I have finally taken the plunge after owning 2 e39's - a touring and saloon and an e61. My F11 is an early 525d with the 3.0d I6 with a manual gearbox - it took me a while to find a 6 pot with manual box... no-one wants them!
My first E39 - 530i sport manual was fully loaded and now a track car
my second E39 - 530i sport manual touring - low mileage
My E61 530d M Sport - auto gearbox this time and did not get on with it
And finally my new F11 - 525d M sport with manual gearbox
If anyone is interested here is a vid on my track car
https://youtu.be/0g03WlPXnxM