Covered Models:
525i, 528i, 530i, 540i
Covered Body Styles:
Sedan, Sport Wagon (Touring)
Production Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Engine Codes 525I:
M50TU (early '97), M52 (mid '97-'98), M52TU (late '98-2000)
Engine Codes 528I:
M52 (1997-1998), M52TU (1998-2000)
Engine Codes 530I:
M54B30 (2001-2003)
Engine Codes 540I:
M62B44 (1997-2001), M62TU B44 (2001-2003)
Bmw E39 Market Segment:
Executive/Luxury Sedan and Wagon, positioned as a blend of performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS300/400, Jaguar S-Type.
E39 Strengths:
Superior driving dynamics, robust inline-6 engines, sophisticated chassis, build quality, driver-focused interior, available M Sport package, advanced technology for its era.
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed, authoritative information to maintain, diagnose, and repair the BMW E39 series effectively, potentially saving significant costs compared to dealership service.
Manual Title:
BMW 5 Series (E39) Service Repair Manual
Primary Coverage Areas:
General Maintenance, Engine, Transmission, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Body, Body Equipment, Equipment and Accessories
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing systems (VANOS, chain, guides), lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine management (DME)
Transmission Systems:
Manual (Getrag) and Automatic (ZF) transmissions, clutch, driveshafts, differentials, axle shafts
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, sway bars), power steering system, braking system (ABS, DSC, rotors, pads, calipers, lines)
Body And Interior:
Body shell, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, exterior trim, interior panels, seats, dashboard, climate control system, HVAC, airbags, seatbelts
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, fuse boxes, relays, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking, mirrors, audio systems, navigation, comfort modules (LCM, GM, ZKE), starter, alternator
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections/replacements, air filter replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhauls, transmission removal/installation, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, exhaust system repair, body panel repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures for various systems
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for fasteners, engine clearances, component tolerances, diagnostic values
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostic procedures. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers.
525I 528I 530I Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 280/5)
540I Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
525I 528I 530I Optional Transmission:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic (ZF 5HP19)
540I Optional Transmission:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic (ZF 5HP24)
Steptronic Functionality:
Allows manual gear selection via the gear lever or steering wheel buttons.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent like Dexron III, though LT-3 is preferred)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent like Castrol Syntrans).
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
4-star (Driver), 4-star (Passenger) for 1997-1998 models.
IIHS Safest Pick:
Good (Frontal Offset) for models tested.
Dynamic Stability Control:
Standard on most models, optional on early '97 models (DSC/ASC+T).
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver/passenger), optional side airbags, optional front and rear head protection system (HPS).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Navigation System:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation system with CD-ROM maps and monochrome or color displays (later models).
Audio System:
Standard BMW Business CD or optional BMW Professional CD/radio. High-end Harman Kardon audio system available.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Bluetooth Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system available on later models, often requiring an adapter or cradle.
Automatic Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control standard on most models.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable (Condition Based Service - CBS), typically around 7,500-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific indicators.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as per CBS.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles for standard plugs; 100,000 miles for long-life iridium plugs (M54).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or two years.
Engine Oil Type 525I 528I 530I:
BMW LL-01 Approved Synthetic 5W-30 or 0W-30.
Engine Oil Type 540I:
BMW LL-01 Approved Synthetic 5W-40 or 0W-40.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks are prone to cracking; water pump and thermostat failures are common.
Suspension Components:
Worn control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and sway bar links due to age and mileage.
Vanos System:
Degradation of VANOS seals (especially on M54 engines) can cause rough idle, hesitation, and loss of low-end torque.
Window Regulators:
Plastic guides in window regulator mechanisms often break.
Oil Pan Gaskets And Valve Cover Gaskets:
Common sources of oil leaks on both inline-6 and V8 engines.
Pixelfehler Dashboard Display:
Dead pixels on the instrument cluster LCD display.
Bmw Philosophy:
The Ultimate Driving Machine, emphasizing performance, handling, and engineering excellence.
E39 Introduction:
Introduced in 1995 (Europe) and 1996 (North America) as the successor to the E34 5 Series. Known for significant advancements in chassis design and technology.
E39 Facelift:
Mid-cycle facelift in 2000 introduced updated exterior styling (e.g., 'angel eyes' headlights), new engines (M54), and updated interior electronics.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing Plant) and South Africa.
Production End:
2003 (globally), marking the transition to the E60 generation.
