so true.

I bought into the E39 hype and picked one up this weekend. 2002 530i MT with sports and premium packs. Car is in need of a front suspension refresh, a short shift kit, and CDV delete.

I always loved the IS300 sedan but during that time period you had this as competition..

Light blue on grey leather is a great combination! I saw one in person and was amazed how great they look as I am not a fan of grey leather.

I had one and mechanically they are nearly indestructible as long as you change the timing belt on time. The problem is that the plastics do not hold up over time so things just start to break. Also, they have the absolutely worse front seats and front seating position of any car I have ever owned.

2001-2003 E39 530i 5MT

Legislation has been scrapped.

California - overarching regulations = Florida.

Your assessment of character development, in my opinion, is wrong. Clarkson remains a blowhard, Hammond is louder and grew a goatee, and May went from the educating/voice of reason to just bickering with Clarkson when they are together. This was the same problem at the end of Top Gear and it just carried over to Grand…

+ Today I didn’t even have to use my AK.

Episode 6.

The only memorable moment, for me, was the Ferrari vs. Ford piece by James May. Everything else seemed forced, loud and obnoxious to the point that I just started skipping all the studio dialogue.

key word is retired...he put in his work just like the rest of the grunts and made it to the top. 

A worthy candidate indeed. 

Then buy a Prius.

Transmission fluid change is still doable on an 04+ but much more harder than the 01-03s. Other than some early 04's recalled due to a transmission manufacturing defect I have not read of them failing due to wear and tear. I agree that the drain and fill is much easier though. 

Spend a couple of grand more and get an LS430 (2004+, no air suspension). Looks much newer than an LS400, probably half the miles, and still dead reliable.

Michael,

It gets worse.. Tesla reports it liability for the buyback guarantee is as much as $45k per car if all 4,209 owners take them on this offer.

Tesla also eliminated its buyback guarantee...