Segment:
Mid-size Luxury Sedan
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C4/C5), Lexus GS300.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and engaging driving experience.
Powertrain Refinement:
Smooth and powerful inline-six engine, contributing to a refined driving experience.
Build Quality:
Typical BMW build quality, emphasizing durability and premium materials.
Coverage Summary:
Comprehensive full service, repair, maintenance, rebuild, refurbishment, and restoration for the 1997 BMW 528i.
Type:
Full Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, engine management (DME).
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differentials, axles.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering rack, power steering system.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), ABS system.
Electrical Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, lighting, battery, charging system, starter, instrument cluster, onboard diagnostics (OBD-II).
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis repair, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components and service.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation.
Repair Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and rebuilding.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures utilizing BMW's proprietary diagnostic systems (e.g., DIS).
Depth:
Extensive diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 81.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (ZF 5HP18/5HP19)
Automatic Features:
Steptronic (manual shifting mode on later E39 models, may not be on all 1997 528i).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (or equivalent ATF Dexron III)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for its era)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, active head restraints (front).
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional RDS (optional premium audio systems available).
Display:
Central information display (CID) in the dashboard for vehicle status and diagnostics.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Navigation System (MkIII or MkIV).
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 7,500-15,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's computer.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type, e.g., Long Life Platinum/Iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-98 approved or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank cracks, radiator leaks, water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks. ('Gatorback' style hoses are prone to failure).
Vanos:
VANOS solenoid seals can degrade, leading to rough idle, low-end torque loss, and rattling noises.
Oil Pan Gasket Seal:
Common leaks from the oil pan gasket and rear main seal due to age and material degradation.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in the window regulator mechanisms can break, causing windows to fall into the door.
Heater Core:
Heater core can leak, leading to coolant loss and a sweet smell inside the cabin.
ABS Asc Sensors:
Wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering ABS/ASC warning lights.
Pcv System:
Crankcase ventilation (PCV) system can become clogged, leading to oil leaks and rough running.
Oil Filter:
Mann-Filter HU 925/4 Y, Mahle OX 166, Hengst E214HD153.
Air Filter:
Mann-Filter C35146/1, Mahle LX 517, K&N 33-2066.
Cabin Filter:
Mann-Filter CU 2934, Mahle LAK 249.
Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, focused on performance and driver engagement.
E39 Introduction:
The E39 generation replaced the E34 5 Series and was introduced in 1995 for the 1996 model year in Europe and late 1996 for the 1997 model year in North America.
E39 Platform:
Known for its superior chassis dynamics, improved ride comfort, and advanced technology compared to its predecessor.
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa; Magna Steyr, Austria.
