Positioning:
The BMW 5 Series E39 represented the pinnacle of executive sedans and wagons in its era, blending luxury, performance, and advanced technology. This manual serves enthusiasts and owners who value the longevity and performance of these vehicles.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS (JZS160), Jaguar S-Type
Vehicle Appeal:
Renowned for its balanced handling, powerful straight-six and V8 engines, sophisticated interior, and robust build quality.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (M50, M52, M54, M62 families), fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain components (driveshafts, differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension (front strut, rear multi-link), steering system (hydraulic power steering), brakes (ABS, DSC, EBD, disc brake systems, parking brake), wheels and tires
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, locks, seats, mirrors), climate control electronics, body control module (BCM)
Body And Interior:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, windows, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable), interior trim, seats, airbags, seat belts, HVAC system operation and components
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
OBD-II diagnostics, fault codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting flowcharts, electrical schematics, component testing
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, differential fluid change, transmission fluid service, belt inspection and replacement
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, head gasket replacement, clutch replacement, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), power steering pump replacement, radiator replacement, alternator replacement, starter replacement, window regulator repair, door lock actuator replacement
Diagnostics:
Interpreting diagnostic trouble codes, using scan tools, testing sensors and actuators, electrical circuit tracing, troubleshooting drivability issues, pinpointing electrical faults
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, valve clearances, engine timing specifications, diagnostic parameter ranges, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Depth:
Expert-level detail covering routine maintenance, complex repairs, and in-depth diagnostics. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Digital Format Details:
Searchable PDF, bookmark navigation, high-resolution diagrams and illustrations
Print Quality Details:
High-resolution, clear diagrams, easy-to-read text, durable pages
Binding Type:
Professionally bound (e.g., spiral bound for lay-flat viewing, perfect bound)
Paper Type:
Durable, high-quality paper stock suitable for workshop environments
525I 528I 530I Transmission:
5-speed manual (Getrag 260/6 or ZF S5-31)
540I Transmission:
6-speed manual (Getrag 420G)
Automatic Transmission Options:
5-speed automatic (Steptronic) for 6-cylinder models (e.g., GM A5S325Z), 5-speed automatic (SMG or Steptronic) for V8 models (e.g., GM 5L40-E, ZF 5HP30)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate (manual)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Refer to manual for specific fluid type based on transmission model (e.g., ATF Dexron III/VI, Pentosin MTL)
Wheelbase:
113.4 inches (2880 mm)
Length:
191.1 inches (4855 mm)
Width:
70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
57.5 inches (1460 mm) (Sedan)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Tire Sizes:
Common sizes include 225/60R16, 235/45R17, 235/40R18, 265/35R18 (rear)
Trunk Volume Sedan:
Approximately 15.0 cubic feet (425 liters)
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approximately 23.7 cubic feet (670 liters) with rear seats up, 56.1 cubic feet (1590 liters) with rear seats folded
Curb Weight Approx:
3500-3900 lbs (1588-1769 kg) depending on engine and body style
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 stars (1999-2003 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 stars (1999-2003 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (1999-2003 models)
Traction Control:
Available as ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) or DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard ABS
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), optional side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners
Nav System:
BMW Professional Navigation System (MK series navigation computers)
Audio System:
Various BMW Business and Professional CD players, optional Harman Kardon sound systems.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth phone preparation
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature settings
Memory Seats:
Optional power-adjustable front seats with memory function for driver's seat and mirrors
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system (oil quality and driving style dependent).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approximately 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs, 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium plugs.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km), depending on BMW coolant type.
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-98 (LL-98) approved synthetic oil, typically 0W-40 or 5W-40.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine: 6.5L (6.9 qts) for M54, 6.7L (7.1 qts) for M62TU
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW approved equivalent
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tanks and water pumps are prone to cracking/failure. Thermostat housings can leak. Check for coolant leaks.
Vacuum Leaks:
Various vacuum hoses and intake manifold gaskets can degrade over time, leading to rough idle and performance issues.
Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:
Common on higher mileage vehicles, especially the M62 V8.
ABS/Dsc Module:
The ABS/DSC control module can fail, causing illumination of warning lights and loss of ABS/DSC functionality. Repair is often possible.
Window Regulators:
Plastic clips and mechanisms in window regulators are known to break, leading to windows falling into the door.
Pixel Loss Instrument Cluster:
The LCD segments in the instrument cluster are prone to failure, resulting in unreadable mileage displays and other information.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Failure of the crankshaft position sensor can cause the engine to stall or refuse to start.
Brand History:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles, known for their 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos.
E39 Generation:
The E39 generation of the 5 Series was produced from 1995 to 2003, succeeding the E34 and preceding the E60. It was praised for its significant improvements in ride quality, chassis dynamics, and interior refinement.
Facelift:
The E39 received a facelift in 2000 (for model year 2001), which included revised front and rear styling (headlights, taillights, bumpers), updated interior trim, and new engine options (M54 inline-sixes).
Production Years:
1995-2003
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany
