Segment:
Executive Sedan / Mid-size Luxury Sedan
Key Selling Points:
Driving dynamics, build quality, luxury appointments, technological advancements for its era
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac DeVille
Design Philosophy:
BMW's characteristic 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos
Interior Appointments:
Driver-focused cockpit, premium materials, available leather upholstery, advanced (for the time) comfort features
Engine:
M54B25 2.5L inline-6: diagnostics, repair, overhaul, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control
Transmission:
GM 5L40-E (automatic): diagnostics, repair, overhaul, fluid specifications, shift control systems
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD), driveline components, differential, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front strut, multi-link rear, components, adjustments, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes (solid or vented depending on build date/spec), ABS, DSC, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering, steering rack, pump, fluid specifications
Electrical System:
12V system, battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, instrument cluster, comfort electronics
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, trim, paint codes, rust prevention
HVAC:
Climate control system, A/C system diagnosis, refrigerant, blower motor, blend doors
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, SRS system diagnosis
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), diagnostic connector location, procedures for common issues
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component replacement, rebuilding, and adjustment
Rebuilds:
Engine and transmission component overhaul procedures
Refurbishment:
Guidance on restoring worn or damaged components and systems
Depth:
Expert-level: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair.
Engine Type:
Inline-6, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 Valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower Hp:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Lb-Ft:
235 Nm (173 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
ECU:
Bosch Motronic ME 7.2
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Automatic Features:
Steptronic (manual shifting capability), electronic control
Automatic Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-1 or equivalent (Dexron III/VI may be used, refer to manual for specific approval)
Automatic Fluid Capacity Approx:
8.0 Liters (fill)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4/5 stars (NHTSA ratings for this era are less detailed than modern standards)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4/5 stars
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, optional side airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS radio, optional navigation system (MK III/MK IV)
Display:
Central LCD display for climate control, radio, and navigation information
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) for enhanced vehicle stability
Parking Assistance:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth preparation or cradle for car phone
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) approved synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (ATF type) or Pentosin CHF 11 S (check specific model requirements)
Cooling System:
Common issues include plastic coolant expansion tank cracking, water pump failure, and thermostat housing leaks.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are prone to leaks due to age and heat.
Suspension Components:
Front control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and sway bar links can wear over time, leading to clunking noises and imprecise handling.
Electrical Gremlins:
Water ingress into ABS/ASC modules and dashboard illumination issues can occur.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system failure can lead to increased oil consumption and pressure issues.
Bmw Legacy:
Renowned for engineering excellence, sporting sedans, and driver engagement since its founding.
E39 Generation:
The E39 generation (1995-2003) is considered a benchmark in automotive design and engineering for its balance of luxury, performance, and refinement.
E39 Platform:
Introduced as the successor to the E34, featuring improved chassis dynamics, advanced electronics, and a more spacious interior.
Production Years E39:
1995-2003 (globally), 2000 model year falls within the E39's production run.
Assembly Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany; Graz, Austria (for some markets)