🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Model Variant:

528i

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

E39

Engine Code Primary:

M52TUB28

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Sedan

Brand Perception:

Luxury, performance, engineering excellence

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for balanced handling, rear-wheel drive bias, and responsive steering

Interior Quality:

High-quality materials, ergonomic design, driver-focused cockpit

Powertrain:

Smooth and powerful inline-six engine, sophisticated automatic transmission options

Diy Suitability:

Ideal for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics seeking factory-accurate information

Diagnostic Capability:

Enables in-depth diagnosis and repair beyond basic owner's manual guidance

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service and Repair

Scope:

Complete vehicle systems, diagnostics, and repair procedures

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (indicative of a comprehensive factory manual)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnostics, overhaul, cooling system, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic Transmission service, repair, diagnostics, fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, differential, axles, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC, brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, bleeding procedures

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, fuses, relays

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, glass, bumpers, structural components

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling

Infotainment And Electronics:

Radio, navigation, climate control module, instrument cluster, SRS airbag system

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, component testing procedures

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components and systems

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures

Installation:

Component replacement and installation instructions

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical data

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics

Diagnostics Level:

Advanced, including detailed wiring diagrams and component-level troubleshooting

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (standard for quality PDFs)

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual

Binding:

Not applicable for PDF download (customer prints and binds)

Paper:

Not applicable for PDF download (customer chooses paper type)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder (M52TUB28)

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, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Horsepower:

193 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

206 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation or equivalent)

Oil Type:

Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for specific BMW LL-01 approval)

ECM:

MS43 Engine Control Module

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/6 or similar)

Transmission Type Opt:

5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic - GM 5L40-E)

Automatic Mode:

Steptronic (allows manual gear selection)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or specified ATF)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

188.0 inches

Width:

71.2 inches

Height:

57.5 inches

Wheelbase:

111.4 inches

Curb Weight Est:

3571 - 3726 lbs (depending on transmission and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Approx. 4586 lbs

Trunk Volume Cu Ft:

17.0 cu ft

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Tire Size Std:

225/50R16 (may vary by trim/options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 2001 model year, check specific tests)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for 2001 model year, check specific tests)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags (front optional/standard depending on package)

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Headlights:

Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon HID headlights

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

BMW Professional RDS (Radio Data System) with cassette and CD player options.

Navigation:

Optional MK III or MK IV Navigation system with CD-ROM map data.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature settings.

Parking Assist:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) with front and rear sensors.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory for this model year.

Auxiliary Input:

Optional (often requires aftermarket modification or specific packages).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Service Interval Indicator (Condition-Based) or approx. 7,500 - 10,000 miles with synthetic oil

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 100,000 miles (Long-life spark plugs, e.g., Bosch FGR7DQP+)

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-4 years or as per service indicator

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

BMW typically considered 'lifetime' but recommended by enthusiasts/specialists every 60,000-100,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (BMW recommends essential brake fluid)

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump impeller can fail; radiator leaks.

Vibration Dampers:

Harmonic balancer (crankshaft pulley) rubber can deteriorate, causing vibration and noise.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket commonly leak.

Suspension Components:

Front control arm bushings, sway bar links, and ball joints are wear items.

Electrical Gremlins:

Water ingress into LCM (Light Control Module) can cause erratic lighting; VANOS solenoid issues; ABS/DSC sensor failures.

Exhaust Vanos Rattle:

Exhaust side VANOS unit can develop a characteristic rattle on startup, often due to worn seals.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Focus:

Sporting sedans, performance, advanced engineering

E39 Generation:

Fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 1995 to 2003 (E39 platform)

2001 Updates:

Marked the mid-cycle facelift for the E39 generation, introducing revised exterior styling (headlights, taillights, bumpers), updated interior electronics, and chassis refinements. The 528i was phased out in North America after 2000, with the 530i (using the M54B30 engine) becoming the successor in 2001. This manual is for the 528i model designation, likely covering early E39 production that may have carried over or specific market variants if applicable.

Production Years E39:

1995-2003

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

E39 5 Series models frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10 Best lists during its production run for its driving dynamics and overall excellence.

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

While not a direct winner for the 528i in 2001, the 5 Series platform consistently received praise from automotive journalists.

Owner Satisfaction Typical:

Generally high owner satisfaction for driving experience and build quality, though maintenance costs can be higher than average.