Segment:
Executive Sedan and Wagon
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, DIY enthusiasts, professional mechanics.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS (JZS160).
Manual Value Proposition:
Comprehensive, detailed, digital for ease of use and printing specific sections.
Ease Of Use:
Numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, numbered table of contents for quick information retrieval.
Visual Aids:
Detailed illustrations, drawings, photos, and enlarged inset views for clarity.
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, maintenance, diagnostics, including timing belt and head gasket replacement (for applicable engines).
Transmission:
Repair and service procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions.
Drivetrain:
Differential, drive shafts, axles, and related components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, and alignment.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and related components.
Brakes:
Disc brake systems (front and rear), including pad replacement, rotor service, caliper repair, brake fluid bleeding, and ABS system diagnostics.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including battery, alternator, starter, lighting, power windows, central locking, and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, and ECU diagnostics.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, and fuel tank service.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, and oxygen sensors.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning and heating system components, refrigerant, and service procedures.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass, and chassis components.
Body Electrical:
Wiper system, horn, interior lighting, and control modules.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics and service, seat belt mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (air, oil, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid).
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, electrical system troubleshooting, fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, and electrical component replacement.
Installation:
Procedures for installing replacement parts and components.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic charts, wiring diagrams, and procedures for identifying and resolving problems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic owner maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls. Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Detail Level:
Detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings for critical information.
Engine 525I:
M54B25 (2.5L inline-6), VANOS, Double VANOS
Engine 528I:
M52TUB28 (2.8L inline-6), VANOS
Engine 530I:
M54B30 (3.0L inline-6), VANOS, Double VANOS
Engine 540I:
M62B44 (4.4L V8), VANOS (early), Double VANOS (later models, from 1998/1999)
Horsepower 525I:
189 hp @ 6000 rpm (M54B25)
Torque 525I:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (M54B25)
Horsepower 528I:
190 hp @ 5500 rpm (M52TUB28)
Torque 528I:
280 Nm (207 lb-ft) @ 3950 rpm (M52TUB28)
Horsepower 530I:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm (M54B30)
Torque 530I:
300 Nm (221 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (M54B30)
Horsepower 540I:
282 hp @ 5400 rpm (M62B44 - 1997-1998), 290 hp @ 5400 rpm (M62TU B44 - 1999-2003)
Torque 540I:
440 Nm (325 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm (M62B44), 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm (M62TU B44)
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic management.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
NHTSA Front Driver:
5-star (for models equipped with optional side airbags)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
5-star (for models equipped with optional side airbags)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard on most models.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T) standard on most models.
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional front side airbags, optional head protection system (HPS).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for specifics).
Brake Fluid Change:
Recommended every 2 years.
Coolant Change:
Typically every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended at intervals such as 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, though BMW often listed as 'lifetime' fluid (manual service is prudent).
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic engine oil meeting BMW LL-01 specifications (e.g., 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity) brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW approved equivalent.
Common E39 Issues Cooling:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks prone to cracking, thermostat housing leaks, water pump failure.
Common E39 Issues Suspension:
Control arm bushings, sway bar links, front strut mounts wear out.
Common E39 Issues Electrical:
CCFL angel eye headlights dimming/flickering, OBC 'check control' system faults, ABS/DSC sensor issues.
Common E39 Issues Engine:
PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system clogs (causing oil leaks/sludge), VANOS solenoids/seals, oil pan gasket leaks (especially on M62 V8).
Common E39 Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission valve body issues, driveshaft flex disc wear.
Bmw Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine, focus on performance, luxury, and engineering.
E39 Introduction:
Introduced in 1995 (Europe) and 1996 (North America) as the successor to the E34 5 Series.
E39 Facelift:
Significant facelift (LCI) for the 2001 model year, introducing updated styling, engines (M54 series), and technology.
Performance Variants:
M5 (E39) with S62 4.9L V8 engine, not covered in this specific manual.
Production Period:
1995-2003
Manufacturing Plants:
Dingolfing, Germany; Austria; Brazil; Egypt; Russia; Thailand; Ukraine; Vietnam.