Young timer enthusiasts will not miss the BMW 5 series from the E39 generation. There is good news for them, because Pieter Fokkema of the very young PUUR BMW in Marssum offers a genuine Rentnerfahrzeug: a well-equipped BMW 525i with original factory specifications and options from the autumn of 2000. With only 111.000 kilometers on the clock and always maintained by BMW dealer Hinzmann in .... Munich. We could not resist the temptation to drive the car, which was recently removed from Germany, over the beautiful asphalt in North West Fryslân. We already say it: this is a real one.
This copy after the E39 facelift (modified front, angel eyes, other rear light units, body-painted strips) is in an authentic condition. The first owner ordered the BMW 525i in Titansilber and he checked a number of fine options during the purchase in 2000, such as Xenon lighting, an M-sport steering wheel, white indicators, M-sport ghost, dimming interior mirror, multifunction steering wheel, radio business with 6 CD changer, parking sensors front and rear, automatically folding mirrors and a folding rear seat. Furthermore, the first owner brought the interior a little further to taste thanks to the choice for wood strips.
Packed
After the entrance to the Beier you will be packed immediately and recognizable. Literally, because the E39 cockpit closes thanks to the design and the almost seamless transition from the dashboard to the front doors - in combination with the excellent seats. The BMW 525i urges an active driver to sit on you, in many ways the ingredients within the interior are focused on the driver. Without there being too many frills, it breathes inner quality and offers a great sitting position.
Walking culture
The 2.494 cc measuring M54 power source - new after the facelift of 2000 - is put into operation, and that is the signal to start driving. This motorcycle is known for its flawless and delicate running culture, and proves that on the road. First we pack a few kilometers through. It becomes clear there that the powerful braking system and the sensitive coupling are made of the right wood. This also applies to the gearbox, although the position of fifth gear compared to the first four gears is further away. This prevents a fast switching action from four to five (vv).
Switch back to a lower speed
The BMW 525i accelerates powerfully, but who from lower speeds in five by wanting to tackle it would do well to shift a gear down, and thus increase the speed. The coupling peak is delivered at 3.500 revolutions per minute. The road to that peak is a steady and gradual one. A considerable part of the torque and power is also available in lower speed areas, Power enough, but the real gear is above 3.000 speed per minute. This is a useful science for when you want to speed up inside.
Excellent cornering behavior on speed
The winding interior through asphalt gives you the opportunity to test cornering behavior at various speeds. Especially on speed, the chassis bites nicely, and the rear-wheel drive pushes you sharply and rock solid through the bend without oversteer. The control is then very communicative and at that moment offers a decisive counter-pressure. The beautiful chassis leaves a lot of room for dynamic driving. The fairly comfortable suspension and firm damping exude harmony and desire dynamics. In other words: the BMW 525i seems to stand still at lower speeds, that idea. This impeccable 5-series seems to ask: Can it be three ounces more?
Dynamically comfortable
On the highway, the Beier shows its core qualities. And his true character. Dynamically comfortable, that's how this E39 can best be described. Certainly at higher (permitted in our country) tempi per hour, the Beier is like a log on the road, and not only: within no time the needle of the speedometer indicates 180 kilometers per hour. Without push in the back, unnoticed. Also then appears the pleasant combination of engine and course stability of this BMW 525i. And it becomes clear when resistance five in combination with these six glories in line. We get gas back soon, but somehow it remains attractive to always make a catch-up maneuver, play with the power and torque, and keep the needle of the rev counter around 3.000 / 3.500 revolutions per minute, in five that is. Then we find the BMW 525i at its best, it keeps and shows its qualities as a dynamic travel car in optima forma, with the pleasant knowledge that the beautiful couple remains available in the higher regions. And those features, we assure you, will also stay with this relatively modest version until well after the report morning.
Future classic
The large group of BMW followers calls this BMW one of the most beautiful in the rich Bavarian history, proudly conveyed by this E39. He is gaining prestige. The contemporary and growing popularity, the excellent quality and the lines of this timeless BMW mean that we can rightly consider this 18 year-old Beier as a future classic. Whoever is in the market for this car must really visit PUUR BMW. And after the purchase it will have years of enjoyment from this Bavarian, which stems from one of the best series of brands of the brand. Because this is really a very good car.
I worked at Auto-West BMW in Richmond BC for many years as a salesman. The E-39 was in my opinion the best 5 series ever, to date. Owned a beautiful E-28 535. Unfortunately the 525 was available here, but you could not sell it on the pavers. BC is a province where the top speed is 100 km per hour, the “press” had already thought in advance that the 525 wouldn't be strong enough. I sold 1 stick shift and it is still with the original owner. They are getting old together. In contrast, the 528 and 540 were sold as if we were giving them away. The 525 and the 528 were much more pleasant to drive than the admittedly very fast but clumsy 540.The 525 had an aluminum subframe, aluminum brake calipers and the long 6 was better in the car than the V8 protruding far forward.
To this day, E39` (6 cylinders) later the 530 can still be seen in bushes every day in Vancouver and Richmond, they just don't break down. The 540 lay on the scrap yard a week after the warranty was over. a hugely expensive debacle for BMW. And then the crap started, and what we have now continues to break down, too bad.
Indeed, I would also not call an E39 a classic Find the E34 more successful in design. The true five-classics are the E12 and E28. I have an E28 525i from 1984 myself. Always has a lot of attention. I also have an E21 318i, an E30 318is and an E32 740iL. I also consider them to be classics.
I myself am a real fan of the old BMW models and every day I can consider myself lucky to drive a 525 e34, but even that is not really a classic for me. The models e24 / e28 / e30 / e32 are pretty much the last classics after this it ends a bit as far as I'm concerned. Whoever without chrome / steel bumpers are no longer real classics to me.