BMW E39
Production years: 1996–2004
The BMW E39 is the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series executive car, manufactured from 1995 to 2004. Widely regarded by enthusiasts as one of the finest sedans ever built, it perfectly balanced traditional analog driving dynamics with modern luxury and safety.
Key Specifications
- Body Styles: Available as a four-door Sedan (saloon) and a five-door Touring (wagon).
- Chassis Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive (RWD) architecture.
- Suspension: Notable for using aluminum extensively in the front and rear suspension to reduce unsprung weight.
- Technology: Introduced advanced safety features like dynamic stability control and side curtain airbags.
Popular Engine Options
The E39 offered a broad lineup of petrol and diesel engines:
- Inline-6 (Petrol): M52/M54 engines power the popular 520i, 523i, 525i, 528i, and 530i models. Renowned for silky-smooth power delivery and bulletproof reliability (especially the 3.0L M54B30).
- V8 (Petrol): M62 engines power the 535i and 540i. Deliver massive torque but are more expensive to maintain due to timing chain guide wear.
- Inline-6 (Diesel): M57 engine powers the highly praised 530d, known for huge low-end torque and impressive fuel efficiency.
M5
- The performance flagship of this generation is the legendary BMW M5 E39, introduced in 1998.
- Powered by the 4.0L S62 V8 engine producing 400 horsepower.
- Offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.
- Frequently praised by automotive journalists as the best sport sedan ever made.
Series
Modifications
520d
M47D20 • 1951 cc
520i
M52B20 • 1991 cc
520i
M54B22 • 2171 cc
523i
M52B25 • 2494 cc
525d
M57D25 • 2497 cc
525i
M54B25 • 2494 cc
525td
M51D25TÜUL • 2497 cc
525tds
M51D25TÜOL • 2497 cc
528i
M52B28 • 2793 cc
530d
M57D30 • 2926 cc
530d
M57D30 • 2926 cc
530i
M54B30 • 2979 cc
535i
M62B35 • 3498 cc
535i
M62TÜB35 • 3498 cc
540i
M62B44 • 4398 cc
540i
M62TÜB44 • 4398 cc
M5
S62B50 • 4941 cc