Is the E39 BMW M5 actually any good? - The Carmudgeon Show with Cammisa and Derek from ISSIMI Ep. 62
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 พ.ย. 2024
- Today’s episode begins with cars shoehorned with engines they were never supposed to possess, such as the W124 Mercedes-Benz 500E and R129 SL600. On the opposite end of the engine-size spectrum, Jason also discusses his recent findings in the newest Cammisa Ultimate Drag Race series, featuring new front-wheel drive manual transmission offerings such as the Hyundai Elantra N, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and Acura Integra (and special guest Ford Bronco Raptor): • Can the new Acura Inte...
On the subject of super sedans, Derek discusses his recent adventures in an E39 BMW M5, a car which controversially did not capture his soul. As a two-time six-cylinder E39 owner, Jason chimes in on why Derek might not be so out of line on this rather unusual opinion. Some cars, like the E39 M5 and many other period-exceptional cars, are inherently less desirable for not having enough flaws and subsequent character. What’s more- the E39 M5 is an excellent sporting luxury sedan, but is it an excellent sports sedan?
A discussion on flawed yet wonderful vs. wonderful yet flawed cars opens the floodgates for many other questions to be answered. For instance, what makes a car significant for its time? What makes a terrible car better than a fundamentally great car over time? What is definition of a sports sedan? What’s a sports car? And seriously, why is the Hyundai Elantra N so ugly?
All this and more brought to you by the Hagerty Podcast Network - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
What? A Carmudgeon show where they talk about an old BMW? Really mixing things up 😂 keep it up guys
Speak for yourself that's why I tune in 😅
and about old Mercedes-Benz
Same 5 BMWs and Mercedes lolol
Think you guys hit it just right. Jason actually drove my actual E39 M5 that I used to own for his Chevy SS video for Motor Trend back in the day. I replaced that car with an E90 M3 manual, which was far better to drive hard in every way.
However, the E39 M5 is still my favorite car I have owned because of the way it combined brutish power and subtle attitude with an exceptional ride, sumptuous interior, etc. It was an outstanding daily, as Jason and Derek alluded to. Which is why I have an order for a CT5-V Blackwing manual, the spiritual successor to the E39 M5, and not the better-driving CT4-V Blackwing (more of a modern E90 M3).
You will not regret the Blackwing. Had mine for a month and love it
How they went through this entire episode and not mention the e90 four door is beyond me
GT350 is the closest thing to a modern E92 M3.
@@Enthusiastlist Well we're talking specifically about 4-doors.
@@melondoc month and resold it for more?
I took my stock E39 M5 on a spirited drive through the North Georgia mountains this past Spring and yes you do feel the weight and the steering is heavy. However, the power delivery and handling were great overall IMO. I was able to stay in 3rd gear over 90% of the drive, only having to drop into 2nd for the super technical twisties. The car never felt like it was out of control or couldn't handle being pushed at/to the limit. That being said I bought the car not for the track or for technical driving. I bought it because it truly is a special car and an amazing experience: 100% analog, 6 speed NA V8, comfortable, fast, beautiful (not obnoxious looking), everything looks/feels/sounds solid. It's truly a timeless car that can do any and everything you want it to do.
Ohhh this is the "small engine better" episode you lightly touched on when the 530i vs M5 thing came up in god knows what episode that I couldn't find lmao, very nice! Unexpected.
If Beatrice has an E36 steering rack, I concur it feels like a landyacht at times even in an E36 which is why supposedly you're supposed to put in a 330i (ZHP) rack but what the E36 rack does so well is give you some leeway in catching slides. Then...it's just magical and personally I'm not sure if I want a faster rack when in normal use it feels so relaxed and easy to use and it livens up when you want it to.
To add to the E39 M5 thing though... since it seems I won't part with my E36 sedan because my family's owned it since new, the interior being so much nicer (like...so much nicer, especially with the extended leather interior, almost shames a Quattroporte look alone) and the engine being so beefy (not tearing itself apart like E90 V8 seems to) the E39 M5 attracts me to that as an experience, personally.
I hope to see if E90 M3 (which Jason accuses of being a M5 successor) and E39 M5 are compared here.
The consensus in other places seems to be that the E90 is that much more athletic...but the sedan being heavier evens out the playing field and at that stage I like the noises the E39 makes more. Very curious topic, this.
In an episode long ago the concept for this episode was formed. It went something along the lines of "the E39 is better as a non M car. We should do an episode on cars that are better in a lower spec". I've been asking for that that episode and at first I thought this was would be that episode. Instead this was more like a summary of ep 31-35 but centered around a car neither of you really cared for.
An episode breaking down examples of when you prefer the lower spec would be incredible. The controversy, clickbaity title, hot takes, fights in the comments. The engagement alone would do numbers
Here are some examples of things Derek and Jason have done/said to support that the top spec isn't always the best
Jason:
Scat Pack > Hellcat because the manual transmission in the Scat has shorter gearing making it feel faster and be more fun
GTI > Golf R because the gains of the R are not worth the extra cost
E39 530i > M5 better steering
CT4 > CT5 better useable speed, balance, shorter gearing
Guilia 4 cylinder turbo > Guilia Quadriporate due to reliability
Civic Si > Integra
Derek:
Purchased 911 GT Touring over (>) any other variation of 911. I'm assuming because of the manual transmission.
Owns 500SL over (>) 500E due to price or something
Owns GTI > Golf R, E-Golf, GLI, A3, S3, RS3
A discussion on what 911 spec to get would be particularly interesting. Jason's 2017 Ignition episode on the Base Carrera spends minutes talking about how the base model is more genuine.
The Mustang could also fit into this conversation. 350R vs 500. Ecoboosted RS engine vs Coyote 5.0. Episode 7 actually covers this but with the 60s cars
You can go a whole layer deeper if you want to discuss the difference between brands.
In an early episode Jason talked about all of the ways Porsche corrected the Q5 when making the Macan. It was one of my favorite conversations and imo a severely overlooked topic. In fact I think this is the most misunderstood concept among common folk. th-cam.com/video/N7r4WZDSHgs/w-d-xo.html
What do manufactures do differently when sharing a platform with different nameplates?
I valet in Scottsdale. The number of people I've had tell me that their RSQ8 is basically an Urus is astonishing. My eyes roll back into my head and out of my bottom every time. It's annoying, pompous, wrong (objectively), insulting and wrong again (emotionally)!
I've had this conversation so many times
"My Chevy Cruze is basically a Cadillac Nürburgring warrior because it shares a chassis with an ATS"
"My Camry is basically a Lexus ES350 because they share a repair manual."
On and on. This topic needs justice!!!
I wish I could pin your comment at the top. Another one for the Derek list is preferring the naturally aspirated 911 over the 930 turbo.
Fitting that this is episode 62 and the engine in an E39 M5 is named S62
Owner of an E39 M5 for 6 years here to mostly agree with everything that has been said. After about half a year with my E39 I wanted to fix three things: the isolation, the suspension/weight management, and the shifter.
A muffler delete solved the first, and I stand by the belief that there is no better sounding exhaust for the E39 M5 than a muffler delete with the resonators still in place. No drone, all the noise when you want it.
Dinan stage 2 suspension mostly dealt with the weight management, and combined with some PS4S tires, really improved turn in. I'm sure my 10/10s is your 8/10s, so you would probably notice issues with my setup that I do not. This again speaks to the whole point you both are making!
Shifter is replaced with an E60 short throw shifter from BMW, and it feels great. The Dinan shifter sucks, it is known.
I think the E39 when you can actually hear the engine makes it a *much* more engaging thing to drive, but that doesn't make it a lightweight enthusiast road carver. It's still far more plush, heavy, and comfortable than anything "raw". But because of that, my drive from central Oregon to central Idaho to visit family at 120mph+ is effortless :)
Agreed. I'm on my 3rd E39 M5. It's running Dinan stage 2 suspension and poly front and rear control arm bushings, SuperSprint mufflers, an E60 short shifter, with the shifter nuggets and poly on the other end of the shift carrier, weighted knob, Mich Pilot Sport AS3+. I think if Jason drove it he might like it better than his dad's or the 150K example he drove. It's my daily driver and I want for nothing else for that job.
My e39 530i 2001 has 250k+ miles and is so smooth on the road. I paid $2,200 for it when it had 199k. Such a good value
You know how many times I've started and deleted this comment?! I just drove my E39 M5 in anger the other day and the first thing I told a friend was how good the body control felt. Yes the car is heavy but the way it's tuned it turns that mass in to a feeling of stability. The body roll felt more like information to me, another indication of where the weight was mid corner. The LSD feels similar to my old E36 M3's diff...All in all it feels to me like an E36 M3 that's grown up a bit. And on a stock M5 the induction noise is the sound you want. I've been dailying my M5 since sept of last year and I'm stunned by how good it is. Maybe I wouldn't feel that way if I had the types of driving experiences Derek has had.
Both of you should get some serious seat time in an E34 M5. It's fizzy and communicative. The S38 motor revs quick and builds power straight to redline. The balance front to rear is great. Having owned both an E34 M5 and an E46 M3, I'd rather blast up a backroad in the M5, it made the E46 M3 seem soulless.
Same here I kept my e34 m5 over the e46 m3. The e34 m5 is the best kept secret M car.
Btw the displacement of the XL1 engine is 830cm³, just for the record.
I wanna be on this guy's team for trivia night! 😅🍾🏁
@@evalonious don't trust Wikipedia man
@@evalonious 829.6cm³
Engine code CSCA
Bore 81mm
Stroke 80.5mm
@@dragospahontu It was indeed supercharged?
@@Moli571 turbocharged
Guys! Having a 2001 E39 M5 and a 1994 E34 M5 Evo 6 speed.. the E34 is the one to hustle on the back roads, s38 has more character and the big 4piston brakes are magic but lacks the low end torque and everyday refinement of the E39 M5.. very diferent cars depending on mood you have while driving them!
Only partly agree.
I've owned an E39 M5.
Hustling in Alps, I found it really quite amazing. More fun driving hard than my previous E90 M3. I now have an E36 M3 3.2 sedan, which is the best of all for keen driving, and by quite some margin !
Ah, so much to say here. Haven’t driven an E39 M5, but I’ve had plenty of experience in the 525-530 to 540. The I6 cars feel noticeably more willing to change direction, and the steering in the I6 cars just feels so pure. The V8 cars feel much more like a cruiser. They still feel relatively agile, but (at least in the 540i) the steering’s much more relaxed and muffled. Still direct compared to what’s out today, but definitely more muffled. They’re all an absolute joy to drive.
I agree with Jason about the E39 M5. As with other M5s, you have to calibrate your expectations more towards a luxury vehicle than an equivalent M3. I love mine because of how versatile it is and how well it eats miles without putting any strain on the driver, but there’s no comparison in the tight stuff with cars 500-1000 lbs lighter. That being said, I’d love if you tried one with bilstein/dinan combo, sway bars, monoballs, and square 265s or 275s. Those components dial out most of the understeer without messing up the ride. Apart from that, I bet you would both enjoy one with a 3.62 final drive.
Shameless plug: have a video on my channel of my M5 in an Auto-X and it hustles decently for a 20 year old 4000lbs boat.
you clive owened that sh*t
I had an E36 and loved the back road performance, but the E46 I have now is a much better daily driving experience.
Just got my Blackstone results on my 2001 with 147k on it. Perfect result no issues!
Love the show! Love to see a dedicated Lexus episode (IS-F, GS-F, RC-F, LC500, LFA)
They don’t care about those cars. They’ll never get the time of day and if they do it’s cause they’re already 100 + episodes in and finally got tired of talking about 190e’s over and over
I love my E92 325i (manual). Definitely no rocket ship but with it's "analog" inputs is a blast to drive and I can maintain it myself.
The section around sports car definition is pretty interesting to me. It is very true that there are really not many sports car (in the classic sense of the term - a car that was build with speed and experience in mind and not for practicality) for sale today... The Miata, Corvette, and Porsche Cayman/Boxsters and their GT offerings are kind of it. Go up market and you're into the hypercar / exotics territory and and they're no longer "fun" on the road so their purpose on the public road is really just to look good. Go down market (or up size) and we ended up with compromises.
Modern 911 is a GT car, park a 992 next to a 997 and you wouldn't believe how much bigger the new car look, park it next to an old air-cooled 993 or 964 and the 992 could literally swallow the old car whole. The only modern 911 that can be consider a "sports car" - i.e. a car build for speed and driver involvement first and everything else is an afterthought is a GT3.
By that definition the 718 is the only true purposeful sports car platform left in Porsche's range...
Can't agree with Jason about the 997, but then again I'm biased since I own one. Agreed it is so damn good but it still has enough quirks and weird Porsche shit you gotta sorta work around it that it is very charming, especially relative to the 991+ generations.
The thing about the whole Sports Sedan argument and why it has always been so confusing to defined it I think is because there have always been two schools of thoughts on how to build a sports sedan - one... like the Alfa, you take a sports car chassis and drape a 4 door sheet metal on it. The other route, like the M3, take a car designed as a sedan first, and hop it up with as much go fast bits as you can put on it to make it quick and handled well.
The first route you get a compromised "road car", the 2nd route you get a compromised sports car. Go drive a well executed formula and it'll tricked you into believing that it's fantastic and you can have it all... but eventually you will come away disappointed.
Classic example: Occasionally you get a fantastically executed gem of a sports sedan like the E36/E46 M3. You go and drive one and it's fantastic and you think this is pinnacle there are no compromises... Then you take it to a track day, and you realized unless you upgrade your brakes and suspension and tires, you can't keep up with a bone stock Porsche 996/986 or 997/987, and even then you still have to watch your water and oil temp carefully or your car will overheat after 5 laps. Or you jump into a Miata or an S2000 or a Cayman/Boxster of that time period and you immediately realized the M3 just isn't as dynamically fun or as engaging as those car built on dedicated sports car platform.
Then the truth hits you like a brick - Sports Sedan is about compromises, you get one because you can't have a dedicated sports car but that practicality will always come at a tradeoff - just what kind of trade off you are willing to make and what matters to you will dictate what the "perfect" sports sedan is, because it's not perfect, just the perfect compromise, for you.
Having owned a manual M52 swapped E36 compact, this is the answer. Extremely fun in the twisties (like a more powerful E30), massive hatch (could fit set(s) of wheels or an engine in the back, super light, and cost nothing to own. Mine was modified further and had the interior removed because my intention was a strictly canyon carver and it could keep up with a Nismo 370z that made probably 120whp more.
I daily my E30 and it's a great commuter. I do worry about safety, especially being surrounded by all the bro-dozers, but life is too short.
Hey guys, this episode made me realize I would love a show on your favorite places to drive and why you love them. Roads matter so much to our automotive experience.
I was gonna comment about the 1 series but he mentioned it after all. Its a great little car that literally does it all and the turbo 6 135/140 is wicked fast. 10/10 well done bmw
My daily is an E84 with the N55, and despite being a chunky version of the 1 series, it feels so much more nimble than my E39. I've often thought about selling the E39 for a 128/135.
Love your show! Thank you for doing it. I always find something new and interesting.
I really enjoyed the topic @ the 28:00 mark. For 2022, The 3.5 TT Genesis GV70 should also be in the conversation. Yes, I realize it’s an SUV, but put some better tires on it then the Primacy’s (which only the North American versions get BTW) and this thing is a blast on roads with tight twisty decreasing radius turns. And it’ll do the GT thing also. You get stunning looks inside and out plus a kick ass sound system! Throw in a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty and the ability to blow most people off the line at the stop light drag races, and you have a vehicle that does it all.
Thanks again. ☮️
M5s primary mission was supremacy in the left lane of the Autobahn. Back road carving was good but better served by M3s.
Great pod cast! Love hearing Cammisa talk about cars. I own an e39 M5 and I agree with most points made in this video. Certainly, it's weight can be felt in the corners however as a total package it's handles in the twisties are more than adequate. If the shocks are original on the car they certainly hurt the driving feel. I replaced mine with Koni yellows and they very much helped with the handling. Additionally, I think it's the engine that really makes the car. It revs so freely and with torque all over it's just fun to step on it and to fish tail it. Installing evolve medusa headers soon so I am looking forward to see how the cars character is changed.
As a bay area native who's been through a couple GTIs, they're great for our brand of local back roads. They're frequently one of the quicker options in terms of real over the road speed compared to supposedly faster machinery. They don't drift, do burnouts, or launch well but that works out because those are three of the least interesting parts of driving in my book! On the move they have a lot of sweetness to offer. And they carry real adults, stuff in the back, and if you fold the seats you can move in it. Reasonable to park on the street but not embarrassing to pull up to a nice event in. Tough to beat a GTI for a one car garage.
If you go to Chicago they're everywhere because they need something with fwd for the snow
I miss my MK7 PP 😔 agree it's the optimal NorCal do it all car...!
53:20 You just described the car the US doesn’t have… M140i.
Growing up, my parents neighbor has an E39 M5.. absolutely beautiful. Spent half its time at the dealership. The white collar business man was stuck driving crappy loaners or rental cars more times than not. Eventually he sold it, and has gone through an allotment of cars non-stop ever since.
I own both a E39 540i m sport and M5.
Derek is young and prefers the more nimble/lighter style cars. E39 is not designed for this category. E36/E46 M3 is more designed towards that kind nimble driving style.
The E39 is a very capable sedan with sport oriented/weekend fun/daily comfort driving.
E39 is an amazing chassis and all those complaints on the responsiveness is mostly due to old/tired suspension components.
A complete suspension overhaul and a good set of tires is all you need to being the responsiveness back. (rubber bushing/isolation for daily comfort)
Totally agree. Expecting a 4000 lb E39 M5 to feel like an E36 M3 is just ridiculous.
My first car was a 530i automatic, and it served me very well for 5 years. I would get a manual if I were to do it again but I loved the damn thing. Cool discussion, I've always lusted after an M5 but I had a lot of BMW guys give me compliments on the 530. With the same general talking points you hit on.
Love the show! Any chance we can turn up Jason's mic for future episodes? (Or turn down Derek's mic)
Giulia Super owner… love mine and with the upcoming Twin Spark Motor and the already installed Alfaholics suspension I absolutely love my car and it looks like it’s going to check a LOT of boxes
275 square set changes the game, gives it the front end grip it desperately needs. It is a big sludgy feeling thing until you push it hard enough to steer with the throttle, then it shrinks around you.
A couple episodes ago, ya'll switched sides at the desk. Have you been switching the lamps also? 😅🍾🏁 When is Derek's Birthday? Please someone buy him a "Clapperboard" 🎬
Here’s my take being an owner of a few M’s. I did an s2+ package but until I switched to f/I ess supercharger i felt that it is much more up to my liking, with that said just a little of changes that won’t break the bank. I agree the suspension being a little not dialed in because of the age of these cars that’s why it was the first I changed to kw v3 and switched to a squared set up of stock 9.5 all around with r888’s is where it will be more enjoyed on the canyons and freeways. Also The traction on the e39 m5 is very intrusive so u have disable (if your confident and comfortable enough ) traction control off and sport mode on that’s where it really perform and would appreciate the rawness, simplicity and balance between power and torque. With that said if I had to pick out of all of them, the e39 m5 just tickle my marbles a little more than the other Ms (I love ‘em all they have different characteristics which take their DNA from the e39 M5)
Btw the stock diff was 3:15 and dinan diff upgrade was 3:45 which is the one upgrade I love and kept when I switched.
Kudos for you guys using the coasters.
I had an e39 M5 as a daily for three years, absolutely loved it. However I eventually got bored of driving it on the road as it had so much torque, one never needed to down shift it. What ruined it for me was driving a really crappy e36 328is. It was so much more engaging at sane speeds. I sold the M5, spent a couple years in a Mini, then purchased what I really wanted, an e36 M3. The e36 M3 is the all round perfect daily driver, comfortable enough, ergonomically perfect, handles phenomenally, engaging high revving sweet I6, and looks absolutely amazing. I rarely received compliments on the e39 M5, the e36 M3 gets a lot of respect and lots of compliments. Don't get me wrong the M5 is amazing, so much fun on the highway. But for my uses the e36 nails daily driver, winter beater and autocross weapon duty.
What a great idea for a podcast topic! I knew already at two minutes in that this was going to be one of the most interesting discussions of the show!
As a owner of ats-v 6mt and 997 6mt I’m loving the analysis
Derek needs to drive an E90 M3. Historically it lives in the E39 M5's shadow but it combines old 5 series level refinement (and space) with ///M grade engagement and precision
Hey Jason, BMW built an 3.23 ti (E36 compact) between 1997 and 2000. It had a 6 cylinder engine with 170 PS. There was also an E46 compact called 3.25 ti with 192 PS.
I love my 318ti. I would like to drive a 6 cylinder. Hard to find in the USA.
M539 restorations has entered the chatroom!
This episode came out the day I'm going to look at an e39 M5, how timely
Go get one, you wont regret it unless youre looking for a car to use on very tight twisty roads
As a guy with an e39 M5 and a 997, I feel personally assaulted and simultaneously complemented 😂
@A Both. Depends on if I need to haul stuff around or not or how long of a drive. Plus, the 997 is PDK, M5 is manual. So there is always that too.
I don't particularly care about cars in the way Jason and Derek care about cars though I do enjoy listening to them talk.
Big oversight: disappointed no-one mentioned the Alpina B10 V8 S as a substitute!
If there isn’t a mention of the chevy SS or the Pontiac G8 on this episode…
Edit: FINALLY AFTER 62 EPISODES I A G8 HAS BEEN MENTIONED! I now know my car has shit build quality lol. Yay! Yeah drives great horrible interior, I just wanna know how it compares to e39/Chevy SS/ Quadrifolio a bit more!
Also on the platform being a ripoff I’ve known that since your old chevy SS video years ago, but is there actual evidence still around? I’d like to look into that more.
Back right before Pontiac went tits up, I test drove a G8 GXP. Dealer would not deal. A week later I bought my first E39 M5 with 41K miles (creampuff) for a good bit less than half what the dealer wanted for the G8.
@@pete540Z that’s incredible
Nice to see Latifi and Ocon chatting after Hungary
Jason's description of the perfect car is literally a M Coupe... shooting brake, front engine, RWD, straight six, manual trans, coupe. Interesting that it never came up in the conversation considering it fits the description perfectly.
I was thinking the same, but maybe they hate the way it looks or doesn’t drive as well as an E36. I want one but they keep going up in value, for good reason I’m sure.
I know from his writing about the Viper that he doesn't like being right over the rear wheels and having a big bonnet in front of him. Something about how the car responds when oversteering that made it feel unpleasant there.
He definitely doesn't like the Z3 (compared to Boxster) but the Z3M is very different a car, different rear suspension, E36/E46 M3 engine, lighter than either iirc.
Could be really interesting.
Tiff Needell loved it back in the day in that "how to drift" vid
@@Petrospect I've heard Jason speak negatively of rear subframe build quality in Z3s; I wonder if the Z3M falls victim to that also.
How about z4m coupe. No subframe problem.
A few episodes ago Jason described all roadsters based on sedans as compromised and never as good as the sedan version. He was specifically talking about the E36 being better than the Z3. He doesn't like BMW Z cars.
It would be nice if this podcast stumbled upon a hugely viable new car concept, which was then actually made. BRZ shooting brake feels close
Jack of all trades, master of none. Getting a very large car, for it's day, to hustle around the tight and twisties, like a lotus can't happen. E39 m5 is amazing. Not for it's time. For all time. Modern day super sedans are still measured against that thing. Now, to get a ride in one.
the ref on ru paul’s was on point
"The experience is what it all comes back to" is the most difficult concept to communicate to new car enthusiasts.
Episode suggestion: 90s Japanese halo cars. Everyone loves them, and there is still room for content about them.
E34 M5 (b36) has all its power up top, gears are a tad long but it wants to be thrashed. Im not that worldly with cars but it doesnt seem that torquey.. Mine has coilovers so I can't speak for its handling stock. It likes to hustle, but not on the real tight stuff (I'm in Wales)
So an Euro only E36 323ti with an open Air Top and Z3 Torsen is the Ultimate All Around Car? Had one minus the Roof, and can ABSOLUTELY AGREE!!!
Would love to see you guys drive a e87 130i and discuss it.
I know they are rare as in the states, but other places they are a bargain and the general concept (big nice motor with a hatchback strapped to the back) is rad.
This is what I wanted so bad. The closest we have to it is the E84, so I got that.
E82 128i in manual form with a 3 stage intake, FD from the auto 3.73 , 340mm and 4 piston brakes from a F22/F30, and M suspension from the 1M/M3 is the ultimate setup for hauling, light weight balance imho.
This episode is really making me miss my E46 330i touring (5 speed). Such a great thing. My 2016 M140i (6 speed) is fucking fantastic, but it’s only the 3 door and it’s a pain putting my daughter in the back. I’ll never willingly get rid of it, but I still wish I had my 330i along side it on the drive. ☹️
Finally, the truth is spoken. Back in about 2004, I had an e28 M5 and went down to see about replacing it with an e39 M5, which I was able to drive with considerable gusto, and it left me cold. It was impressive, but not really loveable. I drove home, quite contentedly, in my e28.
Haven't had the chance to try a E39 M5, but to me they were the best looking M5's. And just like the equivalent Mercedes, i always considered them "road going luxury ICBMs".
Yet as the owner of a E63 AMG i have to say there is (at least to me) a fascination for "big old sedans" that non car people assume to be just big slow limousines. (It's incredible how many people suspect my car to be just some slow Diesel Mercedes that someone put big wheels and a tiny spoiler on for looks.)
It's a special kind of fun to see the surprise of unsuspecting hot hatch and other supposedly sporty car drivers in their rear view mirror, when such a "slow old big car keeps up with them uphill, when they try to go uphill in a "spirited manner".
(Now, i am not a mad man, for sure i am leaving reserves as these are public roads and i want to have fun as long as possible without endangering myself or others and should i notice that the person in front of me does not do that, i reduce my speed drastically and hope that person will too...)
You guys need to drive an e34 M5 with an S62. I totally agree with Jason on the 997
Rs2, e36 and 190e are all much smaller, lighter cars no duh. There's no other contemporary mid size sedan which handled as well as the E39
Old cars used to have roll built into the handling. They roll a bit on turn in and then settle instead of having overly stiff springs
E36 is a car from a generation that just started to think about some safety..before that, all cars were pretty much mush - no point in making it withstand the crash if the driver is going to die anyway :D E39 came right when safety started to become an actual issue and people bought cars based on it. Considering its just 50-100kg (depending on configuration) heavier than the E46 sedan, its pretty light. The E36 is certainly not a car I would want to crash in - seen plenty of them crashed and its the car that created the whole "20 year olds in BMWs, wrapped around trees" saga :DDD
Wonder if the guys are aware the E36 and E46 Compact (hatch) were both sold with the 2.5 straight 6 in Europe? Not very common though.
Yeah the 6 cylinder compact e36 didn't make it to the US and the compact e46 wasn't offered at all. That was the time that BMW was converting themselves to a luxury brand in the US, the compact versions of them just didn't fit that bill. Also they didn't sell nearly as well as the other e36 versions.
Half of every Carmudgen cast is trying to define what a sports sedan is, and honestly I can relate
As an owner of an E39 M5 i sadly has to agree with Derek, and more happily with Jason on this, I'm nowhere near the helmsman of either of them but I agree that the M5 is not a backroad specialist, it can do it but not happily, it's a motorway bomber, thats what it is, built to cross countries fast and in comfort and style while handling 120 mph sweepers like a boss, I find mine to be frustrating to drive slow, it wants to be at speed. The same way a Miata is not a motorway car, different cars for different scenarios.
Perhaps the one Derek drove was a bit tired in the suspension and tyres aswell, makes one hell of a difference, mine's a 130000 mile bog standard one with atleast 15 year old suspension components and it feels it at times, my mate, who's is rather well off financially and an enthusiast to boot has an absolutely mint 70000 mile one that has had 30k spent on it the last few years with every suspension component, struts, springs, bushes, all of it OEM BMW parts replaced last year (and a bunch of other stuff) and that one feels like a different car to mine.
Regarding the 6-cylinder E39's I agree, they feel lighter, but I disagree with Jason on transmission, I've had 530's, both proper Euro-Spec M-Sports both in auto and manual, I prefer the manual despite not being the most feelsome shifter in the world, it livens up the car alot compared to the auto, but it does come at a cost, revs on the motorway, the auto has very tall gearing, the manual the exact opposite, the perfect E39 as a daily perhaps would be a 530 mated to the 6-spped out of a late E46?
The e39 is a bit ponderous on a twisty road - on a fast flowing road it comes alive. It doesn’t do everything well but does a lot really well. If sold mine I would miss it….
you forgot perfect size touring e46 330i and lexus is300 sportcross(japanese copy of e36/e46). There is e36 323ti it is 318ti with 6-cil, but e46 325ti is better.
Have to agree with Cammisa, you cannot compare a midsize (e39M5) with a hot hatch (Golf GTI). The package is fantastically balanced that can do everything.
The best one car solution will be a manual Mazda 3 Turbo Hatchback with 2 doors in that red that Mazda does, or as /r/cars calls it, the manuelle brown Miata wagon.
Can't argue with the sentiment that a RWD manual i6 hatch would be amazing.
Too bad we all have to settle for forced induction 4 cylinders (or 3 with the toyota), and FWD or AWD with overdrive rears.
I still think the AWD options are good enough to be considered better than the purely FWD hot hatches, though.
I think the E39 needs suspension mods to wake it up. My 03 has the AC Schnitzer DFC suspension as well as some other minor suspension bits and PS4S and it handles amazingly, feels very planted and more athletic than the stock examples I’ve been able to drive.
Also an exhaust is required. I’m fortunate enough to have bought my car with the Tubi exhaust and it is absolutely intoxicating.
Just like the E46.. the E39 is a great car when driven to lets say 80% of its capability. Drives better than the average car but its not the 2nd coming of Jesus like everyone says.. you need to put serious money towards it to make it that good. Suspension, big brakes, weight reduction (throwing out the interior - the thing that makes it a great daily), race seat, short shifter, hydraulic handbrake, sport air filter, exhaust, tires, cage...by that time you made pretty much a race car thats going to kill you on your way from work. On the contrary though, suspension mods wont wake it up..the stock M-suspension is the most playful the car will ever be. After that youre in the land of never-ending grip and bumps...
Great daily cars that are fun. Why not mention the type r?
Also I have a GR86 and it can do most daily things if you don’t need people to fit in the back seat.
Love my E39 Alpina B10 3.3. Got the looks, has the better steering because it has a straight 6, and *nearly* as much power as a 540i. Mine’s a manual, and while I get the whole thing of the auto being better suited to an E39, but as it is my only car, I’d much rather have a manual.
Jason got the intended purpose of the E39 M5 just right. Derek is asking for the E39 M5 to be a sports car not a sedan. The car is a "sport" sedan because it has power and decent handling. It is not overpowered for the public roads. It is a refined car with posh interior and quality finish. It is a luxury sedan with class and elegance that handles good enough to be categorized as sporty. In other words it is the best blend of what Mercedes and BMW used to be at the time. What Derek wants is a sport car therefore a sedan for the sporty stuff he is asking for would be a less of a sedan. Derek does not understand the intended customer for the E39 M5. I could agree in some of his negative points about the car, is just that I am not expecting for the car to be a bonafide sports car. E36 better for handling on the back roads but it is not a better sedan than the E39, not even in a million years. When Derek says the E39 M5 did not inspired him to drive it on the race track is all you need to know to realize that he doesn't understand the car and his intended purpose.
When I was this early last time, she got mad.
996 interiors are significantly better with the extended leather. I have a 996 Turbo which I believe came standard at least in the UK with it and is several grades better then that of other 996’s I’ve sat it that haven’t had it. Smells the shit too!
I’d like to see E39 M5 vs E90 M3 vs E60 M5 (manual)
can we have an episode talking about 80s/90s JDM icons? Which car’s that will maintain value, or currently slept on. Such as Toyota JZX-100 Chaser, Altezza, Nissan Laurel/Pulsar GTI-R/Skyline GTST, Honda Accord Type R.
Really would love to hear hyphen’s feedback on the Chevy SS
We all know the greatest sports sedan ever made is an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. THERE I SAID IT 😂
I wish you guys would make an episode about the honda cvcc. I think I remember jason was talking like he was gonna do one
I have had both an E38 740il and an E39 M5 and driven both in anger on windy backroads. I preferred the E38 740 in almost every way aside from the engine.
Well, after that conversation I had to look up if someone had made a render of a GR86 Shooting Brake, and lo and behold - the internet didn't disappoint.
Fuck me I want one.
Sabine Schmitz didn't seem to mind driving the E39 M5 as the Ring Taxi, watch videos on TH-cam ! :-)
Its a great car for regular roads..so up to about 80% of its capability, on the limit its just like the E36 and E46 - an understeering sedan :D its not a race car and never will be, never was supposed to be so I dont know why this guy expects it to drive like a modified miata :DD
Forget the GTI. Forget the Corolla. You guys have to drive the Toyota GR Yaris. Unfortunately not officially available in the US. See the video with your European counterpart Chris Harris. It is everything you are looking for. Thank me with a video of your experience.
I’ve driven a Yaris GR!
Kia Forte GT is also a turbo FWD manual car currently for sale
I owned an 06 e55. Couldn’t afford it and only had it for 4 months. Finest car I ever owned. It took backroads very well but was completely bored under triple didget speeds. The only thing I’ve owned better on a twisted road was a mini S
I am surprised that during this whole 1 hour show, at no point did you guys bring up the Mitsubishi Evo or the Subaru Impreza STi.
I saw disappointed that Jason didn't break out in song:
"Every rose has its thorn
Just like every night has its dawn
Just like every cowboy sings a sad, sad song
Every rose has its thorn
Yeah it does"
Great episode guys, when are you going to take an E34 M5 out for a run. Keen to hear your thoughts on it.
BMW 1 series had a hatchback version in euro. I saw a vid of a guy putting a twin turbo V8 in it somehow...
1st gen CTSV, is a great alternative and also from the same era. Interior wasn’t as nice (00’s GM 😬😬) yet the drivetrain on the CTSV was superior and had better weight transfer and felt far less boaty than the m5.
How would an e90 m3 compare?
I don't think I've ever seen Derek so defensive and argumentative over anything. I think you made it pretty clear you don't like the e39 M5... But the rest of us love em!!
I have a 2017 Chevy SS. I ❤ THAT CAR!
Yep, the E39 530i is the "clubsport" M5. Lighter front end and rack and pinion steering.
Have you seen Sabine drive an E39 M5 around the Nurburgring? I’d call that hustling! That’s a stock car, I think the car you drove may have been a bit tired… Of course there are smaller, lighter more nimble vehicles out there, but once you get in the zone in an E39 M5 in the sweepers it’s a beautifully balanced beast that embarrasses far newer sports cars. Track car? No… And yes, the E39 6 cylinder steering feels better. BTW it’s 25 years old - 1997…
'The Europeans wouldn't build a road like that' - I have not been to the 'road like that' so it's a bit of a wild guess, but having been to most of Norway and Tenerife among other things I'm pretty sure we would and in fact did :D
Haven't been enough to germany to judge if they do, but here in Austria we do have hairpins with significant inclines and declines as well as changing corner radia (?) in several corners. (So never trust that the radius will stay and not tighten ;-)
And i know that the swiss, and italians have that too. So like Mr. Hyphen said: "...Alps..." 🙂