The E34 certainly has slightly more of the hewn-from-granite feel about it to the E39, but mine was becoming slightly too costly to run as a daily commuter hack. I still see my old E39 going strong, slightly rusty tailgate but otherwise looks as I sold it 4 years ago.
It's an awesome car and has stood the test of time well.
As a touring in facelift form and with the sports kit, I suspect the majority of joe public would never guess it's a design that started out in 1996 (even the newest is 10 years old now).