I've been toying with the idea of selling my e39 m5 but watching this has made me change my mind, you take for granted how good they are when you drive one daily.

I love how everyone agrees that E39 is so cool. It makes me appreciate mine more.

My uncle just randomly brought one home today😂 he said he’s selling it in a couple days. These things hold their value pretty well. When he pulled into the drive way, my heart dropped and I was almost in tears because it looks soo beautiful. I drove it around the block and it was soo smooth and raw at the same time. I can’t even explain it. My uncles house is next door from me which is awesome. So the car will be by me at all times and I can drive it when ever I want😁😁😁

"Big swoopy fish" had me dead hahaha lol

Great review! I’ve owned my Le-mans Blue E39 M5 for 17 years now and it’s still the best car I’ve ever owned & driven!!

I love the E39 M5, it has the personality of a hooligan wearing a business suit trying to stay incognito...but you can tell

Had to wait the entire day before I got home and I could finally press that notification, but it was very much worth the wait. What a sound, great edit as always and so well spoken too. Looking forward to the next one!

This is your best video yet. Great editing, great sound, great use of music

E39 M5 truly is a perfect sleeper.

I'm a massive M5 fan too! I love the E60 the one after this generation, but all the M5s have something that's a cut above other cars I feel. It's a kind of magic.

“What if it’s shit!?” 🤣 loved that, subscribed

Just got a Facelift E39 540i/6 Touring. Absolutely epic car and worth the inevitable repairs as its one of 200ish in the entire world(!) with the aforementioned specs. Must be one of the rarest E39 comboes BMW produced

I've had my 530i sport since I was 20, it is the second car I've owned (from a mk4 golf at 17), 6 years later it still makes me keep looking back at her wherever I park, and always turns heads. 80s/90s beemers over what we have now any day.

Best buy I ever made. Been used as shopping car, touring car, Nurburgring car, shoving all my tools in and using it for work car. Driving like a BMW/whitevan man car, taking the kids swimming car. late night epic trip car. Cannot complain, owned it 15 years. Now feeling guilty, must go and clean it, look after it and cherish it. life time average is 22 MPG had a couple of big repair bills, got screwed by a BMW dealer who only know diagnostic machines but don't employ mechanics, happy changing everything but didn't clean the plugs. BMW E39 one of the most sensible best engineered cars of there time ever.

Totally loved this video! And the piano outro, big fan

I used to own this exact car . Love the e39 m5 . Great car and relatively easy to Maintain. I have move on now to the F01 Bmw and couldn't be happier but the e39 was very special

Picked up a carbon black 2003 while back. Been working on preventative stuff including recently replacing the royal pita camshaft position sensors. Lots of more stuff to sort. I'll admit there are a few times when I thought "Why didn't I jusy buy a newer car with all the money I'm putting into this"? But then everytime I take it out on the road, it always reminds me of why I've always wanted one and to keep it till the wheels fall off. Best car I've ever had!

Amazing video. This is my dream BMW right here!!!!! IMO, the best looking Saloon car ever, and love it for many more reasons. The E38, E39, and E46 era BMWs look the best to me. I Can’t wait to get my hands on one, one day.

Great video! I’ve had mine for 4.5 years and I’m over the moon every time I’m in it, the novelty has never worn off. The maintenance can be extremely expensive, but it’s one of those cars that I personally love so much, that my attitude is whatever it needs, it gets; it costs what it costs. This E39 M5 just delivers on every driving sensation I want, and I’m glad it lived up to your expectations. They are just too damn cool.

Great review, it's a fantastic car in many ways. As an owner tho I must say that I hear alot of butchered gear shifts ;) There is a way to shift these to keep the clutch alive and that is zero dragging on the clutch, I mean zero, foot off the clutch pedal before throttle is applied, every time. Makes for a somewhat choppy driving experience but it's the way to go.

I had the preface lift 1996 first year of e39 and it was unbelievably reliable and economic, that straight six 523i was raspy and agile. All e39s are Built with very high quality interior and exterior and it was a joy to drive

Jack a very well made video and a great enjoyable watch. Thanks for holding the E39 M5 in such high praise..it's always been a dream car for me too ever since I saw Tiff Needel spank one on top gear all those years ago!..finally managed to save a few quid and get hold of one when the prices had dipped 5 years ago..mine is carbon black with caramel interior and also has the back boxes deleted so sounds the same as the one you've driven..nearest thing to a NASCAR sound! Yes the brakes are not great for the weight of the car by todays standards but an inexpesive big brake upgrade like I have done on mine to 8 pot calipers hauls the car in very well and brings the braking power in line with the cars weight. I have also refreshed all the suspension on mine which transforms it too. It's a real Jeckel and Hyde car and can be driven with the family and kids on a Sunday and still hold it's own on a spirited drive or trackday. I've done plenty of both in mine includuding a few trips to the Ring and Spa Francorchamps and it is the best of both worlds. The E39 M5 and the E46 M3 are the pinacle of driver involved M cars in my opinion and BMW will struggle to achieve the same feeling when driving the new stuff. recently managed to get hold of an E46 M3 too now so my ultimate car collection is complete.. Nice to hear you talk so enthusiastically about the E39 M5..it really is a legend.

This is the first video I’ve seen from your channel and you’ve won a subscriber! Definitely not enough views for the production quality. Old Top Gear review style. And finally, a car reviewer that dedicates a lot of attention to engine sound and having it on the screen for more than 10 secs with great B-roll. Thanks KZfaq algorithm!

What i like most about driving my E39 M5 is that it's a not a "Hey look at me, I'm driving a cool car" kind of car, but more of a, "those that know, know" and can't wait to see who's driving it and give the driver the thumbs up 👍🏾

This is such a good review. What a talented and knowledgeable person. Love it. Thanks Jack.

Im addicted to pressing that ash tray, hazard button, and pulling that door handle in my uncles E39 M5. It just gives me the "quality" vibe

Love your comments on the interior fit and finish 👌!

It’s obvious that this car was somebody’s baby!

Great video. The sound on that M5 is epic!!! 🤘

I would take these over ANY new car! Bar a few exceptions

My Dad had an E39 530D which In turn made me in to a BMW fan boy to this very day. I’ve always maintained there’s very few cars on the road today which look at as good or has this level of build quality. It wasn’t only a high water mark for BMW, but saloon cars in general. Enjoyed the video mate - subbed.

Always worth the wait for one of your vlogs dude . Professional as ever .Love the M5 . Used to have the same shape BMW . 2001 525i . Still my dream car was always the Golf MK5 R32 and since your last vlog I decided to buy a 3 door black MK5 R32 and I’m so glad I did . As you said .That V6 and exhaust note makes it so worth it 😃

I just turned 18 and had loved e39s since the age of 9. I just had brought a e39 the day after my birthday and have loved it since, it is only a 525i spec but now im going to have a e39 m5 by the end of this year.

My dad owned one, fantastic car. In my opinion the best M5 ever made. Another great video Jack! 👏🏼🙌🏼

Yeah I member seeing one on the highway after it just came out. Dark blue, I was in love instantly. BMW lost that magic. The M badge dont mean shit no more.

God that SOUND! Eargasms for days (or life!)

Still can’t stop staring every time I see one. Great looking car and only enthusiast know what it is.

E39 is still my favourite generation of 5 series and m5

BMW lost their way after the e39 and e90

Still the best ///M5 ever

I owned 2 for over 9 years. Loved them. Fantastic cars. Only weak parts are clutch and brakes could be better. Actually cheap to run and I’ve seen 8lt per 100km fuel economy on long run.

I owned one from 2013 to 2016. It deserves the name "the ultimate driving machine". Very fast and gratifying to drive, perfect blend of sporty suspension and comfort, great sounds, my had the extended leather package interior in carmel color so it looked amazing inside. It also had the high end option stereo that could put out lots of base. Outside looks were great from the back, and decent in the front (E36 and E38 and some of the older BMW's have my vote there). LSD and the 6 speed manual were amazing. Keeping it running in top shape certainly took a big check book, but if you wanted to do the work yourself and run it somewhat into the ground, it isn't a terrible value proposition since depreciation will be minimal. I really happy I had the opportunity to experience this masterpiece from BMW.... nothing has come close since then.

Stunning video there Jack, one of the best if not the best one yet, was fully enjoing it straight through. But as a little side fact the E39 M5 wasn´t the last M5 to get a Manual gearbox, It was the last one to get a factory Manual with no automatic option. The E60 M5 had a manual option in the USA.

Great review Jack! I’ve had mine for over 5 years and the novelty has yet to wear off!

I can relate, its my dream car since I was 6 years old back in 2000. Only sat in one once, never driven one. Had many opportunities to drive newer M-cars, but never an e39 M5. Seems like my dream to own one comes true this year, as I turn 30. One of my biggest unfullfilled life-goals beside my marriage, birth of my son and bulding my house. 😄 The M5 always had to wait.😢

Fantastic car. Had one for about 4 years that I put 70,000 miles on that I miss. It made a great highway commuter due to the combo of solid build quality, comfortable interior and awesome drivetrain. Absolutely stable cruising at high speeds over long distances. Anyone who has a chance to buy a well-sorted example of these should not think twice about it. The BMW CANBUS system of the period was nice in that it could be easily upgraded with a bluetooth module from a newer X5 to add hands-free capability to the car. The intraveeII is a smart unit that plugged into the CANBUS as well to add the ability to control ipods and any other Alpine AInet components. These minor adds mine age well.

Nice review mate..this M5 is the kind of car that'll throw your head back as you accelerate & make you turn your head as you walk away...I love my '03 E39 M5.

Definition of Perfection,I love this car

Another great video Jack and what a stunning car! Literally sat with the page open at James Paul umming over it....

Just discovered your channel and within 30 secs subscribed. Anyhoo, this M5 - what a gorgeous car! It's better looking than anything BMW has produced since 2006 and the interior puts most modern cars to shame. I recently drove a factory fresh 5-series and needed a diploma computer programming just to get it going! I hate to say it, but in the last 15 years, BMW has lost a lot of the magic which made it special.

I've got a '99 E39 M5; had it since 2012. However, I'd have to pitch in with a X308 Jaguar XJR for another stunning looking super-saloon. The E60 M5 is quite a stunner too. I loved Hoovie's maroon one, even though it did almost bankrupt him.

sounds nice with the after market exhaust 👌

Great vid Jack. Nice to see you get the point of this car and appreciate its finer points. Had one. Miss it every day.

2:37 Hate to be "that guy" but the E60 and F10 M5 did come with manual gearbox options, however they were only offered in the United States.

Truly the greatest BMW ever made, any E39 model still blows every other model out of the water, the looks alone were perfect. I have had many of these. Am currently in an e92 and have had the newer models but would still go back to the E39, but they are becoming very very difficult to find in mint condition. Great video 👍

nice! Ive owned a 530i e39 for 3 years ... only meant to of been a temporary car but i love it . the e39 M5 feels like my natural step up. I rekon i wont regret buying one ! My instinct is to buy high ( under 100,000miles ) and fully maintained to avoid my bank account being raped with huge repair / putting right costs!

well, i own a e39 530d for the last 2 years, and it is the best car i drove soo far, use it like a daily car, and i wont trade it for anything

I owned an E39 M5 (Individual package) in olive green, as well as the E39 Alpina B10 V8 4.6l twice, and the E60 V10 as well, tried the F10 too and will tell from experience the E39 still remains the best sedan its a master piece as no other. no intention to brag, my heart just broke after watching this.

Great video! The price on this one sounds like the dealer is leaving money on the table for sure. I have had my alpine white e39 m5 for a couple years now. It's not going anywhere.

James Paul were kind enough to lend you their 5 Litre BMW M5 and it looks like they were kind enough to lend you their salesmen too!!! Aw bless!!!

Bro, starting such music exhaust, you can never be calm in such a beast

Just sold my 2001 M5 after 14 years of ownership. It was identical - same silver paint and same interior spec. There were things I really like about it like the great lowdown torque and the sound. It was the replacement for a 1991 e34 535. Which I though handled way better (especially after I gave it 1"bigger wheels & slightly wider tyres). The M5 understeered quite a bit and lacked finesse when you tried to balance it with the throttle. The 535 on the other hand was amazingly playful for such a big heavy car.

How can it be hyped 20 years on. Miss my e39 M5, such a special car to drive even just cruising it made you feel special.

I have a German spec 2002 525i Touring automatic. It's a great car, I can't imagine a larger engine with more hp/torque. Drives well on the autobahn, where it handles itself well. I agree that the build quality looks and feels solid. I hope I can take it back to the U.S. - a car has to be a minimum of 25 years old to enter into the country without de-spec'ing into U.S. specifications. The car has over 330,000 kms and still feels peppy and nimble.

Hi Jack, I bought this exact car this week! It is everything you said; I hadn’t driven one either, and it’s epic. Get in touch if you want to try some other stuff, your film was great.

The best looking 5 series!

As a previous owner of the E39 M5 the car had a notoriously weak clutch and pressure plate that couldn't handle the torque and horsepower, you had to go and beef up the pressure plate and replace the clutch with a carbon fibre one. The differential mounts were also weak and needed reinforcement. BMW deliberately choked the horsepower with exhaust pipes that were crushed to 50% diameter in front of the 4 giant mufflers. Replace the exhaust with a Borla cat back exhaust and the car wakes right up. Reflash the ECU to race specs and get rid of the honeycomb crap and screens in the 2 MAF sensors, throw on a lightweight flywheel and you'll find yourself fighting to keep the car between ditches when the DSC is deactivated under hard acceleration.

E92 m3 here. Adore the e39..so much so im considering buying one for a while

Instantly subscribed. Well presented, good editing, my kind of review. Nice one Jack. Off to watch your other vids.

I had an E39 M5 for a couple of years. Totally agree with you on the build quality and devilishly good looks... But these things really do need a lot of TLC now, and to be brutal I always wished mine was a bit faster. That being said, they handle really well for a boat and are an absolute riot with the traction control off on a greasy road!

The piano is very nice.

This is defo one of my all-time favourites too.

I have the baby brother, an ‘01 540i but someday I will own an E39 M5. These cars are perfect examples of the pinnacle of design at BMW.

For a new to the game car journalist, I quite enjoyed this

I enjoy working on my e46 3 series inline 6 engine. The v8 m5 is just amazing not by sound but by the power and balance.

Cool video, would love to see you collaborate with the carthrottle guys!

Thanks for the honest insight. £15,000 is not bad for a ultimate hoonigan sedan. Do some reviews on the Alpina contemporaries of these ///M cars too, to compare the experience and feel for us.

I had a 1988 M5. I STILL miss that car. 3.5 liter straight six 150 mph at red line in 5th gear.

A good critique, and I agree.

Straight looked it up on autotrader just for curiosity of the price and year. Very nice M5 indeed. For the same price as my diesel audi a4 i might have made the wrong decision

You know he's right the E39 and E46 was a time BMW did everything right even my E39 528i has that rock solid build even though my car is 22 years old, I love my inline 6 but a dream of a M3 and M5 both in my driveway, ya sure one day maybe but hey I can dream👍👍

Great looking car, sound and all rounder👍. That head unit too I had in a X5 with the tv then they switched to digital lol. Oh what's the music too I like it chilled piano vibes 🎶!

Great video. I completely agree with you. Love it. 👍🏻

Lovely car mate! I think some of the older M cars have the best sounding engines. Very nice review. Cheers, Jeremy.

The fastest 4 door back in the dayz...true classic; great review

Nice review, I have the 528i Semi Auto (E39) and simply love driving it. It's got to be the best BMW out there.

This guy can explain good

I have put 200K on mine, a 2000 vintage. Averages 10 MPG. I do spend about 3K $$ per year to maintain it, bit I go overboard on preventative work,

These cars were so over-engineered for the time they were super Luxe not to mention the fact that there as light as a modern-day BMW M2 competition so that puts things into perspective the M5 is an amazing car and handles like a roller coaster. Never underestimate the power of BMW M division they're amazing

The E39 M5 was NOT the last to have a manual gearbox! The E60 M5 is also available with a MT. Also that exhaust does not sound stock but i could be wrong. Any info on whats been done to this M5?

I owned a 52 plate m5 and out of over 200 plus cars over the years the only car I would buy one back in a heartbeat. Brakes are ahem poor unless uprated and personally I didn't like the shift from 1-2 but a short shift kit sorts that out. Backbox delete or custom exhaust definitely do as personally they are quiet without it and helps get a true v8 sound. Truely regret selling mine now especially the prices they are nowadays

Enthusiasts like old cars...Consumers like new cars.

Not an M5, but I freaking love my factory purple e39 523i. Had an f20 before, it's nothing compared to it.

Jack whitehall back at it again

E39 M5 is not the last to get a manual gearbox. E60 , F10 etc... did as well. not as many obviously, but they exist. 5 years after buying my 03 M5 I'm still in love tho.

Great video. Mine is oxford green over caramel, has 202,000 miles, and is not as clean as the one you drove. Regarding real criticisms: the future threat of No Longer Available (NLA) Parts. While many non m e39 parts are interchangeable with the m5 (e.g., window regulators and motors) motor bits and even simple parts such as underbody trim panels are becoming unavailable and used parts prices are skyrocketing here in the US. However, I don't think I'll ever sell. This is the car us 80s/90s kids will have in their garages as older men/women, just like you see nowadays with old GTOs and American muscle cars.

This guy has to be the 100 millionth car vlogger.

Best bmw ever built was the 3.0si built in 1973 e3 body. Just the best. Fastest 4 door saloon in the world at the time but what a car.

BMW spent huge amounts on engineering of this E39 series!

Most M5 models are currently very bad due to overdue maintenance. They are driving time bombs 💣💥