🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 5 Series Chassis Code: E39 Model Years Covered: 2002 Market Segment: Executive Car / Luxury Mid-size Sedan 👋 Introduction Market Position E39 Generation Positioning: The E39 5 Series represented BMW's entry into the premium executive sedan segment, focusing on a balance of performance, luxury, and advanced engineering for its era. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type. Key Features E39 Highlights: Renowned for its chassis dynamics, refined ride, quality interior materials, and a range of efficient yet powerful inline-six and V8 engines. Known for its driver-centric approach. 📋 Manual Details Manual Identification Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language: English Format: PDF Coverage Coverage Areas: Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories. Features Digital Format: Downloadable PDF Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac Software Requirement: Adobe PDF Reader Printability: All pages are printable 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Primary Systems: Vehicle operation, controls, basic maintenance, safety features, infotainment, climate control, lighting, locking and security systems. Procedures Included Operational Procedures: Starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, operating climate control, using entertainment systems, proper use of lights and signals, security system operation. Maintenance Procedures: Checking and topping up engine oil, checking battery status, understanding fuel requirements, air filter inspection/replacement, fluid refill capacities, lubricant specifications. Technical Depth Level Of Detail: Owner-level understanding of vehicle functions and basic maintenance. Not a detailed repair manual for in-depth mechanical or electrical diagnostics or component replacement. Visual Aid Emphasis: Emphasizes the use of numerous pictures and diagrams for easy comprehension. 📊 Manual Specifications File Attributes File Format: PDF Searchability: Likely searchable text within the PDF, facilitating quick information retrieval. Physical Attributes Print Quality: Assumed high-quality digital reproduction of original manual pages. Delivery Method Delivery: Instant download after secure payment processing. Cost Benefit Value Proposition: Cost savings through DIY maintenance, easy-to-follow instructions. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Variants Covered Gasoline Engines: M52TU/M54B22 (2.2L I6), M52TU/M54B25 (2.5L I6), M54B30 (3.0L I6), M62TU V8 (4.4L V8) Diesel Engines: M57D25 (2.5L I6 Turbo Diesel), M57D30 (3.0L I6 Turbo Diesel) Performance Gasoline 520I Output: Approx. 170 PS (168 hp) / 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) 523I Output: Approx. 170 PS (168 hp) / 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) (M52TU); Approx. 177 PS (175 hp) / 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) (M54) 525I Output: Approx. 192 PS (190 hp) / 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) (M54) 530I Output: Approx. 231 PS (228 hp) / 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) (M54) 535I Output: Approx. 245 PS (242 hp) / 345 Nm (255 lb-ft) (M62TU) 540I Output: Approx. 286 PS (282 hp) / 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) (M62TU) Performance Diesel 520D Output: Approx. 136 PS (134 hp) / 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) 525D Output: Approx. 163 PS (161 hp) / 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) 530D Output: Approx. 184 PS (181 hp) / 390 Nm (288 lb-ft) (Pre-facelift); Approx. 193 PS (190 hp) / 410 Nm (302 lb-ft) (Facelift) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic for gasoline, Common Rail Direct Injection for diesel). Fuel Information Recommended Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per manual, typically 91 AKI or higher for gasoline models). Diesel for diesel models. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Default Transmission: 5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/6 for 6-cyl, ZF S5-310/3 for V8). Optional Transmission Automatic Option: 5-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GM A5S360R for 6-cyl, GM A5S310Z for V8). Features Steptronic Function: Allows manual selection of gears via the gear lever or steering wheel buttons (on some models). Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent specification like Dexron III/Mercon for earlier models, check manual for specific variant). Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, specific viscosity typically 75W-90. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Dimensions Length: Approx. 4,821 mm (189.8 in) Width: Approx. 1,798 mm (70.8 in) Height: Approx. 1,436 mm (56.5 in) Wheelbase Wheelbase: Approx. 2,830 mm (111.4 in) Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 1,500 kg to 1,750 kg (3,307 lbs to 3,858 lbs), depending on engine and equipment. Cargo Capacity Trunk Volume: Approx. 500 liters (17.7 cu ft) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: Not directly rated for the 2002 model year in the same way as modern vehicles, but generally considered very safe for its era. IIHS Front Offset Test: Good (typically achieved by E39 in available tests). Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, optional side-impact airbags. Seat Belts: 3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters. Chassis Safety: Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones, anti-submarining seats. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Traction Control: Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) on most models, or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)...
The E39 5 Series represented BMW's entry into the premium executive sedan segment, focusing on a balance of performance, luxury, and advanced engineering for its era.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type.
Key Features
E39 Highlights:
Renowned for its chassis dynamics, refined ride, quality interior materials, and a range of efficient yet powerful inline-six and V8 engines. Known for its driver-centric approach.
📋 Manual Details
Manual Identification
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language:
English
Format:
PDF
Coverage
Coverage Areas:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories.
Starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, operating climate control, using entertainment systems, proper use of lights and signals, security system operation.
Maintenance Procedures:
Checking and topping up engine oil, checking battery status, understanding fuel requirements, air filter inspection/replacement, fluid refill capacities, lubricant specifications.
Technical Depth
Level Of Detail:
Owner-level understanding of vehicle functions and basic maintenance. Not a detailed repair manual for in-depth mechanical or electrical diagnostics or component replacement.
Visual Aid Emphasis:
Emphasizes the use of numerous pictures and diagrams for easy comprehension.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Attributes
File Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within the PDF, facilitating quick information retrieval.
Physical Attributes
Print Quality:
Assumed high-quality digital reproduction of original manual pages.
Delivery Method
Delivery:
Instant download after secure payment processing.
Cost Benefit
Value Proposition:
Cost savings through DIY maintenance, easy-to-follow instructions.
Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) on most models, or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on some higher-spec variants.
Security Features
Anti Theft:
Immobilizer system (EWS - Elektronische Wegfahrsperre), central locking, optional alarm system.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Navigation System:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation system with CD-ROM based maps.
Audio System:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/radio units. Optional CD changer, Harman Kardon sound system available.
Instrument Cluster:
Combination of analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature) and a multi-function display for vehicle status, trip computer, and service reminders.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC) sensors.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth mobile phone preparation with cradle or hands-free system.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system or onboard computer. Owner's manual will provide guidance on resetting service indicators.
Major Service Items:
Spark plugs (approx. 60,000 miles), coolant flush, brake fluid flush (every 2 years), cabin air filter replacement (annually or as needed), engine air filter (as needed based on condition).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 synthetic oil is typically recommended. Viscosity grades commonly 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 depending on climate and specific engine. Crucially, the manual specifies the exact grade.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification) or approved equivalent, mixed with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common E39 Concerns:
Cooling system component failures (radiator, water pump, thermostat housing), VANOS system issues (especially on higher mileage M52TU/M54 engines), ABS/DSC sensor failures, rear axle bushings, window regulator failures, pixelation on the instrument cluster LCD display.
Part Numbers Coverage
Part Number Reference:
The manual lists common part numbers for fluids, filters, and basic maintenance items, enabling owners to source correct replacements.
Refill Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine: approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) for 6-cylinder engines, approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts) for V8 engines. Exact capacity will be in the manual.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 - 10 liters (9.0 - 10.6 US quarts) depending on engine and cooling system configuration. Manual confirms exact volume.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, sporty luxury cars with advanced engineering.
Model Evolution
E39 Lineage:
Successor to the E34 5 Series, the E39 was produced from 1995 to 2003 (saloon) and 1997 to 2004 (touring), with the 2002 model year falling within the E39's facelift period (introduced in late 2000).
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; some assembly also occurred in other BMW facilities globally.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
E39 General Reputation:
The E39 5 Series is widely acclaimed by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its driving dynamics, build quality, and overall competence, often cited as one of the best iterations of the 5 Series.
Car And Driver 5 Best:
The 5 Series (E39) frequently appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production run.