Vehicle Segment:
Executive/Luxury Sedan and Wagon
Target Audience:
Discerning drivers valuing performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS (JZS160), Jaguar S-Type.
Chassis Engineering:
Renowned for its balanced handling, excellent ride comfort, and sophisticated multi-link suspension design.
Engine Lineup:
Offered a range of refined inline-six and V8 engines known for their smooth power delivery and durability.
Manual Utility:
Provides factory-accurate procedures, critical for maintaining the complex systems of a luxury European vehicle.
Powertrain Systems:
Engine mechanicals (M50, M52, M62 families), engine management systems, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, transmission (manual & automatic), drivetrain (rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential option).
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front & rear, including M Sport options), steering (hydraulic power steering), brakes (ABS, DSC, EBD, brake pad replacement, caliper overhaul), wheels and tires.
Electrical Systems:
Vehicle electrical architecture, battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, infotainment systems (radio, navigation), climate control electronics, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), advanced electronics (ABS, DSC, SRS airbags).
Body And Interior:
Body construction, panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, mirrors, interior trim, seating, airbags, restraints.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, air filter replacement, cabin filter replacement, belt inspection and replacement, general inspection points.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component removal and installation (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor service, steering rack repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair, interior component removal/installation.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, electrical schematic reading, component testing procedures, live data interpretation (where applicable to factory tools).
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
525I Engine:
M54B25 (or M52TU B25 pre-2001), 2.5L Inline-6, DOHC, VANOS
528I Engine:
M52TU B28, 2.8L Inline-6, DOHC, VANOS
530I Engine:
M54B30, 3.0L Inline-6, DOHC, VANOS
540I Engine:
M62B44 (or M62TU B44 post-1998), 4.4L V8, DOHC, VANOS (TU version adds Double VANOS)
525I Horsepower:
Approx. 184 hp (M54B25)
528I Horsepower:
Approx. 190 hp (M52TUB28)
530I Horsepower:
Approx. 225 hp (M54B30)
540I Horsepower:
Approx. 282 hp (M62B44), Approx. 290 hp (M62TUB44)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), Bosch Motronic engine management
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Dme System:
Digital Engine Electronics (DME) for engine control, diagnostics, and emissions.
525I 528I 530I Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag Type)
540I Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic (GM A5S560Z)
525I 528I 530I Optional Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic (GM A5S360R, A5S320Z)
540I Optional Transmission:
6-Speed Manual (Getrag Type - rare, often referred to as '6-speed sport package')
Transmission Features:
Adaptive shift logic for automatic transmissions, optional Steptronic function (manual shifting via shifter).
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for models tested)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models tested)
Standard Safety Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) or ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction).
Optional Safety Features:
Traction Control (ASC+T).
Airbag System:
Front dual-stage airbags, optional side-impact airbags (front and rear).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts with force limiters, three-point rear seatbelts.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, optional Navigation system (MK III/MK IV).
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Bluetooth:
Rarely factory-equipped in early models, aftermarket solutions common.
Onboard Computer:
Check Control system for monitoring vehicle status and warnings.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Oil Service (VOS) system indicating based on driving conditions, typically around 7,500-15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (depending on engine variant and plug type, e.g., long-life iridium).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or approximately 30,000-50,000 miles (using BMW-approved coolant).
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 synthetic oil, typically SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent (Dexron III for earlier models, specific ZF fluid for later models).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (check specific manual for exact specification).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (low viscosity for ABS systems).
Common Failures Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracks, water pump failure (especially plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks, radiator leaks, heater control valve issues.
Common Failures Engine:
Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging (M54 engines), VANOS issues, ignition coil failures, fuel pump failures.
Common Failures Electrical:
Window regulator failures, door lock actuator failures, headlight leveling sensor issues, ABS/DSC sensor failures, instrument cluster pixel degradation (SI board issues).
Common Failures Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (bushings separate from arm), rear shock mounts, sway bar links.
Bmw Philosophy:
Known for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.
E39 Introduction:
Introduced in 1995 (as a 1997 model in North America), replacing the E34 5 Series.
E39 Facelift:
Facelifted for the 2001 model year with updated headlights (angel eyes), taillights, bumpers, and M54 engines for 525i/530i.
Production Period:
1995-2003 (globally), 1997-2002 (North American market focus)
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany; Graz, Austria (for wagons).
