Segment:
Executive/Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Owners and independent mechanics seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information for the BMW 528i (E39).
Competitors 2002:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS300.
Vehicle Positioning:
The 528i represented a blend of sporting dynamics and luxury comfort, a core tenet of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides authorized BMW diagnostic and repair procedures, enabling owners to maintain their vehicles to factory standards, saving on dealership service costs and empowering DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, valvetrain, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery, exhaust system.
Engine Management:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), ignition system, fuel injection (Siemens MS43), emissions control, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Transmission:
Manual gearbox (Getrag Type D) and Automatic transmission (GM A5S325Z/A5S360R), clutch, driveshafts, differential.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering).
Electrical System:
12V battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, power windows, central locking, wipers, horn, fuse box diagrams, relay locations.
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, mirrors, convertible top (if applicable to sub-models).
Body Interior:
Seats, dashboard, interior trim, airbags, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
Comfort Systems:
Automatic climate control, power seats, sunroof, cruise control.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting procedures for common and uncommon faults, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, circuit testing, component testing.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, component replacement, disassembly and reassembly procedures.
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including detailed specifications and tolerances.
Adjustment:
Adjustment procedures for brakes, clutch, headlights, etc.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic preventative maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications for professional technicians.
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger) - 2002 testing
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable - 2002 testing
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) standard
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags standard. Optional rear side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, rear head restraints.
Chassis:
High-strength steel safety cage, crumple zones.
Head Unit:
BMW Business or Professional CD/Radio head units, some with navigation (MKIII or MKIV navigation systems).
Audio System:
Optional Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth phone preparation (requiring specific modules and cradles).
Climate Control:
Standard automatic climate control with cabin microfilter.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system, or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles (Long-life spark plugs, e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP or equivalent).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as recommended.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent).
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or ATF LT71141.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system failure can lead to oil leaks, rough idle, and vacuum issues. Replacement of the CCV system and hoses is common.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pump impeller failure or leaks are also common.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
Failure of ABS wheel speed sensors can trigger ABS, DSC, and speedometer warnings.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Oil pan gasket leaks are a common maintenance item due to age and material degradation.
Interior Rattles:
E39s are known for various interior rattles and squeaks due to aging trim and mounting points.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW, founded in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury in the automotive industry.
E39 Generation Introduction:
The E39 generation of the BMW 5 Series was introduced in 1995 (Europe) and 1997 (North America) as the successor to the E34.
E39 Facelift:
The E39 received a significant facelift for the 2001 model year, introducing updated styling, new engines, and improved electronics, making the 2002 model part of this refreshed series.
528I Positioning:
The 528i was positioned as a potent and refined entry point into the E39 lineup, offering the characteristic BMW driving experience with a robust inline-six engine.
Production Period E39:
1995-2003
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa.
Car And Driver Editors Choice:
The E39 5 Series, including models like the 528i, was a perennial recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run.
Automotive Journalism Praise:
Praised by automotive journalists for its excellent chassis balance, responsive handling, and refined powertrain.
Safety Certifications:
Compliant with all applicable safety standards of its era.