E34 vs E39

[Anton CH.]

Ok I may have lied on the previous poll about how long will you keep a car for. The prices on e39s have really comed down. I just found a beutiful 98 black on back 5speed 528 w/ 102k mi for under 10k. I think some members here own one, how are e39s when it comes to maintance?

[winfred]

imho the e39 aint the car the e34 is by far

[stx133]

in aust, the e39 is still double the price of the e34. $40k+. it is not really an option here to discuss. i like the look of the 34 by far, the 39 is heavier but has more techno gadgets..

[Anton CH.]

Yeah but the e39 just looks so much more modern. It may be the new front grill. Let's face it, the e34 is not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when they think of a BMW. Just debating on whether I should make the switch.

[stx133]

a 'Smart' looks 'modern', but it would not interest me for a purchase

[bimmerd00d]

As an E39 owner, ex e34 owner, i think i can answer this.

-E39 lacks the feel of the E34, overall
-E39 is definitely faster
-The comfort level of the e39 is much higher (comfort seats at least)
-E34 is by far the better looking car
-Seems like the E39 has less little quirks than the E34 (subjective)
-Bottom line, I miss my e34 525i 5-spd. I will eventuall sell this and buy another E34 of some sorts.

[Jon K]

As an E39 owner, ex e34 owner, i think i can answer this.

-E39 lacks the feel of the E34, overall
-E39 is definitely faster
-The comfort level of the e39 is much higher (comfort seats at least)
-E34 is by far the better looking car
-Seems like the E39 has less little quirks than the E34 (subjective)
-Bottom line, I miss my e34 525i 5-spd. I will eventuall sell this and buy another E34 of some sorts.

Of course its faster... 4.4L vs 2.5.... i bet mine is just as fast tho

[Anton CH.]

E34 looks better?! I guess its just an opinion but I like the e39 looks much more.

Want to trade cars? My modded 525 5-speed for your 540i6 ;-)

I am probably going end up test driving that 528i and see if I like it.

[Zeuk in Oz]

To my eyes the E34 is much nicer looking than the E39 and having driven both, I feel the E34 has a much more agile, responsive feel.
The dilemma, in my opinion, is that I value such things as airbags (especially side window bags), vehicle stability programmes, traction control and brake assist.
I realise that they are more things to go wrong, but ultimately they are there to help avoid an accident - except the airbags of course. This also means more expense due to fewer repairs that can be done by me.
Therefore I tend to favour the E39 as the next addition to our fleet, as my teenage sons drive them and I remember only too well how much of an idiot I was at that age.
The only thing that saved me was luck !

[digitaldragon03]

If you are going to go E39 go for the 2001 and above models. I believe they have xenons and have extra chrome on the kidney grill; subtle but definatly makes a difference.