BMW E39

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BMW E39

Manufacturer:	BMW
Production:	1996–2004
Predecessor:	BMW E34
Successor:	BMW E60/E61
Class:	Midsize (E) luxury
Related:	BMW E53
Similar:	Mercedes-Benz W210
Vehicles:	BMW 5 Series

The E39 automobile platform was the basis for BMW 5 Series from 1994 to 2004. It was the successor of the BMW E34 in 1996 (UK), and was replaced by the BMW E60 in 2004. The base model was the 520i, which developed 150 hp (112 kW) in the earlier models and developed 170 hp in later models. The BMW E39 M5 was introduced in 1998, with a 4.9 L V8 engine.

The E39 was sold in the UK starting in 1995, followed by the rest of Europe and then the other continents. Various engine sizes and types have been available. Of the full range available:

The North American market saw the 525i, 528i, 530i, 540i and M5.

The European BMW range saw the 520i, 523i, 528i, 530i, 535i, 540i, 525tds, 520d, 525d, 530d and M5.

All model numbers but the M5 were available in either a sedan or a touring wagon. The 520, 523, 525 and 528 were powered by 150 hp (earlier versions), 170 hp and 190 hp versions of the gasoline BMW M52 inline-6 engine. The 530i was powered by a 225 hp inline-6 shared with the E46 330i. The 540i was powered by the 282 hp (210 kW) 4.4L V8 seen in the E38 (7-Series) and in the X5.

From 1997-2000, the E39 model range in the USA consisted of the 528i, 540i, and M5.

Introduced in spring of 1996 as an early 1997 model, the redesigned mid-level BMW sedan showed evolutionary styling changes rather than a dramatic redesign. Offered only as a sedan, the wheelbase grew by 2.7 inches and overall length by 2.2 inches. The new 5 Series came in two forms: with a 6-cylinder engine as the 528i, or powered by a V8 as the 540i. Both were enlargements of the engines used in the prior 5 Series generation. The 2.8 L dual overhead camshaft 6-cylinder engine made 190 hp, versus 282 hp for the 4.4 L V8. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on the 528i, with the 4-speed automatic optional. The 540i, in contrast, could have either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment on both models included dual front and side airbags, antilock brakes, and traction control. Rivals include the Acura RL, Lexus GS 300, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

[edit] Changes by model year

In 1998 optional rear side airbags became available, and both models also gained BMW's exclusive new Head Protection System, which consists of two tubular bags that inflate upon a side impact and pop out just above each front door. A new Sport Package became optional for the 528i and the automatic transmission 540i. The Sport Package included black body trim, a sport-tuned suspension, and 17-inch wheels and tires.

1999 saw the introduction of the Touring (station wagon) body style and joined sedans in both 6-cylinder and V8 editions. Added as standard or optional for 1999 were brighter xenon headlights, memory for power seats and mirrors, Park Distance Control that warns of obstacles when backing up, and self-leveling rear suspension for wagons. Standard on V8 models and newly optional for 528i versions was BMW's Dynamic Stability Control, designed to aid control in fast turns.

In 2000 the high-performance M5 sedan returned to the BMW fold. Built in limited numbers, the M5 used a 400 hp V8 and came with a firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels, 6-speed manual transmission, and exclusive interior trim. Rain-sensing windshield wipers and xenon headlamps became standard on the 540i, and were newly available for 528i models. The 528i versions also gained the 540i's standard antiskid system. All models now had daytime running lights, fog lamps, and a right outside mirror that tilts down when backing up. Lower-body rear side airbags were standard on the M5, remaining optional for other models.

From 2001-03, the E39 model range sold in the USA consisted of the 525i, 530i, 540i and M5.

For the 2001 model year, BMW updated the E39 with newer, clear-lens headlights which first displayed the now-popular "angel eyes" (Hella, the OEM, refers to these lights as "CELIS"). Rear tail lights and marker lights were changed to LEDs, while the rear turn signals were changed from yellow lenses to clear. The 528i was replaced by the 530i which had a new 225 hp (168 kW) M54 3.0L inline-6. A new entry-level 525i was introduced featuring a 184 hp (137 kW) M54 2.5L inline-6 and a slightly cheaper price. Meanwhile, the 540i was given more power, totalling 290 hp (216 kW). The available navigation system was changed to a widescreen version.

The 2002 E39 had no extenal differences from the 2001 model year. However, for the 2002 model year, BMW Steptronic-equipped E39s had their manual shift direction switched to match BMW's SMG cars. Also, in 2002 the 540i V8 32V engine power was increased from 282 to 290 hp and 310 to 325 Torque, ft-lbs. All models got a standard in-dash CD player, 6-cyl models added a standard power passenger seat, and the 525i received automatic climate control standard. Consumer Reports declared the 2002 BMW E39 the best car they had ever reviewed.

2003 marked the last year for the E39 platform; they were differentiated by the addition of extra chrome trim on the trunk (boot) and on the sides of the body. In all 6-cyl model 5-Series add a standard sunroof. The optional navigation systems upgraded from CD-ROM format (8 CDs to cover the entire USA and Canada) to single DVD-ROM. The optional sport package on the 540i carried parts from M-technic. This included a full M-tech ground effects, M-tech II suspension, 18" wheels, and a variety of M badging. The 2003 540 M-Sport is the highest overall performance BMW ever made with an automatic transmission as it had the same huge 4.4 liter V8 of the big 645i, the larger 740i, 740Li and current 745i and 745Li, but in the smaller body. The E39 wagon (touring / estate) was continued into the 2004 model year until the touring version of the new E60 5 Series was released.

[edit] Gallery

Pre-2001 E39 wagon.

A 2000 BMW 540i E39.

Two BMW 540i 4.4 liter engines.

[edit] External links

http://www.e38.org/e39/ A collection of E39 resources and documents
http://www.howtobmw.com/ How To BMW, a collection of BMW maintenance and upgrade articles, with a section for the E39
http://www.bmwtips.com/ BMW Tips, a collection of E39 maintenance and upgrade articles

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