Target Audience:
BMW owners, independent repair shops, automotive technicians, and DIY enthusiasts seeking to maintain or repair their E39 5 Series.
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level repair information at a fraction of the cost of dealership service, enabling cost-effective vehicle ownership.
Detail Level:
Unparalleled detail covering all aspects of vehicle repair and maintenance.
Confidence Building:
Empowers users with the knowledge and procedures to confidently perform repairs and services on their own.
Ease Of Use:
Organized structure with numbered instructions, bold figure references, and clear sub-steps for straightforward usability.
Engine:
Complete engine diagnostics, repair, overhaul, rebuilding, and tuning for all E39 variants of this period.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for both automatic and manual transmissions, including diagnostics, repair, fluid changes, and component replacement.
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Comprehensive coverage of all suspension, steering, and braking systems, including component identification, repair, and adjustment.
Body:
Body panel repair, structural integrity, collision damage assessment, and panel replacement procedures.
Body Equipment:
Repair and maintenance of body-related equipment such as doors, windows, locks, mirrors, and convertible tops (if applicable to specific E39 models).
Electrical System:
In-depth diagnostics and repair of the entire electrical system, including wiring, sensors, modules, lighting, and starting/charging systems.
Equipment Accessories:
Service and repair procedures for various comfort and convenience features, including climate control, audio systems, and power accessories.
Electrical Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, crucial for accurate troubleshooting.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, and general upkeep.
Repair Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and repairing common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems.
Rebuilding Refurbishment:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and component rebuilding and refurbishment.
Disassembly Assembly:
Comprehensive instructions for the removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, assembly, and installation of all major components and sub-assemblies.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including information relevant to using BMW's proprietary diagnostic tools (though not explicitly stated, implied by 'diagnostic procedures').
Specifications Accuracy:
Precise technical specifications, torque values, clearances, and tolerances are provided for all repair and adjustment procedures.
Illustration Quality:
Highly detailed illustrations, diagrams, and photographs to visually guide users through complex procedures.
Requirements:
Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible PDF viewer
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.
Printable:
All pages are printable, allowing for offline use in a workshop environment.
Binding:
Digital Download (PDF)
Paper Type Analogy:
Equivalent to high-quality, durable paper found in official factory manuals.
Engine Variants E39:
Covers various E39 5 Series engine options from 1997-2002, likely including M52 (e.g., 528i), M54 (e.g., 530i), and potentially M62 (e.g., 540i) naturally aspirated gasoline engines. Diesel variants (e.g., M57) may also be covered depending on manual scope.
Performance Data Availability:
Likely includes horsepower, torque figures, and performance curves for various engine options.
Fuel System Coverage:
Detailed information on fuel injection systems, fuel pumps, injectors, fuel pressure regulators, and emissions control systems.
Cooling System:
Coverage of radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans, and coolant specifications.
Ignition System:
Details on ignition coils, spark plugs, timing, and related sensors.
Transmission Types:
Covers both manual (e.g., Getrag 5-speed, ZF 6-speed) and automatic transmissions (e.g., ZF 5HP series, GM 4-speed for earlier models).
Drive Type:
Primarily rear-wheel drive (RWD) for E39 models, though specific manuals might cover AWD variants if applicable.
Transmission Fluid:
Specifications for transmission fluid types (e.g., ATF Dexron VI for automatic, gear oil for manual) and fluid capacities.
E39 Safety Features:
Likely covers ABS, traction control (ASC/DSC), front and side airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and structural integrity for crash protection.
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T), Traction Control.
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, crumple zones, reinforced passenger compartment.
E39 Infotainment Options:
Features like BMW Professional radio, CD players, optional navigation systems (Mk III/IV), and cassette players were common.
Driver Assistance Features:
Park Distance Control (PDC), cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control.
Connectivity Features:
Early forms of telematics like BMW Assist were available on later models, along with standard radio antenna and speaker systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and specific engine oil used (e.g., BMW Longlife-01).
Major Service Intervals:
Intervals for spark plugs, coolant, brake fluid, and inspections typically occur at major mileage milestones (e.g., 60,000, 100,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic engine oil meeting BMW Longlife specifications (e.g., LL-01 or LL-98) with appropriate viscosity grades (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, typically BMW Blue or Green coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
Common E39 Failures:
Vibrations at speed (driveshaft, wheels), cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, expansion tank), VANOS system issues, VANOS solenoids, coolant expansion tank leaks, window regulator failures, headlight projector condensation, fuel pump failures, ABS/ASC sensor issues, starter motor wear, suspension component wear (bushings, control arms).
Bmw Philosophy:
The E39 5 Series embodies BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy with a focus on performance, luxury, and advanced engineering for its era.
E39 Generation:
Fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series, succeeding the E34 and preceding the E60. Known for significant advancements in chassis dynamics, electronics, and luxury appointments.
Production Period:
1995-2003 (global), with 1997-2002 being the focus for this manual.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, and exported worldwide.
