🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Chassis Code:

E39

Generation Designation:

Fourth Generation

Production Years:

1995-2003

Internal Project Code:

E39

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

BMW 5 Series E39 owners, independent repair shops, and automotive enthusiasts seeking detailed technical information for maintenance and repair.

Alternative Sources:

Factory service manuals (often expensive CD-ROMs), other third-party repair guides. This PDF aims to replicate factory content without the high cost or physical media limitations.

Content Advantage:

Comprehensive coverage comparable to factory manuals, accessible digitally, cost-effective alternative, immediate delivery via email.

Delivery Method:

Email delivery, eliminating shipping costs and wait times.

Visual Aids:

Includes 'lots of pictures and diagrams' crucial for understanding complex procedures.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive Workshop Service and Repair

Specific Systems Covered:

Lubrication & Maintenance, Suspension, Brakes, Cooling System, Electrical System, Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission, Heating and Air Conditioning, Emission Control Systems, Body, Wiring Diagrams

Estimated Page Count:

Detailed page count not specified, but described as 'COMPLETE' and 'all information which the Shop Manual CD ROMs contains'.

Manual Type:

Workshop Service / Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Operating System Compatibility:

All PC based Windows operating systems and Mac

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Complete engine diagnostics, repair, overhaul, including timing, valve train, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, and emission control systems.

Transmission Systems:

Service and repair procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions, including fluid changes, component overhauls, and control systems.

Chassis Systems:

Detailed coverage of suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (including ABS and DSC), and wheel alignment.

Electrical Systems:

Comprehensive electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures for ECUs, sensors, actuators, lighting, and comfort features.

Body And Interior:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim removal and installation, HVAC system service.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt replacement, spark plug service.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic strategies for various systems.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and rebuilding for all major vehicle systems.

Installation Procedures:

Guidance for installing specific aftermarket parts or OE components.

Air Conditioning Service:

Detailed procedures for refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), leak detection, and system evacuation/recharging.

Depth Of Information:

Full workshop level, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Tools:

Likely includes information on using BMW's proprietary diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1/DIS, INPA) or generic OBD-II scanners for fault diagnosis.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

Implied high quality, similar to factory manuals, with 'lots of pictures and diagrams'.

Searchable Text:

PDF format typically allows for text searching, enhancing ease of use.

Print Capability:

Fully printable, allowing users to print all, any, or only specific pages.

Binding:

Not applicable (digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Available Engine Variants:

The E39 generation offered a range of engines including inline-4, inline-6, and V8 petrol engines, and straight-6 diesel engines. Specific engines covered by the manual likely include: M52 (2.0-2.8L), M54 (2.2-3.0L), M62 (3.5-4.4L), and M57 diesel (2.5-3.0L).

Power And Torque:

Specifications for horsepower and torque will vary significantly by engine. For example, the M54B30 (3.0L inline-6) produced approximately 225 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque. The manual will detail these for each covered engine.

Fuel Delivery:

Includes detailed information on fuel injection systems (e.g., Bosch Motronic), fuel pumps, injectors, fuel pressure regulators, and diagnostic procedures for the fuel system.

Ignition System:

Covers spark plugs, ignition coils, crank and cam position sensors, ignition control modules, and troubleshooting of ignition faults.

Timing Belt Chain:

Details on timing chain systems (as most E39 engines used chains, not belts) for engines like the M52/M54/M62, including tensioners and guides.

ECU Coverage:

Information on Engine Control Unit (ECU) identification, data streams, and basic diagnostic checks for relevant ECUs (e.g., MS42, MS43, MS45 for petrol, DDE for diesel).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Types:

Likely covers both manual (e.g., Getrag 5-speed, ZF 6-speed) and automatic transmissions (e.g., ZF 5HP series).

Optional Transmission Types:

Covers various automatic transmission variants and potentially performance-oriented manual gearboxes.

Transmission Fluid Specifications:

Details on specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) types (e.g., Esso LT 71141 for ZF 5HP19/24/30) and manual transmission gear oil specifications, capacities, and change intervals.

Rebuild Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for overhauling automatic and manual transmissions, including clutch pack replacement, torque converter service, and valve body repair.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Sedan (4-door) and Touring (Wagon/Estate) body styles.

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2830 mm (111.4 in) for Sedan, 2830 mm (111.4 in) for Touring.

Length:

Approx. 4774 mm (188.0 in) for Sedan, 4789 mm (188.5 in) for Touring.

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and equipment, typically ranging from 1500 kg to over 1800 kg (3300 lbs to 4000 lbs).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Performance:

The E39 was known for strong safety features for its era. Specific crash test ratings from NHTSA or Euro NCAP would need to be referenced, but generally, it performed well.

Traction Control:

Availability of systems like ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) or DSC (Dynamic Stability Control).

Braking Systems:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), and potential for cornering brake control.

Airbags:

Front airbags for driver and passenger, side airbags (optional), and potentially head airbags.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones, and side-impact protection beams.

💡 Technology Features

Navigation System:

Optional BMW Professional Navigation system with CD-ROM based maps.

Audio System:

Various BMW Business and Professional audio systems, often with options for CD changers and premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).

Parking Sensors:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, with optional active cruise control on some higher-end models/options.

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth phone preparation or cradle systems.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control (e.g., IHKA systems).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12-24 months, depending on the Condition Based Service (CBS) system or manual recommendations.

Brake Fluid Interval:

Recommended every 2 years regardless of mileage.

Coolant Interval:

Typically requires replacement at higher mileage intervals, e.g., 4-5 years or around 100,000 km (60,000 miles), with BMW coolant (G48).

Engine Oil Specification:

BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification oils, typically SAE 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 depending on climate and specific engine. The manual will specify exact grades.

Coolant Specification:

BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (G48, ethylene glycol-based, blue/green color).

Power Steering Fluid:

Specific hydraulic fluid, often CHF 11S or Pentosin brand, for vehicles equipped with Servotronic steering. Manual will confirm.

Common Engine Issues:

VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid issues, oil separator (PCV) system clogging, coolant expansion tank leaks, cooling system hose failures, ignition coil failures, CCV system issues (on M54).

Common Chassis Issues:

Front suspension control arm bushings (bushing separation), rear subframe mounting point cracks, RUST (especially on rear fenders and rocker panels), driveshaft center bearing failure, ABS wheel speed sensor failures.

Common Electrical Issues:

Heater control valve failures (e.g., BMW Part No. 64118369805), ABS/DSC module failures, pixelated instrument cluster displays, door module issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

The 5 Series represents BMW's commitment to 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' balancing luxury, performance, and advanced engineering.

Predecessor:

Succeeded the E34 5 Series.

Successor:

Succeeded by the E60 5 Series.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily produced at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany.

Production Volume:

Millions of units produced globally during its lifecycle.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Awards:

The E39 5 Series frequently appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production run, praised for its driving dynamics and refinement.

Vehicle Segment Ranking:

Consistently ranked as a benchmark in the mid-size luxury sedan segment, often lauded for its balance of sportiness and comfort.

Quality Awards:

Received numerous accolades for build quality, engineering, and design during its lifecycle.