- Refined, free-revving six-cylinder engines
- Impressive ride/handling balance
- For six-cylinder models, accurate, well-weighted steering has great feel
- High standard of fit and finish
- Sports suspension lacks compliance
- For V8 models, recirculating ball steering lacks precision of six-cylinder models
- A range of suspension components likely require replacement at around ten years of age (e.g. shock absorbers, front thrust arm bushing and rear swing arm ball joint)
- M52, M54 and M62TU engines susceptible to VANOS failure
Review: BMW E39 5-Series sedan (1996-00)
Overview
Released in May 1996, the BMW E39 5-Series sedan was a rear-wheel drive, executive sedan. Manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, the E39 5-Series sedan range initially consisted of the 523i, 528i, 535i and 540i sedans (see table below). Please note that the E39 M5 has been reviewed separately.
| Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 523i | 2.5-litre petrol I6 (M52 B25) | 5sp auto | 1996-00 | 125 kW at 5500 rpm | 245 Nm at 3950 rpm |
| 528i | 2.8-litre petrol I6 (M52 B28) | 5sp auto | 1996-00 | 142 kW at 5300 rpm | 280 Nm at 3950 rpm |
| 535i | 3.5-litre petrol V8 (M62 B35) | 5sp auto | 1996-00 | 173 kW at 5700 rpm | 320 Nm at 3300 rpm |
| 540i | 4.4-litre petrol V8 (M62 B44) | 5sp auto | 1996-98 | 210 kW at 5700 rpm | 420 Nm at 3900 rpm |
| 4.4-litre petrol V8 (M62 TUB44) | 5sp auto | 1999-00 | 210 kW at 5400 rpm | 440 Nm at 3600 rpm |
Dimensions
Compared to the E34 5-Series sedan , the E39 5-Series sedan was 55 mm longer (at 4775 mm), 49 mm wider (1800 mm), 23 mm taller (1435 mm) and had a 69 mm longer wheelbase (2830 mm). Furthermore, torsional rigidity was increased by 40 per cent though the use of aluminium suspension components restricted mass increases to 10 kg for comparable models; the 523i, for example, had a kerb weight of 1540 kg.
Suspension and steering
The BMW E39 5-Series had double pivot, MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link, ‘integral’ rear suspension with Champan struts (similar to that used for E38 7-Series ). While models with six cylinder engines introduced a rack and pinion steering system, models with V8 engines had recirculating ball-type steering.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the BMW E39 5-Series included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners. From 1998, the 5-Series was also fitted with door-mounted head-protecting airbags for front and rear occupants and load limiting front seatbelts; rear side airbags were available as an option.
From 1999, the V8 models were fitted with electronic stability control, which was also fitted to the 528i in 2000.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a left-hand drive BMW E39 520i sedan – fitted with head-protecting airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 25. In the offset impact test, the left front wheel crushed the driver’s footwell and protection for the driver’s legs was marginal.
Features: BMW E39 5-Series
Standard features for the BMW E39 523i included a six speaker sound system, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, automatically dipping mirrors when reversing and an immobiliser.
The BMW E39 528i was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels and cruise control. From January 1999, the 523i and 528i were fitted with a six-stack CD player. From January 2000, the 528i was fitted with power adjustable front seats and a power adjustable steering column.
Of the V8 models, the BMW 535i was equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-stack CD player, power adjustable front seats, rear parking sensors, a power adjustable steering column and power sunroof. The BMW 540i was also fitted with a 10 speaker stereo and 10-disc CD player. In 1998, an Executive variant of the 540i was released; it was distinguished its car phone, TV, heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers. From January 2000, the 535i and 540i were fitted an upgraded sound system.
5-Series M Sport packages
From August 1999, the 528i, 535i, 540i and 540i Executive were available with ‘M Sport’ packages, which added 17-inch ‘M style’ alloy wheels with M sport suspension, contoured sports seats, an ‘M’ multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel and anthracite roof lining. Visually, the M Sport models could be identified by their clear indicator lenses, side protector strips, aerodynamic body packages and door sills with ‘M’ badging.
BMW E39 540i Protection
In August 1999, the 540i Protection was also introduced. The 540i Protection had layers of Armaid fibre built into the car and extra strong protection glass. As such, the 540i Protection was able to withstand direct hits from high calibre hand guns and protect its occupants from physical attacks. Compared to the 540i Executive, the 540i Protection’s kerb mass was 120 kg greater.
Review: BMW E39 LCI 5-Series sedan (2000-03)
Overview
Released in December 2000, the BMW E39 LCI 5-Series sedan introduced a revised line-up, with the 523i and 528i replaced by the 525i and 530i (see table below). Furthermore, all models were available in Executive and Sport variants. Both the six cylinder engines in the 525i and 530i were fitted with double VANOS infinitely-variable valve timing technology and a new intake system; electronic throttle control was also made standard across the range.
Visually, the BMW E39 LCI 5-Series sedan could be identified by its single-unit enclosed headlights with clear glass covers, re-shaped grille and revised front bumper with round fog lights.
| Variants | Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 525i | Executive, Sport |
2.5-litre petrol I6 (M54 B22) | 5sp auto | 2000-03 | 141 kW at 6000 rpm | 245 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| 530i | Executive, Sport |
3.0-litre petrol I6 (M54 B30) | 5sp auto | 2000-03 | 170 kW at 5900 rpm | 300 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| 535i | Executive, Sport |
3.5-litre petrol V8 (M62 TUB35) | 5sp auto | 2000-03 | 180 kW at 5800 rpm | 345 Nm at 3800 rpm |
| 540i | Executive, Sport |
4.0-litre petrol V8 (M62 TUB44) | 5sp auto | 2000-03 | 210 kW at 5400 rpm | 440 Nm at 3600 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the BMW E39 LCI 5-Series included dual front airbags, front and rear thorax airbags, front and rear head-protecting airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Features: 5-Series Executive
Standard features for the BMW E39 LCI 525i Executive included 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker stereo with a six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, cruise control, a 16.5 cm on-board monitor for the on-board computer and TV, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors and an immobiliser. The 530i Executive was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels and rear parking sensors.
Of the V8 models, the BMW 535i Executive added 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights with washers and a rear sunblind, while the 540i Executive was distinguished by its voice recognition system.
Features: 5-Series Sport
The BMW E39 LCI Sport variants were based on the previously available M Sport package and could be identified by their clear lens indicators, unique front splitter and rear diffuser, sill skirts and boot-mounted spoiler; the Sport variants also had modified gear ratios for quicker acceleration and stiffer suspension. Distinguishing standard features for the Sport variants included 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker stereo and sport steering wheel. The 535i and 540i Sport variants were also fitted with xenon headlights with washers and rain-sensing wipers.
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