Vehicle Segment:
Executive Sedan, Luxury Mid-size Sedan.
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to maintain and repair their E39 5 Series, DIY enthusiasts, independent workshops.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type.
Vehicle Platform:
The E39 platform is renowned for its excellent chassis dynamics, refined ride, and build quality.
Manual Value Proposition:
Offers a single, consolidated resource for all repair and maintenance needs, saving time and money compared to individual service bulletins.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed engine disassembly, assembly, overhaul, diagnostics for M50, M52, M62 engines.
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel injection, emissions control, ECU diagnosis, DME function.
Transmission Manual:
Service, repair, and overhaul procedures for Getrag 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions.
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair procedures for ZF 5HP19 (for 525i/528i) and ZF 5HP30 (for 540i) automatic transmissions.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, differential, axles, wheel bearings, universal joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings, steering linkage.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC, brake calipers, rotors, pads, lines, bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, pump, hoses, alignment specifications.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, seats, dashboard, trim.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS system.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, inspections, lubrication points.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, common fault codes, diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, system overhaul, and major repairs.
Rebuilding:
Comprehensive guides for engine and transmission rebuilding.
Refurbishment:
Guidance on restoring various vehicle components and systems.
Restoration:
Detailed information applicable to the restoration of E39 models.
Depth Level:
Complete Workshop Manual level covering all aspects from routine maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repair.
Engine 525I:
3.0L M54B30 I6 (for later models, earlier 2.5L M52TU)
Engine 528I:
2.8L M52B28/M52TU I6
Horsepower 525I M54:
225 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 525I M54:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 528I M52Tu:
193 hp @ 5300 rpm (approx.)
Torque 528I M52Tu:
206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 540I M62:
282 hp @ 5400 rpm (approx.)
Torque 540I M62:
324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic DME.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended).
525I 528I Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (e.g., Getrag 260Z)
540I Standard Transmission:
6-speed manual (e.g., Getrag 420G)
525I 528I Optional Transmission:
5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP19)
540I Optional Transmission:
5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP30)
Transmission Fluid 5Hp19:
BMW ATF JWS 3309 (Mobil ATF 3309) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid 5Hp30:
BMW ATF LT71141 or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 manual transmission fluid as specified by BMW.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for earlier models, later testing may vary)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models tested)
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) or DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) optional/standard depending on year/model.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.
Navigation System:
BMW Professional Navigation System (optional).
Audio System:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD RDS, optional Harman Kardon sound system.
Parking Assist:
Park Distance Control (PDC) - front and rear sensors (optional).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) on some models.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth phone integration available from ~2001 onwards.
Telematics:
BMW Assist (telematics system) available on later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, based on Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months.
Coolant Change:
Every 2-4 years or as indicated by the CBS system.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement M54:
100,000 miles (long-life spark plugs).
Engine Oil M54:
SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification.
Engine Oil M62:
SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or LL-01 specification.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent G48 ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Vibration Harshness Control:
Cracked intake manifold (plastic on M54), fuel pump failure, VANOS seal leaks.
Cooling System:
Expansion tank leaks, water pump failure, thermostat issues, radiator hose degradation.
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, rear subframe bushings.
Electrical Gremlins:
Window regulators, central locking issues, ABS/ASC sensor failures, CCV system issues on M54.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket.
Bmw Philosophy:
Known for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.
E39 Introduction:
Introduced in 1995 as a replacement for the E34 5 Series, setting new standards for luxury, technology, and driving dynamics.
E39 Facelift:
Mid-cycle facelift (LCI) introduced in 2000 brought updated styling, engines (M54), and technology.
Production Location:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany.
Successor Platform:
Succeeded by the E60 5 Series starting in 2003.
