BMW USED CARS, 5 series > Used bmw 5 series - e39
Used bmw 5 series - e39
4 March 2009. Author: admin
As the last 5-series before the new BMW look, the E39 stands alone with its more traditional BMW styling. Joe Kenwright unravels what can be a confusing model range.
BMW used car e39 Checklist
* Radiator: early models can suffer thermostat and radiator faults. Watch the temperature gauge and listen for the engine fan. If it cuts in soon after start-up, walk away.
* Water pump: these fail in older cars - even those with low annual mileages. Some say it's a design fault, with 'plastic' impellors in the pump being the weakness.
* Engine: the 520i, 523i and 528i models up to September 1998 can suffer premature engine bore wear. BMW replaced many units for free, so check service records.
* Windows: electric window regulators fail. Ensure all operate, including the 'one touch' function - although if this is wayward, it can be reset by holding the button in 'close' position for 30 seconds.
* Wheels: front wheelbearings have been known to wear prematurely on models that are driven hard or those that have been fitted with excessively large alloy wheels.
BMW used car e39 Driving Impressions
The 5-Series' spot-on seating position and faultless interior indulge the driver, as do a slick gearchange and meaty, precise steering. Handling delivers bags of feedback and a lack of fuss, and the ride quality is assured.
Easily the best engines are the 530d or 528i/530i petrols. Others can seem flat, particularly the 520i, although all are smooth. Of the V8 models, only the Porsche-beating M5 feels complete.
Changes bmw e39 by model year
1996
The 1996 model year 5 series E39 was introduced into the US market in late 1995. Models available were the 528i with a I6, and the 540i with a M62 V8.
1997
In 1997 the E39 went through minor design changes. The on-board computer, called the Multi-Information System (MID), was upgraded in mid '97.
1998
In 1998 optional rear side airbags became available, and both models also gained BMW's exclusive new Head Protection System, which consists of two tubular bags that inflate upon a side impact and pop out just above each front door. A new Sport Package for the 528i and 540i, as well as an automatic transmission 540i were added options. The Sport Package included black body trim (standard models had chrome around the top of the windows), a sport-tuned suspension, and 17-inch (430 mm) wheels and tires. In September 1998, the 540i's M62B44 was updated to the M62TUB44, adding 15 ft•lbf (20 N•m) of torque.
The high-performance M5 sedan returned to the BMW fold. Built in limited numbers, the M5 used a 400 hp (300 kW) V8 S62, and came with a firmer suspension, 18 inch wheels, a 6-speed manual transmission, and exclusive interior trim. Lower-body rear side airbags were standard on the M5, remaining optional for other models.
1999
1999 saw the introduction of the Touring (station wagon) body style and joined sedans in both 6-cylinder and V8 editions. Added options for 1999 were brighter xenon headlights, Park Distance Control that warns of obstacles when backing up, and self-leveling rear suspension for wagons. Standard on V8 models and newly optional for 528i versions was BMW's Dynamic Stability Control, designed to aid control in fast turns.
2000
In 2000, rain-sensing windshield wipers and xenon headlamps became standard on the 540i, and were newly available for 528i models. The "M Sport" package was added (replacing the standard sport package), and included the M Sport steering wheel, door sills, and shift knob. The 528i versions also gained the 540i's standard stability control system. All models now had daytime running lights, and fog lamps.
2001
For the 2001 model year, BMW updated the E39 with newer, clear-lens tail, side marker, and headlights which first displayed the now-popular "angel eyes." Rear tail lights were changed to LEDs (Hella, the OEM, refers to these lights as "CELIS"), while the side and rear turn signals were changed from amber lenses to clear. The black trim was now painted to match the body color, and the front bumper now featured rounded fog lights. Internally many changes were made to electronics; items such as window regulators and the air conditioning were updated. The 528i was replaced by the 530i which had a new 168 kW (225 hp) M54B30 3.0 L inline-6. A new entry-level 525i was introduced featuring a 137 kW (184 hp) M54B25 2.5 L I6 and a slightly lower price. The available navigation system was changed to a wide screen version.
2002
In 2002, BMW Steptronic-equipped E39s had their manual shift direction switched to match BMW's SMG. Also, in 2002 the 540i V8 32V engine power was increased from 210 kW (282 hp) to 216 kW (290 hp) while torque remained the same. All models got a standard in-dash CD player, 6-cylinder models added a standard power passenger seat, and the 525i received automatic climate control standard. Consumer Reports declared the 2002 BMW E39 the best car they had ever reviewed.
2003
2003 marked the last year for the E39 platform; they were differentiated by the addition of extra chrome trim on the trunk (boot) and on the sides of the body. In all 6-cylinder model 5-Series add a standard sunroof. The optional navigation systems upgraded from CD-ROM format (8 CDs to cover the entire USA and Canada) to single DVD-ROM. The optional sport package on the 540i carried parts from M-technic. This included a full M-tech ground effects, M-tech II suspension, 18 inch wheels, and a variety of M badging. The E39 wagon (touring / estate) was continued into the 2004 model year until the touring version of the new E60 5 Series was released.
Used BMW e39 PRICES:
The first 523i is the cheapest E39 entry point in the mid-$20,000 range with a $3-4,000 premium for the 528i. Best value buys include the last 528i models coming off lease from the original owner in the low $30,000 range. Later 525i Executive starts in the low $50,000 range with a $2000 premium for the 530i. Premium V8 models start in the high $20,000 range for the first 535i while the top shelf 540i can fetch an extra $5-10,000 with prices going up in $5,000 increments depending on kilometres and year. After the Jan 01 facelift, the 535i starts in the high $60,000 range with the 540i starting in the mid-$80,000 range.
Used bmw car (e39) technical details
| Model | Engine type | Displacement (cc) | Bore/Stroke (mm) | Comp. ratio | Fuel system | Power | Torque | 0-100 km/h (s) | Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520i | I6 24V | 1991 | 80/66 | 1:11.0 | Multiport fuel injection | 110 kW (150 PS; 148 bhp) @ 5900 | 190 N•m (140 ft•lbf) @ 3500 | 10.2 man) / 11.5 (aut) | 1996–2000 |
| 520i | I6 24V | 2171 | 80/72 | 1:10.7 | Multiport fuel injection | 125 kW (170 PS; 168 bhp) @ 6250 | 210 N•m (150 ft•lbf) @ 3500 | 9.1man) / 10.2 (aut) | 2000–2003 |
| 523i | I6 24V | 2496 | 84/75 | 1:10.5 | Multiport fuel injection | 125 kW (170 PS; 168 bhp) @ 5500 | 245 N•m (181 ft•lbf) @ 3500 | 8.5 (man) / 9.6 (aut) | 1995–2000 |
| 525i | I6 24V | 2494 | 84/75 | 1:10.5 | Multiport fuel injection | 141 kW (192 PS; 189 bhp) @ 6000 | 245 N•m (181 ft•lbf) @ 3500 | 8.1 (man) / 8.9 (aut) | 2000–2003 |
| 528i | I6 24V | 2793 | 84/84 | 1:10.2 | Multiport fuel injection | 142 kW (193 PS; 190 bhp) @ 5500 | 280 N•m (210 ft•lbf) @ 3500 | 7.5 (man) / 8.8 (aut) | 1995–2000 |
| 530i | I6 24V | 2979 | 84/89.6 | 1:10.2 | Multiport fuel injection | 170 kW (231 PS; 228 bhp) @ 5900 | 300 N•m (220 ft•lbf) @ 3500 | 6.6 (man) / 7.6 (aut) | 2000–2003 |
| 535i | V8 32V | 3498 | 84/78.9 | 1:10.0 | Multiport fuel injection | 180 kW (245 PS; 241 bhp) @ 5800 | 345 N•m (254 ft•lbf) @ 3800 | 7.4 (aut) | 1996–2003 |
| 540i | V8 32V | 4398 | 92/82.7 | 1:10.0 | Multiport fuel injection | 210 kW (286 PS; 282 bhp) @ 5400 | 440 N•m (320 ft•lbf) @ 3600 | 6.1 (man) / 6.4 (aut) | 1996–2000 |
| M5 | V8 32V | 4941 | 94/89.0 | 1:11.0 | Multiport fuel injection | 294 kW (400 PS; 394 bhp) @ 6600 | 500 N•m (370 ft•lbf) @ 3800 | 5.3 (man) | 1998–2003 |
| 520d | I4 16V | 1951 | 88/84 | 1:19.0 | Common rail turbodiesel | 100 kW (136 PS; 134 bhp) @ 4000 | 280 N•m (210 ft•lbf) @ 1750 | 10.6 (man) | 2000–2003 |
| 525d | I6 24V | 2497 | 80/82.8 | 1:17.5 | Common rail turbodiesel | 120 kW (163 PS; 161 bhp) @ 4000 | 350 N•m (260 ft•lbf) @ 2000 | 8.9 (man) / 9.1 (aut) | 2000–2003 |
| 525td | I6 12V | 2498 | 80/82.8 | 1:22.0 | Indirect injection turbodiesel | 85 kW (116 PS; 114 bhp) @ 4800 | 230 N•m (170 ft•lbf) @ 1900 | 11.9 (man) | 1997–2000 |
| 525tds | I6 12V | 2498 | 80/82.8 | 1:22.0 | Indirect injection turbodiesel | 105 kW (143 PS; 141 bhp) @ 4600 | 280 N•m (210 ft•lbf) @ 2200 | 10.4 (man) / 11.0 (aut) | 1996–2000 |
| 530d | I6 24V | 2926 | 84/88 | 1:18.0 | Common rail turbodiesel | 135 kW (184 PS; 181 bhp) @ 4000 | 390 N•m (290 ft•lbf) @ 1750 | 8.0 (man) / 8.4 (aut) | 1998–2000 |
| 530d | I6 24V | 2926 | 84/88 | 1:18.0 | Common rail turbodiesel | 142 kW (193 PS; 190 bhp) @ 4000 | 410 N•m (300 ft•lbf) @ 1750 | 7.8 (man) / 8.0 (aut) | 2000–2003 |
The best car in the world - a title BMW's E39 5-Series has laid claim to thanks to superb handling, powerful, refined engines and great build.
If you can afford it, you'll never want another vehicle. Sure, the entry-level 520i was underpowered, but it still offered straight-six engine refinement, while the 528i and 530i were near-perfect. In addition, the very able 530d returns more than 40mpg.
Early models still retain street credibility, and for less than 5,000 you can purchase a sprightly high-miler. Its replacement will force nearly new prices down, so one of the world's top cars is now a bargain, too.
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