Positioning:
The BMW E39 represented BMW's entry into the premium mid-size sedan and wagon segment, competing with the Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class and Audi A6 C5.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS (JZS160), Jaguar S-Type
Platform Strength:
Known for its superior driving dynamics, refined ride quality, and robust build quality.
Value Proposition:
Offers a comprehensive and authoritative resource for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians to maintain and repair the E39 3 Series.
Cost Savings:
Presents a cost-effective alternative to expensive factory shop manual CD-ROMs, providing identical technical depth.
Engine:
Internal combustion engines (all variants covered by E39 generation)
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, EVAP system
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, expansion tank, fan clutch/electric fan
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, exhaust pipes, O2 sensors
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmissions (overhaul, adjustment, fluid service)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering linkage
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC, brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
12V battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition system, sensors, actuators, ECUs
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, climate control, refrigerant system, blower motor, evaporator, heater core
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical circuit diagrams for all systems
Emission Control Systems:
Catalytic converters, EGR, PCV, secondary air injection (where applicable)
Maintenance:
Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues across all systems
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all vehicle components
Rebuilding:
Comprehensive guidelines for engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostics:
Engine management diagnostics, ABS/DSC fault finding, electrical system troubleshooting
Installation:
Instructions for replacement of major components and accessories
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)
Detail Level:
Factory-level technical information, similar to OE shop manuals
Diagrams:
Abundant with 'lots of pictures and diagrams'
Engine Variants Covered:
M52/M54 inline-6 (e.g., 323i, 325i, 328i, 330i), M62 V8 (e.g., 540i), M43 inline-4 (e.g., 318i), and M57 diesel variants (e.g., 525d, 530d).
Typical Horsepower Range:
115 hp (318i) to 282 hp (540i)
Typical Torque Range:
180 Nm (318i) to 440 Nm (540i)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Lambda sensor controlled)
Engine Management:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics) or similar advanced engine control units
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Getrag S5D 250G (e.g., E46 330i models) or ZF S5-31 (e.g., E39 530i models)
Optional Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (e.g., GM A5S310Z for inline-6, ZF 5HP30/5HP24 for V8)
Automatic Features:
Steptronic (manual shifting mode) available on some automatic transmissions
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommends GL-4 or GL-5 synthetic gear oil (specific viscosity depends on model and temperature, e.g., 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (specific fluid depends on ZF or GM transmission type)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil specification. Condition-based service system (CBS) on later models.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on ignition coil and plug type (e.g., Long-Life Spark Plugs).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Recommended every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-30, depending on climate and engine variant.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Common Wear Items:
Cooling system components (plastic expansion tanks, water pump, hoses), VANOS solenoids, crankcase ventilation (CCV) system, ABS/DSC sensors, rear subframe bushings, front control arm bushings.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket, rear main seal.
Electrical Gremlins:
Water ingress in the DME box, door module failures, headlight leveling system issues.
