[Humdizzle]

cool car. and im sure its fun to drive. I had an e36 and e46 m3 for four years each.

While the e46 and e39 were probably the pinnacle of bmw design.. they just can't do what a modern f80 can. power grip braking infotainment cf roof etc. at least without some serious work. And if you're looking for a fun weekend sports care there are way better sports cars in terms of steering feel and all that.

If they copy and pasted the e46 body onto a new m2 and updated the entire electronics, braking system, suspension, headlights/tails (LED)... then i'd probably put my f80 up for sale tomorrow though lol.

[NYBulldog]

I had one for years. If you want to drive it hard, that baby moves. But you drive like a normal human being and its very civil. He complains that new M cars are too rough and then this one is too restrained. I don't get it. I had a Dinan exhaust and Intake and BBS LMs, it was one bad mother.

[Haywood]

Originally Posted by wknddrivr

A lot of the reviews agree that the steering isn't great on the E39 because of the recirculating ball setup. As an owner of a 2002 E39 M5, I would agree.

The steering in my E36 M3 (which I still drive regularly) offers a lot more feel and is a lot sharper than the E39 M5, as was the steering in my E90 328 (from what I remember, the car was totaled a few years ago)

The E36 is much more raw and more fun than the E39 M5, so it's more enjoyable in the canyons on the weekend, but the E39 is a much better car and incredible overall package...much better daily driver and great grand tourer, but its way more of a luxury car than a sports car.

Steering in the E39 M5 was certainly was not BMWs best work. It's precise, but slightly numb...not as numb as the new stuff though. I've also got a 2017 530i, so I can compare them directly. The 2017 is a little bit more numb but a hell of a lot lighter and the ratio is slower on the 2017 which drives me nuts.

Aside from the steering on the E39 M5, it really has no other weak spots. My 2017 530i was my daily driver, but it's going away and the M5 will be my daily. Will not miss the G30 at all. The E39 absolutely stands the test of time and does not feel like a 17 year old car (aside from the Nav system)

Can't agree more as I have an e36 and e39. I love the quickness and tossability of the M3 and the beautiful balance and V8 power of the e39 (I also have a Dinan S1 package). I don't think the steering is terrible, but I don't ever plan to track the M5. It's just a timeless machine that BMW has still not be able to replicate in future M5's IMO.

[Hockeytyme]

I had a full stage 3 Dinan S3 M5 with supercharger, rear diff, fly wheel, clutch, all kinds of engine parts, wheel, brakes, etc.. The thing sounded like a Nascar and drove like Dukes of Hazard on the pavement. What an unreal car!! I have had several super cars and currently the fastest M5 in the continent but dollar for dollar nothing beats my old E39!!!