Production Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Engine Code Primary:
M50/M52/M54 (specific variant depends on exact year and market)
Segment:
Executive Sedan / Mid-size Luxury Sedan
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS, Volvo S80.
Vehicle Selling Points:
BMW's renowned driving dynamics ('The Ultimate Driving Machine'), sophisticated engineering, premium interior appointments, powerful inline-six engines, rear-wheel drive platform (with xDrive AWD available on some variants).
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (M50, M52, M54 series inline-6), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control unit (ECU), transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain components (driveshafts, differentials).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (ABS, DSC components), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Full vehicle electrical system schematics, wiring diagrams for all circuits, lighting, instruments, power windows, locks, mirrors, climate control, audio system, diagnostic connector (OBD-II), battery and charging system.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, seats, dashboard, trim components, body sealing, collision repair information (potentially).
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, belt inspections and replacements, fluid level checks.
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., head gaskets, water pumps, thermostats, alternators, starter motors, fuel injectors), transmission overhaul/rebuild, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (e.g., control arms, ball joints, shocks/struts), steering rack replacement, exhaust system repair/replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, interior trim removal and installation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common symptoms (e.g., engine misfires, starting issues, electrical faults, transmission shifting problems), use of diagnostic tools, fault code interpretation.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes torque specifications, diagnostic procedures, component testing, and detailed step-by-step instructions.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Engine Code Common:
M52B25 (early models), M54B25 (later models)
Horsepower Approx:
189 hp (M52B25) - 192 hp (M54B25)
Torque Lb Ft Approx:
236 lb-ft (M52B25) - 245 lb-ft (M54B25)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) / Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
5-Speed Steptronic Automatic
Steptronic Functionality:
Manual shift control via selector lever or steering wheel buttons (depending on specific year/option).
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (for driver and passenger, if applicable for specific year)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal:
Good (Good rating typically awarded for vehicles of this era tested by IIHS)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Traction Control System (TCS).
Airbags Front:
Standard Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional Side-impact Airbags (often curtain or door-mounted)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Head Unit Options:
Various BMW Business and Professional CD/Radio head units, often with optional navigation systems.
Audio System Options:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional premium Hi-Fi systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parking Distance Control (PDC) sensors (front and rear).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system with cradle in armrest (specific functionality varies by year and system.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system dictates intervals, typically 7,500-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Coolant Flush Interval Miles:
Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
M52 engines: ~100,000 miles. M54 engines: ~60,000 miles (using iridium plugs).
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (meeting BMW Longlife-01 or LL-01 FE specifications)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Common Problems:
Vanos (Variable Nockenwellensteuerung) seal wear, PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system failures, cooling system components (radiator, expansion tank, hoses), oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, rear main seal leaks, sagging headliner, pixelated instrument cluster displays (LCD).
Common Repairs:
Replacement of Vanos seals, PCV valve and hoses, water pump and thermostat, cooling system components, intake manifold gaskets, fuel pump and filter.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for performance, engineering excellence, and driver engagement ('Sheer Driving Pleasure').
E39 Generation:
The E39 generation (1995-2003) represented a significant advancement in BMW's mid-size executive sedan line, known for its balanced chassis, refined interior, and technological integration.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing Plant, Germany (primary), additional assembly may have occurred in other BMW facilities or through contract manufacturing.
Sales Trend:
Highly successful model, contributing significantly to BMW's market share in the luxury segment during its production run.
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The E39 5 Series (including the 525i variants) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production, praised for its driving dynamics and overall competence.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally rated well for reliability and performance by publications like Consumer Reports, though specific year ratings may vary, especially concerning electronics and some powertrain components.
