Positioning:
Premium mid-size luxury sedan, known for its driving dynamics, build quality, and technological sophistication.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive platform, and responsive steering, contributing to the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' reputation.
Engine Options:
Smooth inline-six and powerful V8 engines, offering a range of performance levels.
Interior Quality:
High-quality materials, ergonomic design, and comfortable seating, often featuring advanced (for the era) technology and amenities.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (M52, M62 families), fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, transmission (manual & automatic), differential, driveline
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (ABS, DSC), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, climate control, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), airbags, onboard diagnostics (OBD-II), DME (Digital Motor Electronics)
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, seats
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, inspection points
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit analysis
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with torque specifications for all major components
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to full mechanical and electrical system overhauls, including diagnostic procedures and specifications typically used by BMW dealerships and certified independent mechanics.
Searchable:
Likely searchable text within the PDF, allowing for quick keyword searches.
Zoomable:
Yes, standard PDF functionality.
Printability:
Fully printable, allowing users to print specific chapters or the entire manual.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
525I Engine:
3.0L (2979cc) M54B30 Inline-6 (from 2001 onwards, replacing 2.5L M52TU B25)
528I Engine:
2.8L (2793cc) M52TU B28 Inline-6 (pre-2001), 3.0L (2979cc) M54B30 Inline-6 (2001-2002)
530I Engine:
3.0L (2979cc) M54B30 Inline-6 (from 2001 onwards)
540I Engine:
4.4L (4398cc) M62TU B44 V8 Inline-8
525I Horsepower:
184 hp (M52TU B25), 225 hp (M54B30)
528I Horsepower:
193 hp (M52TU B28), 225 hp (M54B30)
530I Horsepower:
225 hp (M54B30)
540I Horsepower:
282 hp (M62TU)
540I Torque:
324 lb-ft (M62TU)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
525I 528I 530I:
5-speed Manual Transmission (ZF S5-31)
540I:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 420G)
All Models:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (Steptronic with manual shift mode)
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-3 (for automatic transmissions, consult specific model year for exact spec)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 113.4 inches (2880 mm)
Length:
Approximately 190.2 inches (4831 mm)
Width:
Approximately 71.0 inches (1803 mm)
Height:
Approximately 57.4 inches (1458 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 15.0 cubic feet (sedan), expandable with folding rear seats in some configurations.
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 3500 - 3900 lbs (depending on engine and options)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star (for driver and front passenger where tested)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) available/standard on some models.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T) or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, side airbags for front occupants standard. Optional rear side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters for all seating positions.
Navigation System:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation System with CD-ROM maps. Interface may feel dated by modern standards.
Audio System:
Available premium sound systems from Harman Kardon. CD player, cassette player standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth integration for mobile phones available on later models or as an aftermarket addition.
Onboard Diagnostics:
OBD-II compliant, allowing for scan tool diagnostics. BMW proprietary diagnostic protocols also used.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system (which may require a diagnostic tool to reset accurately).
Major Service Points:
Spark plug replacement (approx. 100,000 miles), coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid/filter change (often considered 'lifetime' by BMW, but recommended by enthusiasts and specialists for longevity).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40. Consult owner's manual for exact viscosity based on climate.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification) mixed with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tanks and radiator end tanks are prone to cracking. Water pump failure, especially the plastic impeller version.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (bushing 'slop'), rear subframe bushings, strut mounts, ball joints.
Electrical:
Window regulators, ignition coils, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids and seals, ABS/DSC sensor failures, pixelation on the instrument cluster display.
Engine:
Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, oil separator (CCV) system clogging leading to crankcase pressure issues.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW AG, a German multinational company that produces luxury and high-performance automobiles and motorcycles. Renowned for engineering excellence, sporty handling, and sophisticated design.
E39 Introduction:
The E39 generation of the 5 Series debuted in 1995 for the 1996 model year in Europe, and later in 1996 for the 1997 model year in North America. It succeeded the E34 generation.
E39 Facelift:
Received a significant facelift in 2000 for the 2001 model year, featuring updated headlights (angel eyes), taillights, bumpers, and interior refinements. The M54 engine family also debuted.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany. Also produced in other BMW plants globally.
Production End Year:
2003 (for the 2003 model year, succeeded by the E60 generation).
