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Yes, it is a rather durable and dependable automobile, barring the cooling system, which requires ongoing maintenance.
I bought it new and have owned it for 21 years; I will never sell it or give it up.
To anyone who would desire to purchase an E39, I would advise the following:
This car is not for you if you are not prepared to take it apart with a screwdriver and a 10 mm socket wrench. It will either empty your bank account or turn you into a master weekend mechanic. LOL….
In This Article...
How to Prepare
Every single car in the world has its own peculiar repair idiosyncrasies. Every car has frequent and recurring problems, and it is wise to be aware of them before purchasing. All models of the E39 BMW 5 Series appear to have a few quite distinct recurrent problems. There aren’t many, though, and the E39 appears to be among the more dependable BMWs in recent memory. One of my relatives owns one, and despite the fact that it has been cared for about as well as Joe Jackson’s children, it has endured for a long time without any major problems. There are several things to watch out for, though.
One of them is the ICV (Idle Control Valve). This isn’t a major problem, but it can result in extremely serious idling problems, including a very harsh idle and, in cold weather, even stalling. Most of the time, simply cleaning is necessary instead of replacing the ICV. At idle, the ICV regulates the airflow through the intake manifold, and for a variety of reasons, the electronically controlled valve can occasionally become stuck. The ICV needs to be removed, cleaned with the right cleaner, and checked to make sure it can open and close easily. Many E39 owners wonder why their cars idle so poorly, so they bring them into shops and wind up spending a ton of money for practically nothing. This part may be cleaned easily to save hundreds. Due to its location behind the intake manifold, it can be a little tricky to access, but if you have the time to do it yourself, it’s definitely worth it.
The rear subframe bushings are yet another significant problem. Nowadays, the typical mileage for purchasing an E39 is roughly 100,000 miles, at which point these rubber bushings typically fail. And when they fail, whether from dry rot or another issue, the car’s rear end usually rides very poorly. When driving swiftly, it might produce wheel hop and bucks on uneven pavement. While replacing the front suspension bushings is normally not a major deal because they are simple to do, doing so for the rear subframe bushings takes quite a bit of labor. The complete rear suspension must be removed, and the subframe must be dropped. Again, if you are willing to DIY it, make sure it gets done even though it is a tedious and time-consuming task. Additionally, replace the complete suspension while you’re at it. The whole kit: shocks, springs, bushings. It’s worth every penny.
Driveability of the E39 M5
We are overrun by sports cars that produce unnecessary amounts of power on the market today. To Mercedes AMGs with 600 horsepower, and much more from the Hellcat and other vehicles. You rarely, if ever, get to experience these power plants’ full potential. So, what exactly makes an automobile enjoyable and entertaining to drive? I believe it is a car that is simple to operate on a daily basis but still serves as a constant reminder of what it is and provides a challenging driving experience. a vehicle that easily performs without making an effort. Take note of the phrase “problem of driving it.” The majority of cars on the road nowadays want to drive you, not the other way around. The E39 stands out among all the Ms I’ve had the pleasure of driving both on and off the track. It is still generally highly reliable and modestly priced right now.
Older BMWs dependable?
When examining whether or not BMWs are reliable, the subject of age is crucial. It is frequently discovered that older BMWs—generally those produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s—are more dependable than newer BMWs. Though not always the case, take note. This applies to the majority of other brands as well, not only BMW. Early automobiles from the era have rudimentary engineering and construction. There is less of a possibility that something could go wrong because of the simplicity of the mechanical or electronic components.
Even if they do, correcting them won’t be that expensive. Newer cars, on the other hand, are quite high-tech. The iDrive entertainment system, external safety sensors, as well as the extensive web of wiring, computers, and electrics running throughout the full length of the car, are just a few of the many electrical components found in BMWs in particular. The modern engineering of newer BMWs can make them more prone to problems. Not to mention pricey, particularly once the warranty expires.
In reality, the majority of the components and labor needed to maintain and repair BMWs are identical to those for other models. Certain parts inevitably need to be replaced. The same issues might arise with a regular Honda or Toyota, but BMW’s high-performance parts will cost more just for the raw materials. In addition, labor costs are greater for BMWs because they require more time from mechanics than the ordinary vehicle. In general, you can easily expect your BMW repair price to be $1,000 or more.
E39 M5 dependability
The E39 M5 truly hits all the boxes when comparing M’s from both the recent and distant past. It is usually one of the most dependable Ms that are available, and you can drive it without feeling bad about putting miles on it like you might with an E30 M3 or 1 series M. It seems to be the last of a generation, produced before driving assistance systems and technology really took hold. Although there are many Ms that are noticeably faster, this one might make you smile the widest. At the end of the day, isn’t that what matters most?
How do you feel about the E39 M5? What would you like to possess in the future, and how has ownership treated you so far? Visit this post on Alpina if you prefer touring BMWs with more power.
Will the BMW E39 go down in history?
The E39 is a classic BMW that everyone can identify. It possesses all the characteristics of a contemporary classic, including its appearance, performance, and driving style. By moving the E39 chassis from the “Current” parts catalog to the “Classic” or “Heritage” catalog, BMW recently gave the E39 its official stamp of approval. What does it actually mean for the enthusiasts and owners of these automobiles if this does allow for bragging rights and an excessive use of “Respect Your Elders” stickers? The quick response is hardly much.
As with previous BMW models, the support window for a certain chassis begins to run out after the last vehicles of that chassis leave the production line. Once ten years have passed, BMW no longer actively manufactures parts for the automobiles; instead, they merely rely on their previous suppliers to do so. As with all BMW parts, the price of these components varies from month to month depending on demand, with the worst variations occurring in the months of December and January.
After about 15 years, when a model is stored in the “Classic” catalog, BMW decides not to look for sources for parts that are no longer in demand. For instance, it is uncommon for someone to order a complete set of Titanline trim from BMW brand-new. That component will no longer be produced because there is no longer a market for it. However, this does not imply that obtaining one is impossible. Deep within the Fatherland, there are warehouses with these parts in stock, but receiving them will take longer than it did previously when they came from domestic US inventories. This will probably take approximately the same length of time as it usually has if you reside in Europe.
Let’s assume, though, that all of a sudden, there is a significant increase in demand for Titanline trim because Ryan makes a video about updating his, raising awareness and demand because his was dusty or something. “If enough demand arises they will source [a supplier] and execute a one-off run with the price tag typically going up,” says Mike Kent of Cincinnati, Ohio’s Enthusiast Auto Group. What is a portion in sufficient demand? Outside of BMW, nobody is aware of that, but it is safe to infer that a significant amount of demand would need to exist in order to reach this level and support the manufacturing of another part’s run.
The news is both good and bad for E39 preservationists. Standardly required parts like suspension parts, wheel bearings, thermostats, and other common wear items will be available exactly as they always have been, despite the fact that they might be harder to find and more expensive for restoration projects.
Therefore, wear your vintage BMW Roundel shirts, put on those “Respect your Elders” bumper stickers, and keep driving your BMW because it will still be on the road for many years to come.
What does BMW’s E39 mean?
The mid-size luxury BMW 5 Series (E39) was produced between 1995 and 2003. A section of the Norwegian national road network is European Route E39.
Who was the E39 BMW’s designer?
Joji Nagashima is a BMW car designer who was born in Yong Dao Rang Er in 1955. Nagashima was raised in Japan and was born in Tokyo. He is most known for the external styling of the Z3 Roadster, E39 BMW 5 Series, and E90 variants of the BMW 3 Series.
Which BMW series is the most dependable?
When it comes to the creation of sport sedans, BMW has established the benchmark for premium vehicles with the E90 330i that Acura and Volvo aspire to match. The BMW E90 330i is your best option if you’re looking for a sedan that provides the ideal balance of functionality and performance without sacrificing stability and comfort.
The BMW E90 330i is one of the most popular luxury vehicles in the United States and is not only the best-selling model in the 3 Series. It also sold over 336,232 units. Even in the mid-size luxury automobile category, the BMW 3 Series received the Top Safety Pick designation in 2006. The best car options in terms of driver injury prevention and driver restraint features are highlighted by this award.
Is the E39 the best automobile ever produced?
We assert that the E39 BMW 5 Series is generally regarded as the best 5 Series ever produced. It is the final 5 Series with a mechanical feel, and in our perspective, it represents the model’s apex. The Telegraph continues by saying it’s the best vehicle ever produced.
Which BMW M5 is trustworthy?
The BMW M5 F10 may provide anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 miles of dependable service with the original engine and transmission, according to a number of trustworthy automotive sources. Of course, that assumes you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Among the crucial services are:
- Rotate the tires, top off the coolant, and replace the oil and oil filter after 5,000 miles.
- At 10,000 miles, check the fluid levels in the steering, suspension, cooling system, and all other systems, and replace the coolant if necessary.
- Replace the fuel filter, brake pads, and brake fluid every 30,000 miles.
- Replace the engine and cabin air filters at 60,000 miles.
Many owners have mentioned coping with expensive overhauls well below the 100,000-mile mark on numerous sites. But among BMW aficionados, there are plenty of fanatics who experiment with dangerous music and power levels. There is no need to worry about high repair costs as long as you don’t abuse a BMW M5.