Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Construction
Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission 525I 528I 530I:
5-speed Getrag manual (SMG optional on some models)
Transmission 540I:
5-speed ZF automatic (6-speed manual optional on early models)
Optional
Transmission Options:
Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) available on select inline-six models; 6-speed manual available on 540i.
Features
Automatic Transmission Features:
Steptronic (manual shifting mode)
Fluid Specs
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4 rated gear oil)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
188.5 inches (4790 mm)
Width:
70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
56.2 inches (1427 mm)
Wheelbase:
113.7 inches (2890 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight 525I:
3571 lbs (1620 kg) (approx.)
Curb Weight 540I:
3836 lbs (1740 kg) (approx.)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
17.0 cubic feet (480 liters)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (for models equipped with side airbags)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (for models equipped with side airbags)
IIHS Front Driver:
Good (for models with specific features/updates)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable/Good (depending on equipment)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Dsc:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard on most models
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front and side airbags standard, optional rear side airbags
Seatbelts:
Front pre-tensioned seatbelts, rear 3-point seatbelts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS radios. Optional Professional Navigation system available.
Speaker System:
Standard 8-speaker system, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, with optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on some later models.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth mobile phone integration available on later models.
Convenience
Rain Sensing Wipers:
Optional rain-sensing wiper system.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system recommends oil changes based on driving conditions, typically every 7,500-15,000 miles or annually. Consult manual for specific CBS logic.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Inline-6: Approx. 100,000 miles. V8: Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type and year). Refer to manual for specific engine.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or as recommended by BMW's service indicators.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 depending on climate and specific engine.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S often a suitable substitute)
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks. Water pump failure is also common.
Valve Cover Gaskets:
Common for valve cover gaskets and spark plug well seals to leak oil, especially on higher-mileage vehicles.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
ABS and DSC warning lights can be triggered by failing wheel speed sensors.
Mass Air Flow Sensor:
The MAF sensor can become dirty or fail, leading to rough idling and poor performance.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Failure of the crankshaft position sensor can cause the engine to stall or not start.
Pixel Display Failure:
The LCD displays in the instrument cluster and climate control module are prone to pixel degradation ('dead pixels').
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering.
Model Evolution
E39 Introduction:
The E39 generation of the 5 Series replaced the E34 and was produced from 1995 (for the 1996 model year) to 2003. The models covered in this manual (1997-2002) represent a significant portion of the E39's lifecycle.
Facelift Information:
A significant facelift occurred in 2000, introducing updated styling (headlights, taillights, bumpers), new engines (M54 series), and improved interior features.
Production
Production Period:
1995-2003 (Globally)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; also assembled in some international locations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Best 10:
Frequently recognized by Car and Driver as one of the '10Best' cars during its production run.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not a direct winner, the E39 5 Series was a strong contender and widely praised by MotorTrend.
Ratings
Overall Reputation:
Highly regarded for its blend of luxury, performance, and build quality, often considered a benchmark in its class.
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