Segment:
Executive Sedan / Mid-size Luxury Sedan
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS (S160), Volvo S80.
Distinguishing Features:
Renowned driving dynamics, sophisticated engineering, high-quality interior materials, advanced optional features for its era (e.g., navigation, Xenon headlights, adaptive suspension).
Engines Covered:
Inline-6 (e.g., M52, M54 variants), V8 (e.g., M62 variants)
Transmission Types Covered:
5-speed Manual, 5-speed Automatic (e.g., GM 5L40-E, ZF 5HP19)
Estimated Page Count:
Thousands (comprehensive service manual)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine management (DME), transmission (manual and automatic), differential, driveshafts.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system (hydraulic power steering), brakes (ABS, DSC, EBC), wheels and tires, body structure, body panels.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instruments and displays, comfort electronics (HVAC, power windows, mirrors, seats), infotainment system, SRS (Airbag) system.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., gaskets, seals, timing components, injectors), transmission overhaul and repair, brake component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers, lines), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, bushings), steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), electrical system troubleshooting, drivability concerns.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), engine timing specifications, electrical resistance values, measurement specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic strategies.
Inline 6 Common Variants:
2.5L (M52B25TU), 2.8L (M52B28TU), 3.0L (M54B30)
V8 Common Variants:
4.4L (M62B44TU)
Inline 6 Horsepower Range:
Approx. 170-231 hp
V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 282 hp (M62B44TU)
Fuel Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), Electronic Engine Management (DME)
Manual Transmission:
5-speed Getrag (e.g., GS5-39DZ) common on most models.
Automatic Transmission:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic (e.g., ZF 5HP19 for I6, ZF 5HP24 or GM 5L40-E for V8 variants).
Steptronic Functionality:
Allows manual gear selection via shifter or steering wheel buttons (on select models).
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Likely 4-star or 5-star for driver/passenger, depending on specific testing year.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T).
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard, optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, optional side-impact airbags.
Head Unit Options:
BMW Professional RDS cassette/CD player, optional CD changer, optional navigation system (CCC or MK series).
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, adaptive cruise control (ACC) available on some higher-trim models.
Cellular Integration:
Optional BMW Assist telematics system with cellular integration for emergency calls and vehicle status.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 12-15,000 km, or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., iridium plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or approximately 30,000-60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-98 (LL-98) synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40, depending on climate and specific engine.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or Dexron VI for GM transmissions, ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 or equivalent for ZF transmissions. Critical to use the correct fluid.
Cooling System Faults:
Plastic expansion tanks and coolant hoses prone to cracking, water pump failures (especially plastic impeller versions).
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failures leading to leaks and increased oil consumption.
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings, sway bar links, and tie rod ends are common wear items due to the multi-link suspension design.
Electrical Gremlins:
Body Control Module (BCM) issues, ABS/DSC sensor failures, pixelation on instrument cluster displays.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure ('Freude am Fahren'), focused on performance, engineering, and driver engagement.
Generation Designation:
E39 was the internal code for the fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series.
Key Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred in 2001, introducing updated headlights, taillights, bumpers, and interior enhancements, including the M54 engines becoming standard.
Production Years:
1995-2003 (for E39 generation worldwide)
Notable Variants:
525i, 528i, 530i, 540i, M5 (E39 S62 V8, 4.9L, 394 hp).
