point in comparing the driving experience...as you would imagine the E39 is much more involving and surprisingly more luxurious and refined at the same time. The G30 feels like amateur hour in comparison, mostly due to the crappy EPS steering and run flat tires. Truly believe non-RFT would vastly improve the ride quality because as I mentioned, the suspension itself seems to be properly setup.

Beautifully said! I wanted to write something similar to this too, but I stopped. You summed up what makes the E39 so great! The car as a whole feels much more special than the G30. Like I said before, the ride is so good in the E39. The quietness is one of the first things that struck me about it the first time I drove one. I got it out on the highway, and it was SO quiet! Extremely little road and wind noise. One of the quietest cars I've been in. The doors are so heavy and the thunk they make when you close them is pretty much unrivaled. Plus, it's available in a stick shift! If I could do a cooling system refresh on one and make sure the vitals of the car are operating properly, I'd gladly take one as a daily over pretty much any other new BMW. If anyone's interested, I wrote about my experience test driving one on here. Check my profile. Again, great post!

[icebiker]

I've never owned an E39 M5 but it is one of the rare cars thats styling is truly timeless.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by wknddrivr

That is exactly what I am doing. G30 will be gone and forgotten in a week or two.

Honestly driving the two back to back, the E39 is a better driving car and feels better built. It's also quieter. No rose colored glasses...I've got both cars in my driveway and switch off between the two regularly

While the G30 is an extremely quiet car, the E39 has better sound insulation on the side and less wind noise over the driver side rear view mirror. On the G30, there's a disconnect because the windshield has acoustic treatment so the front is quiet, but the side windows do not so you hear noise coming from the side but not the front...it has always driven me a bit nuts noticing the imbalance in noise between the front and sides.

Aside from the noise, the E39 feels like a much more premium car than the G30 and my G30 is loaded with every option except the self driving crap (Napa leather, multi contour seats,premium package, m-sport, m-sport brakes etc.)

The E39 rides better (no crashing over bumps due to run flat tires) handles better, and feels overall like a better balanced car.

Although the G30 is 10 inches longer, the interior of the G30 does not feel larger than the E39...slightly wider, but definitely does not feel anymore spacious foot room feels very similar. The trunk in the G30 is a lot larger though.

If you drive a well maintained E39 back to back with a G30, it will feel like the E39 is 4-5 years older mostly due to the interior design with hard buttons everywhere...for someone who doesn't know cars, there is no way they'd guess there's a 20 year gap between these two generations...the G30 is simply not all that much better than the E39 if at all....basically the E39 is missing Spotify, a decent navigation, and heads up display....it's got everything else the G30 does and does everything just as good if not better. (seat heaters on the G30 take forever...E39 are almost instantaneous small thing but lot of small things like this add up)

I realize this post focuses a lot on features. But there's no point in comparing the driving experience...as you would imagine the E39 is much more involving and surprisingly more luxurious and refined at the same time. The G30 feels like amateur hour in comparison, mostly due to the crappy EPS steering and run flat tires. Truly believe non-RFT would vastly improve the ride quality because as I mentioned, the suspension itself seems to be properly setup.

We can agree to disagree.

Enjoy!

[rob-e90]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

But but the G30 is a much better made and safer car to any E39 will ever be.

Better made? I guess we will have to wait another 15 years to say for sure.

I may be biased as a proud owner of a 2002 model, but this car does feel better made than all other BMWs I have been in. Everything still works and feels solid after 17 years and 137k miles.

[apascutia]

Originally Posted by rob-e90

Better made? I guess we will have to wait another 15 years to say for sure.

I may be biased as a proud owner of a 2002 model, but this car does feel better made than all other BMWs I have been in. Everything still works and feels solid after 17 years and 137k miles.

100% agree with this. Who's gonna want a G30 in 15 years from now? There's nothing really special about it. Sure, it's a very competent car. Very refined and a great cruiser, but certainly not the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' that the E39 is even to this day!

[apascutia]

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.

I very much admire your garage. I love the design of that Z4M. I've heard that it's very exciting to drive. How do you like the steering of the M2 Comp in comparison to the F80 M3 you had and the Z4M? I've heard good things about the M2 steering.

[KevinM]

Thanks!

I am not a car journalist, but I find the steering on the M2C excellent. For me, it is a definite improvement over the F80. It is a bit lighter in sport + mode but doesn't have the artificial heaviness I noted in the F80. For me, the Z4M steering is perfect, but it is an unfair comparison with the M2C given it is a hydraulic R&P setup.

[Scrippy]

The E39 M5 & E46M3 both made BMW appear on my map as a teenager driving Mustangs and pre runners off-road. They really turned my interest to that clean sporty, low and great handling go cart with style. The E39 M5 was also the first ///M car I drove in with a mild maniac behind the wheel and I was blown away by zero tire noise through tight turns at a good speed. Fast forward 12 years and I am a complete E92 M3 whore! So this M5 started my BMW addiction and it will always get a salute from me.

[lofrese1]

Originally Posted by GodfatherNiko

That video isn't really helping my financial situation. I catch myself searching local websites for clean E39 M5's more often than I'd like to admit...

Your not the only one. I had a chance to buy one 6 years ago for 10K 2000 carbon black 68k on the dash. But instead I took the money and put into something else which ultimately failed. I kick myself for not jumping on that car. Since nowadays a clean example like that is triple the price. At least I held on to my E46 M3

[thxbuff2001]

I am one of the few who dont like the steering on the e39. I like the heavy feel of the e46,e60 m5 and e90.

In fact, my 2010 F10 540 has better feel than my e39 m5. I would say the f10 m5 and e39 m5 has similar feel, not really bad as its like any other car.

Thats the only thing I really dont like about it, no car is perfect though.

But its the BEST looking M5 ever built, second the F10 IMHO.
I added the GROM bt and it became a modern car again. I may last the next 16 years because of that mod.

BTW, my e39 m5 feels like a tank. My son asked “ why is the door so heavy?”. I always answer him, thats how they make BMW before, TOUGH.

[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