Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, BMW owners seeking detailed information
Value Proposition:
Cost savings through DIY repairs, access to factory-level information
Ease Of Use:
Easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions suitable for any skill level
Completeness:
Comprehensive coverage mirroring official workshop manuals
Tags:
BMW 5, BMW E39, repair, Manual
Engine:
Full engine service, repair, and overhaul
Fuel System:
Fuel injection and ignition system diagnostics and repair
Transmission:
Clutch and gearbox service and repair
Drivetrain:
Drive axles, differentials (implied within gearbox/suspension)
Suspension:
Complete suspension system service, repair, and alignment
Steering:
Steering system service and repair
Brakes:
Braking system diagnostics, repair, and maintenance
Wheels:
Wheel and tire service, bolt patterns
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component testing
Bodywork:
Bodywork repair and maintenance
Climate Control:
Air temperature control system service and repair
Exhaust:
Implied within engine and general repair
Cooling:
Implied within engine and general repair
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance (e.g., spark plug changes), fluid changes
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures for all systems
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for major and minor components
Rebuilding:
Engine rebuilding procedures
Installation:
Component installation procedures
Adjustments:
System adjustments and calibrations
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds
Diagrams:
Detailed step-by-step diagrams, exploded views, electrical diagrams
Technical Data:
Includes torque settings, fluid capacities, technical specifications
Spare Parts:
Illustrations of spare parts
Common Engines Covered:
Likely covers M52, M54, M62, S62 (4-cylinder, 6-cylinder, and V8 variants common in E39, though specific engines are not listed, a complete manual would cover all factory options for the years)
Power Output Range:
Varies by engine (e.g., 170 hp to 400 hp for M52/M54/M62/S62)
Torque Range:
Varies by engine (e.g., 181 lb-ft to 431 lb-ft for M52/M54/M62/S62)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel injection (likely Bosch Motronic variants for the era)
Cooling System:
Coolant capacity and service procedures
Oil Capacity:
Engine oil capacity and recommended specifications (e.g., BMW Longlife-01)
Spark Plug Type:
Specific spark plug part numbers and torque specifications
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual (Getrag or ZF)
Optional Transmission Type:
5-speed automatic (Steptronic, likely ZF 5HP19 or 5HP24)
Clutch Service:
Clutch replacement and adjustment procedures
Transmission Fluid Type:
Specific automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and manual transmission fluid (MTF) specifications
Wheelbase Sedan:
Approx. 115.4 inches (2931 mm)
Wheelbase Wagon:
Approx. 115.4 inches (2931 mm)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 191.1 inches (4854 mm)
Length Wagon:
Approx. 193.3 inches (4910 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height Sedan:
Approx. 57.2 inches (1453 mm)
Height Wagon:
Approx. 57.7 inches (1466 mm)
Curb Weight:
Varies by model (approx. 3500 - 4000 lbs / 1588 - 1814 kg)
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approx. 21.8 - 30.2 cu ft (expandable)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120
Common Tire Sizes:
e.g., 225/55R16, 235/45R17, 245/40R18 (varies by trim and options)
NHTSA Ratings:
Refer to specific model year reports, generally good for its era
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) / Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available on later models/trims
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags (optional/standard depending on trim)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Extended Service Intervals (e.g., 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used, via Condition Based Service - CBS)
Spark Plug Replacement:
e.g., 60,000 miles for standard plugs, 100,000 miles for long-life plugs (varies by engine)
Transmission Fluid Change:
BMW often cited as 'lifetime' for automatic transmissions, but recommended to change around 50,000-100,000 miles by independent specialists.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 recommended (e.g., SAE 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 depending on engine and climate)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Ethylene Glycol based coolant (G48)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (low viscosity for ABS systems)
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank failures, water pump issues, radiator leaks
Suspension:
Control arm bushings, ball joints, sway bar links wear
Electrical:
ABS/DSC sensor failures, alternator issues, VANOS solenoids (on M54/M62)
Engine:
Oil pan gasket leaks, CCV system clogs (M54)
Bmw Philosophy:
Focus on driving dynamics ('The Ultimate Driving Machine'), build quality, and technology
E39 Generation:
Fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series, known for its refinement, handling, and balance of luxury and sportiness. Introduced in 1995 for the 1996 model year in Europe, 1997 in North America. Major facelift in 2000.
Facelift Impact:
2000 facelift brought updated engines (M54 series), new headlights, taillights, bumpers, and interior trim changes.
Production Period:
1996–2003 (globally), with 1997-2002 covered by this manual.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing)
Car And Driver 5 Best Cars:
Car and Driver 10 Best Cars list multiple times (e.g., 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
Consumer Reports:
Generally well-rated for performance and driving dynamics, though some model years/engines had specific reliability concerns highlighted by Consumer Reports.
