🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

528i

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

E39

Engine Code Prefix:

M52TU

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Sedan

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, professional independent mechanics specializing in European vehicles.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS (JZS160), Jaguar S-Type.

Vehicle Reputation:

Renowned for its driving dynamics, refined interior, and solid build quality, typical of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides in-depth, factory-level technical information essential for maintaining and repairing the E39 528i, saving significant costs compared to dealership service.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants Covered:

All models and engines for the 2001 BMW 528i

Transmission Types Covered:

All transmission types (Automatic and Manual)

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels

Estimated Page Count:

Detailed and comprehensive, typically 1500-2000 pages for this era of BMW workshop manuals. Specific count not provided in product info.

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for the M52TU engine, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valvetrain.

Engine Management:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensor testing (MAF, O2, Crankshaft, Camshaft), ignition system, fuel injection system, emissions control.

Transmission Manual:

Repair and overhaul of the Getrag 5-speed manual transmission, clutch system, shifter linkage.

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis and repair of the ZF 5HP19 automatic transmission, including valve body, torque converter, electronic control.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system diagnosis and repair, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) components, bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, control arms, ball joints, bushings, struts/shocks, steering components.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack, tie rods, hydraulic pump.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay functions, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, body control module (BCM).

HVAC:

Climate control system, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant system, blower motor, heater core, dual-zone climate control.

Body And Interior:

Door mechanisms, window regulators, seats, airbags, dashboard, body panel removal and installation, paint codes.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

Procedures for reading and interpreting OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) codes, specific BMW fault codes.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid change.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting trees.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing virtually all major and minor components of the vehicle.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repair procedures.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, ensuring proper assembly and preventing damage.

Alignment And Balancing:

Wheel alignment specifications and procedures, wheel balancing.

Recalibration Procedures:

Procedures for recalibrating electronic modules after component replacement (e.g., throttle body, ABS sensors).

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhaul, electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely searchable text, enabling quick access to specific information via keywords.

Print Quality:

Designed for clear printing of text and diagrams. Quality depends on the original source and conversion process.

Binding:

Not applicable for digital download (PDF).

Paper Type:

Not applicable for digital download (PDF).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

M52TU (Technical Update)

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2793 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 83.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Engine Code:

M52B28TU

Horsepower:

193 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

206 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

ECU Model:

Bosch Motronic ME 7.2

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual (Getrag 220/260 variant)

Type:

5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP19)

Automatic Modes:

Steptronic manual shifting mode

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW recommends MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2). Capacity: Approx. 1.5 liters.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 7.5 liters for complete fill (check specific procedure).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

188.7 inches

Width:

70.2 inches

Height:

57.0 inches

Wheelbase:

111.4 inches

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3570 - 3700 lbs (depending on transmission and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Not readily available without specific VIN/options, typically around 4700 lbs.

Trunk Volume:

14.0 cubic feet

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars (for models with appropriate safety features)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars (for models with appropriate safety features)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (for models tested)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Dsc:

Standard (Dynamic Stability Control)

Traction Control:

Standard (often integrated with DSC)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger; optional side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Business CD or Professional RDS radio/cassette/CD player. Optional navigation system (CCC/MKIV).

Speaker System:

Standard 8-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear park distance control (PDC).

Bluetooth:

Not standard, but some models may have had optional Bluetooth preparation.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically standard, often requires aftermarket modification for AUX input.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system or manufacturer recommendation. Manual will provide precise guidance.

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 100,000 miles for the M52TU engine (using long-life plugs).

Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Brake Fluid Change:

Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil Specification:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 approved synthetic oil, viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended. Capacity: 6.5 liters (with filter).

Coolant Specification:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, silicate-free). Capacity: Approx. 8.0 liters.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (green fluid). Capacity: Approx. 1.0-1.2 liters.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump impeller can degrade; thermostat housing leaks.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket are common leak points.

Suspension Components:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends due to age and mileage.

ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:

Can fail, leading to ABS and DSC warning lights.

Mass Air Flow Sensor:

Can become dirty or fail, affecting engine performance and fuel economy.

Headliner Sagging:

Common issue with aging adhesive on the headliner fabric.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a German luxury and performance automobile manufacturer, known for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan.

E39 Generation:

The E39 generation of the 5 Series was produced from 1995 to 2003, representing the fourth generation of BMW's mid-size executive sedan. It succeeded the E34 and was succeeded by the E60.

528I Positioning:

The 528i served as a popular mid-range model within the E39 lineup, offering a balance of performance and luxury.

Production Years E39:

1995-2003

Production Location:

Mainly Dingolfing, Germany, with some production also in Austria and South Africa.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The E39 5 Series generation (including variants like the 528i) was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run, recognized for its benchmark handling and refined chassis.

Edmunds Review Legacy:

Often lauded by automotive critics for its driving experience and build quality, considered one of the best driving sedans of its era.

Manufacturer Quality:

BMW's commitment to engineering and build quality is a recognized attribute contributing to the model's longevity and enthusiast following.