Target Audience:
Luxury car buyers seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced engineering. Popular among DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS300, Volvo S80.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, precise steering, and comfortable ride, characteristic of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy.
Powertrain Options:
Emphasis on the smooth and powerful M52 inline-six engine, offering a refined driving experience.
Build Quality:
High-quality interior materials, solid construction, and attention to detail.
Engine:
Complete diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of the M50/M52 inline-6 engines, including cooling, lubrication, fuel injection (DME), ignition, exhaust, and emissions control systems.
Transmission:
Service, repair, and diagnosis for both the Getrag 5-speed manual transmission (S5D 320Z) and the ZF 4-speed automatic transmission (4HP22 EH), including clutch, driveline, and differential components.
Brakes:
Detailed procedures for ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake system bleeding, caliper repair, rotor replacement, and parking brake system.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, sway bars), wheel alignment specifications, and steering system service.
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, troubleshooting for lighting, power accessories, instrument cluster, starter, alternator, battery, fuses, relays, and ECU/BCM modules.
Bodywork:
Panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, body filler techniques, paint repair, and convertible top systems (if applicable to specific trims).
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, heater core replacement, and blower motor service.
Interior:
Seat removal, dashboard disassembly, trim panel replacement, SRS airbag system service precautions.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks: oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, differential fluid changes, and transmission fluid service.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), and systematic problem-solving guides for all major systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, rebuilding, and adjustment for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic trees, sensor testing procedures, component testing (e.g., ignition coils, fuel injectors), and using diagnostic tools.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, component tolerances, electrical system parameters, and diagnostic data.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter replacements to complex engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag S5D 320Z)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 EH)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate clutch (manual)
Automatic Features:
Electronic control for shift points and torque converter lock-up.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF-LT-1 or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5 synthetic gear oil.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF LifeguardFluid 5 (or equivalent Dexron III/VI)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4/5 stars (driver/passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) was optional or standard on later models.
Stability Control:
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available as an option on later models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags; optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional RDS CD player. Optional features included navigation systems (e.g., MKII or MKIII) and premium audio systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Display:
Central LCD display for climate control, radio, and navigation information. Trip computer integrated into instrument cluster.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth preparation or integrated car phone systems available on later models.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Filter:
Replace annually or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) with iridium or platinum tipped plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic, meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-98 specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent silicate-free ethylene glycol-based coolant) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (e.g., Pentosin Super DOT 4, Ate Typ 200)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank cracking, thermostat housing leaks, water pump failure (plastic impeller).
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (vibrations, clunking), rear shock mounts, sway bar links.
Electrical:
ABS/ASC sensor failures, pixelation on instrument cluster displays, blower motor resistor failure (HVAC issues).
Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket, VANOS solenoid issues (though less common on M52 compared to M50), CCV system issues leading to oil consumption or leaks.
Brand Philosophy:
BMW, founded in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance luxury vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics and engineering excellence.
E39 Introduction:
The E39 generation 5 Series debuted in 1995 (for the 1996 model year) as the successor to the E34. It was a significant evolution in design, technology, and refinement.
Facelift:
A major facelift occurred in 2000, introducing revised headlights (angel eyes), taillights, bumpers, and updated interior electronics and features.
Production Period:
1997-2002 (for the 525i variant)
Manufacturing Plants:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany, and Rosslyn, South Africa.
