Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS (S160), Jaguar S-Type.
Design:
Iconic E39 chassis, considered one of the best handling sedans of its era, refined interior appointments.
Powertrain Emphasis:
Smooth inline-six engine with excellent power delivery and NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) characteristics.
Powertrain:
Engine (M52TU), cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain components (driveshaft, differential).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Engine control module (DME), ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, central locking, infotainment system, body control modules (BCM).
Body:
Body panels, doors, bumpers, interior trim, climate control (HVAC), airbags, safety systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, error code interpretation, electrical circuit tracing, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures using BMW proprietary tools (e.g., DIS or ISTA/E interface), sensor testing, actuator testing, fuel system pressure testing, emissions diagnostics.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic preventative maintenance to complex component overhauls and electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Engine Code:
M52TU (Technical Update)
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 83.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 24 valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on intake and exhaust camshafts.
Horsepower Peak:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque Peak:
206 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type Recommended:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DIS) with individual coil-on-plug ignition coils.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Steptronic Automatic (GM A5S 325Z)
Automatic Features:
Adaptive shift logic, manual shift mode (Steptronic).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommends Esso/Mobil LT 71141 for automatic, manual specifications vary but typically ATF Dexron III or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (total fill)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver and Passenger)
Brakes:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with vented discs front and rear.
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) depending on configuration.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional RDS radio/CD player with optional navigation system (MK III).
Speakers:
Multiple speaker configurations, including optional Harman Kardon sound system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface available on later models or as an aftermarket addition.
Oil Change Interval:
Recommended every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, based on 'Condition Based Service' (CBS) system or driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP is a common upgrade).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.7 Liters (7.1 US Quarts)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (BMW High Performance DOT 4 recommended)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can crack; water pumps and thermostat housings are also common failure points.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings (causing steering wheel shimmy and uneven tire wear), rear shock mounts.
Electrical:
CCM (Check Control Module) errors, dead pixels on instrument cluster LCD, VANOS solenoid failures, alternator failures, ABS/DSC sensor issues.
Engine:
Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging leading to pressure build-up.
Philosophy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, performance-oriented vehicles, and sophisticated design.
E39 Generation:
The E39 generation (1995-2003) represented a significant advancement over the E34, offering improved aerodynamics, chassis dynamics, and interior comfort.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing Plant)
