Vehicle Segment:
Executive Mid-Size Sedan/Wagon (E-segment)
Target Demographic:
Consumers seeking luxury, performance, and practicality, often families or business professionals.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS, Volvo S80/V70.
Bmw E39 Strengths:
Superior driving dynamics, refined engine options, high-quality interior, strong brand reputation for performance and engineering.
Defining Characteristics:
Balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive bias (optional xDrive on later models, but not typically E39), sophisticated suspension, intuitive controls.
Powertrain Systems:
Engine mechanical (all variants), cooling system, fuel system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine management (DME/ECU diagnostics and calibration).
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (Getrag 260/6, Getrag 420G), Automatic transmission (ZF 5HP18, ZF 5HP19, ZF 5HP24, ZF 5HP30), clutch system, driveshafts, differential, axle shafts.
Chassis Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (double-wishbone, MacPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link), steering system (hydraulic power steering, Servotronic), wheel bearings, alignment specifications.
Brakes And Wheels:
Brake system (ABS, DSC, EBD), brake caliper service, rotor replacement, brake fluid specifications, parking brake, wheel bolt torque specifications, tire sizes.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, ignition system, power windows, mirrors, seats, sunroof.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass replacement, interior trim, seats, dashboard, climate control system (HVAC), infotainment system (CCC/Business/Professional).
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, safety features, diagnostic procedures for safety systems.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements), fluid level checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, battery service.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical troubleshooting using wiring diagrams, OBD-II diagnostics.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major systems, including engine component overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement.
Special Procedures:
Catalytic converter replacement, EGR system service (if applicable), ABS/DSC module troubleshooting, airbag system diagnosis, climate control refrigerant handling.
Depth Of Information:
Complete engine rebuild specifications, transmission overhaul procedures, detailed electrical schematics, torque specifications for all fasteners, diagnostic flowcharts, component testing procedures.
525I Engine:
2.5L Inline-6 (M54B25) - 189 hp @ 6000 rpm, 181 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm. Earlier models: M52B25 (168-189 hp).
528I Engine:
2.8L Inline-6 (M52B28) - 190 hp @ 5500 rpm, 206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm.
530I Engine:
3.0L Inline-6 (M54B30) - 225 hp @ 5900 rpm, 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm.
540I Engine:
4.4L V8 (M62TU B44) - 290 hp @ 5400 rpm, 324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
0 60 Mph 530I:
Approximately 6.3 seconds (manual transmission).
0 60 Mph 540I:
Approximately 5.6 seconds (manual transmission).
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Standard Transmission Early Models:
5-speed manual (Getrag 260/6 for 6-cyl, Getrag 420G for M54 engines).
Standard Transmission Late Models:
5-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (ZF 5HP18/19/24).
Optional Transmission 540I:
6-speed manual (Getrag 420G).
Steptronic Functionality:
Allows manual selection of gears via shifter or steering wheel buttons (on some models).
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW LT-3 or ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (for automatic transmissions).
Length:
Sedan: Approx. 190.6 inches (4841 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.0 inches (1803 mm)
Height:
Sedan: Approx. 57.0 inches (1448 mm), Wagon: Approx. 57.5 inches (1460 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 111.4 inches (2830 mm)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 38.6 inches (980 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 35.8 inches (909 mm)
Sedan Trunk Volume:
Approx. 15.0 cu ft (425 liters)
Wagon Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 22.0 cu ft (620 liters)
Curb Weight 525I:
Approx. 3570 lbs (1619 kg)
Curb Weight 540I:
Approx. 3880 lbs (1760 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver & Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for applicable model years)
Standard Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASC+T), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on later models.
Optional Safety Features:
Xenon headlights, Parking Distance Control (PDC).
Airbag System:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional head protection system (HPS).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners for all seating positions.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically every 7,500 to 15,000 miles or 12-24 months (dependent on driving conditions and oil quality, based on Condition Based Service - CBS).
Spark Plug Replacement:
M54 engines: Approx. 100,000 miles (using long-life spark plugs). M52/M62: Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Capacity 6Cyl:
Approx. 6.5-7.0 quarts (6.2-6.6 liters) - SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended (BMW Longlife-01 or LL-04).
Engine Oil Capacity V8:
Approx. 7.0-7.5 quarts (6.6-7.1 liters) - SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended (BMW Longlife-01 or LL-04).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (low viscosity or high performance recommended).
Common Failures Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure (plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks, radiator leaks.
Common Failures Ignition Engine:
Valve cover gasket leaks (oil smell), CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure leading to oil consumption/leaks, VANOS solenoid issues (especially on M54 engines), ignition coil and spark plug degradation.
Common Failures Suspension Steering:
Front control arm bushings (bushings can tear), tie rod ends, sway bar links, rear shock mount failures.
Common Failures Electrical:
ABS/DSC wheel speed sensor failures, headlight leveling sensor issues, alternator failure, fuel pump failure, LCM (Light Control Module) issues, pixilation on instrument cluster LCD.
Common Failures Body:
Sagging headliner, pixelation in the instrument cluster, door seal degradation.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure - emphasis on performance, handling, and driver engagement.
E39 Predecessor:
BMW E34 5 Series (1988-1996)
E39 Successor:
BMW E60 5 Series (2004-2010)
E39 Facelift:
Significant facelift in 2001 (model year 2001.5), introducing updated engines (M54 series), revised headlights and taillights, and updated interior features.
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany (primary), Rosslyn, South Africa (assembly).
Production Volume:
Over 1 million units produced worldwide.
Car And Driver 10 Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run.
Ward Best Engines:
The M54 inline-6 engines (2.5L and 3.0L) were recognized for their smoothness and efficiency.
Vehicle Reviews General:
Widely praised for its driving dynamics, build quality, and comfortable interior, often considered a benchmark in its class.
Manual Quality Certification:
OEM standard, mirroring the technical documentation used by certified BMW technicians.
