Bmw Positioning:
Sports Sedan, Luxury Vehicle
Key Competitors 1999:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS300, Jaguar S-Type
Vehicle Highlights:
Exceptional driving dynamics, powerful V8 engine, refined interior, advanced technology for its era
Manual Value Proposition:
Authoritative repair information, essential for maintaining performance and longevity of a luxury vehicle
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Ignition System, Drivetrain, Transmission
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body Electrical, Engine Electrical, Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Power Accessories, SRS (Airbag) System
Body:
Bodywork, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Climate Control (HVAC)
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks & Top-offs, Belt Inspection & Replacement
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Diagnostics & Repair, HVAC System Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting procedures, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Component Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Values
Depth:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, step-by-step repair instructions, complete system overviews, component removal/installation guides
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians, Experienced DIYers
Engine Name:
M62B44 (TU variant likely for '99)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement Cubic Inches:
268.5
Bore X Stroke Mm:
92.0 x 82.7
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (32 total)
Timing System:
Dual VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower Hp Approx:
282 hp @ 5400 RPM
Torque Lb Ft Approx:
324 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Transmission Model:
GM 5L40-E (for most markets)
Manual Transmission:
Available (6-speed Getrag 420G) on some models, though less common for 540i in North America
Steptronic Functionality:
Allows manual gear selection
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-2 (or equivalent specified in manual)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver), 4/5 Stars (Passenger) - based on available data for similar E39 models
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard (often ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Stability Control:
Standard (ASC+T)
Airbags:
Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags (in front seats standard, optional in rear)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Chassis Design:
Integrated safety cell, crumple zones
Head Unit Type:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS system
Navigation System:
Optional MKII or MKIII navigation system with CD-ROM maps
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear
Rain Sensing Wipers:
Optional
Telephone:
Optional BMW Integrated Telephone system
Oil Change Interval Km Miles Approx:
15,000 km / 10,000 miles (or as indicated by Condition Based Service - CBS)
Spark Plug Replacement Km Miles Approx:
100,000 km / 60,000 miles (for iridium plugs, check manual for exact spec)
Coolant Flush Interval Km Miles Approx:
40,000 - 60,000 km / 25,000 - 37,000 miles
Brake Fluid Flush Interval Years Approx:
2 years
Engine Oil Type Viscosity:
BMW Longlife-98 (e.g., Castrol EDGE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic) - Consult manual for precise spec
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
6.5 Liters (approx. 6.9 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type, ethylene glycol based)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11S or Pentosin CHF 202
Common Engine Issues:
Head Gasket Leaks (especially on pre-TU M62), Cooling System Leaks (plastic expansion tank, hoses), VANOS System Issues, Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leaks, Crankcase Vent Valve (CCV) System Clogging.
Common Transmission Issues:
Mechatronic sleeve leaks, Torque converter seal leaks, Transmission control unit (TCU) issues.
Common Chassis Issues:
Worn Control Arm Bushings (leading to steering wander), Sagging Headliner, Pixilation of Instrument Cluster LCDs, HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure, Door Seal Degradation.
Common Electrical Issues:
ABS/DSC Sensor Failures, Xenon Headlight Ballast Issues, Window Regulator Failures, DME (Engine Computer) Failures.
Bmw History Overview:
Founded in 1916, renowned for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', a focus on performance, engineering, and luxury.
E39 Introduction:
The E39 generation of the 5 Series replaced the E34 and was produced from 1995 to 2003. It represented a significant leap in refinement, technology, and handling over its predecessor.
E39 540I Positioning:
The 540i was the top-tier, non-M performance model of the E39 sedan, offering V8 power and a blend of luxury and sportiness.
Production Location:
Dingolfing Plant, Germany
Production Years E39:
1995-2003