Segment:
Luxury Mid-size Sedan/Wagon
Target Audience:
Performance-oriented luxury car buyers seeking practicality and premium features.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS (JZS160)
Engine Choice:
Powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine offering strong performance.
Handling:
Renowned BMW handling dynamics, further enhanced by the 'Sport' package.
Practicality:
Wagon body style provides excellent cargo capacity and versatility.
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, sophisticated design, and a wide array of optional luxury features.
Powertrain:
Engine (M62 V8), Transmission (Automatic, Manual), Drivetrain, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, DSC), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
12V Electrical System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Navigation, Comfort Systems, Immobilizer, Body Control Module (BCM)
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Convertible Top (if applicable to specific wagon variants)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Fluid Checks & Top-offs, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection & Replacement
Major Repairs:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnostics, Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing
Special Procedures:
Component Removal & Installation, Torque Specifications, Alignment Procedures, Diagnostic Tool Usage (e.g., DIS, ISTA)
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format) or similar digital format
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable for quick information retrieval.
Printability:
Printable, allowing for hard copy use in a workshop environment.
Image Resolution:
High-resolution diagrams and illustrations suitable for clear reproduction.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
4.4 Liters (4398 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 82.7 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (32 valves total), Double VANOS
Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5400 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag S5D 320Z)
Automatic Features:
Steptronic Manual Shifting Mode
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver & Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Head Restraints:
Active head restraints (front)
Head Unit:
BMW Business or Professional Radios with CD player, optional DSP (Digital Sound Processor).
Navigation:
Optional MKIII/MKIV Navigation System with DVD or CD-ROM map updates.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC)
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth preparation or cradle integration.
Climate Control:
Standard Automatic Climate Control, optional dual-zone climate control.
Seats:
Sport seats with power adjustment and memory (often part of Sport package).
Oil Change Interval:
10,000-15,000 miles or annually, per BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) or manufacturer recommendations in manual.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000-45,000 miles
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (BMW recommends specific fluid types)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron III (or specific BMW fluid)
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure, coolant leaks from hoses and manifold gaskets.
Vibration Issues:
Driveshaft center support bearing wear, flex disc failure, wheel balance, suspension component wear.
Electrical Gremlins:
Water ingress into LCM (Light Control Module), faulty window regulators, ABS/DSC sensor failures, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system issues.
Interior Wear:
Headliner sagging, glove box latch failure, pixelation on instrument cluster display.
Vanos System:
Degradation of seals leading to rattling on startup or loss of low-end torque (common on earlier M62TU engines).
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance, engineering, and driver engagement.
E39 Introduction:
The E39 generation was introduced in 1995 (as a 1996 model) and represented a significant advancement over the E34 generation.
E39 Wagon Introduction:
The E39 Touring (wagon) variant was introduced in 1997.
E39 Facelift:
The E39 received a facelift in 2000, with minor styling updates and interior improvements.
Production Period:
1995-2003 (Sedan), 1997-2003 (Touring)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing plant primarily)
