Market Position:
High-performance luxury sedan, directly competing with established German performance marques. The M5 represented the pinnacle of BMW's engineering for the E39 generation.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (W210), Audi S6 (C5), Porsche Panamera (though a later competitor).
Key Features:
Naturally aspirated V8 engine, sophisticated chassis tuning, luxurious interior, ample power, superior driving dynamics for its class.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Drivetrain, Transmission, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical Systems, HVAC, Bodywork, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Repair
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (digital format, typically hundreds of pages equivalent)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Online Software/Web-based Access (Licensed)
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical, Engine electrical, Fuel & Emissions, Cooling, Lubrication, Intake & Exhaust, Transmission (manual and automatic), Clutch, Driveshafts, Differential, Axles, Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (hydraulic, ABS, DSC), Wheels & Tires, Body & Chassis, Interior Trim, HVAC, Electrical Systems (lighting, power accessories, instrumentation, SRS Airbag, DME, EGS, DSC modules), Audio System, Navigation System
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, Scheduled servicing, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Brake pad/rotor replacement, Suspension component repair/replacement, Steering system service, Engine tune-up, Engine diagnostics, Engine component repair (e.g., VANOS, oil pump), Cooling system flush and repair, Fuel system cleaning and repair, Transmission fluid change, Clutch replacement, Driveshaft and CV joint service, Differential fluid change, Electrical troubleshooting, Wiring harness repair, HVAC system service, Body panel alignment and repair, Interior component removal/installation, Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, Component testing and replacement, Software updates and programming (where applicable)
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, including diagnostic procedures, repair instructions, specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams, and exploded views.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
4941 cc (4.9 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
94.0 mm x 89.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.0:1
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 Valves per Cylinder
Power Output:
400 PS (394 hp) @ 6600 rpm
Torque Output:
500 Nm (369 lb-ft) @ 3800 rpm
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Approx. 4.8 seconds
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Engine Management System:
Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 with dual VANOS and individual throttle bodies
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Transmission Type Optional:
No automatic transmission offered on North American models.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated dual-mass flywheel
Gear Ratios Manual:
1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.53, 3rd: 1.67, 4th: 1.22, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.83, Reverse: 3.55
Final Drive Ratio:
3.15:1
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated under current NHTSA standards of the time, but designed with high safety standards.
IIHS Front Impact:
Good (for its era)
Active Safety Features:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASC+T), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags (dual-stage), Side airbags (front), Head Protection System (HPS) airbags, Crumple zones, Reinforced passenger cell, Seatbelt pretensioners
Infotainment System:
BMW Professional Radio (later options included BMW Business CD, M-ASK, or MK4 navigation system)
Audio System:
Harman Kardon premium audio system often standard or optional.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise Control, Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Connectivity Features:
Optional integrated mobile phone preparation (Bluetooth or analog).
Other Tech Features:
Xenon headlights, Rain-sensing wipers, Automatic climate control, Electrically adjustable front seats with memory, Heated front seats, Power-adjustable steering column, Auto-dimming rearview mirror, Electric glass sunroof.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system recommends oil changes based on driving conditions, typically between 10,000 to 15,000 miles or annually.
Major Service Interval:
Inspection I (approx. 30,000 miles/2 years), Inspection II (approx. 60,000 miles/4 years) – these are comprehensive checks and replacements (e.g., spark plugs at Inspection II).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 (BMW Longlife-01 certified recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 liters (9.0 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (BMW High Performance Brake Fluid)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2)
Differential Fluid Type:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (API GL-5, SAE 75W-90)
Known Issues:
VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system solenoids and seals, S62 oil pump drive sprocket wear, rear main crankshaft seal leaks, clutch wear, rod bearing wear (though less prevalent than on some other BMW V8s), cooling system components (hoses, radiator, water pump), subframe bushings, strut mounts, electronic throttle bodies (ETBs) can be sensitive.
Oil Filter Oem:
11 42 7 519 287 (or equivalent Mann-Filter HU 821 y)
Air Filter Oem:
13 72 1 405 433 (typically a set of two)
Cabin Filter Oem:
64 11 2 187 651 (or equivalent)
Spark Plug Oem:
12 12 0 031 976 (Bosch FGR 7 KQP0E)
Brand Heritage:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, high-performance vehicles, particularly known for its inline-six engines and later, its potent V8 and V10 performance models. The 'M' division is synonymous with motorsport and enhanced production vehicles.
E39 M5 Introduction:
The E39 M5 was introduced in 1998 for the 2000 model year and continued through the 2003 model year (2004 in North America). It succeeded the E34 M5 and was succeeded by the E60 M5.
E39 M5 Distinction:
It was the first M5 generation to feature a V8 engine, departing from the tradition of inline-six engines established by its predecessors.
Production Years:
1998-2003
Production Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Total Production Units:
Approximately 20,482 units worldwide.
