Segment:
Luxury Mid-size Sedan and Wagon
Target Audience:
Performance-oriented luxury buyers seeking comfort, technology, and driving dynamics.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type
Differentiation:
BMW's hallmark driving dynamics, rear-wheel drive bias (often), advanced engineering, and solid build quality.
Vehicle Attributes:
Excellent ride and handling balance, refined powertrains, premium interior, robust construction.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, expert-level repair and maintenance information crucial for preserving the performance and longevity of a premium vehicle like the E39.
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive workshop service and repair
Dealer Level Information:
Yes, designed for dealership and professional use
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (specific page count not provided, but typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Distinction From Owner Manual:
This is a technical repair manual, not the standard owner's manual.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles
Chassis Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, wheel bearings
Brakes:
Brake system components, hydraulic systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Electrical Electronics:
Complete vehicle electrical system, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, ECU (Engine Control Unit), body electronics (e.g., windows, locks, mirrors), airbags, comfort systems
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for all systems
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, component rebuilding
Installation Adjustment:
Installation and adjustment of various components, alignment procedures
Depth:
In-depth technical specifications, torque values, schematics, wiring diagrams, component testing procedures
Detail Level:
Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Engine Variants Covered:
Typically covers the M52, M54, and M62 engine families.
M52B25:
2.5L Inline-6 (e.g., 525i), ~189 hp @ 5900 rpm, ~245 Nm (181 lb-ft) torque @ 3950 rpm
M52B28:
2.8L Inline-6 (e.g., 528i), ~190 hp @ 5300 rpm, ~280 Nm (207 lb-ft) torque @ 3950 rpm
M54B25:
2.5L Inline-6 (e.g., 525i), ~184 hp @ 6000 rpm, ~245 Nm (181 lb-ft) torque @ 3500 rpm
M54B30:
3.0L Inline-6 (e.g., 530i), ~225 hp @ 5900 rpm, ~300 Nm (221 lb-ft) torque @ 3500 rpm
M62B44:
4.4L V8 (e.g., 540i), ~282 hp @ 5400 rpm, ~440 Nm (325 lb-ft) torque @ 3600 rpm
S62B50:
5.0L V8 (M5 model), ~394 hp @ 6600 rpm, ~500 Nm (369 lb-ft) torque @ 3800 rpm
Engine Control:
Fully electronic engine management (DME - Digital Motor Electronics)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing), Double VANOS on M54 and S62
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended)
Transmission Options:
5-speed manual (Getrag 260/5 or 260/6 on some early models) and 5-speed automatic (Steptronic) transmissions were common.
Automatic Transmission Features:
Steptronic allows manual selection of gears.
Rear Wheel Drive:
All E39 models are RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive), except for rare xDrive variants in later generations.
Differential:
Open differential standard; Limited Slip Differential (LSD) available on M5 and some sport packages.
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Touring (Wagon)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 111.4 inches (2830 mm)
Length:
Sedan: Approx. 191.1 inches (4855 mm) | Touring: Approx. 193.4 inches (4912 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.5 inches (1816 mm)
Height:
Sedan: Approx. 57.0 inches (1448 mm) | Touring: Approx. 56.9 inches (1445 mm)
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approx. 3400 lbs (1542 kg) to over 4000 lbs (1814 kg) depending on engine and options.
NHTSA Ratings:
Generally good for its era, with 4-star frontal impact ratings for some models.
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) standard on most models, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available or standard on later/higher trims.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags (front and sometimes rear).
Seatbelts:
Front and rear three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners.
Navigation System:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation system, often CD-ROM based.
Audio System:
Various audio options, including standard BMW Business CD, optional BMW Professional CD, and premium Harman Kardon systems.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system, typically requiring a specific cradle.
HVAC:
Automatic climate control with dual-zone or multi-zone functionality, recirculate mode, cabin microfilter.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil quality. I.S.C. (Intelligent Service Check) system often dictates based on driving style.
Spark Plug Replacement:
M52 engines: Approx. 30,000-60,000 miles. M54 engines: Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 depending on temperature and engine.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: BMW MTF LT-2. Automatic: ATF Dexron III or Dexron VI (check specific application, some require BMW specific ATF).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks, water pumps, and thermostat housings can become brittle and fail. OE BMW plastic components are prone to cracking.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and O-rings on the oil filter housing are common sources of leaks.
Suspension:
Control arm bushings (bushings in the front lower control arms), thrust rod bushings, and rear shock mounts are common wear items, leading to steering looseness and clunks.
Electrical:
Window regulators, headlight leveling sensors, ABS/ASC sensors, and ABS/DSC control modules (DSC III) can be problematic. Pixelated instrument cluster displays are also a known issue.
Engine:
CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system on M54 engines can clog, leading to increased oil consumption and leaks. VANOS system seals can degrade.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW, known for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', has a long history of producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with advanced engineering.
E39 Introduction:
The E39 succeeded the E34 generation and was produced from 1995 (for model year 1996) to 2003. It marked a significant evolution in design, technology, and luxury.
Facelift Lci:
A significant Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) or facelift occurred in 2000, introducing revised styling (e.g., 'angel eyes' headlights, clear taillights), updated engines (M54 series), and new features.
Performance Variants:
The E39 M5, featuring the S62 5.0L V8 engine, is the pinnacle performance variant.
Production Years:
1995-2003 (as model years). The manual specifically covers 1997-2002.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Dingolfing plant), with some production in other global facilities.
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The E39 5-Series was frequently recognized on Car and Driver's 10 Best list during its production run, lauded for its driving dynamics and overall refinement.
Automotive Journalism Accolades:
Received numerous positive reviews and awards from automotive publications globally for its blend of performance, luxury, and technology.
Safety Certifications:
Met all relevant safety standards for its production period, with many models earning high marks in independent crash tests for their time.
