🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Chassis Code:

E39

Model Year:

1997

Generation Code:

E39

Generation Start Year:

1995

Generation End Year:

2003

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan (Saloon), 5-door Wagon (Touring)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive/Luxury Mid-size Sedan and Wagon

Target Audience:

Affluent professionals, families seeking comfort, performance, and brand prestige

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C4/C5), Lexus GS, Volvo S80

Performance:

Renowned for balanced handling, comfortable ride, and refined powertrains

Engineering:

High-quality construction, advanced technology for its era, driver-focused ergonomics

Design:

Classic BMW styling with flowing lines and iconic kidney grille

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1997 BMW E39 5 Series Sedan and Touring models

Engine Coverage:

Petrol (Gasoline) and Diesel engine variants available for the 1997 model year

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Likely PDF, but confirmation needed)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, emissions control

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission removal, installation, repair, and maintenance

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differential, axles, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment

Steering:

Steering rack, power steering system, steering column, linkage

Brakes:

Brake system components (calipers, rotors, pads), hydraulic system, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)

Electrical:

Starter, alternator, battery, wiring diagrams, lighting, fuses, relays, ECU (Engine Control Unit)

Body:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system (compressor, evaporator, heater core, controls)

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) diagnostics

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed procedures for removing and reinstalling parts and sub-assemblies

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and common fault finding

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing, electrical system troubleshooting

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts

Specifications:

Torque specifications, tolerances, diagnostic data, electrical values

Diagrams:

Detailed diagrams, illustrations, and exploded views for clarity

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Assumed, common for scanned manuals)

Searchable Text:

Likely, if OCR'd correctly

Printable:

Yes

Image Clarity:

Varies by source; high-quality scans are essential

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes Examples:

M52B28 (2.8L I6), M52B25 (2.5L I6), M62B44 (4.4L V8), M43B19 (1.9L I4), M51D25 (2.5L Turbo Diesel)

Horsepower Range:

115 hp (1.9L) to 286 hp (4.4L V8)

Torque Range:

180 Nm (1.9L) to 440 Nm (4.4L V8)

Type:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for petrol engines, common rail direct injection (CRDI) for diesel

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (91 RON minimum), Diesel

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Glysantin G05 or equivalent, typically 50/50 mix)

Oil Type Examples:

Castrol EDGE Professional BMW Longlife-01 0W-30 or 5W-30 (check specific model and climate)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260/6 or ZF S5-31/S5-36)

Type:

4-speed Steptronic Automatic (GM 4L30-E), 5-speed Steptronic Automatic (ZF 5HP18, 5HP19, 5HP24)

Steptronic:

Allows manual selection of gears via shifter or steering wheel buttons (on some models)

Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent like Mobil ATF 220, Mercon V) - check service history for specific fill

Capacity:

Approx. 7-9 liters (1.8-2.4 gallons) for a complete fluid change

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

4,770 mm (187.8 in)

Width:

1,799 mm (70.8 in)

Height Sedan:

1,437 mm (56.6 in)

Curb Weight Range:

1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) to 1,850 kg (4,079 lbs) depending on engine and equipment

Wheelbase:

2,830 mm (111.4 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely 4 stars (for 1997 model year standards)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models equipped with side airbags)

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) standard on many models, optional on others

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Stability Control:

DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available on higher-spec models

Airbags:

Front driver and passenger airbags standard, optional side airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters

💡 Technology Features

System Type:

On-Board Computer (OBC), optional Navigation System (MKII), optional Professional Radio with CD Player.

Features:

Radio controls, trip computer, climate control integration, navigation guidance (if equipped).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most models.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC).

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free system (often via snap-in adapter).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Variable Service Interval (VSI) or Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically suggests oil changes every 15,000-25,000 km (9,000-15,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions.

Spark Plugs:

100,000 km (60,000 miles) for iridium spark plugs (check specific engine)

Transmission Fluid:

Often considered 'lifetime' by BMW, but recommended change every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles) for longevity, especially for automatics.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Glysantin G05 compatible)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (or DOT 4 LV for vehicles with DSC)

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or CHF 202 (Green fluid)

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank and radiator can degrade over time, leading to leaks. Water pump and thermostat failure.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear subframe bushings are common wear items.

Electrical:

ABS/DSC module failure (common), OBC (On-Board Computer) pixelation, headlight leveling sensor issues.

Engine:

Oil pan gasket leaks, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid failure (especially on early M52 engines), CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging.

Transmission:

Mechatronic sleeve leaks in automatic transmissions, clutch wear in manuals.

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is renowned for producing premium vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics and engineering excellence.

E39 Introduction:

The E39 generation replaced the E34 5 Series, marking a significant evolution in design, technology, and refinement.

Key Innovations:

Introduction of CAN bus electrical architecture, advanced infotainment options (e.g., iDrive predecessor), improved aerodynamics, and enhanced safety features.

Manufacturing Locations:

Mainly Dingolfing, Germany, with some assembly in other BMW plants globally.

E39 Production Period:

1995-2003 (for sedan), 1996-2003 (for touring)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E39 5 Series was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list during its production run, often cited for its exceptional balance of sport and luxury.

Consumer Reports:

Generally well-regarded for reliability and performance by consumer publications, though specific model years and engines had known issues.

Safety Certifications:

Meets all relevant US and European safety standards for its model year.