The fourth generation of the executive BMW 5 Series lineup, which was produced from 1995 until 2004, is the BMW E39. The station wagon body style (marketed as “Touring”) was released in 1996 after it had been produced in the sedan body style. Although the E60 5 Series took the place of the E39 in 2003, E39 Touring vehicles continued to be made until May 2004.
The E39 greatly increased the percentage of chassis components made of aluminum, and it was the first 5 Series to use aluminum in all significant front suspension components or any in the back. Additionally, a four-cylinder diesel engine was available for the first time in the 5 Series. For the first time in the history of the 5 Series, rack and pinion steering was utilised for the four- and six-cylinder variants. The E39 did not come with all-wheel drive, unlike its E34 predecessor and E60 successor.
In 1998, the high-performance E39 M5 sedan debuted. Its 4.9 L (299 cu in) DOHC V8 engine. It was the first version of the M5 to include a V8 engine.
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Guide to Buying an E39 BMW 5 Series
The E39 model of the 5 Series is probably the most well-liked among BMW enthusiasts. The E39 M5 is the best M5 in the storied history of the car, which accounts for a large portion of its appeal. But the outstanding chassis of the E39 BMW 5 Series is largely responsible for the M5’s popularity. The E39 5 Series is by far and away the most popular 5er you’ll see among enthusiasts, as you can see if you visit any BMW forums or even just take a short look in your local classifieds.
There is a valid rationale behind that. The most capable driving 5 Series ever produced. I like the E28 5 Series personally, but it has less to do with how it drives and more to do with how it looks and has a history. The E39 version of the 5 Series is the best ever in terms of the driving experience. The vast majority of BMW enthusiasts believe that the E39 is the best generation; nevertheless, some may prefer the E60-gen or even the E34. We’re going to give you a buyer’s guide for the E39 in case you’re looking for one due of its enormous popularity. Additionally, if you currently own one and have any sound purchasing suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below as you might be able to assist another aspiring enthusiast.
History of the BMW 5 Series (E39)
The E39 originally entered production in 1996 and debuted in the UK in April. The 150 horsepower six-cylinder 520i, the 170 bhp 523i, the 528i, and the 540i V8 were the models that were first offered, with the 535i V8 following later in the year. All were available with a ZF automatic transmission or a five-speed manual (six-speed for the 540i), with the self-shifter allowing a Steptronic “manual” mode that was accessed by sliding the lever across the gate.
The Touring estate was introduced to the lineup in April 1997, and in June 1999, the 528i and 535i were made available in Sport trim with the M5 bodykit and 17-inch M Parallel wheels. In March 2000, a 540i Sport joined them.
In September 2000, the lineup had a redesign, with the 520i receiving an upgrade to a new 2.2-litre 170bhp engine and the slightly asthmatic 523i being replaced by the 192bhp 525i. The 231bhp 530i took the place of the outgoing 528i, and all versions received body-colored rubbing strips and bumpers, updated alloy wheels, sidelights with a ringed “Angel Eye” design, and a new grille with larger “kidneys.”
The E60 took the place of the E39 in 2003, but although being as popular in the fleet market, the new car initially struggled to win over the more ardent BMW owners. The main difference was that the E39 felt premium even at the base model level, whereas the E60 required high levels of specification to avoid feeling decidedly ordinary. For example, the press launch 545i’s with leather interiors and big wheels were very different from the lease-spec 520d with flat cloth seats and plastic hubcaps.
Is an E39 a BMW 525i?
From 2000 to 2003, this BMW 5 Series 525i was manufactured. It belongs to the 5 Series of the E39 generation. After it succeeded the 1990 BMW 525i, the 2003 BMW 525i took its place. It is a big 4-door front-engine car with five passengers that has rear-wheel drive. This 525i accelerates from zero to sixty miles per hour (62 mph) in 8.1 seconds thanks to its 189 horsepower and naturally aspirated 2.5 Liter 24v Inline 6 gasoline engine (BMW M54B25). Its top speed is 148 mph. With a curb weight of 3472 pounds, it has an average fuel economy of 25.1 mpg and has a range of 463 miles before needing to refuel. It has a 5 gear manual transmission or a 5 speed automatic transmission as an option. 16.2 cubic feet of luggage space and a 959 lb payload limit are available. modified on November 22, 2018.
A classic, is the BMW E39?
The E39 is a classic BMW that everyone can identify. It possesses all the characteristics of a contemporary classic, including its appearance, performance, and driving style. By moving the E39 chassis from the “Current” parts catalog to the “Classic” or “Heritage” catalog, BMW recently gave the E39 its official stamp of approval. What does it actually mean for the enthusiasts and owners of these automobiles if this does allow for bragging rights and an excessive use of “Respect Your Elders” stickers? The quick response is hardly much.
As with previous BMW models, the support window for a certain chassis begins to run out after the last vehicles of that chassis leave the production line. Once ten years have passed, BMW no longer actively manufactures parts for the automobiles; instead, they merely rely on their previous suppliers to do so. As with all BMW parts, the price of these components varies from month to month depending on demand, with the worst variations occurring in the months of December and January.
After about 15 years, when a model is stored in the “Classic” catalog, BMW decides not to look for sources for parts that are no longer in demand. For instance, it is uncommon for someone to order a complete set of Titanline trim from BMW brand-new. That component will no longer be produced because there is no longer a market for it. However, this does not imply that obtaining one is impossible. Deep within the Fatherland, there are warehouses with these parts in stock, but receiving them will take longer than it did previously when they came from domestic US inventories. This will probably take approximately the same length of time as it usually has if you reside in Europe.
Let’s assume, though, that all of a sudden, there is a significant increase in demand for Titanline trim because Ryan makes a video about updating his, raising awareness and demand because his was dusty or something. “If enough demand arises they will source [a supplier] and execute a one-off run with the price tag typically going up,” says Mike Kent of Cincinnati, Ohio’s Enthusiast Auto Group. What is a portion in sufficient demand? Outside of BMW, nobody is aware of that, but it is safe to infer that a significant amount of demand would need to exist in order to reach this level and support the manufacturing of another part’s run.
The news is both good and bad for E39 preservationists. Standardly required parts like suspension parts, wheel bearings, thermostats, and other common wear items will be available exactly as they always have been, despite the fact that they might be harder to find and more expensive for restoration projects.
Therefore, wear your vintage BMW Roundel shirts, put on those “Respect your Elders” bumper stickers, and keep driving your BMW because it will still be on the road for many years to come.
Describe BMW E60.
The BMW E60 (sedan version) and BMW E61 (wagon variant, branded as “Touring”) are the two models that make up the BMW 5 Series executive automobiles’ fifth generation. From 2003 through 2010, BMW developed the E60/E61 generation, which is frequently known to as the E60.
The iDrive infotainment system, head-up display, active cruise control, active steering, adaptive headlights, night vision, lane departure warning, and voice control are just a few of the new technical technologies that the E60 generation offered. With a turbocharged gasoline engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and regenerative braking, the E60 was the first 5 Series to be made available.
The BMW S85 V10 engine powers the M5 model, which debuted in 2005. It was offered in sedan and wagon body types, with the 7-speed SMG III transmission being used in the majority of vehicles. It was the first and only M5 variant with a V10 engine that was offered for sale.
The BMW 5 Series (F10), the E60’s replacement, started going into production in January 2010.
The E39’s engine type.
The E39 5 Series 528i has a naturally-aspirated Inline 6 cylinder Petrol motor with the engine code M52B28 and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 7.5 seconds. Its top speed is 147 mph (236 km/h), and its curb weight is 3175 lbs (1440 kgs). The highest output of this engine is 193 PS (190 bhp – 142 kW) at 5300 rpm and 280 Nm (206 lb.ft) at 3950 rpm. Rear wheel drive (RWD) with a 5 speed manual gearbox transfers power to the road. The E39 5 Series incorporates McPherson struts for the front suspension and Multilink for the rear suspension, which are responsible for road holding, handling characteristics, and ride comfort. The stock tire sizes for the front and back of the vehicle are 225/60 on 15-inch rims. The E39 5 Series 528i’s front and rear Vented Disc brakes both contribute to the system’s braking effectiveness. BMW produced the E39 5 Series model, a car with 4 doors and 5 seats that was sold new from 1996 to 1998 and is now only available used.
The E39 is what model?
The fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series, which was offered from 1995 until 2003, is known as the BMW E39. The sedan body style was used for its first introduction, while the wagon/estate body style (marketed as Touring) was released in 1996. Although the E60 took the role of the E39 in 2003, E39 Touring versions were still being produced as of December 2003.
The E39 was the first 5 Series to incorporate aluminum front suspension components, and the proportion of chassis components made of aluminum greatly rose. Additionally, a four-cylinder diesel engine was available for the first time in the 5 Series. The E39 four-cylinder and six-cylinder variants of the 5 Series were the first to include rack and pinion steering. The E39 did not come with all-wheel drive, unlike its E34 predecessor and E60 successor.
The replacement to the E34 underwent development from 1989 to 1995. In June 1992, the final Joji Nagashima design was chosen, and Chris Bangle, the new design director, later froze it for production. The series development phase started in 1992 with the design selection, and it took 39 months before production could begin.
BMW initially released official pictures of the E39 in May 1995. At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1995, the E39 made its debut. Sales of sedan variants started in December 1995 on the continent of Europe. Wagon/estate model production started in November 1996.
The E39’s creator?
Joji Nagashima is a BMW car designer who was born in Yong Dao Rang Er in 1955. Nagashima was raised in Japan and was born in Tokyo. He is most known for the external styling of the Z3 Roadster, E39 BMW 5 Series, and E90 variants of the BMW 3 Series.