Target Audience:
BMW E39 owners seeking to perform DIY repairs, maintenance, or tuning, as well as those preparing vehicles for sale.
Value Proposition:
Provides professional-grade information to save on repair costs and maintain vehicle condition. Positions itself as the 'ONLY' manual needed.
Visual Aid:
Features highly detailed exploded pictures to guide repair processes.
User Friendliness:
Designed for ease of use with step-by-step instructions.
Accessibility:
Instant download provides immediate access without shipping delays.
Covered Models:
525i, 528i, 530i, 540i
Covered Years:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (Implied by 'absolute wealth of information', 'entire vehicle from start to finish', 'step by step instruction & highly detailed exploded pictures')
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Comprehensive diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and tuning of all specified engine variants.
Transmission Clutch:
Detailed procedures for manual and automatic transmission servicing, repair, clutch replacement, and driveline components.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications, and diagnosis of overheating issues.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure, fuel filter replacement, and fuel tank servicing.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS, DSC, brake pad and rotor replacement, fluid bleeding, and caliper servicing.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, control arms, shock absorbers, springs, alignment specifications, and steering system.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, battery, starter, alternator, lighting, power windows, climate control, and diagnostic troubleshooting.
Bodywork Fixtures:
Panel repair, interior trim removal, door mechanisms, bumpers, and general bodywork maintenance.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and gasket replacement.
Wheels Tires:
Wheel specifications, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), tire rotation, and lug nut torque values.
Technical Info:
General technical specifications, torque values, fluid capacities, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups, and inspection procedures.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical systems, including component removal and installation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues, including fault finding charts.
Tuning:
Guidance on performance enhancement and tuning-up procedures for various components.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic user maintenance to in-depth mechanical repairs and diagnostics, comparable to professional mechanic resources.
Readability:
Designed for viewing on Windows PC, Mac, tablets, and smartphones.
Searchability:
Likely searchable text content within the PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval.
Printability:
Printable on demand, allowing for hardcopy creation of specific sections or the entire manual.
Digital Delivery:
Instant Download via secure high-speed servers.
Digital Medium:
N/A (Digital Product)
Engine Variants Covered:
Inline-6 (M52TU, M54), V8 (M62TU)
Engine 525I:
M54B25 (2.5L Inline-6, approx. 189 hp @ 6000 rpm, 245 Nm torque @ 3500 rpm)
Engine 528I:
M52TUB28 (2.8L Inline-6, approx. 190 hp @ 5500 rpm, 280 Nm torque @ 3950 rpm)
Engine 530I:
M54B30 (3.0L Inline-6, approx. 225 hp @ 5900 rpm, 300 Nm torque @ 3500 rpm)
Engine 540I:
M62TUB44 (4.4L V8, approx. 290 hp @ 5400 rpm, 440 Nm torque @ 3600 rpm)
Vanos System:
Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system covered for M52TU and M54 engines.
Injection System:
Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic for most variants).
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition (DIS) with individual coil-on-plug for M54 and M62TU.
Transmission Type Std I6:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/6 or ZF S5-31)
Transmission Type Opt I6:
5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP19)
Transmission Type Std V8:
5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP30)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Dexron III or equivalent (consult specific BMW fluid recommendations for optimal performance and longevity).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch (for manual transmission models).
NHTSA Rating:
4-star front, 5-star side for driver and passenger (for comparable E39 models).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Asc T:
Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) standard on many models, optional on others.
Dsc:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) available on later models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags, and head protection system (optional on some models).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts with force limiters.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, or BMW Navigation systems (e.g., MKIII, MKIV).
Audio System:
Standard Hi-Fi system, optional Harman Kardon Logic 7 audio system.
Parking Sensors:
Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear available on many models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system with cradle integration.
Navigation:
Optional BMW On-Board Navigation system.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. The Condition Based Service (CBS) system will often indicate specific intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles for standard spark plugs, potentially longer for iridium or platinum plugs. Refer to specific engine and plug type.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) compliant synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 depending on climate and engine.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 (BMW recommends their own high-performance brake fluid).
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent, or BMW's recommended power steering fluid.
Cooling System Leaks:
Common issues include plastic expansion tanks cracking, coolant hoses degrading, and water pump failures.
Oil Gasket Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket leaks are frequent due to age and material degradation.
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common wear items, leading to steering looseness or clunks.
Electrical Gremlins:
Water ingress into ABS/DSC modules, LCM (Light Control Module) failures, and frayed wiring harnesses can cause various electrical problems.
Ccv System Clogging:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system on M54 engines can become clogged, leading to oil leaks and increased crankcase pressure.
Bmw Philosophy:
Reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.
E39 Introduction:
The E39 generation of the 5 Series was introduced in 1995 (as a 1996 model in some markets), succeeding the E34. The 1997-2002 timeframe reflects the North American market introduction and subsequent model year updates.
Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred in 2000 (for the 2001 model year) with updated styling (headlights, taillights, bumpers) and introduction of the M54 engines.
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany.
Car And Driver Ten Best:
The E39 5 Series was frequently recognized on Car and Driver's '10Best' list during its production run for its driving dynamics and overall excellence.
Ward Top10 Engines:
The M54 inline-six engines were often lauded for their smooth power delivery and efficiency.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
While specific reliability ratings can vary by year and powertrain, the E39 is generally considered a solid and well-engineered vehicle, though some common wear items should be anticipated.
