Target Audience:
Professional mechanics, amateur enthusiasts, and car owners seeking to understand and maintain their BMW 5 Series (E39).
Instructional Style:
Step-by-step illustrated repair procedures for ease of understanding and execution.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to confidently perform repairs and maintenance, potentially saving on professional labor costs.
Covered Systems:
General Information, Engine, Clutch, Gearbox, Propeller Shafts, Rear Axles, Front Axle, Front and Rear Suspensions, Wheels and Tyres, Steering System, Brakes, Bodywork and Chassis Frame, Maintenance, Electric/Electronic System
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (exact count not specified, but implied to cover all listed systems in detail)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine:
Detailed information on engine operation, disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and repair for the M52B28 engine.
Drivetrain:
Covers clutch, gearbox (manual and automatic), propeller shafts, and rear axles, including troubleshooting and repair procedures.
Suspension Steering:
In-depth coverage of front and rear suspension components, steering systems, including alignment procedures and component replacement.
Brakes:
Comprehensive brake system repair information, including ABS, disc and drum brake systems, fluid replacement, and component servicing.
Electrical Electronics:
Detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, component testing, and repair procedures for various electronic systems.
Bodywork Chassis:
Information related to body panels, chassis structure, and interior components, including potential repair and maintenance aspects.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, from basic to advanced.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides and diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon vehicle issues.
Technical Specifications:
Inclusion of technical data, torque specifications, clearances, and other critical measurements for proper repair.
Depth Of Coverage:
Dealer-level instructional guides covering basic upkeep to complete rebuilds.
Engine Code:
M52B28 (3.0L Inline-6 for later E39 528i models, though 2.8L is the primary association)
Displacement Liters:
2.8 L (approximately 2793 cc)
Horsepower Hp:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm (typical for M52B28)
Torque Lb Ft:
206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm (typical for M52B28)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Bosch Motronic engine management.
Valvetrain:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing).
Transmission Type Std:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Opt:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., GM 5L40-E)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch (for manual transmission).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Specific MTF (Manual Transmission Fluid) - refer to manual for exact BMW specs (e.g., Castrol BOT series or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent, e.g., Mobil ATF 3309) - critical to use correct fluid for automatic.
NHTSA Driver Front Star:
4-Star (typical for E39 generation, refer to specific model year tests)
IIHS Front Offset G:
Good (typical for E39 generation)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Available DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) on later models, or ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger; optional side airbags.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation system (MKIII or MKIV computer).
Audio:
Available premium sound systems, including Harman Kardon on higher trims.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth preparation for mobile phones (early systems).
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Interval (VSI) system, typically recommending oil changes every 7,500 to 15,000 miles depending on driving conditions and oil quality. Early models may have had fixed intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 specifications. Check VIN/manual for exact spec.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or G48 ethylene glycol-based coolant. Always use the correct BMW-approved coolant.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump and thermostat housing leaks are also common.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear shock mounts can lead to clunking noises and poor handling.
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, LCM (Light Control Module) issues, and ABS/DSC sensor failures are frequently reported.
Engine:
CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging can lead to oil leaks and pressure issues. Oil pan gasket leaks are also common.
Bmw Philosophy:
Known for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering.
E39 Introduction:
The E39 generation, introduced in 1995 (for model year 1996), represented a significant step in refinement and technology over its E34 predecessor.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced in Dingolfing, Germany.
