5 Series (E39) All about the BMW 5-Series E39

[klier]

I recently had a very short drive in an E39 535i. The V8 ones had a steering box instead of rack and pinion steering, and the feeling is very different. The steering of the 6 cylinder models is vastly superior!

When are you going to update us with your project? And what's in store next for your baby?

 

[GTA45E]

I remember reading the Autocar road test of the 535i and they said the V8 provided good performance but overall they thought it was not as well rounded as the 528i, which was nearly as quick and had better steering.

The V8-powered E39 models used recirculating ball steering, while the 4—and 6-cylinder models used rack-and-pinion steering, which provides better steering feel and feedback.

 

[Rolf]

When are you going to update us with your project? And what's in store next for your baby?

Hope he drops in the M5 V8 engine in and still keeps the 523i badge.

 

[Giannis]

When are you going to update us with your project? And what's in store next for your baby?

Not much has been going on lately. I've been gathering up stuff to retrofit. I've completed everything I need to retrofit the M sound system, I got a parcel shelf with an electric rear curtain and had it retrimmed and yesterday I secured a leather covered center console from an M5. Hopefully I will have some free time this month to retrofit and code the High OBC instrument cluster (I'm planning to repin the connections) and then everything else will be mostly plug and play.

I'll need to remove everything from the interior to fit those things, so the plan is to get everything I want and fit them all at once.

 

[Rolf]

2001 LCi E39 5 series brochure. The 530i was probably the star of the range in my opinion with the 540i close behind.

 

[Tuffode]

Agreed on the 530i being the star of the range, maybe alongside the 528i. Not a fan of the steering in the 540i. Been loving mine, already have put over 3k miles in the past couple 2 months with 0 issues. Just waiting for a cheap set of M Pars to pop up.

 

[Design FIRST]

An epic car and a landmark not only for BMW, but also in the context of post WWII German sedans in general. During its particular era, one of the very best automobiles in the world.

 

[SaltkjelenBMW]

E39 is such a beautiful car, and it has more finesses than the new G60 5-series, which is ridiculous.

 

[Giannis]

Just waiting for a cheap set of M Pars to pop up.

Definitely the best wheel for the E39. I have the same

 

[Rolf]

This test still makes me believe that the E39 5 series is the finest mid size BMW ever created. Even compared to the G60 it questions whether BMW have made any real progress with the new model, except perhaps in size, weight and space as well as the gearbox and brakes. The old car was and still is a masterpiece.

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