One of my favorite cars of all time is the BMW 5 Series M Sport sedan. Specifically, the E39 shape built between 1996 and 2003. Despite its age, the car is still a common sight on our roads today. One of the reasons for that fact is down to its popularity.
Sure, one could go out and buy one of the newer E60 or F10 sedans. But, the E39 will hold a special place in many an enthusiast’s heart! If you’re unfamiliar with the world of BMW cars, what’s so unique about this particular model? Let me explain:
It has a timeless design
One of the things that many people (including myself) love about the E39 5 Series is the styling. It doesn’t feature a design that looks out of the ordinary. Nor does it have a style that appears dated. In fact, most would agree that it has a timeless design!
The E39 M Sport might be getting on a bit now. But, it still has a style that fits in with today’s modern automotive world.
It’s cheaper to buy and maintain than an M5
BMW enthusiasts will know that the range-topping sports model of the 5 Series is the M5. One noticeable difference between it and the M Sport is the beast under the hood. Unless you’ve got plenty of money to blow on maintenance, the M5 isn’t a practical option.
Instead, a good compromise between performance and style is the M Sport. One can select from a range of engine and transmission combinations for a start. And it looks just as stylish and sporty as its bigger brother, the M5.
Let’s face it. Even if you have some BMW repair manuals at your disposal, the M5 will still cost a fortune to repair. The M Sport is a more affordable option for DIY home mechanics.
It boasts industry-leading precision handling
Even though the earliest M Sport cars are 17 years old, the model still boasts precision handling. Some people are on the fence when talking about BMW reliability. But, all E39 owners will tell you they have mostly trouble-free suspension. Especially on the sportier M Sport trims.
You might think that such a big and heavy car would feel like a barge to control at speed. The reality is the E39 BMW 5 Series M Sport handles like a champ. In fact, it feels quite agile and capable of control in any situation.
Modern features
The E39 M Sport comes with all the features you would expect to find in a premium vehicle. What’s surprising is that they are just as good as what you’d get in today’s F10 models!
To take advantage of what’s on offer, one should invest in the later M Sport models built in 2003. Still, even if you opted for an earlier model, you’ll have a plethora of equipment at your disposal.
Final thoughts
Take an E39 BMW 5 Series M Sport out for a test drive. You will discover why it’s a much-loved model by thousands of people across the globe!