| BMW 5 Series (E39) | |
| Assembly: | Germany: Dingolfing |
| Production: | September 1995 – May 2004 |
| Model Years: | 1996 – 2003 |
| Designer: | Joji Nagashima (1992) |
| Class: | Executive car (E)[1] |
| Body Style: | 4-door sedan 5-door wagon (Touring) |
| Layout: | FR layout |
| Wheelbase: | 28301NaN1 |
| Length: | 4775-[2] [3] |
| Width: | 18001NaN1 |
| Height: | 1435- |
| Weight: | 1685-[4] [5] |
| Predecessor: | BMW 5 Series (E34) |
| Successor: | BMW 5 Series (E60) |
| Manufacturer: | BMW |
| Related: | BMW 7 Series (E38) |
The BMW E39 is the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series range of executive cars, which was manufactured from 1995 to 2004. It was launched in the sedan body style, with the station wagon body style (marketed as "Touring") introduced in 1996. The E39 was replaced by the E60 5 Series in 2003, however E39 Touring models remained in production until May 2004.[6] [7]
The proportion of chassis components using aluminium significantly increased for the E39, and it was the first 5 Series to use aluminium for all major components in the front suspension or any in the rear. It was also the first 5 Series where a four-cylinder diesel engine was available. Rack and pinion steering was used for four- and six-cylinder models, the first time that a 5 Series has used this steering system in significant volumes. Unlike its E34 predecessor and E60 successor, the E39 was not available with all-wheel drive.
The high performance E39 M5 sedan was introduced in 1998, powered by a DOHC V8 engine. It was the first M5 model to be powered by a V8 engine.
Development for the E34's successor began in 1993, and ended in 1995. The final design by Joji Nagashima was selected in June 1992[8] [9] and later frozen for production under new design chief Chris Bangle. With design selection in 1992, the series development phase began and took 39 months until start of production. The domestic German design patent was filed on 20 April 1994, with an E39 prototype.[10]
Pre-production cars rolled off the pilot line from February 1995 starting with 523i and 528i models. This was followed by the 520i in March 1995, 525td/tds and 540i in April 1995 and 535i in October 1995.[11] In May 1995 BMW published the first official photos of the E39.[12] The E39 premiered in September 1995 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.[13] [14] Dealer demonstrator cars became available from September 1995 in continental Europe, commencing full scale production. In December 1995 sales of sedan models began on the European mainland.[15] Production of wagon/estate models began in November 1996.[16]
The E39 was one of the first vehicles (alongside the E38 7 Series) to have curtain airbags, which protect the occupants' heads in a side impact.[17] Standard equipment on the launch models included dual front and side airbags, pretensioners and load limiters for the front seatbelts,[18] anti-lock brakes, traction control, power steering, and air conditioning.[19] [20] Satellite navigation was also available, initially using maps on CD-ROMs, then moving to DVD maps in 2002. Several models were available in Sports or Executive trim levels.[21] [22]
Special options available options on wagon models were either a roller blind or extending cargo cover with patrician net for the rear cargo area, roller sun visors for rear and side windows.[23] [24]
A "latent heat accumulator" was available as an option up until September 1999.[25] [26] The accumulator stores engine heat by converting a salt from solid to liquid form (phase transition).[27] [28] The insulated tank can store heat for several days. The next time the vehicle is started, this heat is automatically used to reduce exhaust emissions (by heating the engine up to operating temperature quicker), for cabin heating and window defrosting.[29]
Separate to the latent heat accumulator is the Residual Heat function (activated by a button labelled "REST"),[30] which allows the demister and cabin heater to use the heat of an engine that has recently been turned off (using an electric pump to push hot coolant through the heater core).
At launch, the petrol engines consisted of the BMW M52 straight-6 engines and the BMW M62 V8 engines.[31] In late 1998, the "technical update" (TÜ) versions of these engines were introduced, introducing double VANOS to the M52 and single VANOS to the M62, primarily to increase torque at low rpm.[32]
For the facelift of the model range in the year 2000, the M52 was replaced by the BMW M54 straight-6 engine[33] and the version used in the 530i model topped the Ward's 10 Best Engines list in 2002 and 2003.[34] The post-facelift V8 models (535i and 540i) continued to use the M62TÜ engine.
Specifications for European models are shown below.[35] ,[36] ,[37]
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520i | 1995–1998 | 1991 cc M52B20 straight-6 | at 5,900 rpm | 1900NaN0 at 4,200 rpm | |
| 1998–2000 | 1991 cc M52TÜB20 straight-6 | at 5,900 rpm | 1900NaN0 at 3,500 rpm | ||
| 2000–2003 | 2171 cc M54B22 straight-6 | at 6,100 rpm | 2100NaN0 at 3,500 rpm | ||
| 523i | 1995–1998 | 2494 cc M52B25 straight-6 | at 5,500 rpm | 245Nm at 3,950 rpm | |
| 1998–2000 | 2494 cc M52TÜB25 straight-6 | at 5,500 rpm | 245Nm at 3,500 rpm | ||
| 525i | 2000–2003 | 2494 cc M54B25 straight-6 | at 6,000 rpm | 245Nm at 3,500 rpm | |
| 528i | 1995–1998 | 2793 cc M52B28 straight-6 | at 5,300 rpm | 2800NaN0 at 3,950 rpm | |
| 1998–2001 | 2793 cc M52TÜB28 straight-6 | at 5,500 rpm | 2800NaN0 at 3,500 rpm | ||
| 530i | 2000–2003 | 2979 cc M54B30 straight-6 | at 5,900 rpm | 3000NaN0 at 3,500 rpm | |
| 535i | 1996–1998 | 3498 cc M62B35 V8 | at 5,700 rpm | 3200NaN0 at 3,300 rpm | |
| 1998–2003 | 3498 cc M62TÜB35 V8 | at 5,800 rpm | 345Nm at 3,800 rpm | ||
| 540i | 1995–1998 | 4398 cc M62B44 V8 | at 5,700 rpm | 4200NaN0 at 3,900 rpm | |
| 1998–2003 | 4398 cc M62TÜB44 V8 | at 5,400 rpm | 4400NaN0 at 3,600 rpm | ||
| M5 | 1998–2003 | 4941 cc S62B50 V8 | at 6,600 rpm | 5000NaN0 at 3,800 rpm |
The initial diesel models used the BMW M51 turbocharged straight-6 engine carried over from its predecessor. In 1998, its successor the BMW M57 was introduced in the 530d model, however the BMW M51 engine continued to be used for two more years in the 525td and 525tds models.
In 1999, the M47 four-cylinder turbo-diesel was introduced in the 520d model, which is the only E39 model to use a four-cylinder engine.[38]
Specifications for European models are shown below.[35] ,[36] ,[37]
| Model | Years | Power | Torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | 2000–2003 | 1951 cc M47D20 straight-4 | at 4,000 rpm | 2800NaN0 at 1,750 rpm |
| 525d | 2000–2003 | 2497 cc M57D25 straight-6 | at 4,000 rpm | 3500NaN0 at 2,000 rpm |
| 525td | 1996–2000 | 2497 cc M51D25TÜ UL straight-6 | at 4,800 rpm | 2300NaN0 at 1,900 rpm |
| 525tds | 1996–2000 | 2497 cc M51D25TÜ OL straight-6 | at 4,600 rpm | 2800NaN0 at 2,200 rpm |
| 530d | 1998–2000 | 2926 cc M57D30 straight-6 | at 4,000 rpm | 3900NaN0 at 1,750 rpm |
| 2000–2003 | at 4,000 rpm | 4100NaN0 at 1,750 rpm |
Six-cylinder petrol models and 535i were fitted with either the 5-speed Getrag 250G or ZF 320Z (S5-32) transmission, depending on the year and model. Diesel models with the M51 engine were fitted with the 5-speed ZF 260Z transmission, while the M57 diesel models were fitted with the 5-speed ZF 390 (S5-39DZ) transmission.[39] 540i and M5 were fitted with the 6-speed Getrag 420G transmission.[39]
Some pre-facelift six-cylinder petrol models were fitted with the 4-speed GM 4L30-E (A4S270R)[40] transmission. Six-cylinder pre-facelift cars built for the Japanese market were fitted with the Jatco 5R01 5 speed automatic transmission. All other six-cylinder models were fitted with 5-speed transmissions, either the GM 5L40-E (A5S360R),[40] GM 5L40-E (A5S390R),[40] or ZF 5HP19 (A5S325Z) transmission,[40] depending on the year and model. V8 petrol models were fitted with either the 5-speed ZF 5HP24 (A5S440Z)[40] or the 5-speed ZF 5HP30 (A5S560Z).[41]
The following differential ratios were used by the E39:[42]
Unusually, two different steering systems were used for the E39, depending on the engine. Models with four-cylinder and six-cylinder models use rack and pinion steering,[45] the first time this system has been used in a 5 Series (except for the E34 525iX model). This system steers from the front of the axle.
Models with V8 engines use recirculating ball steering, as per the previous generations of 5 Series.
Compared with its E34 predecessor, the E39's wheelbase grew by 681NaN1 and overall length by 551NaN1. Torsional rigidity was increased over the E34 by 40 percent, which reduces body flex and allows the suspension to operate more accurately, also improving ride quality. Structural dynamics were also an objective of the body design, so the body's frequencies for torsional twisting and bending are in separate ranges and above the natural frequency of the body. These frequencies are out of the range of engine and driveline vibrations, to avoid vibrations being amplified.[46]
Due to a stiffer body shell, the weight of the chassis increased by 100NaN0,[47] which is offset by the reduced weight of some aluminium suspension components. The wagon version was 851NaN1 longer than the previous generation (E34) and weighed approximately 400NaN0 more.[48]
The E39 was the first 5 Series to use aluminium for most components in the front suspension. The proportion of chassis components using aluminium significantly increased for the E39.
The front suspension consists of a double-jointed version of the MacPherson strut,[49] [50] with six-cylinder cars using an aluminium front subframe. Aluminium is used for the steering knuckles, outer strut tube and the spring pads, resulting in a weight saving of 210NaN0.[46] V8 models also use aluminium in the steering box and several suspension links,[46] to compensate for the heavier steel subframe.
The rear suspension consists of a four link design (called "Z-link"), which is similar to the system used by the E38 7 Series. The design minimises unintentional toe angle changes, which increases the stability of the handling.[46]
The Touring model was the first BMW model to use air suspension (self-levelling suspension was first used by BMW for the E23 7 Series with a closed-loop nitrogen system that operated in parallel with the steel springs). This "self leveling" system controls the ride height of the rear of the vehicle and is designed to keep the center of the wheel a specified distance from the lip of the fender as the weight of the load in the cargo area varies.
Instead of using a traditional coil springs, the system uses pneumatic springs paired with air reservoirs that are pressurised by an air compressor.[51] The system is controlled by two Hall effect sensors at the rear of the vehicle. These sensors tell the EHC (electric height control) if the rear ride height needs to be adjusted and adjust headlight height for vehicles equipped with Xenon headlights. When a door or the rear hatch is opened and then closed the control module will constantly monitor the input signals from the HALL sensors and will activate a correction if the ride height has change greater than 10mm. During normal operation the system stays online but does not adjust to conditions such as potholes.[52]
The M5 model of the E39 was introduced in 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show and was produced from 1998 to 2003. It was powered by the S62 V8 engine producing 394 horsepower. All E39 M5 cars that were made were sold in the sedan body style with a 6-speed manual transmission. Only 1 M5 Touring model was made but they never sold it or put it in production.
The Alpina B10 3.2, 3.3, V8 and V8S petrol-engined models were built in sedans and wagon body styles based on the E39 from January 1997 to May 2004.[53]
The Alpina B10 3.2 was based on an E39 528i sedan produced by Alpina from August 1997 to December 1998. It was first shown to the public at the IAA Motor show in 1997. The engine is a 6 cylinder petrol producing 260 bhp and 330 nm of torque to the rear driving wheels. 0–60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 160 miles per hour. The B10 3.2 was only available to buy in a 5 speed manual ZF gearbox and only 260 were ever made.
The Alpina B10 3.3 was based on an E39 528i Touring produced by Alpina from February 1999 to October 2003. It was first shown to the public at the Geneva Motor show in 1999. The engine is a 6 cylinder petrol producing 280 bhp and 335 nm of torque to the rear driving wheels. 0–60 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 162 miles per hour. The B10 3.3 was available to buy in a 5 speed manual ZF gearbox or a switchtronic gearbox and only 240 were ever made.
The Alpina B10 V8 pre-facelift was based on an E39 540i sedan produced by Alpina from January 1997 to October 1998. The engine is an 8 cylinder petrol producing 340 bhp and 470 nm of torque to the rear driving wheels. 0–60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 180 miles per hour. The steering wheel was hand stitched by a professional working for Alpina. The B10 V8 pre-facelift was available to buy in a 5 speed manual ZF gearbox or an automatic gearbox and with it being one of Alpina's most successful cars, roughly 1300 were sold worldwide also including the post-facelift models, the Touring models and the B10 V8 S models.
The Alpina B10 V8 post-facelift was based on an E39 540i sedan produced by Alpina from September 2000 to February 2002. The engine is an 8 cylinder petrol producing 347 bhp and 480 nm of torque to the rear driving wheels. 0–60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 173 miles per hour. The B10 V8 post-facelift was available to buy in a 5 speed manual ZF gearbox or an automatic gearbox.
The Alpina B10 V8 Touring was based on an E39 540i Touring produced by Alpina from October 1998 to July 2000. The engine is an 8 cylinder petrol producing 347 bhp and 480 nm of torque to the rear driving wheels. 0–60 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 173 miles per hour. The B10 V8 Touring was available to buy in a 5 speed manual ZF gearbox or an automatic gearbox.
The Alpina B10 V8 S was based on an E39 540i sedan produced by Alpina from January 2002 to May 2004. The engine is an 8 cylinder petrol producing 375 bhp and 510 nm of torque to the rear driving wheels. 0–60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 176 miles per hour. The B10 V8 S was available to buy in a 5 speed automatic.
The Alpina D10 Biturbo was the first diesel car produced by Alpina and was based on an E39 530d. The D10 was in production from April 2000 to October 2003. It was first shown to the public in 1999 at the Geneva Motor show The engine was a 6 cylinder diesel producing 500 nm of torque to the rear driving wheels. 0–60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 157 miles per hour. The D10 Biturbo was available to buy in a Getrag 6 speed manual or a ZF 5 speed automatic and only 94 were ever made.
The Alpina D10 was the first diesel model produced by Alpina and was introduced in February 2000. The engine, a 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged unit rated at 1800NaN0 and 5000NaN0 of torque, was based on the engine of the 530d model.
The 540i Protection light-armored vehicle was launched in Europe in September 1997 and in North America from January 1998.[54] These models included aramid fiber armor, bullet-resistant glass that is coated with polycarbonate to reduce spall. The 540i Protection is rated to withstand the impact of handgun fire up to and including .44 Magnum,[55] the glass is also protected from attack with blunt objects such as baseball bats and bricks.[56] The additional security measures brought an additional weight of 1300NaN0 compared to the normal 540i sedan.[57] on request, an intercom system was available and from January 1998 run-flat tyres were available.[55]
Most changes occur in September each year, when the changes for the following model year go into production, as is typical BMW practice. Therefore, the changes for 1996 represent the 1997 model year, for example.
The E39 facelift (also known as LCI) models began production in September 2000 (for the 2001 model year).[66]
In Indonesia, the initial model range in 1996 was the 523i and 528i,[71] with only the 523i available with a manual transmission. Following the September 2000 facelift, the line-up consisted of 520i, 525i and 530i. Indonesian models were assembled in Jakarta from complete knock-down kits.
From 1997 to 1998, the E39 model range in North America consisted of the 528i and 540i, In 1999 the M5 was introduced along with station wagon (marketed as "sports wagon") versions of the 528i and 540i. For the 2001 model year, the 528i was discontinued and replaced by the 525i (525i Touring in estate/wagon format) and 530i (with no wagon variant in the US).
In 2001, the American market 540i's power output was increased to 2160NaN0,[64] [72] unlike other markets where the 540i's power remained at 2100NaN0.[73] All North American models from factory arrived pre-wired for mobile phones; it was a dealer option to have a mobile phone installed into the center console. The station wagon models were marketed as "Sports Wagon" and standard features included roof rails for mounting a roof rack.
In 2003 BMW sold the 540i M-Sport package as a limited production model in the United States, with 1,190 cars produced with a manual transmission.[74] Upgrades included 18-inch wheels and various cosmetic features.
Sales in the United States for May 1999 to May 2000 were 19,294 vehicles.[75] The following year, sales for May 2000 to May 2001 were 15,233 vehicles.
The M5 was used by several teams in the Italian Superstars Series.[76]
Car and Driver featured the E39 in its "10Best list" six consecutive times, from 1997 to 2002.[77] [78] In 2001, Consumer Reports gave the 530i its highest car rating ever, declaring it the best car they had ever reviewed to date.[79]
Other reviewers have also praised the E39 models.[80] [81] [82] [83] [84] [85] [86]
| Adult Occupant: | ||
| Pedestrian: |
The series tested for IIHS's "moderate overlap front" test and received 'Good' rating results, the highest available.[88]
The first pilot production models were built in February 1995,[89] with full-scale production starting in September that year. Most cars were built at the Dingolfing factory,[90] with complete knock-down assembly used in Mexico,[91] [92] Indonesia and Russia.[93] CKD production amounted to 17,280, with total production numbering 1,488,038 of which 266,209 units were Touring models.[94]