Modern business sedans are equipped with the best engines and "automatic machines", have enviable dynamics and excellent smoothness, and in addition, they are offered in the "4x4" version, which greatly simplifies the life of a motorist in our unpredictable Russian winters. This review is devoted to modifications with all-wheel drive.
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Secondary market December 14, 2007 Recognized authorities (Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse) Large German sedans have always been popular in Russia. In the secondary market, even fairly second-hand copies are appreciated. But our review includes relatively fresh models of the latest generations: “Audi A6” (produced since 2004), BMW 5-series (from 2003 to the first restyling this year) and “Mercedes-Benz” E-class, which sold from 2002 to modernization, which took place a few months ago.
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What motor choose BMW E39, what to look for and how much its maintenance costs. Is it worth buying such a car at all, after all, about 85-90% of 39 in the CIS countries are in a "crumpled" state ?!
If you are resolved, and are firmly convinced of the desire to buy a BMW E39, then from this article you will learn what you need to pay attention to in order not to buy completely full rubbish and how to choose a 39-ku in good condition and with the best engine.
In a nutshell - the fourth generation premium sedan / touring. The car replaced the body of the BMW E34 and was put into mass production at the end of 1995. The first versions were - 520i, 523i, 528i, 540i, diesel versions 525td and 525tds were offered only a year later.
E39 was produced until 2003 in the body - sedan and touring (station wagon), after which it was replaced by. At the end of 2000, the BMW E39 5 series model range was updated (restyling - minor changes in the exterior and interior, revision / improvement of engines and correction of errors / problems that arose during the operation of the first models of this generation).
Dorestyling or Restyling
How to distinguish between pre-styling and restyled BMW E39 ?!
In the front end, the updated version has a new bumper with body-colored moldings, round fog lights for the design of the bumper and changed optics - for the first time on a BMW, "angel eyes" are installed. At the rear, the headlight has been redesigned.
And these are the external signs of the differences between the BMW E39 with the M Sport Package in comparison with the top version of the M5. After restyling, most of the design flaws were eliminated, and the BMW E39 became one of the reliability leaders in its class. However, the Bavarian sedan remains a rather complex vehicle that requires skilled maintenance, quality parts and consumables. When buying a pre-styling version, special attention should be paid to the condition of the car, since the first production cars had more weak points.
The lineup
BMW 520i E39 is a gasoline version of the BMW E39 produced from 1995 to 2003 in two body types - sedan and touring. Over the entire production period, three engines were installed on the 520 - from 1996 to September 1998 a 2-liter BMW M52, from 1998 to January 2000 - its updated M52 engine with the TU index and from 2000 to 2003 a 2.2-liter and one of the most popular, reliable BMW M54.
BMW 523i E39 - produced from 1995 to 2000 in the sedan body, and since 1997 the model has been available in the touring body. The car was originally equipped with the M52B25. Since September 1998, the company has replaced this unit with an updated M52TUB25 engine with a double VANOS system.
BMW 525i E39 - this modification is available only in a restyled body and was equipped with a 2.5-liter BMW M54. The car was produced from 2000 to 2003 in the sedan and station wagon (Touring).
BMW 528i E39 - This modification was produced from 1995 to 2001 and was available with the BMW M52. Since September 1998, an updated TU engine has been installed on the 39th, and the Single VANOS system was replaced by Double VANOS.
BMW 530i E39 - As well as the 2.5-liter version, the 530 version with the 3-liter BMW M54 was offered in 2000. Production ended in 2003.
BMW 535i E39 - E39 equipped with a 3.5-liter V8. The 535th produced from 1996 to 1998 is equipped with an M62B35 engine with a capacity of 245 hp. Since September 1998, the Bavarians have installed a modernized BMW M62 engine with the TU index under the hood.
BMW 540i E39 - if you do not take into account the BMW M5 E39, then this is the top version in the 39th body. The car has been produced since 1995 and was equipped with a 4.4-liter M62B44 engine, and since September '98, its modified version M62TU develops 286 hp. The armored version was designated 540iP (Protection).
BMW 520d E39 is the most economical version. The diesel modification was produced from 2000 to 2004 and was equipped with only a 4-cylinder BMW M47 engine.
BMW 525td E39 - The first version with a diesel engine was offered only in the sedan body and was equipped with an engine (M51D25 UL). Production period 1996 - 2000.
BMW 525tds E39 is a more powerful diesel model produced with the same M51 (M51D25TU OL) and in the same period.
BMW 525d E39 is a restyled diesel modification with a 2.5-liter BMW M57. The car was produced in sedan and station wagon bodies from 2000 to 2003.
BMW 530d E39 is a top-end diesel version under the hood of which the same reliable BMW M57 engine was installed, only with a volume of 3 liters. Since 1998, the 530th diesel has been equipped with a 184-horsepower version of the engine. From August 2000 to 2003, the same engine was installed on this model, only modified and improved, the power of which increased to 193 hp.
How to choose BMW E39
As for the choice of modification, it is worth noting that even the 520th version with a two-liter engine will bring you driving pleasure and at the same time moderate maintenance costs. The choice of modification is directly related to your financial capabilities.
What to look for when choosing, examining and buying a "five" of the fourth generation?
Body
The search for a used BMW E39, as well as, in principle, the search for another used car leads to one obligatory moment - checking the body, since you can even buy a BMW E39 in a "killed" state, then go through the engine, repair the gearbox and sort out the chassis part, but if you bought a car with badly damaged bodywork, then it will stay with you forever, or until you sell the car.
When examining the body condition, you should understand that time takes its toll and it is almost impossible to find a BMW E39 unbroken and not painted. As practice shows, the search for the "five" in the native paint can take a long time, and you will be very lucky if at least one hundredth of the viewed car becomes it.
100% - not broken and not painted BMW 528i in the back of E39. At the moment it stands on the podium of the BMW Museum, and if you still manage to buy it, then for VERY expensive Below are the places you need to pay attention to in order to clearly see the overall picture of the condition of the machine. What to look at when inspecting the body? The main task is to choose a body that has not been in a severe accident, that is, let it be repainted, repaired somewhere, but the most important thing is that the supporting structure is not damaged.
Determine where the car was bit, perhaps with a device for measuring paintwork. With the help of it, it is possible at the initial stage to find out whether you should further inspect the car or not. If you do not have such a device, you will have to examine it more closely.
the front of
The repainted place gives itself out mainly with a matte shade and swelling of the paint, which indicates poor-quality repair work.
In the engine compartment, the wheel arch liner can tell you about its replacement, and the torn off bolts on the hood and fenders will let you know that the wing was removed, or even changed. It is possible to determine if the headlight has changed by checking the date of manufacture of the car and the date of manufacture of the headlight indicated on the housing of the headlight itself. It is worth noting that the headlight can be changed not only after an accident, but also when updating the appearance.
The problematic place in the front of the E39 body is the sealant in the front of the hood (front corners) - if the corrosion is strong, then the hood will have to be changed in the future.
Side part
It is possible to determine the repainted part of the body by the presence of poor-quality painting with a painter, which may well leave traces, such as soil subsidence or paint smudges. When examining a dirty car, it will be difficult to determine such moments even for a person being dismantled.
Inspect the doors against the side fenders and the openings for cracks and paint swelling, which will warrant a replacement or repair operation on the doorway.
It is easy to determine by the bolts that the door has been dismantled;
Rear part
The presence of "bitness-dyeing" can be determined by examining the luggage compartment, namely the mounting area of the rear wing. After installing the "new" rear wing, characteristic marks remain. The surface of the attachment plate may be glossy, although it should be more matte. There are no traces of spot welding. If the car has been hit from one side, it will be easy for you to determine by comparing it with the opposite side. It is also possible to determine the bitness by the presence of "handicraft" welding under the very platform from the inside.
The next element that must be examined is a niche for a spare wheel, and the presence / absence of welds, putty or other unpleasant repairs.
Pay attention to the trunk lid itself; torn paint near the trunk mounting bolt will let you know about its removal or replacement.
Engine
You will hardly be able to see the new engine in the engine compartment of a used BMW E39, but when examining, pay attention to the external condition of the attachment and everything around it - including the power unit itself.
Visually, the poor condition of the engine will tell you the valve cover gasket, which requires replacement, the power steering sweating, the leaking of high pressure hoses and other oily parts of the engine compartment, which indicate the unreliable operation of the engine.
But, only by starting the engine, a knowledgeable person will understand how good or bad everything is with the engine.
Best BMW E39 engine
The BMW E39 was fitted with 6- and 8-cylinder petrol engines and 4- and 6-cylinder diesel power units.
Petrol - M52, M54 and M62. Unlike its predecessor, the BMW M5x engine series is less prone to overheating, which cannot be said about the V-eight M62 with a volume of 3.5 and 4.4 liters. Overheating does not mean short-term high revs.
With which engine is it better to choose a BMW E39? Get away from your car budget!
Try to "weed out" the E39s with the M52 engine. Why?! Because the blocks of this motor are made of aluminum, and in the manufacture of the cylinder walls, such a surface treatment / spraying technology as Nikasil was used. This spraying is "afraid" of very low-quality gasoline, which contains a lot of sulfur.
If the budget is limited, look towards BMW E39 with M52TU engine release from 09.1998 or from 1999 release. This engine is much more reliable than the M52 installed on the first models. It is also worth noting that a double VANOS is installed on the "TU" version, which makes the car more economical, and at the same time has higher dynamic characteristics.
Buy with a larger budget with a gasoline engine. This is a great motor with which there will be no problems. The motor has proven its reliability over time. But this does not mean that you can buy a BMW E39 with an M54 engine and not service it at all.
Visual difference between BMW M52 and M52TU engines: 1 - one two VANOS; 2 - a lid; 3 - intake manifold; 4 - the location of the oil dipstick; 
The M54 engine was equipped only with restyled BMW E39 As for 8-cylinder engines, the situation is the same with blocks. Motors with nikasil blocks were installed until September 1997, so models up to 97 'would be cheaper to bypass.
It is also worth noting that the VANOS system has been installed on the BMW E39 V8 since September 1998. When choosing such a "device", you need to pay special attention to the sound of the system itself (VANOS) - to the absence of crackles and knocks.
When buying a BMW E39 with a V-shaped engine, pay attention to the 4.4-liter version with a TU engine, that is, installed on the 540th modification after 1998.
Left BMW M62 without VANOS - right M62TU VANOS Most of the E39s were also equipped with diesel engines. From the start of production until 2000, modifications with the prefix to the index "td" and "tds" were equipped with a 2.5-liter M51 engine, and in 1999, as a more modern replacement, a two-liter four-cylinder M47 and six-cylinder M57 with a volume of 2.5 and 3.0 liters. They differ from the M51 in the presence of an exhaust gas recirculation system and more powerful power characteristics.
From diesel engines, pay attention to the reliable and powerful 3-liter volume. As for the 4-cylinder, as for a car of this class and with such a mass, it is a little weak, and does not quite reveal the capabilities of the BMW 5 Series.
The reliability of the BMW M57 engine has been proven by time and the duration of the production of a diesel power unit. A characteristic feature of these engines is the presence of an air sensor on one of the nozzles, which, after 80-120,000 km of run, may well cause an air leak that enters the fuel system, which leads to a difficult engine start. The solution to the problem is to replace the nozzle.
- The distribution mechanism in all power units is driven by a chain that will last about 250,000 km;
- Motors are sensitive to oil quality and require the use of BMW recommended lubricants;
- Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the radiator, which should be cleaned at least once a year (depending on the conditions and terrain of car operation);
- Cooling fan failure may cause overheating;
- Check connections for leaks from mechanical bushings;
In any case, the condition of the above and other components must be monitored and properly maintained if necessary, or the onset of maintenance.
Gear boxes
The reliability of the gearbox in the E39 body is extremely high.
According to the manual, automatic transmissions are not serviced, but nevertheless, "in practice" the oil in the automatic transmission is recommended to be changed every 60,000 km as a reassurance.
Before buying, it would be a good idea to assess the condition of the clutch. This car encourages a more aggressive driving style, and clutch replacement procedures are not cheap.
Suspension
The BMW E39 has (for the first time for the "five") a multi-link suspension, most of which is made of aluminum. The manufacturer made this "move" to optimize the weight, which he did well, but some owners, or former owners of the 39th body, criticized the suspension. There is one point here, or rather advice, install original and high-quality parts - and you will be happy.
Front suspension
"Five" - McPherson (McPherson) on two wishbones. This suspension option provides excellent handling and an affordable service price. Depending on the driving style, the front axle will last from 40,000 to 80,000 km.
The front suspension consumables include the silent blocks of the upper levers and the anti-roll bar rods, they are capable of going 15 - 25,000 km, the front shock absorbers will "live" a little longer (or further) (40 - 80,000 kilometers). The ball joint can travel up to 100,000 km, or even more, but it changes with the lever, since the ball joints on the wishbones are not repressed.
Rear suspension
Multi-link with lower H-shaped lever. In terms of handling, durability and comfort, the rear suspension will last longer due to its resource.
The weak point of the four-link rear suspension of the BMW E39 is the articulated silent block (ball joint) in the wheel bearing support, the boomerang arm (wishbone), and sometimes torn silent blocks in the lower H-shaped levers (swinging arm) can disturb.
It is worth noting that most of the suspension of the BMW E39 with a V8 engine consists of metal arms, and of course it is cheaper in terms of maintenance cost.
Before the sale, it is practiced to replace worn-out parts with new ones of very low quality, for example, instead of the LEMFÖRDER levers (the price tag of which, after installation, could be included in the price of the BMW E39 sold), some Chinese levers were installed with an unknown warranty period, which will be enough for you two weeks of moderate travel, or even less.
Mileage
For starters, it's worth noting the fact that most BMW E39s on the market will be mileage-adjusted. So at this stage, when choosing, pay attention to the technical condition of the car as a whole, the operation of its engine and gearbox, since the twisted mileage cannot be checked without special devices.
If it is important for you to know the real mileage of the BMW E39, you need:
- contact the BMW dealership together with the owner of the car, and then if the car was serviced by a dealer;
- visually inspect the interior, the technical condition of the car and compare them with the indicated mileage on the odometer;
- in a technical way, by connecting a computer with special software to the car;
Diagnostics
This stage is obligatory if you have decided on a car and you are not indifferent to the state of your future "five".
Diagnostics BMW E39 will show the dates of errors, what errors are and in which control unit, that is, you will learn about those problems that cannot be visually identified, for example: errors in the operation of any cylinder, parking sensors, automatic headlight range control, incorrect operation gearboxes, ignition errors and other unpleasant moments.
Do not dwell only on computer diagnostics, just inspect the car on a lift and check the geometry of the body.
On the market, it is possible to meet a vehicle with a dark past, therefore, verification of the origin is desirable if you do not need further unpleasant moments associated with your car.
Happy choice 🙂
With which engine to choose BMW E39, what to look for and how much its maintenance costs. Is it worth buying such a car at all, after all, about 85-90% of 39 in the CIS countries are in a "crumpled" state ?! If you are resolved, and are firmly convinced of the desire to buy a BMW E39, then from this article you will learn what you need to pay attention to in order not to buy completely full rubbish and how to choose a 39-ku in good condition and with the best engine.
The BMW E39 at a glance - the premium sedan / touring of the 5 Series in the fourth generation. The car replaced the body of the BMW E34 and was put into mass production at the end of 1995. The first versions were - 520i, 523i, 528i, 540i, diesel versions 525td and 525tds were offered only a year later.
The E39 was produced until 2003 in the sedan and touring (station wagon) bodies, after which it was replaced by the BMW E60. At the end of 2000, the BMW E39 5 series model range was updated (restyling - minor changes in the exterior and interior, revision / improvement of engines and correction of errors / problems that arose during the operation of the first models of this generation).
Dorestyling or Restyling
How to distinguish between pre-styling and restyled BMW E39 ?!
In the front end, the updated version has a new bumper with body-colored moldings, round fog lights for the design of the bumper and changed optics - for the first time on a BMW, "angel eyes" are installed. At the rear, the headlight has been redesigned.
And these are the external signs of the differences between the BMW E39 with the M Sport Package in comparison with the top version of the M5.
After restyling, most of the design flaws were eliminated, and the BMW E39 became one of the reliability leaders in its class. However, the Bavarian sedan remains a rather complex vehicle that requires skilled maintenance, quality parts and consumables. When buying a pre-styling version, special attention should be paid to the condition of the car, since the first production cars had more weak points.
The lineup
BMW 520i E39 is a gasoline version of the BMW E39 produced from 1995 to 2003 in two body types - sedan and touring. Over the entire production period, three engines were installed on the 520 - from 1996 to September 1998 a 2-liter BMW M52, from 1998 to January 2000 - its updated M52 engine with the TU index and from 2000 to 2003 a 2.2-liter and one of the most popular, reliable BMW M54.
BMW 523i E39 - produced from 1995 to 2000 in the sedan body, and since 1997 the model has been available in the touring body. The car was originally equipped with the M52B25. Since September 1998, the company has replaced this unit with an updated M52TUB25 engine with a double VANOS system.
BMW 525i E39 - this modification is available only in a restyled body and was equipped with a 2.5-liter BMW M54. The car was produced from 2000 to 2003 in the sedan and station wagon (Touring).
BMW 528i E39 - This modification was produced from 1995 to 2001 and was available with the BMW M52. Since September 1998, an updated TU engine has been installed on the 39th, and the Single VANOS system was replaced by Double VANOS.
BMW 530i E39 - As well as the 2.5-liter version, the 530 version with the 3-liter BMW M54 was offered in 2000. Production ended in 2003.
BMW 535i E39 - E39 equipped with a 3.5-liter V8. The 535th produced from 1996 to 1998 is equipped with an M62B35 engine with a capacity of 245 hp. Since September 1998, the Bavarians have installed a modernized BMW M62 engine with the TU index under the hood.
BMW 540i E39 - if you do not take into account the BMW M5 E39, then this is the top version in the 39th body. The car has been produced since 1995 and was equipped with a 4.4-liter M62B44 engine, and since September '98, its modified version M62TU develops 286 hp. The armored version was designated 540iP (Protection).
BMW 520d E39 is the most economical version. The diesel modification was produced from 2000 to 2004 and was equipped with only a 4-cylinder BMW M47 engine.
BMW 525td E39 - the first version with a diesel engine was offered only in the sedan body and was equipped with a BMW M51 engine (M51D25 UL). Production period 1996 - 2000.
BMW 525tds E39 is a more powerful diesel model produced with the same M51 (M51D25TU OL) and in the same period.
BMW 525d E39 is a restyled diesel modification with a 2.5-liter BMW M57. The car was produced in sedan and station wagon bodies from 2000 to 2003.
BMW 530d E39 is a top-end diesel version under the hood of which the same reliable BMW M57 engine was installed, only with a volume of 3 liters. Since 1998, the 530th diesel has been equipped with a 184-horsepower version of the engine. From August 2000 to 2003, the same engine was installed on this model, only modified and improved, the power of which increased to 193 hp.
How to choose BMW E39
As for the choice of modification, it is worth noting that even the 520th version with a two-liter engine will bring you driving pleasure and at the same time moderate maintenance costs. The choice of modification is directly related to your financial capabilities.
What to look for when choosing, examining and buying a "five" of the fourth generation?
Body
The search for a used BMW E39, as well as, in principle, the search for another used car leads to one obligatory moment - checking the body, since you can even buy a BMW E39 in a "killed" state, then go through the engine, repair the gearbox and sort out the chassis part, but if you bought a car with badly damaged bodywork, then it will stay with you forever, or until you sell the car.
When examining the body condition, you should understand that time takes its toll and it is almost impossible to find a BMW E39 unbroken and not painted. As practice shows, the search for the "five" in the native paint can take a long time, and you will be very lucky if at least one hundredth of the viewed car becomes it. 
100% - not broken and not painted BMW 528i in the back of E39. At the moment it stands on the podium of the BMW Museum, and if you still manage to buy it, then for VERY expensive
Below are the places you need to pay attention to in order to clearly see the overall picture of the condition of the machine. What to look at when inspecting the body? The main task is to choose a body that has not been in a severe accident, that is, let it be repainted, repaired somewhere, but the most important thing is that the supporting structure is not damaged.
Determine where the car was bit, perhaps with a device for measuring paintwork. With the help of it, it is possible at the initial stage to find out whether you should further inspect the car or not. If you do not have such a device, you will have to examine it more closely.
the front of
The repainted place gives itself out mainly with a matte shade and swelling of the paint, which indicates poor-quality repair work.
In the engine compartment, the wheel arch liner can tell you about its replacement, and the torn off bolts on the hood and fenders will let you know that the wing was removed, or even changed. It is possible to determine if the headlight has changed by checking the date of manufacture of the car and the date of manufacture of the headlight indicated on the housing of the headlight itself. It is worth noting that the headlight can be changed not only after an accident, but also when updating the appearance.
The problematic place in the front of the E39 body is the sealant in the front of the hood (front corners) - if the corrosion is strong, then the hood will have to be changed in the future.
Side part
It is possible to determine the repainted part of the body by the presence of poor-quality painting with a painter, which may well leave traces, such as soil subsidence or paint smudges. When examining a dirty car, it will be difficult to determine such moments even for a person being dismantled.
Inspect the doors against the side fenders and the openings for cracks and paint swelling, which will warrant a replacement or repair operation on the doorway.
It is easy to determine by the bolts that the door has been dismantled;
Rear part
The presence of "bitness-dyeing" can be determined by examining the luggage compartment, namely the mounting area of the rear wing. After installing the "new" rear wing, characteristic marks remain. The surface of the attachment plate may be glossy, although it should be more matte. There are no traces of spot welding. If the car has been hit from one side, it will be easy for you to determine by comparing it with the opposite side. It is also possible to determine the bitness by the presence of "handicraft" welding under the very platform from the inside.
The next element that must be examined is a niche for a spare wheel, and the presence / absence of welds, putty or other unpleasant repairs.
Pay attention to the trunk lid itself; torn paint near the trunk mounting bolt will let you know about its removal or replacement.
Engine
You will hardly be able to see the new engine in the engine compartment of a used BMW E39, but when examining, pay attention to the external condition of the attachment and everything around it - including the power unit itself.
Visually, the poor condition of the engine will tell you the valve cover gasket, which requires replacement, the power steering sweating, the leaking of high pressure hoses and other oily parts of the engine compartment, which indicate the unreliable operation of the engine.
But, only by starting the engine, a knowledgeable person will understand how good or bad everything is with the engine.
Best BMW E39 engine
The BMW E39 was fitted with 6- and 8-cylinder petrol engines and 4- and 6-cylinder diesel power units.
Gasoline - M52, M52TU, M54 and M62. Unlike its predecessor, the BMW M20, the BMW M5x series of engines is less prone to overheating, which cannot be said about the V-eight M62 with a volume of 3.5 and 4.4 liters. Overheating does not mean short-term high revs.
With which engine is it better to choose a BMW E39? Get away from your car budget!
Try to "weed out" the E39s with the M52 engine. Why?! Because the blocks of this motor are made of aluminum, and in the manufacture of the cylinder walls, such a surface treatment / spraying technology as Nikasil was used. This spraying is "afraid" of very low-quality gasoline, which contains a lot of sulfur.
If the budget is limited, look towards BMW E39 with M52TU engine release from 09.1998 or from 1999 release. This engine is much more reliable than the M52 installed on the first models. It is also worth noting that a double VANOS is installed on the "TU" version, which makes the car more economical, and at the same time has higher dynamic characteristics.
With a bigger budget, buy with a BMW M54 gasoline engine. This is a great motor with which there will be no problems. The motor has proven its reliability over time. But this does not mean that you can buy a BMW E39 with an M54 engine and not service it at all. 
Visual difference between BMW M52 and M52TU engines: 1 - one two VANOS; 2 - a lid; 3 - intake manifold; 4 - the location of the oil dipstick;
The M54 engine was equipped only with restyled BMW E39
As for 8-cylinder engines, the situation is the same with blocks. Motors with nikasil blocks were installed until September 1997, so models up to 97 'would be cheaper to bypass.
It is also worth noting that the VANOS system has been installed on the BMW E39 V8 since September 1998. When choosing such a "device", you need to pay special attention to the sound of the system itself (VANOS) - to the absence of crackles and knocks. When buying a BMW E39 with a V-shaped engine, pay attention to the 4.4-liter version with a TU engine, that is, M62TUB44 installed on the 540th modification after 1998.
Left BMW M62 without VANOS - right M62TU VANOS
Most of the E39s were also equipped with diesel engines. From the start of production until 2000, modifications with the prefix to the index "td" and "tds" were equipped with a 2.5-liter M51 engine, and in 1999, as a more modern replacement, a two-liter four-cylinder M47 and six-cylinder M57 with a volume of 2.5 and 3.0 liters. They differ from the M51 in the presence of an exhaust gas recirculation system and more powerful power characteristics.
From diesel engines, pay attention to the reliable and powerful BMW M57 with a volume of 3 liters. As for the 4-cylinder BMW M47, as for a car of this class and with such a mass, it is a little weak, and does not quite reveal the capabilities of the BMW 5 Series. 
The reliability of the BMW M57 engine has been proven by time and the duration of the production of a diesel power unit.
A characteristic feature of these engines is the presence of an air sensor on one of the nozzles, which, after 80-120,000 km of run, may well cause an air leak that enters the fuel system, which leads to a difficult engine start. The solution to the problem is to replace the nozzle.
- The distribution mechanism in all power units is driven by a chain that will last about 250,000 km;
- Motors are sensitive to oil quality and require the use of BMW recommended lubricants;
- Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the radiator, which should be cleaned at least once a year (depending on the conditions and terrain of car operation);
- Cooling fan failure may cause overheating;
- Check connections for leaks from mechanical bushings;
In any case, the condition of the above and other components must be monitored and properly maintained if necessary, or the onset of maintenance.
Gear boxes
The reliability of the gearbox in the E39 body is extremely high.
According to the manual, automatic transmissions are not serviced, but nevertheless, "in practice" the oil in the automatic transmission is recommended to be changed every 60,000 km as a reassurance.
Before buying, it would be a good idea to assess the condition of the clutch. This car encourages a more aggressive driving style, and clutch replacement procedures are not cheap.
Suspension
The BMW E39 has (for the first time for the "five") a multi-link suspension, most of which is made of aluminum. The manufacturer made this "move" to optimize the weight, which he did well, but some owners, or former owners of the 39th body, criticized the suspension. There is one point here, or rather advice, install original and high-quality parts - and you will be happy.
Front suspension
"Five" - McPherson (McPherson) on two wishbones. This suspension option provides excellent handling and an affordable service price. Depending on the driving style, the front axle will last from 40,000 to 80,000 km.
The front suspension consumables include the bushings of the upper levers and the anti-roll bar rods, they are capable of going 15 - 25,000 km, the front shock absorbers will "live" a little longer (or further) (40 - 80,000 kilometers). The ball joint can travel up to 100,000 km, or even more, but it changes with the lever, since the ball joints on the wishbones are not repressed.
Rear suspension
Multi-link with lower H-shaped lever. In terms of handling, durability and comfort, the rear suspension will last longer due to its resource.
The weak point of the four-link rear suspension of the BMW E39 is the articulated silent block (ball joint) in the wheel bearing support, the boomerang arm (wishbone), and sometimes torn silent blocks in the lower H-shaped levers (swinging arm) can disturb.
It is worth noting that most of the suspension of the BMW E39 with a V8 engine consists of metal arms, and of course it is cheaper in terms of maintenance cost.
Before the sale, it is practiced to replace worn-out parts with new ones of very low quality, for example, instead of the LEMFÖRDER levers (the price tag of which, after installation, could be included in the price of the BMW E39 sold), some Chinese levers were installed with an unknown warranty period, which will be enough for you two weeks of moderate travel, or even less.
Mileage
For starters, it's worth noting the fact that most BMW E39s on the market will be mileage-adjusted. So at this stage, when choosing, pay attention to the technical condition of the car as a whole, the operation of its engine and gearbox, since the twisted mileage cannot be checked without special devices.
If it is important for you to know the real mileage of the BMW E39, you need:
- contact the BMW dealership together with the owner of the car, and then if the car was serviced by a dealer;
- visually inspect the interior, the technical condition of the car and compare them with the indicated mileage on the odometer;
- in a technical way, by connecting a computer with special software to the car;
Diagnostics
This stage is obligatory if you have decided on a car and you are not indifferent to the state of your future "five".
Diagnostics BMW E39 will show the dates of errors, what errors are and in which control unit, that is, you will learn about those problems that cannot be visually identified, for example: errors in the operation of any cylinder, parking sensors, automatic headlight range control, incorrect operation gearboxes, ignition errors and other unpleasant moments.
Do not dwell only on computer diagnostics, just inspect the car on a lift and check the geometry of the body.
On the market, it is possible to meet a vehicle with a dark past, therefore, verification of the origin is desirable if you do not need further unpleasant moments associated with your car.
Happy choice 🙂
www.bimmerfest.ru
Comparative analysis of ownership of e34 and e39 - logbook BMW 5 series Touring Individual /// M-package 2001 on DRIVE2
I think it is already possible to write a comparative analysis of e34 and e39, since I have had e39 for half a year, I will not write many letters, I will try to express everything concisely, and so let's start:
Exterior: Here, of course, for an amateur, who likes the e34, who likes the e39, of course the e34 is the last BMW in the classic four-eyed design, it clings with its old-school style, the e39 design is certainly not that remarkable, at one time the zest was angel eyes, but they are sown every second credit scrubber, the only e39 in the M-package is still eye-catching, while the e34 in any body kit now looks old-school aggressive.
Interior: In the interior, I would still give primacy to the e39, the interior is more than in the e34, a more ergonomic design, the panel is also turned towards the driver, the landing is lower than in the e34, the only build quality and the materials used are a little better in my opinion in the e34 ... Maybe the age of e39 is a little younger and there are no problems like in e34 in the form of a sagging ceiling, peeling door trims, but worn-out seats have long been a reality in e39.
The cost of spare parts and maintenance: A well-known factor plays a role here, the simpler the cheaper and of course the e34 wins to keep it an order of magnitude cheaper than the e39 restyle, the e39 dorestyle is about the same as the e34 since there are no special differences. for example, the fuel filter changes with a pressure regulator, the thermostat changes with the housing, this increases the cost of the part, why change the pressure regulator every time you replace the gas filter.
The E34 will cost you an order of magnitude cheaper in maintenance, besides, when using the e34 you do not need a scanner, more precisely, you need it, you can do without it, in the e39, especially in the restyling, given the fact that the cars are constantly drizzling with electrics and electronics, here you cannot do without a scanner otherwise you will enrich diagnosticians.
Purchase cost: Here live e34, and both restyle and dorestyle, have already caught up in price with live dorestyle e39, and fluctuate within 250-350tr, e39 restyled in live form fluctuate depending on the configuration from 350-500tr., So here there are almost no differences. Of course, I do not take into account museum pieces with low mileage, which easily sell for several million.
So the bottom line is that the e39 is more comfortable, perhaps everything is more modern, the e34 is more maintainable, cheaper to maintain and more charismatic.
www.drive2.ru
BMW E39 - technical characteristics, before and after restyling (photo and video)
≡ 7 June 2015 Category: E39 (1996-2003)The car from the BMW concern in the back of the E39 began to be developed back in 1989. Only 6 years later, the new generation of the 5 series was presented to the general public. This happened in the fall of 1995 at an exhibition in Frankfurt.
"Entwicklung 39" - the codename of the fourth generation of the fifth BMW series
E39 is the fourth generation of the fifth BMW series. According to the technical documentation at the plant, the car was named Entwicklung 39. Translated from German, this word means: "expansion", "evolution", "development", "process". Such words are the best fit for this car model from Bavarian design engineers. When developing it, reviews of the BMW in the previous body with the E34 index were taken into account. The main complaints then were about the suspension, so in the fourth generation it was she who was given a lot of attention.
| Indicator / modification | 520i | 520i Touring | 525i | 530i | 520d | 525tds | M5 | ||
| Before 2000 | Since 2001 | Before 2000 | Since 2001 | ||||||
| Engine displacement, cubic meters cm | 1991 | 2171 | 191 | 2171 | 2494 | 2979 | 1951 | 2498 | 4398 |
| Power, h.p. | 150 | 170 | 150 | 170 | 192 | 231 | 136 | 143 | 286 |
| Maximum speed, km / h | 220 | 226 | 212 | 223 | 238 | 250 | 206 | 211 | 250 |
| Fuel consumption (urban cycle), l per 100 km | 12,6 | 12,2 | 13,7 | 12,8 | 13,1 | 13,7 | 7,8 | 11,5 | 17,7 |
| Acceleration time to 100 km / h, sec. | 10,0 | 9,0 | 11,0 | 10 | 8,0 | 7,0 | 11,0 | 10,0 | 6,0 |
| Length, mm | 4775 | 4808 | 4805 | 4775 | |||||
| Height, mm | 1800 | 1800 | 1800 | 1800 | |||||
| Width, mm | 1435 | 1440 | 1445 | 1435 |
What was new in the fourth generation?
"Five" of the fourth generation was the first BMW car with a lightweight suspension. German engineers have managed to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle by 38%. This result was achieved through the use of units and parts made of aluminum. Lightweight suspension made it possible to create a car with increased smoothness and significantly increased ride comfort.
Aluminum was also used for some of the body panels. This innovation helped protect it from corrosion. The body of the E39 is highly resistant to rust.
Fourth generation BMW 5 Series Touring
The E39 was the first BMW to be fitted with a stainless steel exhaust system. This significantly increased the life of the muffler.
The fourth generation of the BMW car was distinguished by increased sound insulation. Double glass was used for the side windows. This has significantly reduced the penetration of noise into the interior.
Base model BMW E39. Salon equipment
The 520i is considered the backbone of BMW's 5 Series sedan range. It was equipped with a 2-liter power unit with a capacity of 148 horses. The average fuel consumption is 9 liters per 100 kilometers. Two years later, in 1997, the concern launched a station wagon. The word Touring was added to the index of the universal model. This car consumes up to 13 liters in the "city" mode, in the "highway" mode - 6.9 liters per hundred.
Fuel consumption in mixed mode is 9 liters per 100 kilometers
In the basic configuration, options appeared that were previously available only for additional money. Here is a list of them:
- climate control;
- multi-wheel;
- Cruise control;
- bluetooth;
- automatic heated mirrors.
On request, the car can be equipped with a heated steering wheel. The inclusion control is located on the steering wheel itself, which is very convenient. The steering column can be adjusted in two directions. Three steering positions can be memorized.
Comfortable front seats are adjustable. Not only the backrest tilt and seat height are adjustable, but also the length of the lower part. Now it is possible to adjust the inclination of the upper part of the backrest separately from the lower one. This design is called the "breaking back of the BMW". The front seats are equipped with three-position memory.
The E39 received four stars in the crash test
The signature feature of this sedan is the floor-mounted accelerator pedal. Some BMW owners have pointed out that it is a little harsh. But all unanimously declared that the gas pedal is very sensitive.
During the crash test, the E39 received four stars from the international organization EuroNCAP. In addition to AirBag pillows, the business sedan is equipped with a safety belt tightening system.
EuroNCAP is a European international organization founded in 1997. Its main activity is conducting independent crash tests. Based on the test results, the committee issues passive and active safety ratings.
The wide rear sofa can accommodate three people. True, the average passenger will feel inconvenience with the placement of the legs, a rather wide transmission tunnel in the middle will interfere with him.
It is noteworthy that the luggage compartment of the sedan has a volume of 460 liters, which is 50 liters more than that of the station wagon. But in the station wagon, it is possible to open the glass of the fifth door without opening the trunk itself.
Power units E39
Under the hood of the E39, motors with an aluminum block were installed. It was in the 90s that German car manufacturers began to use all-aluminum cylinder blocks. The Bavarians did not even think that someone would bore and repair their engines. To increase the life of the motor, the cylinders were coated inside with a special substance called nikasil. It is an alloy of nickel and silicon. But as practice has shown, the nikasilon coating is quickly destroyed by low-quality fuel. Therefore, since 1998, they began to install cast iron sleeves in blocks.
At the start of serial production, the business sedan was equipped with a line of three gasoline engines and one diesel engine. The engine of the previous "five" was taken as a basis. Below is a list of modifications with the corresponding power units:
- petrol models 520i - M52TU B20, 523i - M52TU B25, 528i - M52TU B28;
- diesel 525tds - M5
The M52 series of power units are six-cylinder blocks. The weakest develops power up to 150 horsepower. The 2.3-liter engine produces 170 horsepower. On city roads, this car consumes a little more than 13 liters. The most powerful gasoline engine is capable of developing 193 hp. The diesel engine has a power of 143 horses. In urban mode, diesel fuel consumption is 11.5 liters, on the highway - 6.2 liters.
Double-VANOS system - camshaft control
Since 1998, the BMW concern began producing the top-end M5 model. The main difference of this model was the engine. A V-shaped figure eight was installed under the hood. It was the first car with a powertrain that developed the power of 400 horses! Its volume was 5 liters. In addition, in the M5 model, a new Double-VANOS system was used - control of two camshafts. The fuel supply system was also changed: eight throttle valves supply the fuel-air mixture to eight cylinders. Average fuel consumption is up to 14 liters per hundred kilometers.
Constructive changes and restyling
In 1999, Bavarian designers carried out several modernizations of the BMW E39. The exterior was not changed. The main design changes were made to the engines. Two camshafts were installed on the six-cylinder engines. In the same year, a new M57D30 engine was added to the line of diesel power units - a 6-cylinder engine with a new Common Rail injection system. The injection for this car was developed by Bosch.
In 2000, German engineers carried out a large-scale restyling of the fourth generation. This time, they made adjustments to the appearance and added three new power units. The exterior of the car received new side lights, a modified radiator grille and a new front bumper. For the first time, BMW used the new Celis-Technik technology, later it was called "Angel Eyes".
6-cylinder engine with new common rail injection system
Since 2000, they began to install new engines with the M54 index. These inline engines had six cylinders and a Double-VANOS control system. The modernization made it possible to obtain more powerful engines. The 520i is 20 horsepower more powerful. Now 170 horses fit under its hood. The 525i with the M54B25 engine develops 192 hp. with a torque of 245 Nm. The top model with the index 530i received the M54B30 with an impressive herd of 231 horses under the hood. The maximum speed of this "five" is 250 km / h, the consumption of gasoline in city mode is 13.7 liters per hundred.
In early 2000, a new diesel model also appeared. This "five" was indexed 520d. Having a 2-liter diesel engine with 136 hp, it accelerated to a hundred in just under 11 seconds.
The fourth generation was produced until 2003, BMW M5 - until 2004. The body of the E39 was replaced by the model of the fifth generation E60. According to the editors of the authoritative publication AutoBild, the BMW E39 is the most successful business-class sedan in terms of driving performance and with an excellent line of power units.
Video overview
bmw5.su
The history of the BMW 5 Series in the back of E39 - DRIVE2
The model was presented to the public in September 1995 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The design changes compared to the previous generation (BMW E34) were more significant than in previous generation changes. In general, the body became less angular, the branded double headlights were covered with a common shade, the radiator grille edging ("nostrils") became more rounded. The center console of the car, as in previous generations, is slightly turned towards the driver. By increasing the wheelbase, the space for rear passengers has also increased.
The car's suspension is almost entirely made of aluminum (except for V8 models that use cast iron), which has a good effect on the car's handling, reducing its weight. As a result, the unsprung weight of the suspension has decreased by 36% and, as a result, the suspension has become more comfortable. The design of the rear suspension with the "steering" action of the rear wheels, improves the car's handling on the road. To better distribute the weight of the car along the axles, the battery was located in the underground luggage compartment.
In the spring of 1997, the Touring station wagon was released, which is 90 mm longer than the sedan and 100 kg heavier, while retaining the best driver qualities of the sedan. The range of engines is completely identical to the sedan, and the list of standard equipment has been supplemented by two side airbags. BMW 540i touring is considered one of the fastest station wagons on the planet (6.2 s for manual transmission, 6.5 s for automatic transmission) produced from 1997 to 2004, second only to the BMW M5 touring E61 5.0 produced since 2007 (4.8 s), as well as : Audi A6 Avant quattro 4.2 FSI (6.1 s for automatic transmission); Audi S6 Avant from 1994 to 1997 (6.0 s); Audi S6 Avant from 2006 to 2010 (5.3 s); Audi RS6 Avant 4.2bT from 2002 to 2006 (4.7 s for automatic transmission); Audi RS6 Avant 5.0 from 2007 to 2010 (4.6 s for automatic transmission); in addition: Mercedes-Benz E55T from 1997 to 2000 (5.9 s); Mercedes-Benz E500 from 2003 to 2006 (6.5 s); Mercedes-Benz E500 from 2006 to 2009 (5.4 s); Mercedes-Benz E550 from 2006 to 2009 (5.4 s); Mercedes-Benz E55 from 2003 to 2006 (4.8 s); Mercedes-Benz E63 from 2006 to 2009 (4.6 s); (what nonsense? VAZ is also fast, not counting the list of 9999 million cars in front of it) at the moment, no data is known on the latest model of the Mercedes-Benz E-class W212. Thus, the BMW 540i Touring e39 286 hp was second only to the Audi S6 4.2 290 hp of the 1994 model and the Mercedes-Benz E55T 354 hp of the 1997 model, since the beginning of its production, being in fact the third station wagon in terms of acceleration dynamics in its class among the leading automakers in the world. !
In 1998, production of the BMW M5 began. This car was equipped with a forced 5-liter V8 S62 engine, structurally similar to the serial 4.4-liter M62B44 unit, equipped with a Double-VANOS system and eight individual throttle valves. For the first time on a production BMW model, the engine power reaches 400 hp. But unlike the BMW E34, there is no E39-based M wagon. The world's only official BMW M5 E39 touring was ordered by the head of BMW M GmbH.
In 1999, the model received part of the design changes that affected the engines, and did not affect the design of the car. The main changes consisted of the 6-cylinder engines being controlled by both Double-VANOS camshafts, the 8-cylinder engines being controlled by the VANOS system for the intake valves and two-stage catalytic converters of the exhaust gases, which made it possible to meet the Euro 4 requirements of 2005.
In the same 1999, an 184-horsepower diesel engine with an unseparated combustion chamber, a Common Rail injection system, turbocharging and intercooled air appeared on the BMW 530d model. The car is capable of developing 225 km / h and consuming less than 6 l / 100 km in a standard extra-urban cycle.
At the end of 1999, the first BMW E39 cars appeared on Russian roads, assembled at the Avtotor plant in the Kaliningrad region. The price of the "Russian" BMW E39 was about 10 thousand dollars lower than the "German" ones.
In early 2000, a low-cost BMW 520d appeared with a 2-liter 4-cylinder direct injection diesel engine. Its power (136 hp) was quite enough to accelerate even a 1.6-ton 5-ku Touring from standstill to 100 km / h in 10.9 seconds.
The more powerful BMW 525d replaced its predecessor 525tds with a vortex-chambered 143-horsepower diesel engine. The new 2.5-liter 6-cylinder direct injection turbocharged diesel is equipped with a common rail fuel system and develops 163 hp.
In 2001, the BMW E39 underwent a reystaling. Externally, the updated five can be easily recognized by the original lighting technology made using CELIS technology, bumpers and more rounded mirrors. However, the main changes are hidden inside - three new M54 engines appeared here at once for the BMW 520i, 525i and 530i models. All of them are in-line, 6-cylinder, with the Double-VANOS system. The first engine for the BMW 520i, based on the old 2-liter unit. The increase in the piston stroke from 66 to 72 mm allowed an increase in the working volume from 1991 to 2171 cm³ and the maximum power from 151 to 170 hp. at 6250 rpm. The second engine is the previous 2.5-liter unit of the BMW 523i model, but in the modernized version it develops not 170, but 192 hp. (index 523i was replaced with the correct 525i). The third engine for the BMW 530i, first introduced in mid-2000 on the 3 Series, is a 3.0-liter engine with an impressive 231 hp.
The model was produced until 2003, when it was replaced by the BMW E60. The BMW M5 E39 was produced until 2004, when it was replaced by the BMW M5 E60. Station wagons were also produced until 2004.
- a true legend of the Bavarian company. Charisma, comfort and power - these are the qualities that make the "five" so attractive. Even today.
Body and interior
At the time of its debut, E39 was a painted beauty with those very "angelic" eyes. In princepe, well-groomed "fives" and today will not give the owners any special problems.
The model received a rigid, durable body with a high degree of passive safety and a fairly pronounced resistance to corrosion. Variants with serious foci of rust are found only after poorly eliminated consequences of an accident. Also, the model has a weak point - the edge of the doors.
When choosing a five in the body of the e39, you should pay special attention to the fact that the car has its own body geometry. This is fraught with more problems than corrosion.
The model received rich equipment. Already in the base - climate control, full power accessories and an on-board computer on the front console specially slightly deployed to the driver. Interior sound insulation is the benchmark in its class. Finishing materials are at the premium level, even after so many years.
Comfortable seats with many adjustments, a spacious interior even in a common sedan, not to mention touring. Model E39 is a role model for many modern cars.
Engines and transmission
First of all, the fives in the e39 body owe their popularity to the legendary M-series engines. These powerful and reliable units, with good maintenance, take care of 300, 400, and some even up to half a million kilometers without any problems.
BMW E39 received a wide range of 6-cylinder petrol engines: 520i M52 150 hp, 520i M54 170 hp, 523i M52 170 hp, 525i M54 192 hp, 528i M52 193 hp, 530i M54 231 h.p.
The complaints of the owners of petrol fives are reduced to overheating. It is caused by leaks in the cooling system or a thermostat failure. Until 1998, gasoline engines were covered with nicosil from the inside. Over time, it collapsed, which led to the need to replace the cylinder block. And although dealers willingly changed such ICEs even under warranty, there is a possibility of finding just such an engine on sale. Therefore, when buying, it is better to check the cylinder block from the inside with an endoscope, and not risk in vain.
As for diesel engines, a 4-cylinder 520d was offered for the E39. M47 136 h.p. and more powerful "sixes" for versions 525tds M51 143 hp, and the same legendary M57 for 525d (163 hp) and 530d (184 and 193 hp options). The most popular was the 525d version.
Nevertheless, experts recommend purchasing gasoline versions of the BMW E39. The reason is simple - all other things being equal, diesel mileage will be much higher, and it is expensive to repair them (in every sense). Plus the quality of domestic fuel. Plus possible problems with the turbine on diesels of versions 1999-2000.
The five in the back of the e39 have no questions about the operation of the timing chain drive: it nurses 250 thousand km each.
Regular high-quality maintenance of the motor and thorough diagnostics of the e39 engine before buying will save you from very expensive overhaul.
For transmissions. The automatic transmission in the E39, subject to an oil change every 60 thousand km, has served the owner faithfully for decades. The only thing to watch out for is whether the oil is leaving through the oil seals.
The owners usually do not have complaints about the manual transmission in principle. But the transmission resource, of course, directly depends on the driving style. On average, the "mechanics" on the E39 serve 150-200 thousand km of run without repair.
Chassis
The owners note as a feature of the model the low ground clearance and the feature of the rear suspension "steering" on bends, which delights the owner.
As for the suspension design, in E39, many solutions can be considered reference, in particular, the execution of some parts from light metal alloys. But the sporty character of the car is reflected directly in the resource of the parts. And often it is the problems with the suspension and its upcoming expensive repairs that cause the sale of this BMW.
The front suspension requires increased attention from the owner. With careless driving, aluminum levers (and there are 2 of them per wheel) live only 15-30 thousand km. But with an attentive respect for the car, the service life increases significantly and reaches 70-80 thousand km. Silent blocks wear out earlier, but they also change on their own.
The rear suspension in the E39 is complex, its problem is the wishbones and breakup rods. A typical story with stabilizer struts and bushings - they are used as consumables. The trouble comes when the silent block in the large H-shaped lever is worn out.
The brakes of the model are not satisfactory. Sometimes the electronics are odd about the ABS sensor or control unit, but this mainly applies to models before 1999. When choosing a used five, you need to pay attention to the condition of the steering rack. Backlash and leakage can have an unpleasant effect on the budget, because the whole part will have to be changed or re-arranged.
Experts note that a feature of the BMW E39 has always been a not the most durable steering rack. Therefore, when choosing a used five - close attention to the presence of backlash and leaks. The average lifespan of a part is 80 thousand kilometers, then repair or expensive replacement.
It is noteworthy that for BMW the difference between here
For the first time, the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series was presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in September 1995. The Touring wagon debuted a little later, in 1997.
Compared to the BMW E34, the E39 cabin has improved noise insulation, and the quality of finishing materials and workmanship has significantly increased. Despite the seeming spaciousness and solid appearance, the E39 is not so spacious inside. Like its predecessor, the new "five" was designed around the driver. The rear sofa is not very spacious and clearly not designed for three people. There is less legroom than German classmates, although two passengers in the back will be comfortable. The ceiling is quite low, and the landing in the cabin is not very comfortable - due to the large wheel arch, the doorway is narrow.
The trunk will not seem very big for a car of this class - "only" 460 liters. The luggage compartment of the station wagon also loses to classmates - 410 liters against almost 600 liters for the Mercedes-Benz E-class. For a surcharge, the Touring was equipped with a retractable luggage compartment floor. The frame with glass in the rear door of the station wagon can open upward separately from the door itself.
The "charged" version of the "five" - the M5 model from the sports division of BMW Motorsport GmbH was released in October 1998. Those wishing to buy the Bavarian "wolf" should remember that the M5 is an original model that has a number of differences from the usual E39, and this applies not only to the "filling". Some body parts have also changed, even the rear-view mirrors have become different. The car was equipped with a 4.9-liter V8 engine with 400 hp, a sports suspension, a reinforced transmission, as well as a special aerodynamic body kit, which, however, was optionally installed on conventional modifications.
But the absolute exclusive was the B10 5.7 model, released in 1997 by the BMW Alpina tuning company. The 5.7-liter 12-cylinder power unit installed on the car develops an output of 387 hp. And the maximum torque is as much as 560 Nm! In total, about 500 cars were produced.
At the end of 1999, the assembly of BMW E39 523i and 528i for the Russian market was started at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad. These cars differed from their German counterparts in a special package for "bad" roads and in the absence of a catalyst.
In the fall of 2000, the BMW five was modernized.
Restyled versions differ from cars of early releases with new headlights with characteristic marker lights in the form of rings, made on LEDs (the so-called "angel eyes"). The front fog lights have changed from trapezoidal to round. The bumpers, direction indicators and taillights have also changed. The moldings were painted in body color. The line of power units has also been updated.
TECHNICAL DATA BMW 5 SERIES E39 2000 - 2003 SALOON
ENGINE CHARACTERISTICS
| Modifications | Engine displacement, cm3 | Power, kW (hp) / rev | Cylinders | Torque, Nm / (rpm) | Fuel system type | Fuel type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | 1951 | 100(136)/4000 | L4 (in-line) | 280/1750 | Common rail | Diesel |
| 525d | 2497 | 120(163)/4000 | Side by side - L6 | 350/2000 | Common rail | Diesel |
| 530d | 2926 | 142(193.1)/4000 | Side by side - L6 | 410/1750 | Common rail | Diesel |
| 520i | 2171 | 125(170)/6100 | Side by side - L6 | 210/3500 | Multipoint injection | Petrol |
| 525i | 2494 | 141(192)/6000 | Side by side - L6 | 245/3500 | Multipoint injection | Petrol |
| 530i | 2979 | 170(231)/5900 | Side by side - L6 | 300/3500 | Multipoint injection | Petrol |
| 535i | 3498 | 180(245)/5800 | V-shaped: V8 | 345/3800 | Multipoint injection | Petrol |
| 540i | 4398 | 210(286)/5400 | V-shaped: V8 | 440/3600 | Multipoint injection | Petrol |
DRIVE AND TRANSMISSION
| Modifications | type of drive | Transmission type (basic) | Transmission type (optional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | Rear drive | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic transmission, |
| 525d | Rear drive | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic transmission, |
| 530d | Rear drive | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic transmission, |
| 520i | Rear drive | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic transmission, |
| 525i | Rear drive | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic transmission, |
| 530i | Rear drive | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic transmission Steptronic, |
| 535i | Rear drive | 5-speed automatic | |
| 540i | Rear drive | 5-speed automatic |
BRAKES AND POWER STEERING
| Modifications | Front brakes type | Rear brake type | Power steering |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
| 525d | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
| 530d | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
| 520i | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
| 525i | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
| 530i | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
| 535i | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
| 540i | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
TIRE SIZE
| Modifications | The size |
|---|---|
| 520d | 205/65 R15 94 V |
| 525d | 205/65 R15 94 V |
| 530d | 225/55 R16 95 W |
| 520i | 205/65 R15 94 V |
| 525i | 225/60 R15 96 W |
| 530i | 225/55 R 16 95 W |
| 535i | 225/55 R16 95W |
| 540i | 225/55 R16 95W |
SIZE
| Modifications | Length, mm | Width, mm | Height, mm | Front / rear track, mm | Wheelbase, mm | Ground clearance (clearance), mm | Trunk volume, l |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1516/1529 | 2830 | 119 | 459 |
| 525d | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1516/1529 | 2830 | 119 | 459 |
| 530d | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1511/1527 | 2830 | 119 | 459 |
| 520i | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1516/1529 | 2830 | 119 | 459 |
| 525i | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1511/1527 | 2830 | 119 | 459 |
| 530i | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1511/1527 | 2830 | — | 456 |
| 535i | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1511/1527 | 2830 | — | 459 |
| 540i | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1511/1527 | 2830 | — | 459 |
CAR WEIGHT
| Modifications | Curb weight, kg | Maximum weight, kg | Carrying capacity, kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | 1565 | 2000 | 435 |
| 525d | 1670 | 2135 | 465 |
| 530d | 1700 | 2165 | 465 |
| 520i | 1570 | 2005 | 435 |
| 525i | 1575 | 2010 | 435 |
| 530i | 1605 | 2070 | 465 |
| 535i | 1685 | 2150 | 465 |
| 540i | 1705 | 2170 | 465 |
DYNAMICS
| Modifications | Maximum speed, km / h | Acceleration time to 100 km / h, s | Cd (Drag Coefficient) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | 206 | 10.6 | 0.29 |
| 525d | 219 | 8.9 | 0.29 |
| 530d | 230 | 7.8 | 0.29 |
| 520i | 226 | 9.1 | 0.29 |
| 525i | 238 | 8.1 | 0.29 |
| 530i | 250 | 7.1 | 0.3 |
| 535i | 250 | 6.9 | 0.29 |
| 540i | 250 | 6.2 | 0.29 |
FUEL CONSUMPTION
| Modifications | In the city, l / 100 km | On the highway, l / 100 km | Average consumption, l / 100 km | CO2 emission, g / km | Fuel type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | 7.8 | 4.7 | 5.9 | 156 | Diesel |
| 525d | 9.2 | 5.3 | 6.7 | 179 | Diesel |
| 530d | 9.7 | 5.6 | 7.1 | 189 | Diesel |
| 520i | 12.2 | 7.1 | 9 | 216 | Petrol |
| 525i | 13.1 | 7.2 | 9.4 | 225 | Petrol |
| 530i | 13.1 | 7.4 | 9.5 | 229 | Petrol |
| 535i | 17.6 | 8.5 | 11.8 | 286 | Petrol |
| 540i | 18.4 | 8.8 | 12.3 | 295 | Petrol |
PRICES BMW 5 SERIES E39 2000 - 2003 IN RUSSIA (UPDATED ON 22 APRIL 2016)
| Modifications according to year of manufacture | Total cars for sale (in RF) | Average price, rubles |
Average price from Automatic transmission, rubles |
Total for sale with automatic transmission | Average price from Manual transmission, rubles |
Total on sale with manual transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 year | 66 | 484 893 | 489 790 | 48 | 472 100 | 21 |
| 2002 year | 46 | 522 943 | 524 823 | 33 | 510 849 | 10 |
| 2003 r. | 48 | 652 652 | 653 510 | 35 | 650 495 | 16 |
Body and equipment
The history of the BMW 5 E39 began in 1995 and ended in 2003, having gone through one restyling at the end of 2000. Traditionally for a Bavarian manufacturer, the whole car is built around the driver's seat. This does not mean that the passengers were infringed, just the driver was given maximum attention. Despite the rather impressive dimensions of the car, the cabin is not as spacious as it seems from the outside, but with a height of up to 190 cm it will be comfortable for everyone, even those sitting behind the driver.
The quality of finishing materials and assembly is at a height, door cards are most susceptible to damage. Noise isolation at the "five" - on the five (on a 5.5 point scale), it is desirable to additionally "de-noise" the doors, especially if you like high-quality sound in the car. Native music is also not perfect, cassette recorders are often included in the package, if there is a CD changer, then you will not see MP3, but this is easily removable (if you have money left after the purchase).
But the equipment of the car is most often pleasing, since even in the "base" it already relied: power accessories (mirrors, windows), air conditioning, 6 airbags, hydraulic booster, ABS (anti-lock braking system), ASC + T (traction control system) and DSC III (electronic system stabilization). Moreover, cars with richer equipment are often offered for sale, for example, dual-zone climate control is almost the norm.
The most noticeable change after restyling was the front optics, then the famous "Angel Eyes" were born. The rear lights and direction indicators have also changed, the fog lights have become round, and the moldings on the bumpers have been painted in body color. The decorative radiator grill has changed and the steering wheel design has become in the M-style. The line of engines has also been updated.
The body of the BMW 5 E39 is very resistant to corrosion if there was no damage. Even the highest quality refurbishment will no longer return the former resistance of the metal. And with the current regime of city traffic, as well as taking into account the pace of movement of the owners of BMW, there are not many unbroken copies left. But he who seeks will find.
BMW 5 E39 engines
The engine is the heart of any car, and in the case of BMW, this expression becomes even more relevant. For a rather heavy E39, the optimal power / cost combination, many consider the 2.8-liter engine (193 hp), after restyling it was replaced by a 3-liter (231 hp) one. Considering that fuel consumption and total maintenance costs are about the same for all 6-cylinder engines, there is simply no point in buying a 2-liter BMW 5 E39. As a last resort, you can take a 2.5-liter engine if you find a well-groomed copy of the "five".
On the BMW 5-series, in the back of the E39, the following gasoline engines were installed:
M52 - reliable in-line six-cylinder engines. Displacement: 2.0 (520i), 2.5 (523i), 2.8 (528i) liters. Since 1999, they have become repairable, until that time, motors were produced with a nikasil coating of the cylinder walls. This coating is very sensitive to the sulfur content in gasoline (and this goodness is enough in our fuel). Sulfur destroys this coating, after which the engine cannot be restored and repaired. Since the end of 1998, a modernization was carried out, the M52 engine was equipped with cast-iron inserts (sleeves). The modified engines are designated M52TU.
M54 - the R6 engine, which was installed after restyling. Displacement: 2.2 (520i), 2.5 (525i), 3.0 (530i) liters. It differs from the M52 in greater power (2.5 liter M54 192 hp, and 2.8 liter M52 - 193 hp), a different intake manifold, an electronic throttle and a gas pedal, as well as another engine control unit.
M62 - V-shaped eight-cylinder engine. Displacement: 3.5 (530i), 4.4 (540i) liters. In the production of M62, a nickel-based coating was also used, but in parallel with it, a coating with alusil was also used - a stronger and more reliable material that was not affected by sulfur. After March 1997, the Bavarian manufacturer began to use only alumina coating. The updated engine, marked M62TU, also received the "Vanos" variable valve timing system, which is described below.
In BMW 5 E39 engines, they began to use the revolutionary, at that time, camshaft adjustment system, which control the intake and exhaust valves. Thanks to this system, at low revs, the torque increased greatly, and the car accelerates well from the very bottom. There is “just vanos”, which regulates only the intake valves, such as were installed on the M52 before restyling, as well as on the M62TU. And also "double vanos" (Double Vanos), which already controls the exhaust valves, which allows you to get even traction in almost the entire range of revolutions. This was installed on the M52TU and M54.
The only disadvantages of this system are repairs. The average service life, with proper maintenance, is 250 thousand km, depends mainly on the quality of the oil. Changing the complete system will cost from $ 1000, there are repair kits that are much cheaper ($ 40-60 without replacement work, for a "single-nose engine"). In some cases, the repair kit will no longer help, only a replacement. Signs of a "dying vanos": poor (sluggish) thrust up to 3000 rpm, rumbling or knocking in the front of the engine and increased fuel consumption.
On the BMW 5-series, in the back of the E39, the following diesel engines were installed:
M51S and M51TUS - diesel engines with high pressure fuel pumps. The working volume is 2.5 liters (525tds). Quite reliable (in good hands), the timing chain runs 200-250 thousand km, the same is the turbocharger. After 200,000 km, the high-pressure fuel pump is also to be repaired (expensive). Engine control electronics often fail.
M57 - more modern turbodiesels, already with direct fuel injection (Common Rail). Displacement - 2.5 liters (525d), 3.0 liters (530d). In general, the M57 is more reliable and more powerful than the M51, provided that high-quality diesel fuel is used (in our reality, this is a difficult condition). The engine mounts are very complex and cost a lot of money. Of all diesel engines 530D (184 HP - M57, 193 HP - M57TU) is the most preferred option, but necessary very thorough diagnostics before buying.
M47 - the only four-cylinder engine in the entire E39 series. The working volume is 2.0 liters (520d). With turbine, intercooler and Common Rail system - develops 136 hp. Appeared after restyling, in fact, a small M57.
Common problems for all engines that BMW E39 owners may encounter: 
Weak cooling system, oversight of which is fraught with the "death" of the engine. The main culprits are the auxiliary fan motor, thermostat, clogged radiators and neglect of regular coolant changes. It is highly recommended to clean the radiators (with disassembly), at least once a year (if the runs are small, then once every two years). On V8 engines, coolant expansion tanks often burst, and the average "life" of cooling fans is 5-6 years.
Another sore is the ignition coils, which do not like non-original spark plugs very much, and the original ones with our fuel are enough for 30-40 thousand mileage. But the cost of one coil is $ 60, and one separate coil is relied on for each cylinder. From the electronics, lambda probes (oxygen sensors, there are already 4 of them on the E39), an air flow meter and a crankshaft and camshaft position sensor can also disturb. Not necessarily all this "happiness" will fall on you, and right at the same time, but to prevent this from happening, do not spare money for diagnostics before buying an E39.
BMW E39 gearbox
Both mechanical and automatic gearboxes, which were installed on the BMW 5 E39, are quite reliable, but the "human" factor is always present. Manual gearboxes were installed mainly 5-speed, with six steps only the M5 version and some 540i were produced. After 150,000 km of run, the plastic bushing of the shift lever often wears out (it starts to dangle), and oil seals may also leak. The manual transmission service schedule is 60,000 km, at the same time it is necessary to change the oil in the gearbox. Before purchasing oil, check for decals on the box and gearbox as they indicate the type of oil required. It is highly discouraged to buy a car with a "dead" clutch, because when replacing a clutch, most often you have to change a dual-mass flywheel, which is expensive. With quiet operation, the clutch can "retreat" and 200,000 km, but in reality the average service life is about 100,000 km. 
If an automatic transmission is carefully diagnosed before buying (there should be no jerks, jerks, switching should be imperceptible), then there should be no problems in the future. In most automatic transmissions on E39, oil is filled for the entire service life of the car, that is, there is no need to change it. And this is the subject of eternal controversy on specialized BMW forums. One side believes that if everything is working properly, then the oil does not need to be changed. The other side argues that the manufacturer, on average, lays down 250-300 thousand km of service life. And if you do not change the oil every 80-100,000 km, the oil will lose its properties, and the filter will become clogged with dust from wear of the clutches, which will lead to the failure of the box. All service stations support the side for regular oil changes.
Undercarriage and steering part
The suspension of the BMW 5 E39 is clearly designed for the German Autobahns; in our harsh realities, the resource of both the front and rear suspension is not enough for a very long time. Some people think this is due to the aluminum suspension, but metal has nothing to do with it. Aluminum is used to reduce weight and does not affect suspension life, but cost. Silent blocks, ball bearings, shock absorbers and stabilizer struts fail. Silent blocks change separately, but ball only with a lever together, but "walk" about 100,000 km. The stabilizer struts are almost a consumable, you can safely take it in reserve, since you will have to change every 20-30 thousand km. On the E39 with R6 and V8 engines, the front suspension has different levers, shock absorbers and steering knuckles, they are not interchangeable, and on versions with eight cylinders, the chassis is more durable.
On versions with V8, the steering is also much more reliable, paired with such heavy motors, reliable worm gearboxes were installed. And on the R6 they put ordinary steering racks, which do not shine with special reliability. For some time, the knock can be removed by adjusting, then restoration or replacement. There are two types of fluid in the steering system, mixing leads to leakage and "death" of the power steering.
You won't be able to forget about the rear suspension either. You can start with the stabilizer struts just like the front. In second place in terms of replacement frequency are “floating” silent blocks, there are 4 of them with an average mileage of 50,000 km (Sino-Polish no more than 20,000 km). Rear suspension arms are assembled only. The front wheel bearings, by the way, also change only together with the hub.
When servicing the chassis of the BMW 5 E39, it is recommended not to delay the elimination of individual breakdowns or knocks, it is better to eliminate the problems gradually than to find yourself with a car, which has completely "killed" the suspension. One broken silent block can accelerate the destruction of the rest of the suspension several times.
