Positioning:
The BMW 528i (E39) was positioned as a premium mid-size luxury sedan, competing with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and driving dynamics.
Competitors:
Key competitors at the time included the Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class, Audi C5 A6, Lexus GS, and Cadillac DeVille. The 528i was praised for its sporty handling and advanced engineering.
Features:
Renowned for its superior handling, refined interior, powerful inline-six engine, and sophisticated chassis, the E39 528i represented a high point in BMW's executive car offerings.
Engine:
M52B28 Engine System (including maintenance, diagnosis, and repair for all components such as cooling, lubrication, ignition, fuel, and emissions control)
Transmission:
Automatic (GM 5L40-E) and Manual (Getrag 420G) Transmission Systems (including removal, installation, overhaul, and diagnosis)
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, Differential, Axles (including inspection, maintenance, and repair)
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension Systems (including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, and alignment procedures)
Steering:
Power Steering System (including pump, rack and pinion, hoses, and fluid maintenance)
Brakes:
Brake System (including ABS, hydraulic circuits, calipers, rotors, pads, fluid flush and bleed procedures)
Electrical:
Full Electrical System (including wiring diagrams for all circuits, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrument cluster, ECU, and comfort systems)
Body:
Body and Chassis (including structural components, doors, windows, interior trim, and exterior panels)
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System (including climate control diagnosis, refrigerant handling, and component replacement)
Fuel:
Fuel System (including fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, and evaporative emissions control)
Exhaust:
Exhaust System (including catalytic converter, mufflers, and emissions components)
Maintenance:
Regular Scheduled Maintenance (oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, spark plugs, belt inspection)
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures and Troubleshooting Guides for Common and Specific Issues (including DTC interpretation where applicable)
Repair:
Component Repair and Replacement Procedures (detailed step-by-step instructions for virtually all vehicle systems)
Overhaul:
Engine and Transmission Overhaul Procedures (detailed rebuild instructions)
Installation:
Installation and Removal Procedures for Major Components
Diagnostics:
Electrical System Diagnostics, including use of diagnostic tools (if applicable to the era)
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and electrical system troubleshooting)
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 Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) on some models
Stability Control:
Optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) available on some later E39 models
Airbags:
Frontal Driver and Passenger Airbags, Optional Side-Impact Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point Inertia-reel Seatbelts with Pretensioners
Chassis:
Reinforced Body Structure with Crumple Zones
Head Unit:
Optional BMW Business CD or Professional RDS CD/Cassette Radios. Optional Navigation System (MK III or MK IV)
Speaker System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Hi-Fi or Harman Kardon premium audio systems.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control.
Telematics:
Optional BMW Assist telematics system.
Headlights:
Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon HID headlights with automatic leveling.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually. Refer to iDrive/vehicle display for specific interval.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (copper core) or 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium, if fitted).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (BMW recommended regardless of mileage).
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40. Refer to manual for precise viscosity based on ambient temperature.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type) mixed at 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW Hi-Temp Brake Fluid recommended)
Cooling System:
Plastic cooling system components (expansion tank, radiator, water pump) can become brittle and prone to leaks. Heater valve failure also common.
Oil Leaks:
Oil filter housing gasket, valve cover gasket, and oil pan gasket can leak over time.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (RTABs) and sway bar links are common wear items, affecting ride quality and steering feel.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC wheel speed sensors, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid issues, and instrument cluster pixel failure can occur.
Exhaust:
Rear muffler support hangers and catalytic converter gaskets can deteriorate.
Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with a focus on driving pleasure ('The Ultimate Driving Machine').
Predecessor:
The E39 generation succeeded the E34 5 Series, introducing significant advancements in chassis design, technology, and engine efficiency.
Successor:
The E39 was succeeded by the E60 5 Series in 2003.
Production Years:
1995-2003 (E39 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany; Born, Netherlands; Graz, Austria (contract manufacturing)