🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Chassis Code:

E39

Model Year:

1998

👋 Introduction

Market Positioning:

The BMW E39 5 Series was positioned as a premium executive sedan and wagon, competing with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class, Audi A6 C5, and Lexus GS.

Competitive Analysis:

The E39 was lauded for its superior driving dynamics, sophisticated chassis, and luxurious interior, setting a benchmark in its class for driver engagement.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides unparalleled access to factory-level repair procedures, specifications, and diagnostic information, enabling accurate and efficient maintenance and repair for both professional technicians and dedicated DIY enthusiasts.

Vehicle Philosophy:

Embodies BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy with a focus on balance, performance, and driver feedback.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

Page Count:

Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for this era of BMW FSMs)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage of all E39 engine variants for 1998, including M52B28 (2.8L), M50B25 (2.5L - though less common in US 1998 E39s, often found in earlier E36), M62B35 (3.5L), and M62B44 (4.4L V8).

Transmission:

Comprehensive coverage for both manual (Getrag 5-speed and 6-speed for M models) and automatic (ZF 5HP18, 5HP19, 5HP24) transmissions.

Drivetrain:

Includes front suspension, rear suspension (including multi-link integral link), differential (open and limited slip options), driveshaft, and CV joints.

Brakes:

Detailed procedures for hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control - depending on model), brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, and parking brake.

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack and column procedures.

Electrical:

Extensive coverage of the E39's complex electrical system, including wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures for DME (Digital Motor Electronics), EWS (Electronic Immobilizer System), ABS/ASC control modules, instrument cluster, lighting, power accessories, and comfort electronics.

HVAC:

Diagnosis and repair of automatic climate control system (ECC), refrigerant handling, compressor service, blower motor, and flap actuators.

Body:

Exterior body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, convertible top (if applicable to certain trims), glass, trim, bumpers, and collision repair information.

Interior:

Seat removal and adjustment, airbag system safety precautions and removal, interior trim panels, and dashboard components.

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid and filter service.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, HVAC problems, and component failures. Includes symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for virtually all vehicle systems.

Installation:

Procedures for installing replacement parts, accessories, and major component assemblies.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostics for engine control units (DME), transmission control units (TCU), ABS/ASC/DSC modules, and other electronic control units (ECUs) using BMW's diagnostic protocols (e.g., DISplus or ISTA).

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Quality:

Typically high-resolution PDF with searchable text, clear diagrams, and printable pages. May include scanned original document quality.

Print Quality:

N/A (assuming digital format, but original BMW FSMs were high quality, with durable paper and clear printing).

Binding Type:

N/A (assuming digital format, but original BMW FSMs were typically bound for durability).

Paper Type:

N/A (assuming digital format, but original BMW FSMs used durable, high-quality paper).

Completeness Level:

Factory Original (FO) quality, providing exhaustive coverage for all systems and repair procedures as intended by the manufacturer.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

M52B28:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves. Displacement: 2793 cc (2.8L). Bore x Stroke: 84.0 mm x 84.0 mm. Compression Ratio: 10.2:1. Power: 190 hp @ 5300 rpm. Torque: 206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm.

M62B35:

V8, DOHC, 32 valves. Displacement: 3498 cc (3.5L). Bore x Stroke: 84.0 mm x 78.9 mm. Compression Ratio: 10.0:1. Power: 240 hp @ 5700 rpm. Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm.

M62B44:

V8, DOHC, 32 valves. Displacement: 4398 cc (4.4L). Bore x Stroke: 94.0 mm x 79.5 mm. Compression Ratio: 10.0:1. Power: 282 hp @ 5400 rpm. Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.

Injection Type:

Sequential multi-point fuel injection (SMPI).

System:

Pressurized, closed-loop coolant system with electric fan and viscous coupling fan (depending on model/region).

System:

Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil-near-plug depending on engine variant.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Gearbox:

Getrag 5-speed manual transmission (e.g., GS5-39DZ) for 6-cylinder models. Getrag 6-speed manual (e.g., HGD 260) potentially for later models or specific performance variants.

Automatic Gearbox:

ZF 5-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 5HP18 for 2.8L, 5HP19 for 2.5L, 5HP24 for 3.5L/4.4L V8). Features Steptronic manual shifting mode.

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch for manual transmissions.

Manual Gearbox Oil:

BMW Manual Gearbox Oil SAF-XO or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF.2, Liqui Moly Top Tec MTF 5100).

Automatic Gearbox Fluid:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (LF-5) or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon specification (though specific ZF fluid is recommended for optimal performance and longevity).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 4,819 mm (189.7 in)

Width:

Approximately 1,798 mm (70.8 in)

Height:

Approximately 1,435 mm (56.5 in)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2,830 mm (111.4 in)

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and options, typically starting around 1,540 kg (3,395 lbs) for 6-cylinder models and up to 1,780 kg (3,924 lbs) for V8 models.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 2,100 kg to 2,250 kg, depending on configuration.

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 520 liters (18.4 cu ft) for sedan.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4/5 stars (driver/passenger) for 1998 models (US data may vary by testing year).

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models tested by IIHS during that era).

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) standard on many models, optional DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) on higher trims or later production years.

Braking Assistance:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard. EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) integrated with ABS.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags (SIPS) integrated into the seat backs or B-pillars.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters for front occupants. Rear seatbelts.

Chassis Design:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones front and rear, energy-absorbing steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Business CD, Professional CD/RDS, or Navigation Professional systems. Early models may have cassette players.

Speaker System:

Standard 6-speaker system, optional Hi-Fi (10 speakers), or Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system. Some models may feature Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – less common on 1998 models.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) available on some models.

Telephone:

Optional integrated Bluetooth or analog cellular phone preparation.

Headlights:

Halogen H7 headlights. Optional Xenon headlights with automatic leveling and headlamp washers on higher trims or later production.

Rain Sensor:

Optional automatic rain-sensing wipers.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically recommending oil service every 10,000-15,000 miles or based on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific interval for 1998 models.

Spark Plugs:

Recommended replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., standard copper, platinum, or long-life iridium/platinum). Consult manual for exact specification.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage, due to hygroscopic nature of brake fluid.

Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 2-4 years or based on BMW's specified coolant life (e.g., BMW blue coolant).

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-98 (LL-98) compliant oils. Viscosity typically 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 depending on climate and specific engine variant. Check manual for exact specs.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed at 50/50 with distilled water.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or ZF Lenkgetriebeoel (for certain variants) or a compatible hydraulic fluid. Do NOT use ATF.

Cooling System:

Plastic cooling system components (expansion tank, water pump, thermostat housing) are prone to cracking over time. Expansion tank leaks are very common.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and O-ring seals on the oil filter housing are common sources of oil leaks.

Suspension:

Wear in control arm bushings (especially front lower), sway bar links, and rear subframe bushings can lead to 'clunking' noises and degraded handling.

Electrical Gremlins:

Water ingress into the LCM (Light Control Module) can cause headlight issues. Pixelated LCD displays in the instrument cluster are a common failure.

ABS Asc Sensors:

ABS/ASC wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering warning lights on the dashboard.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long history of producing luxury and performance vehicles, with a strong reputation for engineering excellence and driving dynamics, dating back to the early 20th century.

E39 Introduction:

The E39 generation of the 5 Series was introduced in 1995 (as a 1996 model year in Europe) and replaced the E34. It marked a significant evolution in styling, technology, and chassis design.

E39 Facelift:

The E39 received a significant facelift (LCI - Life Cycle Impulse) in September 2000, introducing updated styling, new engines, and improved technology. The 1998 model is part of the pre-facelift range.

Production Years:

E39 production ran from 1995 to 2003.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany, with some assembly also occurring in other global locations.

Market Success:

The E39 was a highly successful model for BMW, known for its blend of luxury, performance, and reliability, contributing significantly to BMW's market share in the executive segment.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best:

Car and Driver magazine's '10Best' list multiple times for its generation (though specific year for 1998 might vary).

Jd Power:

Consistently received high ratings in initial quality and dependability studies from J.D. Power and Associates during its production run.

Automotive Engineering:

Recognized for its innovative chassis design, weight distribution, and handling characteristics by automotive engineering publications.