🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 528i Year: 1998 Codes Chassis Code: E39 Engine Code: M52B28 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The BMW 528i (E39) was positioned as a luxury sport sedan, offering a balance of performance, comfort, and advanced technology, competing with models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class, Audi C5 A6, Lexus GS300, Jaguar S-Type. Key Features Vehicle Features: Smooth inline-six engine, refined ride quality, sophisticated interior, rear-wheel drive dynamics, optional xDrive all-wheel drive (though less common on the 528i model compared to later generations). Manual Purpose Purpose: To provide technicians and owners with the necessary information for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining the 1998 BMW 528i (E39) to factory specifications. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Language: English Format: Workshop Manual / Service Manual Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: M52B28 (2.8L Inline-6), including diagnosis, overhaul, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emission controls, and engine management system (DME). Transmission: GM 5L40-E (5-speed automatic), including diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and fluid specifications. Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) system, including differential, driveshaft, and axle components. Suspension: Front strut suspension, rear multi-link suspension, including component identification, overhaul procedures, alignment specifications, and troubleshooting. Steering: Hydraulic power steering system, including pump, rack and pinion, and troubleshooting. Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes (solid or ventilated depending on market/spec), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) where applicable, including component replacement, bleeding procedures, and troubleshooting. Electrical System: Complete electrical system, including battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, climate control, instrument cluster, and body control modules (BCM). Body And Chassis: Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, and chassis components, including repair and replacement procedures. Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning (HVAC): Climate control system, including refrigerant handling, component replacement, and diagnostics. Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tune-ups. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for common and uncommon issues across all systems. Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all components and systems. Overhaul: Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures. Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems. Technical Depth Depth: Expert level, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electronic system repairs. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: Digital (likely PDF or similar electronic format), searchable Print Quality Quality: High resolution, clear diagrams and text, printable Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital format) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally aspirated, inline 6-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 24 valves Displacement: 2793 cc (2.8 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 84.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.2:1 Performance Horsepower: 193 hp @ 5500 rpm (DIN) Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm (DIN) Fuel System Fuel Injection: Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Ignition Ignition System: Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DIS) with coil-on-plug technology Cooling System Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water Lubrication Oil Type: SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-98 specification) Oil Capacity Capacity: 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) Emission Controls Controls: Catalytic converter, secondary air injection, Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: GM 5L40-E 5-speed Automatic Transmission Optional Transmission Type: Getrag Type D 5-speed Manual Transmission (less common in North America) Features Automatic Features: Steptronic manual shifting mode (allows driver to select gears sequentially) Fluid Specs Automatic Fluid Type: Dexron III (or compatible aftermarket equivalent labeled for GM 5L40-E) Fluid Capacity Automatic Capacity: Approximately 9.0 Liters (9.5 US Quarts) for complete fill; 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) for fluid change and filter. Manual Fluid Type Manual Fluid: BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90) Manual Fluid Capacity Manual Capacity: 1.3 Liters (1.4 US Quarts) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4770 mm (187.8 inches) Width: 1799 mm (70.8 inches) Height: 1436 mm (56.5 inches) Wheelbase: 2830 mm (111.4 inches) Weights Curb Weight: 1570 kg (3461 lbs) approximately Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 2080 kg (4586 lbs) approximately Cargo Trunk Volume: 480 Liters (16.9 cubic feet) Wheels And Tires Standard Wheel Size: 16 x 7.0 inches Optional Wheel Size: 17 x 7.5 or 17 x 8.0 inches Standard Tire Size: 225/55R16 Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5 x 120 mm Center Bore: 72.5 mm 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver: 4 Stars NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger: 4 Stars Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags (in front doors). Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for all occupants. Structure: Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Automatic Stability Control...
The BMW 528i (E39) was positioned as a luxury sport sedan, offering a balance of performance, comfort, and advanced technology, competing with models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class, Audi C5 A6, Lexus GS300, Jaguar S-Type.
Key Features
Vehicle Features:
Smooth inline-six engine, refined ride quality, sophisticated interior, rear-wheel drive dynamics, optional xDrive all-wheel drive (though less common on the 528i model compared to later generations).
Manual Purpose
Purpose:
To provide technicians and owners with the necessary information for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining the 1998 BMW 528i (E39) to factory specifications.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Language:
English
Format:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
1500+
Manual Type
Type:
Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
M52B28 (2.8L Inline-6), including diagnosis, overhaul, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emission controls, and engine management system (DME).
Transmission:
GM 5L40-E (5-speed automatic), including diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) system, including differential, driveshaft, and axle components.
Suspension:
Front strut suspension, rear multi-link suspension, including component identification, overhaul procedures, alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, including pump, rack and pinion, and troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes (solid or ventilated depending on market/spec), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) where applicable, including component replacement, bleeding procedures, and troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Complete electrical system, including battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, climate control, instrument cluster, and body control modules (BCM).
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, and chassis components, including repair and replacement procedures.
Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning (HVAC):
Climate control system, including refrigerant handling, component replacement, and diagnostics.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for common and uncommon issues across all systems.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all components and systems.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Expert level, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electronic system repairs.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
Digital (likely PDF or similar electronic format), searchable
Print Quality
Quality:
High resolution, clear diagrams and text, printable
BMW Business CD or Professional RDS CD player. Optional navigation system (MKII/MKIII).
Display:
Central LCD display for climate control, radio, and navigation information.
Audio System:
Optional upgraded Harman Kardon sound system.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional BMW integrated cellular phone system (often analog or early digital).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Variable via Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used (BMW Longlife-98 spec).
Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000 miles (using specified plugs, e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP).
Cooling system leaks (plastic expansion tank, hoses, water pump), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system solenoid leaks or failure, oil pan gasket leaks, ABS/DSC sensor failures, ignition coil failures, heater control valve leaks, fuel pump issues, sagging headliner, window regulator failures.
Preventative Maintenance Focus:
Regular inspection of cooling system components, oil leak checks, VANOS system health, and routine fluid changes are critical for long-term reliability.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with advanced engineering and driver-focused dynamics.
Model Evolution
E39 Generation:
The E39 generation of the 5 Series, introduced in 1995 for the 1996 model year in Europe and 1996 in North America, represented a significant leap forward in design, technology, and refinement from its E34 predecessor.
Production
Production Years:
1995-2003 (E39 generation)
Production Locations
Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing), Austria (Graz - Magna Steyr)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Best 10:
The E39 5 Series was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' award during its production run for its excellent driving dynamics and overall value.
Ratings
Automotive Journalism Reviews:
Widely praised for its chassis balance, responsive steering, powerful and smooth engine, and comfortable yet engaging ride.