Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Performance-oriented luxury car buyers seeking refined driving dynamics and advanced features for its era.
Primary Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type.
Handling:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, responsive steering, and superior ride quality thanks to its multi-link suspension.
Engine Performance:
Smooth, powerful inline-six engine providing excellent torque and acceleration.
Build Quality:
High-quality interior materials and robust construction characteristic of BMW.
Technology Features:
Advanced electronics for its time, including integrated safety systems and optional features like navigation.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes
Electrical:
Engine Management, Ignition, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electrics, Comfort Systems, Infotainment
Body:
Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacement, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, symptom analysis
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Overhaul:
Engine, transmission, and differential overhaul procedures
Component Replacement:
Detailed replacement procedures for specific parts (e.g., alternator, starter, fuel pump)
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and complete component overhauls.
Diagnostic Tools:
References specific BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS, GT1) and procedures where applicable.
Torque Specifications:
Includes detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners.
Wiring Diagrams:
Contains detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Schematics:
Includes hydraulic, pneumatic, and vacuum schematics where relevant.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower Hp:
193 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque Lb Ft:
206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M5.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Emissions Control:
Dual Catalytic Converters, Oxygen Sensors
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/6)
Type:
5-Speed Steptronic Automatic (GM A5S 310Z)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch (Manual)
Gear Ratios Manual:
1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.50, 3rd: 1.67, 4th: 1.21, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.67
Gear Ratios Automatic:
1st: 3.64, 2nd: 2.47, 3rd: 1.57, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.73, Reverse: 3.22
Final Drive Ratio:
3.15:1 (Common)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Manual: Approx. 1.5 Liters (BMW MTF LT-2), Automatic: Approx. 7.7 Liters (BMW LT-71141)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Not Explicitly Rated by NHTSA for 1998, but generally considered good for its era.
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for vehicles tested in its class during that period)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Brake Assist:
Not Standard
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Optional Side Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Head Restraints:
Active head restraints (driver and front passenger) designed to reduce whiplash injuries.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional RDS cassette/CD players. Optional CD changer.
Display:
Central OBC (On-Board Computer) display in the instrument cluster. Optional larger displays for navigation.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Navigation:
Optional GPS Navigation system with integrated display.
Phone Integration:
Optional BMW Assist or integrated cellular phone systems available.
Diagnostics Interface:
OBD-II compliant connector, though BMW-specific diagnostics (e.g., DIS) were also prevalent.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 100,000 miles for iridium/platinum plugs; refer to manual for specific type.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW LL-01 approved, or equivalent)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tanks can become brittle and leak; water pumps and thermostats are also common failure points.
Oil Pan Gasket Leak:
Common leak point due to age and material degradation.
ABS/Dsc Sensor Failures:
Wheel speed sensors can fail, leading to ABS and DSC warning lights.
Vanos System:
While generally reliable on the M52, early signs of wear can include rough idle or decreased performance.
Headliner Sag:
The adhesive holding the fabric to the headliner often degrades over time.
Sway Bar Links/Bushings:
Wear can lead to clunking noises over bumps.
Brand Focus:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing sporty, luxury vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics and engineering excellence.
E39 Introduction:
The E39 generation of the 5 Series was introduced in 1995 for the 1996 model year in Europe and for the 1997 model year in North America. It represented a significant evolution from the E34 generation.
E39 Facelift:
The E39 received a facelift for the 2000 model year, introducing updated headlights, taillights, and interior refinements. The 1998 model predates this.
Production Years For E39 528I:
1997-2000 (for North American market)
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany; Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA (for North American market)
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E39 5 Series generation, including models like the 528i, was frequently recognized on Car and Driver's 10Best lists for its outstanding performance and handling.
Consumer Reports:
Generally received high ratings from Consumer Reports for its performance, comfort, and safety, though certain reliability concerns were noted for specific components as the cars aged.
Epa Fuel Economy:
Approx. 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Highway (Manual Transmission)