Vehicle Segment:
Executive/Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Discerning drivers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and advanced engineering
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C4/C5), Lexus GS300, Jaguar S-Type
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW handling and ride comfort, balanced chassis, powerful engine
Powertrain:
Smooth and potent V8 engine
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, advanced features for its era
Diy Enablement:
Empowers owners to perform complex repairs and maintenance, saving on labor costs and maintaining vehicle integrity.
Diagnostic Capability:
Provides the necessary information to accurately diagnose issues, reducing guesswork and unnecessary part replacement.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission:
Automatic (Steptronic), manual (if applicable to specific 540i trims), gearbox overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, driveshafts, differential, axle overhaul
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, alignment procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, pump, linkages, troubleshooting
Brakes:
ABS, ASC, brake system components, fluid flush, pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrument cluster, fuses, relays, modules (e.g., DME, ABS, DSC)
Bodywork:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control module, refrigerant service
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, thermostat, alternator), transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension repair
Rebuild:
Engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, differential overhaul
Refurbish:
Interior refurbishment, exterior detailing and repair, component restoration
Restoration:
Comprehensive guide for bringing a vehicle back to original or improved condition
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults
Installation:
Guidance on installing aftermarket or replacement parts
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and electrical system troubleshooting.
Searchable Text:
Typically yes, for PDF formats, enabling quick navigation
Printable:
Yes, allows for printing of specific sections or the entire manual
Image Resolution:
High-resolution diagrams, illustrations, and photographs for clarity
Physical Binding:
N/A (for digital, but if physical would be spiral-bound or perfect bound for durability)
Physical Paper:
N/A (for digital, but if physical would be heavy-duty, shop-grade paper)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not rated in modern standards, but generally considered safe for its era.
IIHS Front Offset Impact:
Good (for its time)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Head Unit:
BMW Professional RDS, optional navigation system (BMW Business or BMW Professional)
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional premium Hi-Fi system (e.g., Harman Kardon)
Display:
Central LCD screen for climate, radio, and navigation information
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC)
Cellular Integration:
Optional cellular telephone integration (via cradle)
Headlights:
Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon headlights with auto-leveling
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions. BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system may adjust intervals.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as indicated by inspection.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum spark plugs: 60,000 miles. Long-life iridium: 100,000 miles. Refer to manual for exact type.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
BMW generally lists 'lifetime' fluid for automatics, but recommended practice is every 60,000 - 100,000 miles for longevity.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic oil, viscosity grade typically 5W-30 or 5W-40.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (13.7 Pints)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump failures are not uncommon.
Vanos:
Early M62 VANOS systems can develop issues leading to rough idle, loss of power, and increased oil consumption. Seals and solenoids are common repair items.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Rear main seal and oil pan gaskets are prone to leaks over time.
Pcv System:
Clogged Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system can lead to increased oil consumption and vacuum leaks.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
These sensors can fail, leading to ABS and ASC warning lights.
Climate Control Actuators:
Faulty blend door actuators can cause uneven cabin temperatures.
Bmw Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine, focus on performance, engineering, and driver engagement.
E39 Introduction:
Introduced in 1995 (as a 1996 model) as the successor to the E34 5 Series. The E39 generation marked a significant advancement in chassis dynamics, comfort, and technology.
540I Positioning:
The 540i was the performance flagship of the E39 lineup, offering V8 power and a more luxurious experience compared to the 6-cylinder models.
Facelift:
The E39 received a significant facelift in 2000, which included updated headlights, taillights, bumpers, and interior enhancements. The 1997 model is part of the pre-facelift range.
Production Years:
E39 5 Series: 1995-2003. 1997 models fall within the early production run.
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany