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Introduction
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Market Position
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Vehicle Segment:
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Executive Car / Mid-Size Luxury Sedan and Wagon
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Target Audience:
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Affluent professionals seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and technology.
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Competitive Analysis
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Primary Competitors:
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS (JZS160), Jaguar S-Type.
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Key Features
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Driver Focus:
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Renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing handling, performance, and driver engagement.
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Design Philosophy:
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Understated elegance, superior build quality, and sophisticated engineering.
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Technological Advancements:
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Introduction of advanced electronics, safety features, and efficient engine technologies for its era.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine Mechanical:
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Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul for all E39 engines (e.g., M52, M54 families)
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Engine Management:
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DME (Digital Motor Electronics) system diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions control
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Transmission Mechanical:
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Repair and overhaul of manual and automatic transmissions (e.g., Getrag 6-speed manual, ZF 5HP automatic)
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Transmission Electronic:
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EGS (Electronic Gearbox Control) diagnostics and troubleshooting
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Suspension:
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Front/rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment procedures
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Steering:
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Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, troubleshooting
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Brakes:
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Hydraulic systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake pad/rotor replacement, bleeding procedures
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Electrical System:
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Wiring diagrams, component location, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, power windows, mirrors, seats
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Body And Chassis:
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Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, corrosion protection
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HVAC:
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Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics, refrigerant handling, component replacement
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Comfort Systems:
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Central locking, alarm system, seat adjustment, sunroof operation
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Diagnostics:
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On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) troubleshooting, fault code interpretation, use of BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS)
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Procedures Included
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Preventative Maintenance:
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Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, timing belt/chain checks
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Troubleshooting:
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Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
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Repair Procedures:
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Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension and brake repairs
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Disassembly Reassembly:
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Detailed instructions for disassembling and reassembling all major vehicle systems
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Special Tools:
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Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs
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Technical Depth
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Depth Of Coverage:
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Extremely High - Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
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Diagnostics Level:
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Advanced, including fault code retrieval and interpretation, sensor data analysis, and component testing.
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Rebuild Procedures:
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Comprehensive rebuild procedures for engines, transmissions, and differentials.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Families For 1996:
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M52 (Inline-6), M62 (V8)
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Common Engine Variant 1 Displacement:
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2.5L (2494 cc, M52B25)
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Common Engine Variant 1 Power:
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Approx. 170 hp @ 5500 rpm
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Common Engine Variant 1 Torque:
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Approx. 181 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
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Common Engine Variant 2 Displacement:
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2.8L (2793 cc, M52B28)
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Common Engine Variant 2 Power:
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Approx. 190 hp @ 5500 rpm
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Common Engine Variant 2 Torque:
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Approx. 206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
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Common Engine Variant 3 Displacement:
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4.4L (4398 cc, M62B44) - V8
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Common Engine Variant 3 Power:
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Approx. 282 hp @ 5400 rpm
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Common Engine Variant 3 Torque:
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Approx. 310 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
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Performance
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Engine Configuration:
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Inline-6 (Slant-6), V8
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Valvetrain:
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DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (VANOS on intake camshaft)
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Fuel System
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Fuel Delivery:
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Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic system)
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Fuel Type:
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Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommended changes based on driving conditions, often around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually. Early E39s might have more fixed intervals, consult specific manual for exact year/model.
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Spark Plug Interval:
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Typically 60,000-100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (standard vs. long-life).
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Coolant Flush Interval:
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Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles.
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Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
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Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Specification:
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BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-98 (LL-98) compliant synthetic oil, typically SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40, 5W-30 depending on climate and engine variant. Always verify with the manual.
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Coolant Specification:
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BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with appropriate corrosion inhibitors.
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Brake Fluid Specification:
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DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV)
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Automatic Transmission Fluid Specification:
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ZF LifeguardFluid 5 (for ZF 5HP series transmissions) or equivalent ATF.
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Known Issues
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Common E39 Issue Oil Leaks:
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Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket (common on M52/M54 engines).
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Common E39 Issue Cooling System:
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Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks. Water pump failure is also common.
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Common E39 Issue Suspension:
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Front control arm bushings, rear shock mounts, thrust arm bushings can wear, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.
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Common E39 Issue Electrical:
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Heater control valve issues, ABS/DSC sensor failures, pixelation on the instrument cluster LCD. VANOS system can also develop issues over time.
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