E39 Market Segment:
Executive Luxury Sedan
Primary Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type
E39 Platform Strengths:
Renowned for its balance of comfort and sporty handling (often referred to as 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' for its class), refined interiors, robust engineering.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides DIY mechanics and owners with the detailed, authoritative information needed to maintain and repair their E39 BMW, saving significant costs compared to dealership service.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair
Specific Areas:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Climate Control, Body, Interior, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics
Estimated Page Count:
Thousands (exact count may vary based on specific edition, but typical complete manuals for this era are extensive)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (M52, M54, M62 variants), fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emissions control
Transmission Systems:
Automatic (e.g., GM 5L40-E) and Manual (e.g., Getrag S5D 320Z) transmission repair and overhaul, clutch service
Drivetrain Systems:
Front and rear axle, driveshafts, differentials, CV joints, all-wheel drive (if applicable to specific models not listed)
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, power steering system, steering rack
Brake Systems:
Hydraulic systems, ABS, DSC, brake discs, pads, calipers, parking brake
Electrical Body:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, wiring diagrams, interior trim, exterior body panels, doors, windows, locks
Climate Comfort:
HVAC system, climate control unit, A/C compressor, evaporator, heater core, blower motor
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, brake fluid flush, coolant flush
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, thermostat, VANOS), transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common fault diagnosis
Diagnostic Information:
OBD-II codes, sensor readings, module testing procedures
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system schematics and component-level diagnostics.
525I Engine:
3.0L Inline-6 (M54B30) - from 2001 model year onwards. Previously 2.5L Inline-6 (M52TU).
528I Engine:
2.8L Inline-6 (M52TU)
530I Engine:
3.0L Inline-6 (M54B30)
540I Engine:
4.4L V8 (M62TU)
525I Hp Torque M54:
Approx. 225 hp / 214 lb-ft
528I Hp Torque:
Approx. 193 hp / 206 lb-ft
530I Hp Torque:
Approx. 225 hp / 214 lb-ft
540I Hp Torque:
Approx. 290 hp / 324 lb-ft
Fuel Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) on later models.
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91+ octane)
Dme System:
Digital Motor Electronics (DME) for engine control, featuring VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., Getrag S5D 320Z)
Optional Transmission:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (e.g., GM 5L40-E)
Steptronic Functionality:
Allows manual selection of gears via shifter or steering wheel buttons (on some models).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommends specific MTF LT-2 or equivalent, check manual for exact BMW part number.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or Dexron VI, check manual for exact BMW part number and specific fill procedures.
Wheelbase E39:
Approx. 113.4 inches (2881 mm)
Length E39:
Approx. 190.4 inches (4836 mm)
Width E39:
Approx. 71.0 inches (1803 mm)
Height E39:
Approx. 56.5 inches (1435 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3500 - 4000 lbs (1588 - 1814 kg), varies by model and equipment.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 120 mm
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Generally good for its era, consult NHTSA archives for specific model year ratings.
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Generally good for its era, consult IIHS archives for specific model year ratings.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on most models.
Antilock Brakes:
Standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side airbags, optional head protection airbags.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, or optional Navigation System with larger screen and more features. Often uses the 'i-bus' system.
Bmw Professional Navigation:
MK III or MK IV navigation computer, GPS antenna, and color screen.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, sometimes with electronic speed limiter.
Cellular Integration:
Optional BMW Assist and TeleAid systems, often with integrated cellular phone functionality.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 15,000 miles (12,000 to 24,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system on later models.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Inline-6 (M54): Approx. 60,000 miles. V8 (M62TU): Approx. 100,000 miles (long-life plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles, using BMW-approved G48 coolant.
Engine Oil Spec M54:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 approved synthetic oil, SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 is common. Check manual for exact spec.
Engine Oil Spec M62Tu:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30. Check manual for exact spec.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 (Low Viscosity, e.g., BMW DOT 4 LV)
Cooling System Faults:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pump and thermostat failures are common due to age. Cooling fan clutch failure (mechanical fans).
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gaskets are common sources of leaks.
Suspension Wear:
Front control arm bushings (so-called 'bushings of death'), ball joints, and tie rod ends can wear out.
Electrical Gremlins:
CCC (Car Communication Computer) issues, LCM (Light Control Module) failures, ABS/DSC sensor failures, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system issues leading to oil consumption and rough running.
Vanos Issues:
Sealing rings in the VANOS system can degrade, leading to low-end torque loss and rough idle.
Bmw Engineering Philosophy:
Focus on 'Sheer Driving Pleasure', innovative technology, and driver-centric design.
E39 Introduction:
Introduced in 1995 (for 1996 model year in Europe, 1997 in North America), replacing the E34 generation.
E39 Facelift:
Significant facelift (LCI) occurred for the 2001 model year, introducing updated engines (M54 series), revised headlights, taillights, bumpers, and interior enhancements.
E39 Production Years:
1995-2003 (sedans), 1997-2004 (touring wagons)
E39 Manufacturing Locations:
Mainly Dingolfing, Germany, with some assembly in other locations.
