Class:
Executive Sedan / Luxury Mid-size Sedan
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS (JZS160), Cadillac DeVille
Vehicle Identity:
The BMW 530i (E39) represents the pinnacle of BMW's mid-size luxury sedan offerings for the 2000 model year, known for its balanced driving dynamics, refined interior, and powerful inline-six engine.
Powertrain:
Engine (M54B30), Transmission (5HP19 Automatic, Getrag S5D 310Z Manual), Drivetrain (Rear Wheel Drive), Exhaust System, Fuel System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front McPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering System (Hydraulic Power Steering), Brakes (Front and Rear Discs, ABS, DSC), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting System, Instrumentation, Audio System, Climate Control Electronics, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats)
Bodywork:
Body and Frame, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Bumpers
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Air Filter Replacement, Cabin Air Filter Replacement, Differential Fluid Change
Repair:
Engine Rebuilding, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, HVAC System Repairs, Fuel System Repairs
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation (OBD-II), Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Electrical Circuit Diagnosis
Depth:
Comprehensive - from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Digital Format Details:
Searchable PDF with bookmarked chapters for easy navigation. High-resolution scans of original factory documentation.
Print Quality Estimation:
High clarity, easy-to-read text and diagrams suitable for printing.
Binding Type If Printed:
Coil-bound or perfect bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment.
Paper Type If Printed:
Durable, heavy-stock paper to withstand workshop conditions.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder (I6), DOHC, 24 Valves
Displacement:
2.979 liters (3.0L)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Engine Management System:
Bosch Motronic ME 7.2
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Frontal Driver and Passenger Airbags, Side Impact Airbags (optional/standard depending on market)
Seat Belts:
Pretensioning Front Seatbelts with Force Limiters
Audio System:
Available premium Hi-Fi audio systems, optional navigation system (Mk III/Mk IV navigation computer).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC)
Telematics:
Optional BMW Assist telematics system (features may vary by market and subscription).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium spark plugs.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF LT-3 (BMW part number 83 22 0 024 359) or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (BMW manual transmission fluid or equivalent)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors
Common Wear Items:
Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) unit seals, coolant expansion tank, ABS/DSC sensor failures, serpentine belt tensioner and idler pulleys.
Typical E39 Problems:
Heater control valve failure, pixelation on the instrument cluster LCD, sagging headliner, rear shock mount failure.
Car And Driver Ten Best:
The E39 5 Series, including variants like the 530i, was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list during its production run.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied over the E39's lifecycle, with later models often showing improved performance. The manual addresses common wear items to maintain reliability.