Positioning:
The BMW E39 5 Series represented a significant evolution in luxury and performance within the mid-size executive sedan segment, directly competing with Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class, Audi C5 A6, Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type.
Design Philosophy:
Blend of sporty handling, luxurious comfort, advanced technology, and understated executive styling, characteristic of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos.
Manual Advantage:
This manual offers an unparalleled level of detail, ensuring accurate repairs and maintenance, avoiding costly mistakes associated with incomplete or inferior documentation.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (including VANOS), fuel injection (DME), ignition, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (Getrag S5D 250G/310Z), Automatic transmission (ZF 5HP18/19/24/30), clutch, driveline, drive axles
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, starter, alternator, battery, body control module (BCM), comfort electronics (e.g., power windows, seats, mirrors)
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front/rear, springs, struts, control arms), steering (power steering, steering rack), brakes (ABS, DSC, rotor/pad replacement, hydraulic system), wheels and tires
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hinges, latches, interior trim, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), SRS (airbag) system
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine service (oil changes, filter replacements), fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, testing procedures for sensors and actuators
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter, brake calipers, suspension arms, engine seals, transmission rebuilds, body panel repair)
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing procedures, electrical component testing values, diagnostic procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves
Horsepower Hp:
189 hp @ 5900 rpm (M50B25), 192 hp @ 5900 rpm (M52B25/TU)
Torque Lb Ft:
236 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (M50B25), 245 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (M52B25/TU)
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves
Horsepower Hp:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm (M52B28/TU)
Torque Lb Ft:
280 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm (M52B28/TU)
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves
Horsepower Hp:
228 hp @ 5900 rpm (M52B30/TU)
Torque Lb Ft:
300 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (M52B30/TU)
Engine Type:
V8 Cylinder, DOHC, 32 Valves
Horsepower Hp:
290 hp @ 5400 rpm (M62B44/TU)
Torque Lb Ft:
324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (M62B44/TU)
Injection Type:
Electronic Port Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic DME)
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
525I/528I/530I:
5-speed manual (Getrag S5D 250G for 525i/528i, S5D 310Z for 530i)
525I/528I:
4-speed automatic (ZF 5HP18)
530I/540I:
5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP19 for 530i, ZF 5HP24 for 540i)
Manual Transmission Availability:
Available with 6-speed manual (Getrag 420G)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Steptronic manual shifting mode
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF-LT-2 (or equivalent API GL-4/GL-5 SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF LifeguardFluid 5 (or equivalent Dexron III/VI)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4/5 stars (driver/passenger)
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) standard on most models, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available/optional
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seat belts with force limiters
Navigation System:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation System with CD-ROM based maps.
Audio System:
Available premium sound systems from Harman Kardon, CD player, cassette player, optional trunk-mounted CD changer.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on some later models.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Communication System:
Optional integrated cellular phone system.
Oil Change Interval:
Condition-based service (CBS) system or typically 7,500-15,000 miles (12,000-24,000 km) with synthetic oil.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 50,000-100,000 miles (80,000-160,000 km), especially for automatics.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on ignition system and plug type.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 High Performance Brake Fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or ZF-Lenksysteme 83 29 9 405 077 or equivalent hydraulic fluid.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank, thermostat, and water pump failures are common. Vanos (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid and seal leaks.
Electrical:
CCC (Car Communication Computer) failures, pixelation on the instrument cluster display, ABS/DSC sensor failures, headlight leveling issues.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and sway bar links wear out, leading to steering looseness and noise.
Engine Specific:
Oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket leaks (especially on M62 V8), throttle body issues, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for building driver-focused luxury sedans with excellent engineering and performance.
E39 Introduction:
Launched in 1995 (Europe) / 1996 (North America) as the successor to the E34 5 Series.
Facelift:
Facelift in September 2000 (model year 2001) introduced revised headlights (angel eyes), taillights, bumpers, and updated engines (TU variants).
Production Years:
1995-2003 (sedan), 1997-2004 (touring)
