Segment:
Executive/Luxury Mid-size Sedan
Target Audience:
Owners seeking in-depth DIY repair and maintenance knowledge
Competitors 2001:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW 'Ultimate Driving Machine' handling and ride comfort
Powertrain:
Smooth and powerful M52TU inline-6 engine
Interior Appointments:
High-quality materials, driver-focused cockpit
Engine:
M52TU 2.8L Inline-6 (DOHC, 24 valves)
Engine Management:
DME MS43, VANOS system operation and repair
Transmission Manual:
Getrag 6-speed manual transmission
Transmission Automatic:
GM 5L40-E 5-speed automatic transmission
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, differential, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front strut/control arm, rear multi-link, springs, dampers, bushings
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, steering rack, pump
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), EBD
Electrical System:
12V battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb replacement
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heater core, blower motor, climate control system
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, door panels, trim components
Bodywork:
Exterior panels, bumpers, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seals
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, fuel tank
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant hoses, expansion tank
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common faults, using diagnostic scan tools (generic and BMW specific)
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement
Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for major component overhauls
Refurbish:
Cosmetic and mechanical restoration guidance
Restoration:
Comprehensive guidance for bringing a vehicle back to original specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Coverage:
Detailed fault code explanations and diagnostic flowcharts
Torque Specifications:
Specific torque values for all critical fasteners
Electrical Diagrams:
High-quality, detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valvetrain:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.8 US Quarts) with filter
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW LL-01 approved)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag S5D 250G)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E)
Automatic Modes:
Steptronic manual shift control
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (BMW MTF LT-2)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon (BMW P/N 83 22 0 024 359 or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 stars (driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4 stars (front and rear passengers)
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) on some models
Brake Assist:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Chassis Design:
High-strength steel body structure
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 7,500-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first
Engine Air Filter:
Every 30,000 miles or as indicated by CBS
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles or annually
Spark Plugs:
Every 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III/Mercon (BMW P/N 81 22 9 407 764 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW P/N 81 22 9 407 741 or equivalent)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank and radiator can become brittle and crack; water pump plastic impeller prone to failure
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings, sway bar links, and rear subframe bushings are common wear items
Electrical:
ABS/DSC sensor failures, VANOS solenoid issues, ignition coil failures
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal can leak over time
Interior:
Pixelated instrument cluster display (LCD dead pixels), headliner sagging
Bmw Philosophy:
Engineering excellence, driving pleasure, performance
E39 Generation:
Fourth generation 5 Series (1996-2003), known for refined chassis and improved build quality over E34
E39 Facelift:
Refreshed in 2000 (model year 2001), featuring updated headlights, taillights, bumpers, and interior trim
Production Years:
1997-2003 (E39 generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing plant)