- 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 and M54 engines susceptible to VANOS failure
Review: BMW E39 5-Series Touring (1997-00)
Overview
Released in April 1997, BMW E39 5-Series Touring was a rear-wheel drive, executive wagon. Manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, the E39 5-Series Touring range consisted of the 528i, which was powered by a 2.8-litre inline six cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 528i | 2.8-litre petrol I6 (M52 B28) | 5sp auto | 142 kW at 5300 rpm | 280 Nm at 3950 rpm |
Dimensions and body
Compared to the E34 5-Series Touring , the E39 5-Series Touring was 85 mm longer (at 4805 mm), 49 mm wider (1800 mm), 28 mm taller (1440 mm) and had a 69 mm longer wheelbase (2830 mm). For the E39 sedan on which it was based, torsional rigidity was increased by 40 per cent, while the use of aluminium suspension components restricted mass increases; the 528i Touring, for example, had a kerb weight of 1580 kg.
Suspension and steering
The BMW E39 5-Series Touring had double pivot, MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link, ‘integral’ rear suspension with Champan struts (similar to that used for E38 7-Series ). Furthermore, the E39 5-Series Touring introduced rack and pinion steering (previously recirculating ball-type).
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the BMW E39 5-Series Touring 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.
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 Touring
Standard features for the BMW E39 528i Touring included 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, cruise control, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, automatically dipping door mirrors when reversing and an immobiliser.
From 1999, the 528i Touring was 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.
Review: BMW E39 LCI 5-Series Touring (2000-03)
Overview
Released in December 2000, the BMW E39 LCI 5-Series Touring range introduced a revised line-up as the 528i was replaced by the 530i and offered in Executive and Sport variants. The 3.0-litre inline six cylinder engine in the 530i was fitted with double VANOS infinitely-variable valve timing technology and a new intake system; electronic throttle control was also introduced.
Visually, the BMW E39 LCI 5-Series Touring could be identified by its single-unit enclosed headlights with clear glass covers, re-shaped grille and revised front bumper with round fog lights.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 530i | 3.0-litre petrol I6 (M54 B30) | 5sp auto | 170 kW at 5900 rpm | 300 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the BMW E39 LCI 5-Series Touring 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
Standard features for the BMW E39 LCI 530i Executive included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker stereo with a six-stack CD player, a 16.5 cm on-board monitor for the on-board computer and TV, leather seats, cruise control, front fog lamps, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and power windows.
The BMW E39 LCI Sport variants were distinguished by their 17-inch alloy wheels, eight speaker stereo and sport steering wheel. Visually, the Sport variants could be identified by their front splitter and rear diffuser, aerodynamic sill skirts and a boot-mounted spoiler. The Sport variants also had modified gear ratios for quicker acceleration and stiffer suspension.
Features: Executive variants
Standard features for the BMW E39 LCI 530i Executive included 16-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, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors and an immobiliser.
Features: Sport variants
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.
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