Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS
Design Philosophy:
Sporty yet luxurious, driver-focused cockpit, balanced handling
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, expert-level guidance for all mechanical and electrical repairs, empowering owners and independent mechanics to maintain and repair the vehicle effectively.
Scope:
All models and repairs A-Z
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (specific count not provided, but implies comprehensive)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (printable pages implied)
Mechanical Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, driveline, suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tires
Electrical Systems:
Engine electrical, ignition system, starting and charging system, lighting, instruments and controls, body electronics, climate control electronics, infotainment system electronics, safety systems electronics (e.g., ABS, ASC, airbags)
Body And Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, bumpers, noise insulation.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, troubleshooting, diagnostic procedures, wiring harness repair, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit analysis.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems, crucial for electrical troubleshooting.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all repairs from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and overhauls
Diagnostic Tools:
Information pertinent to the use of BMW's diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS, ISTA) or equivalent generic scan tools.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners, critical for engine, suspension, and brake component assembly.
Engine Variants:
M52/M54 Inline-6 (e.g., 525i, 528i, 530i), M62 V8 (e.g., 540i)
528I Horsepower:
193 hp @ 5300 rpm
528I Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
540I Horsepower:
290 hp @ 5400 rpm
540I Torque:
324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
530I Horsepower M54:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm
530I Torque M54:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic
Common Inline 6:
M52TU (2.5L, 2.8L), M54 (2.5L, 3.0L)
Common V8:
M62, M62TU (4.4L)
Inline 6 Transmission:
5-speed manual (Getrag 260/5, Getrag 420G)
Inline 6 Automatic:
5-speed automatic (GM A5S360R, ZF 5HP19)
V8 Transmission:
5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP24)
Manual Clutch Type:
Hydraulic actuation
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW LT-71141 (ZF LifeguardFluid5), Pentosin ATF1
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent API GL-4/GL-5)
Wheelbase:
113.7 inches (2881 mm)
Length:
191.0 inches (4851 mm)
Width:
71.0 inches (1803 mm)
Height:
57.7 inches (1466 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3500-3800 lbs (depending on engine and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 4500-4800 lbs (depending on configuration)
Front Headroom:
Approximately 38.7 inches (983 mm)
Front Legroom:
Approximately 41.5 inches (1054 mm)
Rear Headroom:
Approximately 38.5 inches (978 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approximately 34.6 inches (879 mm)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 stars (driver), 4 stars (passenger)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) available
Headlights:
Halogen projectors standard, Xenon (HID) headlights optional for enhanced visibility.
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side airbags
Structure:
Reinforced chassis, crumple zones
Radio System:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional RDS CD, optional navigation system with color display.
Speakers:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) available on later models.
Cellular Integration:
Optional BMW Assist system with integrated cellular phone connectivity (via cradle or direct integration).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (based on Condition Based Service - CBS system or manufacturer recommendations)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (e.g., for NGK BKR6EQUP)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic, meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-98 (LL-98) specifications
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S is often a suitable alternative)
Cooling System Failure:
Plastic expansion tank cracks, water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket leaks are common.
Electrical Gremlins:
ABS/DSC module failures, VANOS solenoid issues, pixelation on the instrument cluster display.
Suspension Wear:
Front control arm bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, shock absorber wear.
Differential Fluid:
Rear differential fluid should be changed per manufacturer recommendations (typically every 30,000-60,000 miles) with GL-5 rated gear oil.
Bmw Legacy:
Renowned for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury.
E39 Introduction:
Introduced in 1995 (Europe) and 1996 (North America), replacing the E34.
E39 Facelift:
Significant facelift in 2000, introducing updated engines (M54), headlights (angel eyes), taillights, and interior refinements.
Production Period:
1995-2003 (sedan), 1997-2004 (touring)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing), South Africa, Egypt, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Russia, Ukraine, China, Indonesia, Malaysia
