🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Model Variant:

528i

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

E39

Engine Code Primary:

M52B28

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Mid-size executive sedan, competing with Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, and Lexus GS.

Strengths:

Sporty driving dynamics, luxurious interior, strong inline-six engine performance, build quality.

Features:

Rear-wheel drive platform, optional xDrive all-wheel drive (though less common on 528i), advanced suspension technology, sophisticated interior design.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Specifications

Estimated Page Count:

900+

Type:

Factory Service Manual

Format Detail:

Digital Download (PDF)

Language:

English

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (M52B28), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (ZF 5HP19)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS/DSC), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Body Control Modules (BCM), Engine Control Unit (ECU), Lighting, Power Accessories, Instrument Cluster

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System, Airbags

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections

Repair:

Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Brake Caliper Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Flowcharts, Common Faults and Solutions, Error Code Interpretation

Diagnostics:

OBD-II Scan Tool Usage, Specific Diagnostic Procedures for Various Systems

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic to advanced repair and diagnostic procedures, including complete unit overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable Text

Quality:

High Resolution (Printable)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2793 cc)

Engine Code:

M52B28TU (Technical Update)

Horsepower:

193 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm

Induction:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)

ECU Type:

Bosch Motronic M5.2.1 (or similar)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Optional)

Type:

5-Speed Steptronic Automatic (Standard on most 528i models)

Automatic Features:

Adaptive shift logic, manual shifting mode (Steptronic).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW LT-3 or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon

Manual Transmission Fluid:

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil

📐 Dimensions

Length:

190.2 inches (4831 mm)

Width:

70.2 inches (1783 mm)

Height:

56.2 inches (1427 mm)

Wheelbase:

111.4 inches (2830 mm)

Trunk Volume:

17.0 cubic feet (480 liters)

Curb Weight:

3500 - 3700 lbs (1588 - 1678 kg) approximately

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for similar era E39 models)

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) standard

Brake Assist:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) available/standard depending on market

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on market)

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

System:

BMW Business CD or Professional RDS CD player, optional navigation system (MkIII or MkIV).

Features:

Optional heated seats, power adjustable seats with memory, automatic climate control, cruise control.

Stability Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) standard, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available.

Features:

Optional factory-installed cellular phone integration.

Headlights:

Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights (HID).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Approximately 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions (as indicated by the Condition Based Service - CBS system).

Spark Plugs:

Typically every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for original equipment spark plugs.

Transmission Fluid:

BMW recommended 'lifetime' fluid, but many technicians recommend replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles for longevity.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-04 specifications (check owner's manual for precise spec for this year).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or equivalent.

Common Problems:

Oil separator system (CCV) failure, coolant expansion tank leaks, VANOS solenoid issues, window regulator failures, ignition coil failures, suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), mass air flow (MAF) sensor issues.

Oil Filter Element:

BMW Part No. 11 42 1 740 505 (or equivalent aftermarket)

Cabin Air Filter:

BMW Part No. 64 11 8 367 567 (or equivalent aftermarket)

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused luxury sedans with excellent engineering and performance.

E39 Generation:

The E39 generation (1995-2003) represented a significant advancement in design, technology, and refinement for the 5 Series.

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Year:

Car and Driver Ten Best list (E39 generation 5 Series - multiple years, including 1999).

Competitor Standing:

Consistently praised for its driving dynamics and engineering, often considered a benchmark in its class.