Luxury Level:
Luxury, performance-oriented
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type
Performance Focus:
V8 engine power, balanced chassis, premium driving dynamics
Technology Integration:
Advanced electronics for the era, including navigation and stability control
Build Quality:
Renowned BMW build quality and materials
Engine:
4.4L V8 M62B44/TU
Engine Management:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics), VANOS, ignition system, fuel injection, emissions control
Transmission:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic (GM 5L40-E), 5-speed Manual (ZF S5-31)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD), driveshafts, differential
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering system
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Electrical:
Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, lighting, power windows, central locking, wipers, horn
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seat adjustments
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts
Chassis:
Frame, subframes, structural components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, common problem diagnosis
Repair:
Engine repair, transmission overhaul, suspension replacement, brake system service, electrical component repair
Rebuilds:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission rebuilds
Installation:
Component installation and removal (e.g., starter, alternator, sensors)
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system, diagnostic tool usage
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhaul
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements
Diagrams Illustrations:
Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and exploded views
Engine Code:
M62B44 / M62TUB44
Configuration:
4.4L Naturally Aspirated V8
Bore X Stroke:
92 mm x 82.7 mm
Displacement:
4398 cc (4.4 Liters)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS
Horsepower:
282 hp @ 5400 rpm (M62B44), 290 hp @ 5400 rpm (M62TUB44)
Torque:
324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (M62B44), 324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (M62TUB44)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic DME
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.0 Liters (10.6 Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant
Transmission Type:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic (GM 5L40-E)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (ZF S5-31) - Less common in North America for 540i
Automatic Modes:
Sport and Manual (Steptronic) modes
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., GM P/N 88862419 or 1940773)
Automatic Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (8.9 Quarts) for complete refill
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact:
4 Stars
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional front side airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Navigation:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation System (MK series units)
Audio System:
Optional Harman Kardon sound system, CD player, cassette player
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) on some models
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system
Climate System:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 100,000 miles (refer to manual for exact specification based on plug type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Oil meeting BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 Quarts)
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (BMW P/N 32131094316)
Common Issues Engine:
Valley pan gasket leaks, VANOS solenoid failure, PCV system issues, oil consumption, starter motor failure
Common Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission torque converter issues, mechatronic unit problems
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, strut mount failure, rear subframe bushings
Common Issues Electrical:
Headlight leveling sensors, pixelated instrument cluster displays, ABS/DSC sensor failures
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure
E39 Introduction:
Launched in 1995 (as 1996 model), E39 was the fifth generation of the 5 Series
E39 Facelift:
Significant facelift in 2000 (for 2001 model year), including updated headlights, taillights, bumpers, and interior electronics
540I Positioning:
Top-tier non-M model of the E39 generation, known for its V8 power and refinement
Production Period:
1997-2003 (for 540i E39)
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany
