Segment:
Executive Sedan/Wagon
Reputation:
Known for its driving dynamics, build quality, and technological advancements for its era.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class, Audi A6 C5, Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type
Design Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, balancing luxury with sporty handling.
Interior Appointments:
Driver-centric cockpit, premium materials, available leather and wood trim.
Powertrain Options:
Refined inline-six and V8 engines, known for smoothness and performance.
Engine Mechanical:
Full disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of all engine variants
Engine Management:
Ignition, fuel injection, emission control systems, sensor diagnostics, DME/ECU operation
Transmission Manual:
Disassembly, assembly, adjustment, and repair of manual gearboxes
Transmission Automatic:
Diagnosis, service, and repair of automatic transmissions (e.g., Steptronic)
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differentials, axles, clutch system
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
ABS, DSC, brake fluid, calipers, rotors, pads, bleeding procedures, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, chassis components, rust prevention
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system components, climate control
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim panels, airbags, seatbelts
Infotainment Audio:
Radio, CD player, navigation system (CCC/M-ASK), speakers
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault codes, diagnostic procedures using ISTA/D (or equivalent diagnostic tools)
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, belts, fluid checks, lubrication
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, and reassembly
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic approaches for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues
Installation Removal:
Instructions for installing and removing major and minor components
Specifications Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, and critical tolerances for all components
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers
Engine Code Common:
M54B30 (3.0L Inline-6)
Displacement:
2979 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine Variants Available:
2.5L Inline-6 (M54B25), 3.0L Inline-6 (M54B30), 4.4L V8 (M62TU V8)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated, Inline-6 and V8 configurations
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Emission Control:
Dual catalytic converters, secondary air injection, OBD-II compliant
NHTSA Front Driver Side:
Good
NHTSA Front Passenger Side:
Good
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models with side airbags)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Antilock Brakes:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags, optional head airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones
Infotainment System:
BMW Professional Radio, optional Business or Professional CD/Navigation systems
Navigation System:
Optional on-board navigation computer (CCC or M-ASK)
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Hi-Fi or Harman Kardon premium audio
Parking Assist:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input
Oil Change Interval:
Variable (Condition Based Service - CBS system), typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement M54:
Every 100,000 miles (typically Bosch or NGK Platinum/Iridium)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-01 FE, typically SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L:
6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 (BMW recommends DOT 4 PLUS)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
BMW ATF LT-71141 or Dexron III (for older units), consult manual for specific transmission
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid
Common Failure Oil Vanos:
Failure of VANOS solenoids and seals leading to rough idle and reduced performance
Common Failure Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank and water pump failure (e.g., plastic impeller)
Common Failure Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and front sway bar links
Common Failure Eebox:
Water ingress into the Engine Control Unit (ECU) due to faulty drain channels (common on pre-facelift models)
Common Failure Headliner:
Sagging headliner fabric
Common Failure ABS Asc Sensor:
Failure of ABS/ASC wheel speed sensors
Brand Focus:
BMW is renowned for its engineering prowess, performance-oriented vehicles, and luxury segment presence.
E39 Introduction:
Introduced in 1995 as a replacement for the E34 5 Series, the E39 marked a significant leap in design, technology, and refinement.
E39 Facelift:
Received a significant facelift for the 2001 model year, introducing updated headlights (angel eyes), taillights, bumpers, and interior enhancements.
E39 Performance Variant:
The E39 M5, equipped with a 4.9L S62 V8 engine, is a highly sought-after performance variant of this generation.
Production Years E39:
1995-2003
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa; Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr)