Segment:
Executive Sedan, Luxury Mid-size Sedan
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS300, Cadillac CTS.
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard, xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) optional on some E39 variants but not typically on 528i.
Platform Strength:
Renowned for its driving dynamics, balanced chassis, and refined interior.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, engine management (DME/MS43), emissions control, and all associated components.
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 420G) and Automatic (ZF 5HP19) transmission service, repair, overhaul, and diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, rear axle, and wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings, and alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Brake system components (calipers, rotors, pads), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), hydraulic lines, and bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system including battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, lighting, instruments, comfort electronics, and EWS (Immobilizer).
Body:
Body panels, doors, latches, hinges, windows, mirrors, sunroof, bumpers, and interior trim removal/installation.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control, refrigerant handling, and component replacement.
Safety Restraint:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, and related components.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head removal and reinstallation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common faults, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, and electrical system diagnosis.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing all major and minor components across all vehicle systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of required BMW special tools for specific repair procedures.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Diagnostic Tools Support:
Procedures often refer to BMW-specific diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS, INPA) for system checks and programming.
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 420G)
Type:
5-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (ZF 5HP19)
Automatic Features:
Driver-selectable modes (Sport, Manual Shift)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-1 or equivalent GL-4 rated gear oil (specific viscosity may vary, consult manual).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (or equivalent Esso JWS 3309/Mobil ATF 3309)
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS radio. Optional navigation system (MK III/IV).
Display:
Central Information Display (CID) in the dashboard, potentially with trip computer and navigation prompts.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control functionality.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear park distance control (PDC).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth or older cellular phone integration (via base plate).
Headlights:
Halogen projector headlights standard, optional Xenon HID headlights.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil quality. Condition Based Service (CBS) system may indicate based on usage.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed, inspect at each oil service.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually, depending on conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum spark plugs: ~100,000 miles. If applicable, inspect at 60,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (BMW blue coolant is long-life).
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic, meeting BMW LL-01 specification.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) mixed with distilled water 50/50.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4, preferably low viscosity (LV) if specified for ABS/DSC systems.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pumps and thermostat housings also prone to failure over time.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are common leak points.
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and ball joints are common wear items leading to steering looseness and uneven tire wear.
ABS Asc Wheel Speed Sensors:
Wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering ABS/ASC warning lights.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can clog, leading to oil consumption and potential seal failures.
Pixel Display Failure:
Instrument cluster LCD display (MID/OBC) can lose pixels.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance, handling, and driver engagement.
E39 Introduction:
The E39 generation of the 5 Series was introduced in 1995 (for model year 1996) and ran until 2003.
528I Positioning:
The 528i represented the mid-range inline-six engine option for the E39, offering a blend of performance and efficiency.
Manufacturing Location:
Mainly Dingolfing, Germany, and also Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA for some markets.