Is the E39 BMW M5 actually any good? — The Carmudgeon Show with Cammisa and Derek from ISSIMI Ep. 62

Today’s episode begins with cars shoehorned with engines they were never supposed to possess, such as the W124 Mercedes-Benz 500E and R129 SL600. On the opposite end of the engine-size spectrum, Jason also discusses his recent findings in the newest Cammisa Ultimate Drag Race series, featuring new front-wheel drive manual transmission offerings such as the Hyundai Elantra N, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and Acura Integra (and special guest Ford Bronco Raptor).

On the subject of super sedans, Derek discusses his recent adventures in an E39 BMW M5, a car which controversially did not capture his soul. As a two-time six-cylinder E39 owner, Jason chimes in on why Derek might not be so out of line on this rather unusual opinion. Some cars, like the E39 M5 and many other period-exceptional cars, are inherently less desirable for not having enough flaws and subsequent character. What’s more- the E39 M5 is an excellent sporting luxury sedan, but is it an excellent sports sedan?

A discussion on flawed yet wonderful vs. wonderful yet flawed cars opens the floodgates for many other questions to be answered. For instance, what makes a car significant for its time? What makes a terrible car better than a fundamentally great car over time? What is definition of a sports sedan? What’s a sports car? And seriously, why is the Hyundai Elantra N so ugly?

All this and more brought to you by the Hagerty Podcast Network

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices