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I never knew what the big deal with these cars was until my family bought a used one recently. Even with 170k miles on the clock, it's such an amazing and gorgeous car. It's not particularly "agile" in the rice-rocket sense, but you can definitely feel the great chassis balance. Love the look as well, it's got the perfect masculine styling that will never look out-of-place or outdated.
And the drivetrain... wow! The transmission has goofy long throws, but it suits a big luxury car I suppose. The engine feels and sounds great, I finally understand what the hullabaloo about BMW inline-6's is about.
The E39 is sort of like a big boxy Thinkpad workstation, compared to the tinny Acers and flashy Macbooks out there.
Anyways, enough gushing!! I'm graduating from school in a few years and was wondering, what would you consider the modern-day equivalent of the E39? Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, non-melted-blob styling, MUST have manual transmission. The best candidate I can think of is the Pontiac G8, but manual V8's are hard to come by, plus I'd rather have a good 6-cylinder than a big thirsty V8. The Audi A6 also comes to mind but it's out of my price range and is automatic-only. I can't spend more than $30,000 but I like buying used and don't mind repairs here and there. I can do most basic tasks like brakes, oil, suspension on my own.
THe V8 in the G8 can actually get deent fuel mileage due to the tall gear ratios on the 6 speed manual. Not sure if the V6 version of the G8 had a manual trans for it, but it woud be the closest to the E39 528 there is.
Of course, you could always just get a 2002-2003 E39 with low miles on it.. I daily drove an E38 for the last 5 years and would defintiely still do it, as they are easy to DIY and cheap to get parts for.
but if you want something closer in size to the old E39, with the sharp handling, and without all the newfangled gadgetry, the closest thing would be the Infiniti G sedan.
The 5 series is a bloated giant now, and I dislike the flashy styling of the current 3-series. I've heard good things about the G37, but to be honest I really hate the styling. Looks like a melted bar of soap IMO.
I don't want something flashy. I'm one of those weird people who actually likes the styling of the current-gen Accord Cars should look like cars, not soap!
Cadillac CTS, approximate size, not a melted bar of soap, rear drive, six cylinder, can be had in a manual. You'll need to look used, but it should be doable. Might even find an older generation V, but i'd doubt it'll be in the price range...never know though.
The RWD part really narrows the choices down. Maybe a late model E46 BMW 330. I'd get one without the performance package if you like the smoother ride of the E39. I owned a 2004 330 and didn't feel like the G35/G37 drove anywhere near as good as the 3 series.
You might not like the E90 styling but the engine in the 335 is to die for. For just over $30k you could get a CPO sedan with 2-3 years warranty and maintenance coverage.
The RWD part really narrows the choices down. Maybe a late model E46 BMW 330. I'd get one without the performance package if you like the smoother ride of the E39. I owned a 2004 330 and didn't feel like the G35/G37 drove anywhere near as good as the 3 series.
You might not like the E90 styling but the engine in the 335 is to die for. For just over $30k you could get a CPO sedan with 2-3 years warranty and maintenance coverage.
True, and the 3-series has gotten somewhat better looking over time. Thank God they got rid of the Kia taillights. Problem is, I also associate a certain stereotype with 3-series drivers.. namely, nouveau-only-a-little-riche image freaks. Although I guess joke's on me since I obviously care about image too.
Realistically I guess I should look below 20k.. not a good idea to pile on more debt!
Can't resist. Will probably get a used E39 in the near future!
Last edited by bomgd3; 08-30-2011 at 04:20 PM..
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I daily drove an E38 for the last 5 years and would defintiely still do it, as they are easy to DIY and cheap to get parts for.
Cars should look like cars, not soap!
