Vehicle Segment:
Executive/Luxury Sedan and Wagon
Target Audience:
Professionals, families, enthusiasts valuing performance, luxury, and advanced engineering
Primary Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type
Bmw Philosophy:
'Ultimate Driving Machine' focus on dynamic handling, driver engagement, and refined powertrains
E39 Strengths:
Excellent chassis dynamics, powerful inline-six and V8 engines, high-quality interior, robust construction
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with the detailed knowledge required to maintain and repair the sophisticated E39 platform
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing components, valve train
Engine Management:
Fuel injection (DME/EDC), ignition system, emissions control (VANOS, catalytic converters), ECU diagnostics, sensor and actuator testing
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox internal components, shifting mechanisms, removal and installation
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic systems, electronic control, removal and installation
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, universal joints, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs), alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, troubleshooting
Brakes Hydraulic:
Brake system components (master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake lines), bleeding procedures
Brakes ABS Dsc:
ABS/DSC control module, wheel speed sensors, hydraulic modulator, diagnostic procedures
Electrical Power:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, charging system troubleshooting
Electrical Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lights, fog lights, bulb replacement, wiring diagrams
Electrical Accessories:
Power windows, door locks, mirrors, sunroof, wipers, horn, seat adjustment
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass replacement, seals
Body Interior:
Dashboard, upholstery, trim panels, headliner, carpet replacement
Climate Control:
HVAC system, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant handling, heater core
Safety Restraint:
Airbag system, seatbelts, SRS module diagnostics
Infotainment:
Radio, CD player, navigation system (CCC/M-ASK), speaker replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical symptom analysis
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid service, differential fluid change
Repair:
Component replacement (alternator, starter, water pump, fuel pump, mass air flow sensor), radiator replacement, exhaust system repair, suspension component replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, CV axle replacement, door lock actuator replacement
Diagnostics:
OBD-II scanning and interpretation, live data analysis, component testing with multimeter, electrical circuit tracing, vacuum leak testing, fuel pressure testing
Rebuilds:
Engine rebuild procedures (complete disassembly, inspection, reassembly), transmission rebuild procedures (automatic and manual)
Installation:
Accessory installation (e.g., trailer hitch), aftermarket part installation guidance, component installation
Depth Level:
Expert/Professional Level (suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians)
Diagnostic Tools Required:
Basic hand tools, torque wrench, multimeter, OBD-II scanner (BMW specific recommended), pressure gauges, diagnostic software (e.g., ISTA/D - not included in manual)
Wiring Diagrams Coverage:
Detailed, system-specific wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Interval Indicator (VSI) system, typically 7,500-15,000 miles (12,000-24,000 km) based on driving conditions. Recommended maximum of 1 year.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as indicated by VSI.
Spark Plug Replacement I6:
NGK BKR6EQUP platinum plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW LL-01 approved or equivalent) - e.g., Castrol Syntec 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity I6:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity V8:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based), 50/50 mix with distilled water
Common E39 Issues Cooling:
Plastic coolant expansion tank cracking, water pump failure (plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks.
Common E39 Issues Vanos:
VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids and seals can degrade, leading to rough idle or loss of power.
Common E39 Issues Suspension:
Front lower control arm bushings (lollipops) wear out, leading to steering looseness. Rear subframe bushings can also fail.
Common E39 Issues Electrical:
CCM (Check Control Module) issues, pixelated instrument cluster displays, ABS/DSC sensor failures, alternator regulator failure.
Common E39 Issues Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, oil filter housing gasket leaks.
Common E39 Issues Oil Pan Drain Plug:
Stripped oil pan drain plug threads are a common, albeit avoidable, issue.