Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving significant costs compared to dealership services and providing a deeper understanding of vehicle systems.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive service and repair
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical for full service manuals, often 500+ pages)
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 for gasoline, EDC15 for diesel)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane), Diesel for diesel models
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission Gasoline:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 420G on higher output models, ZF S5-31J on lower output models)
Standard Transmission Diesel:
5-speed Manual
Optional
Optional Transmission Gasoline:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic (GM A5S360R/A5S325Z/GA6HP26Z depending on engine)
Optional Transmission Diesel:
5-speed Automatic
Features
Transmission Features:
Steptronic manual shifting mode on automatic transmissions, limited-slip differential available on some performance models.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 115.4 inches (2930 mm)
Length:
Approx. 191.1 inches (4855 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.5 inches (1816 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.0 inches (1448 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight 520I:
Approx. 3400-3500 lbs (1540-1590 kg)
Curb Weight 540I:
Approx. 3800-3950 lbs (1725-1790 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by model, typically 4600-5000 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
5-star (for models tested)
Active Features
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (ASC+T)
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (HPS), front seatbelt pretensioners
Chassis Safety Design:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
BMW Professional Radio, optional Business CD, optional Navigation system (CCC or M-ASK).
Features Available:
CD player, cassette player, optional TV tuner, optional 6-disc CD changer, Bluetooth integration (via aftermarket or specific modules).
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Park Distance Control (PDC), Cruise Control, Rain-sensing wipers, Auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
BMW Assist telematics system (subscription-based, likely defunct for 2002 models), pre-wiring for mobile phones.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil quality (via Condition Based Service - CBS system).
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years
Coolant Flush Interval:
BMW Long-Life Coolant typically lasts 3-5 years or 50,000-75,000 miles; consult manual for specific type.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30 Synthetic, meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification for gasoline engines; consult manual for diesel specifications (e.g., LL-04).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III/VI or equivalent for GM transmissions; ATF LT-2 or equivalent for ZF transmissions. Lifelong fluid is often claimed, but a change is recommended around 100,000 miles.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or ZF Lenkgetriebeflüssigkeit (LSK)
Known Issues
Common E39 Issues Gasoline:
VANOS seal wear, coolant expansion tank cracking, water pump failure, PCV system issues (vacuum leaks), oil pan gasket leaks, ABS/DSC sensor failures, ignition coil failure, starter motor issues, window regulator failure.
Common E39 Issues Diesel:
Glow plug issues, injector seal leaks, turbocharger problems, EGR valve clogging, DPF issues (if equipped with early DPF).
Parts Replacement
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter C 25 217 / 1 (for M54 engines)
Cabin Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter CU 25 001 (Activated Carbon)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine, focus on performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.
Model Evolution
E39 Development Focus:
Designed to be the most advanced and dynamically capable 5 Series to date, with significant improvements in chassis stiffness, aerodynamics, and technology over the E34.
Production
E39 Production Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa; Magna Steyr, Austria
E39 Total Production:
Approx. 1.5 million units worldwide
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
E39 5 Series was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list during its production run, particularly the 540i and M5 variants.
Ratings
Car And Driver Review Excerpt:
Praised for its superb chassis, powerful engines, and driver engagement.
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