Segment:
Executive sedan, known for blending luxury, performance, and advanced engineering.
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to maintain their vehicles to factory standards, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS (JZS160).
Key Differentiators:
Rear-wheel drive bias, superior driving dynamics, sophisticated engine options, build quality.
Manual Value:
Vehicle-specific, dealership-level accuracy and detail, comprehensive coverage.
Vehicle Appeal:
Timeless design, refined driving experience, robust engineering.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul for M52, M54, M62 engines.
Transmission:
Service and repair for GM 5L40-E (5-speed automatic) and ZF S5-31 (5-speed manual) transmissions.
Brakes:
ABS, DSC, brake pad/rotor replacement, hydraulic system diagnostics.
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, ECU troubleshooting, body electronics.
Suspension:
Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, steering system.
Body:
Panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement.
HVAC:
Climate control system diagnostics, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure testing, evaporative emissions (EVAP).
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid flushes, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, component testing procedures.
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, starter/alternator replacement.
Diagnostics:
Using BMW's DIS (Diagnostic Information System) or compatible tools, specific sensor readings, live data analysis.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electronic diagnostics.
Engine Codes Covered:
M52TUB28 (2.8L I6), M54B30 (3.0L I6), M62TUB44 (4.4L V8)
Displacement 2.8L:
2793 cc
Horsepower 2.8L:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 2.8L:
206.5 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Displacement 3.0L:
2979 cc
Horsepower 3.0L:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque 3.0L:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Displacement 4.4L:
4398 cc
Horsepower 4.4L:
282 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque 4.4L:
317 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine Technology:
Dual VANOS (Variable Valve Timing), Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI).
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Injection System:
Bosch Motronic ECU with multi-point sequential fuel injection.
Transmission Type I6:
ZF S5-31 5-speed manual
Transmission Type V8:
GM 5L40-E 5-speed automatic
Transmission Type I6 Auto:
GM 5L40-E 5-speed automatic (optional on some 6-cylinder models)
Automatic Features:
Adaptive transmission control, Steptronic manual shift mode.
Manual Features:
Hydraulically actuated clutch, dual-mass flywheel.
Manual Fluid:
BMW MTF-LT-1 or equivalent SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
Automatic Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon or BMW ETL-7045E / 8072B.
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 stars
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Stability Control:
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available
Brakes:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners.
Chassis Safety:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, Professional CD/RDS, or optional Navigation system with integrated CD/Radio.
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Hi-Fi system with amplifier, optional Harman Kardon system.
Parking Assist:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) sensors front and rear.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with electronic speed regulation.
Cellular:
Optional BMW Assist integrated cellular phone system (analog or digital depending on production date).
Diagnostics Port:
OBD-II compliant 16-pin connector (BMW's proprietary 20-pin round connector also present, accessible via adapter).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 15,000 km) or annually, per condition monitoring system (Oil Service Interval Indicator).
Air Filter Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Interval:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (100,000 - 160,000 km) depending on plug type (standard vs. long-life).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or LL-01 approved synthetic oil, viscosity typically 0W-30 or 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity I6:
Approx. 6.5-7.0 liters (6.9-7.4 US quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity V8:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank failures, water pump failures, thermostat housing leaks, VANOS hose leaks.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC sensor failures, headlight leveling sensor issues, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure leading to oil leaks.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings wear, rear subframe mounting point cracks, strut mount failures.
Engine:
Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, VANOS solenoid issues, piston ring wear (high mileage M54).
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, engineering excellence, sporty luxury.
E39 Introduction:
Introduced in 1995 as the successor to the E34 5-series.
E39 Updates:
Facelift in 2000 introduced updated styling, engines (M54), and technology.
E39 Variants:
Sedan (E39) and Touring (E39) wagon body styles.
Production Years:
1995-2003
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa; Graz, Austria (Magnna Steyr).