Many enthusiasts wouldn’t assume Lincoln is capable of making something cool or particularly sporty based on its current lineup. The brand’s current lineup of four SUVs, which focus on comfort and luxury with an emphasis on its Black Label trims, is not particularly performance-oriented. However, Lincoln delivered such a vehicle for a few model years in our not-so-distant past that was even more comfortable, quicker, and more reliable than everybody’s favorite BMW sedan: the E39 M5.
The Lincoln MKZ luxury sedan debuted for the 2007 model year. It had two generations, each with a single facelift about halfway through the production run. The company killed the four-door after the 2020 model year as part of the brand’s all-SUV transition. It was a relatively simple, boring sedan for most of its life, using small engines and a single hybrid powertrain. Still, Lincoln surprised buyers by revealing a final facelift for the 2017 model year, offering a trim with the same engine as the current Ford Bronco Raptor.
We know most enthusiasts can rally behind the E39 M5 as being one of the best iterations of the famous German sports sedan, but values are still relatively high for such an old model. Would you spend more money on an older, simpler car, or less money on a newer, more comfortable model with about the same power?
All specs have been pulled directly from the manufacturers. Used pricing quoted in the article reflects averages, and may not represent exactly what an individual example may command. Used car values vary depending on location, mileage, condition, and more.
Lincoln’s Luxurious Performance Might Surprise You
2017-2020 Lincoln MKZ Facelift Gray Front 3/4 AngleLincoln
2017 Lincoln MKZ 3.0T Specs Overview
Engine
3.0-Liter twin-turbo V6
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD or AWD
Horsepower
350–400 hp
Torque
400 lb-ft
0-60 MPH
4.8–5.2 seconds
Top Speed
150 mph (limited)
Despite being based on the Ford Fusion, the facelifted second-generation Lincoln MKZ packed more power than you might expect. Buyers could choose between two trim levels: the Standard and the Reserve. Opting for the Reserve meant gaining access to a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 available with front-wheel drive making 350 horsepower or with all-wheel drive producing 400 hp.
At its quickest, the sedan could hit 60 miles per hour in less than 5.0 seconds. This heavy, luxury-focused Lincoln could even finish a quarter-mile race in 13.4 seconds at 105 miles per hour. With enough space, it can reach a limited top speed of 150 mph regardless of drivetrain.
It’s Hard To Beat The Best M5’s Analog Charm
2002 BMW M5 E39 front angle in sliver while drivingBMW
BMW E39 M5 Specs Overview
Engine
4.9-liter V8
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Horsepower
394 hp
Torque
369 lb-ft
0-60
5.1 seconds
Top Speed
155 mph (limited)
While the MKZ’s 400 horsepower is more than enough by any standard, BMW had been making that power for years by then. The BMW M5 was first introduced in 1985 with the E28, then the E34 improved upon its winning formula before the E39 perfected its balance between modern and analog driving systems. The third-generation M5 used a 4,941 cc (4.9-liter) naturally aspirated V8 that produced 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Power went to the rear wheels solely via a 6-speed manual transmission. The 0-60 mph sprint time varies from source to source, but the consensus average is around the 5.0-second mark. Not many electronics aid the driver in this model. We once drove every generation of the M5 back-to-back and found the E39 to be the first genuinely quick version that made us mindful before mashing the throttle. Here’s what else our driver had to say about it:
“The standard six-speed manual may not be BMW’s sharpest transmission, but it’s notchier and better weighted than either of its predecessors… The body is far more controlled than the early models, but there’s still enough give from the suspension to keep it comfortable and playful. This car also made a huge improvement in steering with modern-feeling weight and old school communication. For buyers who want a modern-ish experience that doesn’t feel overwhelmed by technology, the E39 is the perfect M5.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz (We Drove Every Generation of BMW M5)
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Reliability Showdown: Lincoln Vs BMW Sport Sedans
2017 Lincoln MKZ front three-quarter angle in red while drivingLincoln
Ford has been plagued by many massive recalls over the last year or so, in addition to engine problems that are so common the company committed to tearing down an engine a day to find the root of each issue. The MKZ was not immune to problems.
The most concerning recall affecting the facelifted second-gen MKZ was issued on March 10th, 2023, and pertains to the front brake hoses potentially rupturing, causing a loss of all fluid pressure. This recall affects 1,280,726 units, including 2013–2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ units.
The 2017–2020 Lincoln MKZ isn’t without problems, but the 3.0T variant manages to escape without controversy. While the 2017 model is the subject of hundreds of complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Car Complaints, with the majority of reports having to do with engine problems, they almost all relate to its smaller powertrain. As far as every official source of complaints and problems can tell, MKZs with the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 are as reliable as can be.
The E39 M5 Is An Aging German Luxury Car
2001 BMW M5 E39 engine detail shot in a studioBMW
Even though the E39 lacks the same volume of electronics and other modern miracles that make new BMWs go, it’s still an old car now. Not all BMWs are unreliable, and the E39 5 Series is generally one of the better examples, but 23-26 years of wear and tear add up.
According to CarGurus, some common problem areas include the plastic timing chain guides that could wear out over time and cause catastrophic damage (even if the chains themselves are in good condition), the valve cover gaskets have a tendency to leak, and the variable valve timing gaskets wear out. As with many German cars from this era, it’s wise to check for excessive carbon buildup inside the engine.
As far as the NHTSA and Car Complaints are concerned, though, there aren’t many complaints or recalls to talk about. The E39 5 Series is old enough to have been at its prime before either website was a common place for car owners, so owner complaints didn’t get logged as often. That said, there are some recalls, including issues like the steering rod detaching from the wheel knuckle (affecting just 614 units), and it was affected by the widespread Takata airbag saga.
Current Lincoln MKZ 3.0T Value Vs The BMW E39 M5
2017-2020 Lincoln MKZ Facelift White Rear 3/4 AngleLincoln
The CarBuzz Marketplace Price Trends data shows the latest-model-year MKZ Reserve with its 3.0T engine is worth about $20,000 today when equipped with front-wheel drive. AWD models may be worth more because they offer more power.
The BMW M5’s third generation holds its value even better. Despite the age, this model commands a cult following that appreciates the driving experience. The E39 M5 is still worth an average of $35,748, based on online sales results. Keep in mind that auctions typically feature examples owners know would reach higher prices. In contrast, more average-condition examples, or those with higher mileage, are sold on other platforms through private sales at lower prices. Either way, the E39 has proven itself as being far more valuable than the Lincoln MKZ’s Reserve trim.
One Offers Superior Comfort Features
2017-2020 Lincoln MKZ Facelift Interior Dashboard ViewLincoln
Don’t get us wrong, the E39 M5 is still a luxury sedan. It just doesn’t put up much of a fight when side-by-side with the 2nd-gen Lincoln MKZ. The two models can’t really be compared in terms of interior features, since they’re built with different purposes in mind. Compare their performance? Sure. But the MKZ is meant to be far more comfortable as a daily driver.
The 2017-2020 MKZ’s Reserve trim doesn’t just have sleeper-sedan power; it also has every comfort feature the brand could muster in the model at that point. The features include:
- Heated leather seats
- Power panoramic glass moonroof
- Ambient lighting
- Power-opening with soft-close trunk lid
- Aluminum or wood interior trim
- Lincoln Embrace sequential lighting
- Revel 14-speaker surround-sound audio system
An optional Luxury Package also included a 20-speaker “Revel Ultima Audio System,” multicontour massaging front seats, 19-inch wheels, and more.
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Old-School Analog Feel or New-School Luxurious Speed?
2000 – 2002 BMW M5 E39 interior view with doors open
BMW
The E39 is the favorite M5 among most enthusiasts for obvious reasons. It sits on the edge of modern power and performance, and has an old-school driving feel. WE love the third-gen M5 for its body control and balance. However, it’s still far more expensive than modern 400-horsepower sedans like the Lincoln MKZ, which has a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. Lincoln makes an enticing argument for the 2017-2020 MKZ Reserve. Which would you rather drive?
Sources: Lincoln, BMW, NHTSA, Car Complaints, Car Gurus, Classic.com
