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      11-06-2019, 10:27 PM   #27
Germanauto
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Drives: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Rosso
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: LA

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Quote:
Originally Posted by KevinM View Post
I've owned my E39 M5 since 2004 and it is still my favorite car. I used it as a DD from 2004 - 2016. I retired it in 2016 when I bought a MT F80 ZCP. I also felt that given the F80's size and low-down torque (the lack of which was the main reason I didn't buy a E90 M3 as a DD) it was the spiritual successor to the E39. It didn't quite work out that way for me. I'm (obviously) now in a M2C as a DD, and it is different enough that I don't compare it to my M5.

I agree with much of this review, but not all. The steering is good but not great. The DD I had before the M5, an E39 530, had fantastic rack and pinion steering as does my Z4M coupe. I would have loved it if the R&P rack had fit in the E39 M5, but the remainder of the package is so well-balanced, I don't really care anymore. I agree that the suspension is perfect for what the car is. It is supple but controlled. My F80 crashed over everything even when the suspension was in "comfort" mode.

One of the things I love about the E39 M5 is that is really is a "Q-ship." Very few people know what it is, and it is not obnoxiously loud or flashy. However, enthusiasts who know what it is always give a thumbs-up. The exterior and interior have aged extremely well. When I drive it, the combination of luxury and sports sedan seems perfect and unlike any other car. Here you are in a 400 hp sedan with a full leather interior, only available with a manual transmission and with an advanced (for the time) limited slip differential...

The excessive oil usage only occurred before the pistons were re-designed in 2/2000. My 2002 model used no extra oil between 7500K oil changes when it was my DD. My car has been amazingly reliable, but it does require attentive preventive maintenance.

Sure, the technology is dated. I installed a Aux jack in the center cubby, so I can connect my iPhone and listen to music, etc.

While my M5 probably spends too much time on a battery tender these days, it makes me smile and it feels special whenever I do take it out. I do not believe I'll ever part with it.
This sounded so heartfelt it almost brought a tear to my eye loll. That's an amazing collection of cars, and you maintain them obsessively like I do.
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