Positioning:
Luxury, performance-oriented mid-size sedan
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced handling, rear-wheel-drive platform, and engaging driving experience
Powertrain Options:
Smooth and powerful inline-six and V8 engines
Interior Quality:
High-quality materials, ergonomic design, and driver-focused cockpit
Technology Integration:
Advanced for its era, with available features like navigation and advanced climate control
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine management (DME)
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, repair, and maintenance
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, axle shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, sway bars, alignment specifications
Steering:
Steering rack, power steering system, steering column
Brakes:
Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers, lines, master cylinder, ABS, DSC), bleeding procedures, parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn
Comfort Systems:
HVAC system, climate control, heated seats, sunroof
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, fenders, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, chassis components
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting guides, common failure points
Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, differential fluid change
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilds, electrical component testing and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for various system failures and symptoms
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance values, wiring diagrams
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Variant 525I:
M52B25 (3.0L DOHC Inline-6)
Engine Variant 528I:
M52TUB28 (2.8L DOHC Inline-6)
Engine Variant 530I:
M54B30 (3.0L DOHC Inline-6)
Engine Variant 540I:
M62B44 (4.4L DOHC V8)
Horsepower 525I:
189 hp @ 5900 rpm (approx.)
Torque 525I:
236 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 528I:
193 hp @ 5300 rpm (approx.)
Torque 528I:
206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 530I:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm (approx.)
Torque 530I:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 540I:
282 hp @ 5400 rpm (approx.)
Torque 540I:
324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SMPI) / Bosch Motronic Engine Management
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Transmission 525I 528I 530I:
5-speed Getrag manual (SMG optional on some models)
Transmission 540I:
5-speed ZF automatic (6-speed manual optional on early models)
Transmission Options:
Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) available on select inline-six models; 6-speed manual available on 540i.
Automatic Transmission Features:
Steptronic (manual shifting mode)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4 rated gear oil)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (for models equipped with side airbags)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (for models equipped with side airbags)
IIHS Front Driver:
Good (for models with specific features/updates)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable/Good (depending on equipment)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Dsc:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard on most models
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Airbags:
Front and side airbags standard, optional rear side airbags
Seatbelts:
Front pre-tensioned seatbelts, rear 3-point seatbelts
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS radios. Optional Professional Navigation system available.
Speaker System:
Standard 8-speaker system, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, with optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on some later models.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth mobile phone integration available on later models.
Rain Sensing Wipers:
Optional rain-sensing wiper system.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system recommends oil changes based on driving conditions, typically every 7,500-15,000 miles or annually. Consult manual for specific CBS logic.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Inline-6: Approx. 100,000 miles. V8: Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type and year). Refer to manual for specific engine.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or as recommended by BMW's service indicators.
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 depending on climate and specific engine.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S often a suitable substitute)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks. Water pump failure is also common.
Valve Cover Gaskets:
Common for valve cover gaskets and spark plug well seals to leak oil, especially on higher-mileage vehicles.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
ABS and DSC warning lights can be triggered by failing wheel speed sensors.
Mass Air Flow Sensor:
The MAF sensor can become dirty or fail, leading to rough idling and poor performance.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Failure of the crankshaft position sensor can cause the engine to stall or not start.
Pixel Display Failure:
The LCD displays in the instrument cluster and climate control module are prone to pixel degradation ('dead pixels').
Brand Focus:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering.
E39 Introduction:
The E39 generation of the 5 Series replaced the E34 and was produced from 1995 (for the 1996 model year) to 2003. The models covered in this manual (1997-2002) represent a significant portion of the E39's lifecycle.
Facelift Information:
A significant facelift occurred in 2000, introducing updated styling (headlights, taillights, bumpers), new engines (M54 series), and improved interior features.
Production Period:
1995-2003 (Globally)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; also assembled in some international locations.
Car And Driver Best 10:
Frequently recognized by Car and Driver as one of the '10Best' cars during its production run.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not a direct winner, the E39 5 Series was a strong contender and widely praised by MotorTrend.
Overall Reputation:
Highly regarded for its blend of luxury, performance, and build quality, often considered a benchmark in its class.
