Model Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan, Sport Wagon (Touring)
Engine Variants Covered:
525i, 528i, 530i, 540i
E39 Generation Codes:
E39 represents the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series.
E39 Market Segment:
The E39 5 Series was positioned as a premium mid-size luxury sedan and wagon, competing with vehicles from Mercedes-Benz (E-Class), Audi (A6), and Lexus (GS).
E39 Strengths:
Renowned for its superior driving dynamics, refined interior, robust build quality, and advanced engineering for its era.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth, professional-level guidance to maintain and repair the E39 5 Series, saving owners time and money on dealership services and empowering DIY enthusiasts.
E39 Notable Features:
Introduction of advanced technologies like CAN bus architecture, more sophisticated traction control systems, and the iconic angel eye headlights (on later models).
Powertrain:
Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, valvetrain, camshaft timing chain, lubrication system, fuel injection, radiator/cooling system, exhaust system, clutch, automatic transmission, final drive.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, wheel alignment, brakes.
Electrical:
Battery, starter, alternator.
Body & Interior:
Fenders, engine hood, trunk lid, tailgate, interior trim, general locking and anti-theft systems, seat belts.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common issues, fault code interpretations (if applicable to the era's diagnostic tools, e.g., OBD-II).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements.
Repair:
Detailed repair procedures for all covered systems, component removal and installation, troubleshooting diagnostics.
Diagnostics:
Guidance on identifying and resolving common issues and faults.
Wiring Diagrams:
Often includes detailed electrical schematics for various circuits (though not explicitly listed, this is typical for workshop manuals of this caliber).
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex component overhauls and troubleshooting.
525I Engine Code:
M54B25 (2.5L Inline-6)
525I Displacement:
2494 cc
525I Horsepower:
189 hp @ 6000 rpm
525I Torque:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
528I Engine Code:
M52TU B28 (2.8L Inline-6)
528I Displacement:
2793 cc
528I Horsepower:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm
528I Torque:
280 Nm (206 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm
530I Engine Code:
M54B30 (3.0L Inline-6)
530I Displacement:
2979 cc
530I Horsepower:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm
530I Torque:
300 Nm (221 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
540I Engine Code:
M62B44TU (4.4L V8)
540I Displacement:
4398 cc
540I Horsepower:
290 hp @ 5400 rpm
540I Torque:
440 Nm (325 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (S/MPI).
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended).
525I 528I Transmission Std:
5-speed Manual Getrag S5D 250G
530I Transmission Std:
5-speed Manual Getrag S5D 250G
540I Transmission Std:
6-speed Manual ZF S6-37BZ
525I 528I Transmission Opt:
5-speed Automatic Steptronic GM A5S 310Z
530I Transmission Opt:
5-speed Automatic Steptronic GM A5S 325Z
540I Transmission Opt:
5-speed Automatic Steptronic GM A5S 370R
Steptronic Description:
Allows manual selection of gears via the shift lever or steering wheel buttons (optional).
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
NHTSA frontal impact ratings were not consistently applied or published in the same manner as today. However, the E39 was designed with a robust safety cage and advanced airbag systems for its time.
Dynamic Stability Control:
Standard on most models, referred to as DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) or ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction).
Anti-Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags and head protection system.
Body Construction:
Advanced crumple zones and high-strength steel passenger cell.
Head Unit Options:
Various BMW Business CD and Professional CD/RDS head units, often with cassette players. Navigation systems (MK II, MK III, MK IV) were available.
Speaker System:
Standard 6-speaker system, with optional Hi-Fi sound system or Harman Kardon surround sound.
Cruise Control:
Standard feature, often electronically controlled.
Parking Assistance:
Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) became available during the E39's lifecycle.
Telephone Preparation:
Optional integrated Bluetooth or analog telephone systems available in some models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. The car's onboard computer (Condition Based Service - CBS) would often indicate service needs.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 miles or as indicated by the CBS.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles for standard plugs, 100,000 miles for long-life iridium plugs (depending on specific engine and plug type).
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) synthetic oil, typically SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30, viscosity may vary by climate and specific engine.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-2 (for older transmissions) or LT-3 (for newer transmissions, often Dexron III compatible), specific fluid type is critical. Filter and pan gasket replacement often recommended with fluid service.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump impellers can fail (especially on M54 engines); thermostat housing leaks.
Engine M54 Specific:
Vanos (Variable Valve Timing) system solenoid seals can degrade, causing rough idle and loss of power; PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system can clog, leading to oil leaks and rough running; oil filter housing gasket leaks; DISA (Differential Air Intake) flap can break off and enter the engine.
Engine M62 V8 Specific:
Coolant leaks from the valley pan gasket; timing chain guides can wear (TU models are less prone); oil separation system issues.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (bushings often referred to as "RTABs" for rear) and ball joints wear out, leading to poor handling and steering feel.
Electrical:
Window regulator failures; OBC (On-Board Computer) pixelation (dead pixels on the display); ABS/DSC sensor failures; headlight leveling issues.
Brakes:
Vibrations during braking often indicate warped rotors.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused vehicles with excellent handling and performance.
E39 Introduction:
The E39 succeeded the E34 5 Series and was produced from 1995 to 2003 (with the final model year being 2003 in some markets, but the manual covers up to 2002). It represented a significant advancement in technology and refinement.
E39 Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred for the 2001 model year, introducing updated exterior styling (e.g., angel eye headlights, redesigned taillights), interior refinements, and new engine options (M54 series).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany.
Car And Driver Best:
Car and Driver magazine named the BMW 5 Series to its annual '10Best' list multiple times during the E39's production run, recognizing its exceptional balance of performance, luxury, and handling.
Motor Trend Award:
While not holding a specific 'Car of the Year' award in all years, the E39 consistently received high marks and comparisons against its peers in automotive journalism.
