🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
BMW
Model:
5 Series
Model Variant:
528i
Year:
1999
Codes
Chassis Code:
E39
Engine Code Primary:
M52B28
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Positioning:
Mid-size executive sedan, competing with Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, and Lexus GS.
Competitive Analysis
Strengths:
Sporty driving dynamics, luxurious interior, strong inline-six engine performance, build quality.
Key Features
Features:
Rear-wheel drive platform, optional xDrive all-wheel drive (though less common on 528i), advanced suspension technology, sophisticated interior design.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Complete Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Specifications
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
900+
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Manual
Format Detail:
Digital Download (PDF)
Language
Language:
English
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine (M52B28), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (ZF 5HP19)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS/DSC), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Body Control Modules (BCM), Engine Control Unit (ECU), Lighting, Power Accessories, Instrument Cluster
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System, Airbags
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Brake Caliper Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Common Faults and Solutions, Error Code Interpretation
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Scan Tool Usage, Specific Diagnostic Procedures for Various Systems
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic to advanced repair and diagnostic procedures, including complete unit overhauls.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable Text
Print Quality
Quality:
High Resolution (Printable)
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Engine Code:
M52B28TU (Technical Update)
Performance
Horsepower:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
Fuel System
Induction:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic M5.2.1 (or similar)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Optional)
Optional
Type:
5-Speed Steptronic Automatic (Standard on most 528i models)
Features
Automatic Features:
Adaptive shift logic, manual shifting mode (Steptronic).
Fluid Type
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW LT-3 or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
190.2 inches (4831 mm)
Width:
70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
56.2 inches (1427 mm)
Wheelbase:
111.4 inches (2830 mm)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
17.0 cubic feet (480 liters)
Weights
Curb Weight:
3500 - 3700 lbs (1588 - 1678 kg) approximately
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for similar era E39 models)
Active Features
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) standard
Brake Assist:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) available/standard depending on market
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on market)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
System:
BMW Business CD or Professional RDS CD player, optional navigation system (MkIII or MkIV).
Features:
Optional heated seats, power adjustable seats with memory, automatic climate control, cruise control.
Driver Assistance
Stability Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) standard, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available.
Connectivity
Features:
Optional factory-installed cellular phone integration.
Lighting
Headlights:
Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights (HID).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Approximately 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions (as indicated by the Condition Based Service - CBS system).
Spark Plugs:
Typically every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for original equipment spark plugs.
Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommended 'lifetime' fluid, but many technicians recommend replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles for longevity.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-04 specifications (check owner's manual for precise spec for this year).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or equivalent.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Oil separator system (CCV) failure, coolant expansion tank leaks, VANOS solenoid issues, window regulator failures, ignition coil failures, suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), mass air flow (MAF) sensor issues.
Part Numbers Example
Oil Filter Element:
BMW Part No. 11 42 1 740 505 (or equivalent aftermarket)
Cabin Air Filter:
BMW Part No. 64 11 8 367 567 (or equivalent aftermarket)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused luxury sedans with excellent engineering and performance.
Model Evolution
E39 Generation:
The E39 generation (1995-2003) represented a significant advancement in design, technology, and refinement for the 5 Series.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Year:
Car and Driver Ten Best list (E39 generation 5 Series - multiple years, including 1999).
Competitor Standing:
Consistently praised for its driving dynamics and engineering, often considered a benchmark in its class.
Approximately 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions (as indicated by the Condition Based Service - CBS system).
Spark Plugs:
Typically every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for original equipment spark plugs.
Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommended 'lifetime' fluid, but many technicians recommend replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles for longevity.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-04 specifications (check owner's manual for precise spec for this year).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or equivalent.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Oil separator system (CCV) failure, coolant expansion tank leaks, VANOS solenoid issues, window regulator failures, ignition coil failures, suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), mass air flow (MAF) sensor issues.
Part Numbers Example
Oil Filter Element:
BMW Part No. 11 42 1 740 505 (or equivalent aftermarket)
Cabin Air Filter:
BMW Part No. 64 11 8 367 567 (or equivalent aftermarket)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused luxury sedans with excellent engineering and performance.
Model Evolution
E39 Generation:
The E39 generation (1995-2003) represented a significant advancement in design, technology, and refinement for the 5 Series.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Year:
Car and Driver Ten Best list (E39 generation 5 Series - multiple years, including 1999).
Competitor Standing:
Consistently praised for its driving dynamics and engineering, often considered a benchmark in its class.