The BMW E39 is one of the best-looking cars ever made by BMW. The closest rival in terms of looks is the BMW E46 3-Series sedan. Aside from looks, the BMW E39 is a high-performance and fun-to-drive car. But is the BMW e39 a good car?
The BMW e39 is both good and bad. It is good because of its exceptional performance, outstanding reliability, and great looks. However, it may be bad because of the expensive cost of maintenance, high initial cost, and costly repairs. Overall, the BMW e39 is an excellent BMW 5-Series and one of the best BMWs ever made.
History of the BMW e39
The BMW E39 is part of the BMW 5-Series. It is the fourth generation of the BMW 5-Series range of executive cars. What’s more, it was made between 1995 and 2004. Even though the BMW E39 was first launched in the sedan body style, a station wagon was introduced later in 1996.
Some of the things that made the BMW e39 unique are the use of aluminum for all major parts in the front suspension and the rear. Besides, it was also the first 5-series to feature a four-cylinder diesel engine. This car featured different engines, such as the 2.0-3.0-liter M52/M54 inline 6 engine and 3.5-4.9-liter M62/S62 V8 engine.
Features of the BMW e39
Appearance
The BMW e39 is one of the best-looking BMW models ever. During its release, the car was praised by all the media around the world. Some of the features that stand out from this car are the clear-lens headlight LED taillights, and large wheels. The interior is also cozy with lots of advanced features.
Performance
When compared to the cars of its generation, the BMW e39 is one of the best-performing cars. While the BMW e39 has different trims, the M5 is the best-performing trim. Thanks to the powerful 4.9-liter S62 V8 engine that delivers up to 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Comfort and cargo space
The BMW e39 comes in sedan and station wagon body styles. Both cars have five seats, which are ideal for families. The interior is also spacious with a lot of leg room. When it comes to cargo space, this car offers a total of 16 cubic feet of space, which is quite big and ideal for carrying lots of luggage.
Safety
BMW builds some of the safest cars on the market. Despite being an old car, the BMW e39 is still very safe with lots of high-end safety features. Some of the top safety features that this car comes with are stability control, anti-lock brakes, pretensioners, a security system, front-impact airbags, side impact airbags, and overhead airbags.
Fuel-efficiency
BMWs are not normally fuel-efficient cars. The BMW e39 is not an exception. For instance, the 2003 BMW 540i comes with a combined EPA rating of 16 mpg, with 14 mpg in the city and 21 mpg in the city. With such an EPA rating, expect to spend a little more on fuel.
Price
The price for the BMW e39 varies from one place to another. Additionally, it depends on the condition of the car. At the moment, most BMW e39 models sell between $6,000 and $12,000. Nevertheless, it is crucial to have the car inspected before paying for it.
FAQ
Is the BMW e39 worth buying?
Yes, the BMW E39 is worth buying if you desire a high-performance, sleek, powerful, and reliable BMW sedan. On the contrary, it is not an ideal car for a person looking for a low-maintenance and affordable luxury sedan. Overall, it is an excellent car and ideal for a family.
How fast is the BMW e39?
When compared to its rivals at its time of construction, the BMW e39 was one of the fastest cars in the market. The fastest BMW e39 trim is the M5 with the 4.9-liter S62 engine. This car produces a maximum of 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 155mph.
What are the common problems with the BMW e39?
The BMW e39 is a reliable car but also has several problems that interested buyers should be ready to deal with. Some of the common problems are cooling system failure, dual-Vanos failure, LCD display problems, hose, and line leaks, failing window regulators, and thrush arm bushings failure.
Despite having several problems, most of them can be avoided by taking good care of your BMW and adhering to BMW’s recommended scheduled maintenance service.
What is the high mileage for the BMW e39?
BMW discontinued the BMW e39 in 2004. As a result, finding a new BMW e39 on the market is almost impossible. So, if you’re in the market for a used BMW e39, there is a high chance that you will come across high-mileage BMW e39s. If you want to have fewer problems with such old BMWs, consider buying one with less than 150k miles.
Overall, most BMW e39 models experience serious problems after clocking over 150k miles. But if the car is well-maintained, you shouldn’t experience many serious problems.
Will the BMW e39 become a classic?
Yes, the BMW e39 has been recognized as a classic BMW. It is one of the best-performing cars and it looks extraordinary. This car has all the indications of a classic car. Not long ago, BMW made the E39’s status official by shifting the e39 chassis from the “present” parts catalog to the “heritage” or “classic” catalog.
Summary
The BMW E39 is one of the finest cars of its generation. At the time of its construction, it was among the most modern BMW models on the market with great handling, control, and outstanding performance. But like many BMW models, this car also has several issues to deal with. Nonetheless, proper care and maintenance prevent most of the issues from taking place.
Now that the BMW e39 is becoming a classic, its price has gone up. In a few years, the BMW e39 will be one of the most coveted BMW models of the 90s.