Segment:
Mid-size luxury sedan
Target Audience:
Owners and independent repair shops seeking detailed, accurate repair information for the BMW 528i (E39)
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type
Vehicle Focus:
Represents BMW's focus on driving dynamics, build quality, and technological integration for the era.
Manual Value:
Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, crucial for maintaining the complex systems of a BMW.
Engine:
M52TU inline-6 (2.8L DOHC), diagnostics, repair, overhaul, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions
Transmission:
GM 5L40-E (automatic), ZF 5HP19 (automatic), Getrag 420G (manual), diagnostics, repair, overhaul, fluid specifications
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD), differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, axle shafts
Suspension:
Front struts, rear multi-link independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, sway bars, bushings
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper overhaul, rotor replacement
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, fluid specifications
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, EWS (Electronic Immobilizer System), lighting, instrument cluster, comfort electronics
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, sunroof, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, sealing
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant, climate control unit
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation, electrical diagnostics, engine performance issues
Repair:
Component-level repair, engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Installation:
Component installation, accessories, sensors, control modules
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures
Type:
5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 420G)
Type:
5-speed automatic transmission (GM 5L40-E or ZF 5HP19, depending on market/build)
Automatic Features:
Steptronic manual shift mode (on select models)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol Syntrans B 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent (e.g., Mobil ATF LT 71141)
Rear Differential Fluid:
BMW Hypoid Axle Oil G2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol SAF-XJ 75W-140)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4 Stars (Front Driver), 3 Stars (Front Passenger), 3 Stars (Rear Driver), 3 Stars (Rear Passenger)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Dsc:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on oil quality and driving conditions (refer to vehicle's CBS or specific service advisor recommendations).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., Long-Life Iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic engine oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4+
Common Issues:
Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system issues, VANOS solenoid failure, coolant expansion tank cracks, ABS/DSC sensor failures, fuel pump issues, rear main seal leaks, cooling system component failures (water pump, thermostat housing).
Typical Maintenance Tasks:
Regular replacement of oil and oil filter, air filter, cabin filter, checking and topping up all fluids, inspecting drive belts and hoses.