BMW M5E39
(1998-2003)
IT IS ON THE E39 THAT THE TRANSFORmation seems complete. Of course the car is no longer hand-made and ofcourse, it no longer features the M88 derived straight six, but gives way to a mammoth V8, 4.9 litres at that. The car also moves away from the tradtional 5-series styling to something more contemporary, and has a sleek look both on the outside as on the inside. The interiors in this car look as if it means business and the crowning glory is the built-in car phone in between the front two seats. Once one learns that the huge engine produces 400bhp, one could be forgiven for thinking that this would be the car for a certain Mr James Bond. Driving the car feels special as well. The naturally aspirated engine is even more of an aural delight – and given the modernity of the car one also feels like pushing it a bit more than the E34. Acceleration is jaw-dropping for a car that does show its age, with 100kmph coming up in under 5 seconds and though the top speed is limited to 250kmph, I had earlier read that the car easily gets to over 300kmph if the limiter is removed. The car is well balanced and the braking was good and sharp even after all these years and one begins to wonder if all the power is being sent to the rear wheels when suddenly the rear steps out to remind you that the car is ultra powerful.