Segment:
Executive Mid-size Sedan
Target Audience:
Discerning drivers seeking luxury, performance, and advanced engineering
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS (JZS160), Cadillac DeVille
Engineering Philosophy:
Driver-centric, balanced chassis, robust inline-six engines
Manual Advantage:
Provides in-depth knowledge for DIY maintenance and professional repair, maximizing vehicle longevity and performance.
Market Coverage:
North America (primarily, with global applicability)
Model Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Type:
Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine, Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (Rear Wheel Drive)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (ABS, DSC), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Engine Management, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electrics, Audio System, HVAC Controls, SRS (Airbag) System
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Sunroof
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replenishment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical System Diagnostics
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Replacement, Bodywork Repair
Technical Data:
Torque Specifications, Diagnostic Procedures, Wiring Diagrams, Component Locations
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics)
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 Valves per Cylinder
Timing System:
Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower Peak:
190 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque Peak:
206 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (for 1997 models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) on most models
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) available on later models
Airbags:
Frontal Driver and Passenger Airbags, optional Side Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point Inertia-reel Seat Belts with Pretensioners and Force Limiters
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD/RDS or BMW Professional CD/RDS with optional navigation (MK III/IV)
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional 10-speaker Hi-Fi system (Logic 7 amplifier available on later models)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear
Cellular Integration:
Optional Bluetooth preparation with cradle and car kit
Climate Control:
Standard dual-zone automatic climate control
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically 7,500-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush Interval:
BMW Longlife Coolant: Initially at 4 years/50,000 miles, then every 2 years/30,000 miles thereafter.
Spark Plug Replacement:
M52TU: Approximately 100,000 miles (Long-life spark plugs)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
BMW typically listed as 'lifetime' but recommended for change around 60,000-100,000 miles for longevity.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil (meeting BMW LL-01 specification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Longlife Antifreeze/Coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (BMW part number 82 11 1 468 012)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent)
Common Wear Items:
PCV Valve system failures (leading to oil leaks/smoke), VANOS seals degradation, Suspension bushings (control arms, sway bar links), Coolant hoses and expansion tank cracking, Thermostat and water pump failures.
Electrical Gremlins:
Water ingress into LCM (Light Control Module), ABS/DSC sensor failures, Pixelation on instrument cluster displays.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, Oil filter housing gasket, Oil pan gasket.
Manufacturer Legacy:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) known for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence since 1916.
E39 Introduction:
The E39 generation replaced the E34 5 Series and was introduced in 1995 (for the 1996 model year in Europe) and 1996 (for the 1997 model year in North America).
E39 Facelift:
The E39 received a significant facelift for the 2001 model year, introducing updated headlights (angel eyes), taillights, and minor styling revisions.
528I Positioning:
Positioned as the mid-range offering in the E39 lineup, offering a balance of performance and efficiency before the introduction of the 530i.
Production Years:
1995-2003 (global), 1997-2002 (North American market for 528i)
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa; Kaliningrad, Russia; Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr)
Car And Driver 10 Best:
Car and Driver 10Best list multiple times during its production run.
Consumer Reports:
Consistently rated highly for performance, handling, and reliability by automotive publications.
Euro Ncap:
Achieved 4-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests (equivalent safety standards applied to North American market).
