🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

540i

Model Code:

E39

Engine Code Primary:

M62B44 (non-TU variant for early models, TU variant for later models)

Chassis Code:

E39

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive/Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS300/GS400.

Platform Advantages:

Excellent handling, powerful V8 engine, premium interior, sophisticated technology for its era.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners and independent mechanics with factory-level diagnostic and repair information, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

Engine Variants Covered:

540i (V8 engine)

Estimated Pages:

Over 1500 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head service, piston/connecting rod service, crankshaft service, valve train repair, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery system, exhaust system, engine diagnostics.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control unit (ECU) and sensors, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (if applicable to specific 540i models of this era) removal/installation, clutch service, gearbox internal repair.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (e.g., GM 5L40-E, ZF 5HP30/5HP24 depending on model year) removal/installation, hydraulic and electronic control systems, torque converter service, internal transmission repair, transmission fluid service.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, rear axle assembly, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, springs, sway bars, steering linkage, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Brake system diagnosis, front and rear brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, brake line and hose replacement, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, steering wheel removal/installation, alignment specifications.

Electrical System:

Battery and charging system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), fuses and relays, power windows, power locks, mirrors, horn, wiper system, horn, trailer wiring.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, hood/trunk latches, bumper systems, interior trim removal/installation, glass replacement, rust repair, structural integrity checks.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, compressor service, evaporator and condenser service, climate control module.

Infotainment And Electronics:

Radio/stereo system, navigation system (CCC/CIC if equipped), speaker replacement, instrument cluster, dashboard electronics, parking assist sensors.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid service, differential fluid service, power steering fluid service.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault finding, electrical system diagnosis, engine performance issues.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component replacement, assembly, and disassembly for all major systems.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Use of diagnostic scan tools (e.g., DIS, ISTA), reading and interpreting sensor data, live data analysis, performing actuator tests.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, measurement specifications, wear limits, clearances, alignment data.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including component identification and connector pinouts.

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds).

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced electronic diagnostics and troubleshooting for all ECUs and sensors.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

4.4L Naturally Aspirated V8 (M62)

Engine Variant Details:

Early models used the M62B44, later models received the M62TUB44 (Technical Update) with VANOS on both intake and exhaust camshafts.

Horsepower Peak:

Approx. 282 hp @ 5400 rpm (M62B44); Approx. 290 hp @ 5400 rpm (M62TUB44)

Torque Peak:

Approx. 324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (M62B44); Approx. 325 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (M62TUB44)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 (or similar, depending on year/transmission)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converters, secondary air injection system (on some models), EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) on some variants.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or SAE 5W-40 Synthetic (check manual for exact BMW LL-01 specifications)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 5HP24 or GM 5L40-E depending on market/year)

Transmission Type Opt:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 420G) available in select markets.

Automatic Features:

Steptronic (manual shifting mode), sport/comfort modes.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III/VI (or BMW approved equivalent - refer to manual for specific ZF/GM part numbers and specs)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (check manual for specific BMW part numbers)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 191.0 inches (4851 mm)

Width:

Approx. 71.0 inches (1803 mm)

Height:

Approx. 56.7 inches (1440 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 115.4 inches (2931 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

Approx. 3600-3800 lbs (1633-1724 kg), varies with options.

Trunk Volume Approx:

Approx. 16.4 cubic feet (464 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-star (for driver and front passenger in most tests of similar E39 models).

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for most E39 models).

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) standard on most models.

Stability Control:

DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available on later models or as an option.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Airbags Standard:

Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags.

Head Restraints:

Active head restraints (on front seats for some models) to reduce whiplash injuries.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for all occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Professional Radio/Cassette or CD player, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).

Navigation:

Optional MKII/MKIII navigation system with green on-screen display.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC).

Phone Integration:

Optional BMW Assist with Bluetooth or cradle integration for early mobile phones.

Climate Control Type:

Automatic dual-zone climate control.

Headlights:

Halogen projector headlights; optional Xenon adaptive headlights on later models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) typically recommends 10,000-15,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's computer, but early models might have had fixed intervals. Check the manual for specific guidance.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5-7.0 liters (refer to manual for exact capacity with filter change).

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 9.5-10.5 liters (refer to manual).

Washer Fluid Type:

BMW Screenwash Concentrate or equivalent washer fluid.

Common Issue 1:

Coolant expansion tank cracking/leaking (prone to failure over time).

Common Issue 2:

Oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket leaks (common on high-mileage V8s).

Common Issue 3:

Plastic coolant pipes and thermostat housing degradation.

Common Issue 4:

VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system issues, including noise and performance degradation (especially on early M62).

Common Issue 5:

Ignition coil failures (can cause misfires).

Common Issue 6:

ABS/DSC sensor failures and ABS module issues.

Common Issue 7:

Water pump failure (often replaced proactively with timing belt service, though this V8 is timing chain driven).

Common Issue 8:

Epix module (electronic power distribution) failures affecting various electrical components.

Common Issue 9:

Front suspension bushings and ball joints wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, high-performance luxury vehicles.

E39 Introduction:

The E39 5 Series was introduced in 1995 (as a 1997 model in North America), succeeding the E34 generation.

540I Positioning:

The 540i represented the pinnacle of the E39 sedan's performance and luxury, slotting below the M5.

Mid Cycle Refresh:

The E39 received a significant facelift in 2000 (for the 2001 model year), featuring updated headlights, taillights, bumpers, and interior refinements, including the introduction of the M62TUB44 engine.

Production Period:

1996-2003 (for E39 generation), with the 540i model covering 1997-2003.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver:

Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run.

Warden Auto:

Often praised for its handling and build quality by automotive journalists.

Reliability Perception:

Generally considered a reliable vehicle, but requires diligent maintenance due to its complexity and luxury features. Many common issues are well-documented and repairable.