BMW 5 Series was once one of the best cars segment E. He captivated the harmony of lines, which, with the light hand of designers, skillfully combined a dynamic image and elegance. The E39 generation is over 20 years old. Therefore, you should not deceive yourself, the Bavarian "fives" arrive at an old age, especially pre-styling modifications. Nevertheless, the silhouette of the BMW remained timeless and is still capable of arousing admiration today.
The interior design should also be recognized as successful. The simple front panel contributes to maintaining the highest level of ergonomics and exemplary readability. Fans of the brand appreciate the driver accents - the slightly unfolded center console. The upholstery and plastic in the cabin are of the highest quality. Thanks to this, the inside of the car looks relatively fresh, despite the years that have passed.
The biggest problem with the BMW 5 Series interior is the small space. Passengers on back seat... In addition, the 5 Series has a relatively small trunk - 460 liters, which is less than that of such prominent representatives of the segment as the Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Klasse. The station wagon holds from 410 to 1525 liters of luggage. Fortunately, the boot is well shaped so that you can use up one hundred percent of its volume.
Which engine should you choose?
From the point of view of economy, it is generally accepted that diesel modifications are most preferable. However, in the case of the BMW 5 Series, there are a number of important points. Among the diesel versions, the 525 tds models are predominantly common. The 143-horsepower turbodiesel does not provide excellent dynamics (10.4 s to 100 km / h), and at the same time turns out to be gluttonous. In city mode, such a BMW burns more than 11 liters of diesel fuel. Also wear out piston rings, the fuel pumps and the cooling system pump fail.
The 530d engine is more reliable. 3-liter turbodiesel accelerates "five" to 100 km / h in 8 seconds. The powertrain runs quietly and is more economical than the tds series diesel.
Among diesel modifications, there are also 520d and 525d models. 2-liter diesels are too weak, but consume less than 8 liters of fuel in the city. However, savings from low flow fuel will not be able to cover the cost of eliminating frequent malfunctions. The 136-horsepower engine has problems with the fuel pump, turbocharger, dual-mass flywheel and alternator pulley. The 525d is slightly more economical, but slower than the 530d.
In the range of gasoline engines, the most common 2-liter unit with a capacity of 150 hp. Because of large mass The 520i is well suited for calm drivers. Acceleration to 100 km / h takes 10.2 seconds, and fuel consumption in the city will be at least 12 liters per 100 km.
The 523i, 525i and 528i are more dynamic. The best driving performance is guaranteed by the 2.8-liter 193-horsepower engine. Unfortunately, due to the high fuel consumption, this vehicle is not cheap to operate. The 525i will certainly be the best choice. Engine power reaches 192 hp, and acceleration to 100 km / h takes 8.1 seconds. You will have to pay with a relatively high fuel consumption - about 13 liters in the urban cycle.
3-liter inline petrol six has an electronic throttle, an aluminum block with cast iron liners and variable valve timing on both camshafts... According to the mechanics, this is the last really hardy Bavarian inline-six. The only major issue is the design of the crankcase ventilation system. Its valve should be renewed every 2-3 oil changes.
Gasoline engines installed under the hood of the "five" are considered quite reliable. As a rule, only the cooling system needs attention. A defective thermostat, cooling fan, or radiator can easily overheat the engine and result in costly overhauls. All motors use a maintenance-free timing chain drive.
Running gear.
"Five" E39 had a reputation as the best sedan in the late nineties and in the new millennium. This is due to the almost entirely aluminum suspension on both axles. The body does not roll in corners, the wheels seem to be glued to the road surface - the suspension provides comfort and confidence in movement. The steering precision also impresses.
Unfortunately, the poor condition of Russian roads significantly affects the condition of the suspension. The bushings of the front wishbones, bushings and anti-roll bar bushings, floating silent blocks are rather quickly rented out. Routine suspension repairs may require up to 20,000 rubles. BMW 5 Series owners believe that the suspension needs a serious bulkhead every 100-150 thousand km.
Typical problems and malfunctions.
The Bavarian sedan often has electrical and electronic problems. Affected by malfunctions: temperature sensors of the air conditioner, airbags, ABS and xenon light level. In addition, to breakdowns the slopes of power windows and a set of indicators, the display often burns out.
Among the mechanical damages are widespread: loss of tightness of the radiator, the appearance of play in the steering and wear elastic coupling cardan shaft... Another common problem is fogging headlights.
Generally, a well-maintained BMW E39 is not considered problematic, but this does not mean that operating costs will be low. High prices for spare parts and expendable materials, in the end result in a decent amount, significantly overlapping the cost of maintaining a car of a less prestigious brand.
Market situation.
The BMW 5 Series E39 was an overwhelming success in the market. Despite the high prices, around 200,000 vehicles were sold worldwide each year. The high demand in the past has contributed to a fairly impressive number of offers in the secondary market. Thus, today the opportunity is given wide choice... But in order not to run into a time bomb, you need to be very careful! Car sales portals are simply packed with copies after serious accidents or worn to death.
As for the equipment, then everything is simple: what bigger engine, the larger the equipment list. Basic modifications have at their disposal a set of airbags, power accessories, climate control, and the top versions, even nowadays, can impress with a colossal list of additional equipment. For BMW 5 2001-2002, they ask a lot today - about 300-400 thousand rubles.
Conclusion.
The BMW 5 Series is not a bad alternative to a family car. It is able to conquer the driver, and passengers will appreciate the quality of the interior decoration and the high level of equipment. Gasoline engines are considered the least problematic. During operation, you will often have to deal with suspension and electrics.
Car from BMW concern in the back of the E39, they began to develop back in 1989. Only 6 years later, the new generation of the 5 series was presented to the general public. This happened in the fall of 1995 at an exhibition in Frankfurt.
"Entwicklung 39" - the codename of the fourth generation of the fifth BMW series
E39 is the fourth generation of the fifth BMW series. According to the technical documentation at the plant, the car was named Entwicklung 39. Translated from German language this word means: "expansion", "evolution", "development", "process". Such words are the best fit for this car model from Bavarian design engineers. When developing it, reviews of the BMW in the previous body with the E34 index were taken into account. The main complaints then were about the suspension, so in the fourth generation it was she who was given a lot of attention.
Specifications
| Indicator / modification | 520i | 520i Touring | 525i | 530i | 520d | 525tds | M5 | ||
| Before 2000 | Since 2001 | Before 2000 | Since 2001 | ||||||
| Engine displacement, cubic meters cm | 1991 | 2171 | 191 | 2171 | 2494 | 2979 | 1951 | 2498 | 4398 |
| Power, h.p. | 150 | 170 | 150 | 170 | 192 | 231 | 136 | 143 | 286 |
| Maximum speed, km / h | 220 | 226 | 212 | 223 | 238 | 250 | 206 | 211 | 250 |
| Fuel consumption (urban cycle), l per 100 km | 12,6 | 12,2 | 13,7 | 12,8 | 13,1 | 13,7 | 7,8 | 11,5 | 17,7 |
| Acceleration time to 100 km / h, sec. | 10,0 | 9,0 | 11,0 | 10 | 8,0 | 7,0 | 11,0 | 10,0 | 6,0 |
| Length, mm | 4775 | 4808 | 4805 | 4775 | |||||
| Height, mm | 1800 | 1800 | 1800 | 1800 | |||||
| Width, mm | 1435 | 1440 | 1445 | 1435 | |||||
What was new in the fourth generation?
"Five" of the fourth generation was the first BMW car with a lightweight suspension. German engineers have managed to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle by 38%. This result was achieved through the use of units and parts made of aluminum. Lightweight suspension made it possible to create a car with increased smoothness and significantly increased ride comfort.
Aluminum was also used for some of the body panels. This innovation helped protect it from corrosion. The body of the E39 is highly resistant to rust.
Fourth generation BMW 5 Series Touring
E39 became the first by BMW, on which a stainless steel exhaust system was installed. This significantly increased the life of the muffler.
The fourth generation of the BMW car was distinguished by increased sound insulation. Double glass was used for the side windows. This has significantly reduced the penetration of noise into the interior.
Base model BMW E39. Salon equipment
The 520i is considered the backbone of BMW's 5 Series sedan range. It was equipped with a 2-liter power unit with a capacity of 148 horses. The average fuel consumption is 9 liters per 100 kilometers. Two years later, in 1997, the concern launched a station wagon. To index universal model added word Touring... This car consumes up to 13 liters in the "city" mode, in the "highway" mode - 6.9 liters per hundred.
Fuel consumption in mixed mode is 9 liters per 100 kilometers
In the basic configuration, options appeared that were previously available only for additional money. Here is a list of them:
- climate control;
- multi-wheel;
- Cruise control;
- bluetooth;
- automatic heated mirrors.
On request, the car can be equipped with a heated steering wheel. The inclusion control is located on the steering wheel itself, which is very convenient. The steering column can be adjusted in two directions. Three steering positions can be memorized.
Comfortable front seats are adjustable. Not only the backrest tilt and seat height are adjustable, but also the length of the lower part. Now it is possible to adjust the inclination of the upper part of the backrest separately from the lower one. This design is called the "breaking back of the BMW". The front seats are equipped with three-position memory.
The E39 received four stars in the crash test
The signature feature of this sedan is the floor-mounted accelerator pedal. Some BMW owners have pointed out that it is a little harsh. But all unanimously declared that the gas pedal is very sensitive.
During the crash test, the E39 received four stars from the international organization EuroNCAP. In addition to AirBag pillows, the business sedan is equipped with a safety belt tightening system.
EuroNCAP is a European international organization founded in 1997. Its main activity is conducting independent crash tests. Based on the test results, the committee issues passive and active safety ratings.
The wide rear sofa can accommodate three people. True, the average passenger will feel inconvenience with the placement of the legs, a rather wide transmission tunnel in the middle will interfere with him.
Remarkable is the fact that luggage compartment the sedan has a volume of 460 liters, which is 50 liters more than the station wagon. But in the station wagon, it is possible to open the glass of the fifth door without opening the trunk itself.
Power units E39
Under the hood of the E39, motors with an aluminum block were installed. It was in the 90s that German car manufacturers began to use all-aluminum cylinder blocks. The Bavarians did not even think that someone would bore and repair their engines. To increase the life of the motor, the cylinders were coated inside with a special substance called nikasil. It is an alloy of nickel and silicon. But as practice has shown, the nikasilon coating quickly deteriorates from low-quality fuel... Therefore, since 1998, they began to install cast iron sleeves in blocks.
At the start of serial production, the business sedan was equipped with a line of three gasoline engines and one diesel engine. The engine of the previous "five" was taken as a basis. Below is a list of modifications with the corresponding power units:
- petrol models 520i - M52TU B20, 523i - M52TU B25, 528i - M52TU B28;
- diesel 525tds - M5
The M52 series of power units are six-cylinder blocks. The weakest develops power up to 150 horsepower. The 2.3-liter engine produces 170 horsepower. On city roads, this car consumes a little more than 13 liters. The most powerful gasoline engine is capable of developing 193 hp. The diesel engine has a power of 143 horses. In urban mode, diesel fuel consumption is 11.5 liters, on the highway - 6.2 liters.
Double-VANOS system - camshaft control
Since 1998, the BMW concern began producing the top-end M5 model. The main difference of this model was the engine. A V-shaped figure eight was installed under the hood. It was the first car with a powertrain that developed the power of 400 horses! Its volume was 5 liters. In addition, in the M5 model, a new Double-VANOS system was used - control of two camshafts. The fuel supply system was also changed: eight throttle valves serves a fuel-air mixture for eight cylinders. Average fuel consumption is up to 14 liters per hundred kilometers.
Constructive changes and restyling
In 1999, Bavarian designers carried out several modernizations of the BMW E39. The exterior was not changed. The main design changes were made to the engines. Two camshafts were installed on the six-cylinder engines. In the same year, a new M57D30 engine was added to the line of diesel power units - a 6-cylinder engine with a new Common Rail injection system. The injection for this car was developed by Bosch.
In 2000, German engineers carried out a large-scale restyling of the fourth generation. This time, we made adjustments to appearance and added three new powertrains. The exterior of the car received new side lights, a modified radiator grille and a new front bumper. For the first time, BMW used the new Celis-Technik technology, later it was called "Angel Eyes".
6-cylinder engine with new common rail injection system
Since 2000, they began to install new engines with the M54 index. These inline engines had six cylinders and a Double-VANOS control system. The modernization made it possible to obtain more powerful engines. The 520i is 20 horsepower more powerful. Now 170 horses fit under its hood. The 525i with the M54B25 engine develops 192 hp. with a torque of 245 Nm. The top model with the index 530i received the M54B30 with an impressive herd of 231 horses under the hood. The maximum speed of this "five" is 250 km / h, the consumption of gasoline in city mode is 13.7 liters per hundred.
In early 2000, a new diesel model also appeared. This "five" was indexed 520d. Having a 2-liter diesel engine with 136 hp, it accelerated to a hundred in just under 11 seconds.
The fourth generation was produced until 2003, BMW M5 - until 2004. The body of the E39 was replaced by the model of the fifth generation E60. According to the editors of the authoritative publication AutoBild, the BMW E39 is the most successful business-class sedan in terms of driving performance and with an excellent range of powertrains.
Video overview
Sales market: Russia.
In 2000 the model line BMW sedan The E39 has received an extensive list of changes. The updated "five" has changed its lighting technology - new headlights are now with light rings (the so-called "angel eyes"), foglights (standard for all models) have changed shape and are now round, modified combined lights with LED brake lights appeared at the rear. The car also features new bumpers and side mirrors, a new widescreen multimedia system... The updated engine range includes upgraded and new gasoline and diesel units, the power of which lies in the range of 136-286 hp. For the Russian market, the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad produces sedan models 525i and 530i with a new M-54 engine in 2.5 or 3.0 liter volumes.
The main change in the interior of the BMW E39 is the 6.5-inch infotainment screen with an aspect ratio of 16: 9, which has been installed to replace the previous 4: 3 screen. Changed software for "multimedia" - there are more functions. In general, the equipment of the "five" is excellent: full power accessories, air conditioning, on-board computer. For a surcharge, it was possible to retrofit the car with many options from an impressive list, including premium ones: leather interior or combination upholstery, climate control, multifunction steering wheel, heated steering wheel, power seats, sports or luxury seats with massage. The updated cars have a wireless handset, Bluetooth interface and other options.
Model BMW series The E39 from 2000-2003 retains a wide variety of modifications. Back in early 2000, under the hood of the new basic version of the BMW 520d, a 2-liter 4-cylinder M47 diesel engine with direct injection fuel. The 525tds was replaced by the 525d with a 2.5-liter 163-horsepower 6-cylinder M57 turbodiesel, and the output of the 2.9-liter unit of the same series in the 530d increased from 184 to 193 hp. The petrol range includes a new series of M54 inline-sixes with Double-VANOS system, which received the BMW 520i (2.2 L, 170 hp), 525i (2.5 L, 192 hp) and 530i ( 3.0 L, 231 HP). Under the hood of the top sedan versions 535i (3.5 l, 245 hp) and 540i (4.4 l, 286 hp), V8 gasoline units of the M62TU series are still installed. Within the framework of this generation, the M5 sports sedan model continued with a 5.0-liter V8 with 400 hp.
The front suspension of the BMW E39 is independent, double wishbone with a subframe connected to the body through rubber mounts. The rear suspension is independent, four-link, with floating silent blocks. Together with the final drive, it is also assembled on a stretcher, which is elastically connected to the body. The E39's suspension structure makes extensive use of aluminum, from which the control arms, tie rods, front and rear suspension subframes, suspension strut mountings and outer shock tubes are made. In addition, the E39 was offered with the system electronic control stiffness of shock absorbers (EDC), as well as air shock absorbers of the rear axle with a ride height regulator, which is considered a rarity for a sedan (more often rear air suspension was completed with the E39 Touring station wagon). The steering system of the E39 includes two options: basic models use a rack and pinion mechanism (a first for the 5 Series), while the V8 retains the traditional ball mechanism design like the previous generations... Dimensions of the body of the BMW E39 sedan: length 4775 mm, width 1800 mm, height 1435 mm. Wheelbase 2830 mm. The minimum turning radius is 5.65 m. The ground clearance for the "Europeans" was 120 mm, but for the Russian market it was increased to 155 mm. Trunk volume 460 liters.
The body of the BMW 5-Series E39 sedan is characterized by high torsional rigidity. V standard equipment since 2000 included front, side and head airbags, head restraints and three-point belts for all seats, anti-lock and traction control systems, optional DSC stability control system (standard on the V8). For a surcharge, rear side airbags were offered - they were now installed with the head rear airbags, thus increasing the total number of airbags to ten. Since 2001, the DSC system has been included in the standard equipment of all versions except for the 520d, where it was offered at an additional cost. The E39 five received four EuroNCAP stars.
The advantages of the BMW E39 were: spectacular design, high-performance engines, excellent handling, a previously unattainable level of comfort (the car developers relied heavily on the 7 Series E38 cars). The car is also distinguished by high quality assembly. There are also disadvantages - expensive service, whimsical electronics, small ground clearance suspension requiring increased attention. Also, one of the disadvantages of this generation can be called the lack of all-wheel drive modifications, which were in the E34 (this defect was corrected only in the next generation E60).
Read completelyBMW cars are loved in Russia. Even more. A couple of years ago, a film was shot about one of the models of the Bavarian concern, and now a man named Seryoga is bragging to all of Russia that he has Bmw black colors that make it so attractive to local girls. Indeed, not everyone can afford a used BMW. Especially when it comes to the "five" in the back of the E39, which has been produced since 1995.
Usually sold at our dealership BMW market The 5-series has a sedan body. Universal cars that appeared only in 1997 are sometimes found, but extremely rare. It's a pity, because the station wagon based on the "five" looks very harmonious and even stylish. True, one of the disadvantages of a station wagon is that it, as a rule, costs more than a similar one in configuration and technical condition sedan. Moreover, this difference can be several thousand dollars. And it's not just that more material is used to produce station wagons. Many "touring" vehicles are equipped with pneumatic rear suspension, which automatically levels the body depending on the load.
And at the beginning of the article, it should be mentioned that the BMW 5-series in the back of the E39 was assembled not only in Europe, but also in Russia - since 1999, the "fives" began to be made in Kaliningrad. Sometimes you can hear that these machines cannot be compared in quality with products made in Germany. But this is not the case. In terms of their reliability, "Russian" BMWs are not inferior to their German counterparts. Kaliningrad BMW 5-series have two "packages" - "for bad roads" and "for cold countries" (since September 1998), which is expressed in the presence of reinforced shock absorbers, other springs and stabilizers, engine protection, etc. All this can be supplied and for cars from Europe, but this procedure will cost more than $ 1.2 thousand. Therefore, many buyers of "fives" from Europe prefer at first to limit themselves only to strong metal crankcase protection for about $ 160 - without it, the engine pallet on our roads can be damaged in no time. And when preparing the car for Russian conditions, German engineers decided to change the location of the air intake, which on Kaliningrad cars is located not in the front bumper, but slightly higher. This significantly reduced the risk of water hammer.
Poor "fives" are few, although sometimes you can find cars without air conditioning. But cars, even from the early years of production, in any case, will delight the driver with front power windows, ABS, traction control and two airbags. And one very clear tendency can be noted - the younger the car, the more it will have all kinds of "bells and whistles". The modernized "fives", which began to be made at the very end of 2000 (such cars outwardly differ in new "optics" and a slightly different radiator grill), are especially chic.
Compared to the BMW 5-series in the back of the E34 (1988-1995), there is more space in the E39 cabin. Of course, in the E34 five, no one complained of bouts of claustrophobia, but the extra 7 mm. overhead and 62 mm. not a single car has been hindered in the shoulder area. Front seat will take the driver into her arms with love. Moreover, it will not be a tight girth, as in sports anatomical seats, but a gentle hug. A wide center tunnel and a large front console are the hallmarks of the latest BMW models. Apparently, it is these design features that give a feeling of confidence in the car, and most importantly in oneself. You will not hear complaints about the "five" from the rear passengers either. The most important thing is that there are two people sitting there. The width of the shoulders is enough for three, but the shape of the chairs makes it clear that the third will have to sit on a dais. By the way, compared to previous model the width of the rear compartment has increased by 10 mm. There is also more space (by 17 mm) in the knee area.
BMW 5-series in the back of E39 has a very large number of all kinds of electronics. However, surprisingly, it works flawlessly even on machines made in the mid-90s. To date, very few cars with broken electric drives or permanently switched off headlights turn to car services. Moreover, if glasses or mirrors began to obey the driver poorly, then, most likely, the contact simply oxidized. Except that on cars with high mileage, by now the trapezoid of "wipers" ($ 250) may turn sour or the fan may start to work poorly. Often the responsibility for the last trouble lies with the so-called resistance block (installing a new original one will cost almost $ 200 with work, and on a regular service it will be possible to keep within $ 120) or the fan itself ($ 150-200). And the control panel on the center console is sometimes to blame for the poor operation of the air conditioner ($ 200-300, depending on the place of purchase, or $ 70 for a used one). Sometimes you can hear that on the BMW E39, in no case should you install alarms outside of the branded service. But experienced craftsmen claim that for this "five" to install anti-theft system it is possible without any problems.
Not a single "black sheep"
Engines are considered more than just BMW's strength. This is one of the most important trump cards of all Bavarian cars. A total of 14 different modifications of power units were installed on the "five" E39, in which even a specialist can get confused. Let's start with 6-cylinder petrol engines. Until 2000, the "fives" were equipped with 2.0 liter engines. with a capacity of 150 hp. (BMW 520i), 2.3 liters. with a power of 170 hp. (BMW 523i) and 2.8 liters. with a capacity of 193 hp. (BMW 528i). You can often hear that the 2.0-liter powertrain is not well suited for the 5-Series. But this statement is very relative, because such cars with mechanical box gears are capable of accelerating to 220 km / h. Agree, not so little. But the 523i and 528i versions are unlikely to be called “dead”. These seem to be almost ideal "fives", because the 2.3- and 2.8-liter engines have power, reliability, and besides, the price of these cars is less than the versions with cooler V8s. Well, after modernization, even among 6- cylinder engines not a single "black sheep" remained, which, albeit with a stretch, could be ranked as insufficiently powerful. So, the 520i version received a 2.2 liter engine. (170 hp). In addition, there were BMW 525i and 530i with 6-cylinder units of 2.5 liters. and 3.0 liters. with a capacity of 192 h.p. and 231 hp. respectively.
Well, who needs not a car, but a real rocket should look for "fives" with 8-cylinder engines. There were two of them with a volume of 3.5 liters. and 4.4 liters. with a capacity of 245 hp. and 286 hp. respectively. Here one could also add a unique 4.9-liter unit that developed a mind-boggling 400 hp, but it was installed on the BMW M5 version, which is seriously different from the usual "fives" and is worthy of a separate study under the heading "second-hand".
Diesel engines cannot be passed by. There are not many of them in our secondary market, but these motors are worthy of respect. On the "five" you can find the following motors powered by diesel fuel: 2.0 liters. (136 hp), 2.5 liters. (143 hp or 163 hp) and 2.9 liters. (184 hp or 193 hp). Diesel BMWs, especially with more powerful engines, are good for everyone. With one big exception - in 90%, if not 100% of cases, they have very high mileage, because in Europe these cars were purchased only by those drivers who need to travel a lot - believe me, such cars roll about 50 thousand km or more every year. ... And as a result, after 5-7 years of operation, they have 250-400 thousand km. No matter how good the German motors are, they are usually very seriously worn by this point. And repairing diesel engines costs a lot of money (it is unrealistic to find a used one in good condition). And diesel fuel in Russia is also not great. In general, old diesel BMW are the modifications that are best avoided.
Dangerous options
There are dangerous "fives" with gasoline engines. Moreover, this is not about volume. Sometimes on sale you can find cars made before September 1998 with engines that have a nickel-silicon (nikasil) coating of the cylinders. This very nikasil deteriorates over time, and the cylinder block must be changed. I must say that BMW company pretty quickly realized that she had made a big mistake in deciding to use this nasty drug. And in many cases, the nikosilovye engines were replaced under warranty with new ones having a coating already made of reliable alusil. But nikosilovye units are still found, and in this case, if the motor breaks down, you must either pay about $ 3 thousand for a new unit, or use cast iron inserts, which is also not cheap. Moreover, many masters doubt the effectiveness of the last operation. Therefore, when buying a car, you must definitely go to a service specialized in BMW and use an endoscope to check the cylinder block (the nicosil coating differs from the color of the aluminum silica).
Also, when buying, you need to find out if the engine has been overheated, which can lead to very expensive repairs. To prevent overheating from happening, it is necessary to clean the radiator once a year with the removal of the bumper, as well as monitor the health of the thermal coupling for turning on the fan, the replacement of which will cost about $ 120-200, and the pump (in the latter, a plastic impeller sometimes turns, which leads to costs of about $ 60 -100). Another relatively weak point in the cooling system, you can call a thermostat (its replacement costs $ 50-100 with spare parts). And it happens that the engine starts to warm up due to a broken air conditioner radiator fan (the “kondeya” radiator is located in front of the main radiator). I must say that the above breakdowns are quite rare, however, these places should be paid close attention to so as not to become a victim of deadly overheating.
When operating a BMW 5-series, it is recommended to call in to the service to change the oil, not when the computer says it (the "five" is equipped with such a system), but a little earlier - better every 12-15 thousand km. Of course, the oil should only be best quality, and it is necessary to use only what is recommended by the manufacturer (when changing the lubricant, the masters strongly advise against pouring "flushing" into the motor). But remembering about the delicate timing belt in the case of the BMW 5-Series is not worth it - all Bavarian engines are equipped with a chain that is enough for 250 thousand km. and more. The money saved on the timing belt is better spent on cleaning the nozzles every 50-80 thousand km. with special preparations at BMW Service. Most likely, you will have to change the candles at the same time (they cost $ 15-20 apiece).
According to the experts, BMW E39 engines have proven to be very reliable. And in those cases when it is necessary to do this or that minor repairs, too high costs can often be avoided by using good non-original parts. But what is really worth fearing is the "capital". It will be very expensive, so before purchasing a "five" it is imperative to carry out the most thorough engine diagnostics. The $ 50-100 spent on this cannot be compared with the costs that it will bring serious breakdown engine. For example, the repair of the proprietary variable valve timing system VANOS, which is required after 200-300 thousand km. mileage will cost $ 300-600 (with wear on the steeper DOUBLE VANOS, the costs will be much higher.
To the envy of competitors
All versions of the BMW 5-series E39 could have both mechanical and automatic transmission gear. Moreover, since the end of the 90s, the "automaton" has the opportunity manual switching, which made it possible to combine the advantages of both types of transmission. Boxes on the "five" are very reliable and capable of working no less than the engine itself. You just need to make sure that oil does not go out of them (with high mileage, it can start to seep through the oil seals, but replacing them usually costs $ 50-100). Clutch on cars with "mechanics" has a good resource and works for 150-200 thousand km. (fans of quick starts, of course, "kill" him faster). The clutch kit costs about $ 350-400, and about $ 70-120 will be charged for its replacement at a regular service station.
When creating the BMW 5-Series, engineers decided to actively use aluminum, which helped both to reduce the overall weight of the car and to reduce the amount of unsprung masses. On the "five" E39 beam front axle, wishbones and the suspension strut rails are made entirely of aluminum. The rear suspension is taken from the big "seven" and has its own brand name - Integral IVa. And the rear suspension, due to its design, can "steer" a little on bends, helping the driver to get more pleasure from driving.
Despite all the talk about the inability of fast BMWs to Russian roads, one thing can be said - the "five" suspension is reliable. Especially if the car is operated in Moscow, where the quality of roads has recently been not so disgusting as it is commonly believed. Experience shows that stabilizer struts most often require replacement (both front and rear), but they are not expensive - from $ 15 to $ 30, depending on the place of purchase and manufacturer. It is worth mentioning here that most of the chassis parts of the BMW 5-Series do not have to be purchased in the original version. Almost always you can find exactly the same items, but in a Lemferder box or some other company (specialists in spare parts stores know this very well).
Drivers of the BMW 5-Series should remember that at each MOT it is necessary not only to change the oil, but also to carefully inspect the suspension, blow out the drain holes under the hood, etc. And if there are even doubts about the correct operation of a particular part, then it is better change immediately. Otherwise, one worn-out element will quickly drag others along with it into the grave. As a result, the cost of repairs will not be $ 100, but $ 500. As is often the case, the front suspension requires more attention, where there are two levers per wheel ($ 130 from Lemferder and $ 170 for the original). If you drive without noticing pits and potholes, then the levers are killed for 15-30 thousand km. But it is worth being a little more careful, as the levers with ball and silent blocks work without problems for 70-80 thousand km. Although in many cases the upper arm bushings wear out much earlier, fortunately, they are changed individually (part price $ 12-20).
The rear suspension is reliable, but on cars over 5 years old, it may require replacing the silent block in the hub, which is sometimes called a steering or floating ($ 40-70), as well as the so-called integral arm ($ 26). A little less often, you have to change two more simple levers ($ 120 apiece). But the most unpleasant thing is when the silent block in the large H-shaped lever wears out. In this case, you have to buy a complete lever. It can only be original ($ 340).
The vehicle's brakes are working as expected. It happens, however, that they fail ABS sensors or control unit ABS system... And if a new sensor costs about $ 120, then $ 950-1000 will have to be paid for the electronic unit! But here it should be noted that the "fives" made after 1999 problems with the block ABS control not anymore. By the way, after 1999, the steering racks on cars with in-line engines also became more reliable (on the BMW 5-series with V8 engines, there is a different steering rack). Buying a car with a faulty rail can upset the owner in the future with the need to spend more than $ 1200 on repairs! So be careful.
The release of the BMW 5-series under the E39 index was discontinued quite recently - the new "five" was shown in 2003. This means that the "thirty-ninth" body for a long time will be considered really cool. But you must immediately warn that the choice of the BMW 5-series E39 must be approached with special care. There are enough reasons for this. This model costs a lot of money and is in certain demand among dashing people (according to statistics for the last year in Moscow, the "five" are among the ten most stolen cars). Besides, purchasing a car in a "killed" state can cause so many problems that it is better not even to think about it. So extra caution when buying a BMW doesn't hurt. But you don't need to run away from the BMW 5-Series like from fire. As practice shows, if everything is in order with the car, then it will not cause much trouble to a good owner.
Bayerische Motoren Werke or "Bavarian Motor Plants"Was officially registered on July 21, 1917, although this company began assembling engines for aircraft a little earlier (1913 is often considered the date of foundation of BMW). In 1923, BMW made its first motorcycle, and in 1928, production began and small cars... It is worth noting that after the Second World War, during which BMW worked for the German military industry, the company was in a very difficult financial situation. And in 1959, the BMW board and supervisory board even recommended that the company be sold. And, not just anyone, but Mercedes-Benz! However, small shareholders, employees of the enterprise, dealers, etc. managed to prevent this. Apparently, Mercedes-Benz still regrets that they failed then to “strangle” their future main competitor.
And BMW still managed to cope with its problems and get out of the crisis. In 1972, the first generation of a new model of the so-called 5-series (E12 body) was shown. This car was equipped with various motors from 90 to 184 hp, which was very good for that time.
In 1981, the second generation of "fives" with the E28 body appeared. However, many experts believe that E28 is only a very seriously reworked E12. Perhaps it is because of this this model the people are often called "transitional". One cannot ignore the fact that in 1984, on the basis of the BMW 5-series in the back of the E28, the first cars began to be made under the name BMW M5. These cars were equipped with a 3.5 liter inline 6-cylinder engine. with a capacity of 286 hp
In 1987, it was time for the debut of the BMW 5-Series in the back of the E34. This car was equipped with various engines. The most modest of them produced 113 hp, and the most fast cars wore the M5 index. They already had a 315 hp engine under the hood. (since 1992 - 340 hp). On the basis of BMW E34 they made and four-wheel drive vehicles 525iX.
The fourth generation of the BMW 5-series was shown in 1995 (E39 body). This car continued all the best traditions of the previous "five". At first, the "five" was equipped with 6-cylinder gasoline engines with a capacity of 150-193 hp, as well as diesel engines, but in 1996 a V8 with a volume of 3.5 liters appeared. and 4.4 liters. In 1997, a station wagon was shown. And the following year, the BMW M5 debuted with a new 4.9 liter V8 engine. with a capacity of 400 hp! Also in 1997, BMW showed the 540i Protection armored in B4 class.
Since 1999, BMW 5-series 523i and 528i versions have been assembled in Kaliningrad. Since 2000, new, more powerful 6-cylinder engines have been installed on the "fives". In the same year, the model was also modernized, which received a slightly modified front end, as well as a more luxurious interior trim.
In 2003, a completely new "five" (E60 body) was shown, which for the first year was produced only in the form of a sedan. But in 2004, a station wagon appeared. Now the BMW 5-series E60 is produced in the following modifications: 520i (2.2 liter engine with 170 hp), 525i (2.5 liter, 192 hp), 530i (3.0 liter). 231 HP), 545i (4.4 L 333 HP), 530d (3.0 L diesel 218 HP). But the BMW M5 version got this time a V10 engine with a capacity of 507 hp!
For the first time, the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series was presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in September 1995. The Touring wagon debuted a little later, in 1997.
Compared to the BMW E34, the E39 cabin has improved noise insulation, and the quality of finishing materials and workmanship has significantly increased. Despite the seeming spaciousness and solid appearance, the E39 is not so spacious inside. Like its predecessor, the new "five" was designed around the driver. The rear sofa is not very spacious and clearly not designed for three people. There is less legroom than German classmates, although two passengers in the back will be comfortable. The ceiling is quite low, and the landing in the cabin is not very comfortable - due to the large wheel arch, the doorway is narrow.
The trunk will not seem very big for a car of this class - "only" 460 liters. The luggage compartment of the station wagon also loses to classmates - 410 liters against almost 600 liters for the Mercedes-Benz E-class. For a surcharge, the Touring was equipped with a retractable luggage compartment floor. Frame with glass in back door the station wagon can open upward separately from the door itself.
The "charged" version of the "five" - the M5 model from the sports division of BMW Motorsport GmbH was released in October 1998. Those wishing to buy the Bavarian "wolf" should remember that the M5 is an original model that has a number of differences from the usual E39, and this applies not only to the "filling". Some of the body parts, even the rear-view mirrors have become different. The car was equipped with a 4.9-liter V8 engine with 400 hp, a sports suspension, a reinforced transmission, as well as a special aerodynamic body kit, which, however, was optionally installed on conventional modifications.
But the absolute exclusive was the B10 5.7 model, released in 1997 by the BMW Alpina tuning company. The 5.7-liter 12-cylinder power unit installed on the car develops an output of 387 hp. And the maximum torque is as much as 560 Nm! In total, about 500 cars were produced.
At the end of 1999, the assembly of BMW E39 523i and 528i for the Russian market was started at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad. These cars differed from their German counterparts in a special package for "bad" roads and in the absence of a catalyst.
In the fall of 2000, the BMW five was modernized.
Restyled versions differ from cars of early releases with new headlights with characteristic marker lights in the form of rings, made on LEDs (the so-called "angel eyes"). Front fog lights changed the shape from trapezoidal to round. The bumpers, direction indicators and taillights have also changed. The moldings were painted in body color. The line of power units has also been updated.
TECHNICAL DATA BMW 5 SERIES E39 2000 - 2003 SALOON
ENGINE CHARACTERISTICS
| Modifications | Engine displacement, cm3 | Power, kW (hp) / rev | Cylinders | Torque, Nm / (rpm) | Fuel system type | Fuel type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | 1951 | 100(136)/4000 | L4 (in-line) | 280/1750 | Common rail | Diesel |
| 525d | 2497 | 120(163)/4000 | Side by side - L6 | 350/2000 | Common rail | Diesel |
| 530d | 2926 | 142(193.1)/4000 | Side by side - L6 | 410/1750 | Common rail | Diesel |
| 520i | 2171 | 125(170)/6100 | Side by side - L6 | 210/3500 | Multipoint injection | Petrol |
| 525i | 2494 | 141(192)/6000 | Side by side - L6 | 245/3500 | Multipoint injection | Petrol |
| 530i | 2979 | 170(231)/5900 | Side by side - L6 | 300/3500 | Multipoint injection | Petrol |
| 535i | 3498 | 180(245)/5800 | V-shaped: V8 | 345/3800 | Multipoint injection | Petrol |
| 540i | 4398 | 210(286)/5400 | V-shaped: V8 | 440/3600 | Multipoint injection | Petrol |
DRIVE AND TRANSMISSION
| Modifications | type of drive | Transmission type (basic) | Transmission type (optional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | Rear drive | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic transmission, |
| 525d | Rear drive | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic transmission, |
| 530d | Rear drive | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic transmission, |
| 520i | Rear drive | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic transmission, |
| 525i | Rear drive | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic transmission, |
| 530i | Rear drive | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic transmission Steptronic, |
| 535i | Rear drive | 5-speed automatic | |
| 540i | Rear drive | 5-speed automatic |
BRAKES AND POWER STEERING
| Modifications | Front brakes type | Rear brake type | Power steering |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
| 525d | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
| 530d | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
| 520i | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
| 525i | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
| 530i | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
| 535i | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
| 540i | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs | there is |
TIRE SIZE
| Modifications | The size |
|---|---|
| 520d | 205/65 R15 94 V |
| 525d | 205/65 R15 94 V |
| 530d | 225/55 R16 95 W |
| 520i | 205/65 R15 94 V |
| 525i | 225/60 R15 96 W |
| 530i | 225/55 R 16 95 W |
| 535i | 225/55 R16 95W |
| 540i | 225/55 R16 95W |
SIZE
| Modifications | Length, mm | Width, mm | Height, mm | Front / rear track, mm | Wheelbase, mm | Ground clearance (clearance), mm | Trunk volume, l |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1516/1529 | 2830 | 119 | 459 |
| 525d | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1516/1529 | 2830 | 119 | 459 |
| 530d | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1511/1527 | 2830 | 119 | 459 |
| 520i | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1516/1529 | 2830 | 119 | 459 |
| 525i | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1511/1527 | 2830 | 119 | 459 |
| 530i | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1511/1527 | 2830 | — | 456 |
| 535i | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1511/1527 | 2830 | — | 459 |
| 540i | 4775 | 1801 | 1435 | 1511/1527 | 2830 | — | 459 |
CAR WEIGHT
| Modifications | Curb weight, kg | Maximum weight, kg | Carrying capacity, kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | 1565 | 2000 | 435 |
| 525d | 1670 | 2135 | 465 |
| 530d | 1700 | 2165 | 465 |
| 520i | 1570 | 2005 | 435 |
| 525i | 1575 | 2010 | 435 |
| 530i | 1605 | 2070 | 465 |
| 535i | 1685 | 2150 | 465 |
| 540i | 1705 | 2170 | 465 |
DYNAMICS
| Modifications | Maximum speed, km / h | Acceleration time to 100 km / h, s | Cd (Drag Coefficient) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | 206 | 10.6 | 0.29 |
| 525d | 219 | 8.9 | 0.29 |
| 530d | 230 | 7.8 | 0.29 |
| 520i | 226 | 9.1 | 0.29 |
| 525i | 238 | 8.1 | 0.29 |
| 530i | 250 | 7.1 | 0.3 |
| 535i | 250 | 6.9 | 0.29 |
| 540i | 250 | 6.2 | 0.29 |
FUEL CONSUMPTION
| Modifications | In the city, l / 100 km | On the highway, l / 100 km | Average consumption, l / 100 km | CO2 emission, g / km | Fuel type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520d | 7.8 | 4.7 | 5.9 | 156 | Diesel |
| 525d | 9.2 | 5.3 | 6.7 | 179 | Diesel |
| 530d | 9.7 | 5.6 | 7.1 | 189 | Diesel |
| 520i | 12.2 | 7.1 | 9 | 216 | Petrol |
| 525i | 13.1 | 7.2 | 9.4 | 225 | Petrol |
| 530i | 13.1 | 7.4 | 9.5 | 229 | Petrol |
| 535i | 17.6 | 8.5 | 11.8 | 286 | Petrol |
| 540i | 18.4 | 8.8 | 12.3 | 295 | Petrol |
PRICES BMW 5 SERIES E39 2000 - 2003 IN RUSSIA (UPDATED ON 22 APRIL 2016)
| Modifications according to year of manufacture | Total cars for sale (in RF) | Average price, rubles |
Average price from Automatic transmission, rubles |
Total for sale with automatic transmission | Average price from Manual transmission, rubles |
Total on sale with manual transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 year | 66 | 484 893 | 489 790 | 48 | 472 100 | 21 |
| 2002 year | 46 | 522 943 | 524 823 | 33 | 510 849 | 10 |
| 2003 r. | 48 | 652 652 | 653 510 | 35 | 650 495 | 16 |
Body and equipment
The history of the BMW 5 E39 began in 1995 and ended in 2003, having gone through one restyling at the end of 2000. Traditionally for a Bavarian manufacturer, the whole car is built around driver's seat... This does not mean that the passengers were infringed, just the driver was given maximum attention. Despite the rather impressive dimensions of the car, the cabin is not as spacious as it seems from the outside, but with a height of up to 190 cm it will be comfortable for everyone, even those sitting behind the driver.
The quality of finishing materials and assembly is at a height, door cards are most susceptible to damage. Noise isolation at the "five" - on the five (on a 5.5 point scale), it is desirable to additionally "de-noise" the doors, especially if you like high-quality sound in the car. Native music is also not perfect, cassette recorders are often included in the package, if there is a CD changer, then you will not see MP3, but this is easily removable (if you have money left after the purchase).
But the equipment of the car is most often pleasing, because even in the "base" I already relied on: power accessories (mirrors, windows), air conditioning, 6 airbags, hydraulic booster, ABS ( anti-lock braking system), ASC + T (traction control) and DSC III ( electronic system stabilization). Moreover, cars with richer equipment are often offered for sale, for example, dual-zone climate control is almost the norm.
The most noticeable change after restyling was the front optics, then the famous "Angel Eyes" were born. The rear lights and direction indicators have also changed, the fog lights have become round, and the moldings on the bumpers have been painted in body color. The decorative radiator grill has changed and the steering wheel design has become in the M-style. The line of engines has also been updated.
The body of the BMW 5 E39 is very resistant to corrosion if there was no damage. Even the highest quality refurbishment will no longer return the former resistance of the metal. And with the current regime of urban traffic, as well as taking into account the pace of movement, it is BMW owners, there are not many unbroken copies left. But he who seeks will find.
BMW 5 E39 engines
The engine is the heart of any car, and in the case of BMW, this expression becomes even more relevant. For a rather heavy E39, the optimal power / cost combination, many consider the 2.8-liter engine (193 hp), after restyling it was replaced by a 3-liter (231 hp) one. Considering that fuel consumption and total maintenance costs are about the same for all 6-cylinder engines, there is simply no point in buying a 2-liter BMW 5 E39. As a last resort, you can take a 2.5-liter engine if you find a well-groomed copy of the "five".
On the BMW 5-series, in the back of the E39, the following gasoline engines were installed:
M52 - reliable in-line six-cylinder engines. Displacement: 2.0 (520i), 2.5 (523i), 2.8 (528i) liters. Since 1999, they have become repairable, until that time, motors were produced with a nikasil coating of the cylinder walls. This coating is very sensitive to the sulfur content in gasoline (and this goodness is enough in our fuel). Sulfur destroys this coating, after which the engine cannot be restored and repaired. Since the end of 1998, a modernization was carried out, the M52 engine was equipped with cast-iron inserts (sleeves). The modified engines are designated M52TU.
M54 - the R6 engine, which was installed after restyling. Displacement: 2.2 (520i), 2.5 (525i), 3.0 (530i) liters. Differs from M52 more power(2.5 liter M54 192 HP, and 2.8 liter M52 193 HP), others intake manifold, electronic choke and the gas pedal, as well as another engine control unit.
M62 - V-shaped eight-cylinder engine. Displacement: 3.5 (530i), 4.4 (540i) liters. In the production of M62, a nickel-based coating was also used, but in parallel with it, a coating with alusil was also used - a stronger and more reliable material that was not affected by sulfur. After March 1997, the Bavarian manufacturer began to use only alumina coating. The updated engine, marked M62TU, also received the "Vanos" variable valve timing system, which is described below.
In BMW 5 E39 engines, they began to use the revolutionary, at that time, camshaft adjustment system, which control the intake and exhaust valves. Thanks to this system, on low revs the torque has increased greatly, and the car accelerates well from the very bottom. There is “just vanos”, which regulates only the intake valves, such as were installed on the M52 before restyling, as well as on the M62TU. And also "double vanos" (Double Vanos), which already controls the exhaust valves, which allows you to get even traction in almost the entire range of revolutions. This was installed on the M52TU and M54.
The only disadvantages of this system are repairs. The average service life, with proper maintenance, is 250 thousand km, depends mainly on the quality of the oil. Changing the complete system will cost from $ 1000, there are repair kits that are much cheaper ($ 40-60 without replacement work, for a "single-nose engine"). In some cases, the repair kit will no longer help, only a replacement. Signs of a "dying vanos": poor (sluggish) thrust up to 3000 rpm, rumbling or knocking at the front of the engine and increased consumption fuel.
On the BMW 5-series, in the back of the E39 they installed such diesel engines:
M51S and M51TUS - diesel engines with high pressure fuel pumps. The working volume is 2.5 liters (525tds). Quite reliable (in good hands), the timing chain runs 200-250 thousand km, the same is the turbocharger. After 200,000 km, the high-pressure fuel pump is also to be repaired (expensive). Engine control electronics often fail.
M57 - more modern turbodiesels, already with direct fuel injection (Common Rail). Displacement - 2.5 liters (525d), 3.0 liters (530d). In general, the M57 is more reliable and more powerful than the M51, provided that high-quality diesel fuel is used (in our reality, this is a difficult condition). The engine mounts are very complex and cost a lot of money. Of all diesel engines 530D (184 HP - M57, 193 HP - M57TU) is the most preferred option, but necessary very thorough diagnostics before buying.
M47 - the only four-cylinder engine in the entire E39 series. The working volume is 2.0 liters (520d). With turbine, intercooler and Common Rail - develops 136 hp Appeared after restyling, in fact, a small M57.
Common problems for all engines that BMW E39 owners may encounter: 
Weak cooling system, oversight of which is fraught with the "death" of the engine. The main culprits are the auxiliary fan motor, thermostat, clogged radiators and neglect of regular coolant changes. It is highly recommended to clean the radiators (with disassembly), at least once a year (if the runs are small, then once every two years). On V8 engines, coolant expansion tanks often burst, and the average "life" of cooling fans is 5-6 years.
Another sore is the ignition coils, which do not like non-original spark plugs very much, and the original ones with our fuel are enough for 30-40 thousand mileage. But the cost of one coil is $ 60, and one separate coil is relied on for each cylinder. From the electronics, lambda probes (oxygen sensors, there are as many as 4 of them on the E39), an air flow meter and a crank position sensor and camshaft... Not necessarily all this "happiness" will fall on you, and right at the same time, but to prevent this from happening, do not spare money for diagnostics before buying an E39.
BMW E39 gearbox
Both mechanical and automatic gearboxes, which were installed on the BMW 5 E39, are quite reliable, but the "human" factor is always present. Mechanical gearboxes mainly 5-speed ones were installed, with six steps they produced only the M5 version and some 540i. After 150,000 km of run, the plastic bushing of the shift lever often wears out (it starts to dangle), and oil seals may also leak. The manual transmission service schedule is 60,000 km, at the same time it is necessary to change the oil in the gearbox. Before buying oil, check the presence of stickers on the box and gearbox, as they indicate the type required oil... It is highly discouraged to buy a car with a "dead" clutch, because when replacing a clutch, most often you have to change a dual-mass flywheel, which is expensive. With quiet operation, the clutch can "retreat" and 200,000 km, but in reality the average service life is about 100,000 km. 
If an automatic transmission is carefully diagnosed before buying (there should be no jerks, jerks, switching should be imperceptible), then there should be no problems in the future. In most automatic transmissions on E39, oil is filled for the entire service life of the car, that is, there is no need to change it. And this is the subject of eternal controversy on specialized BMW forums. One side believes that if everything is working properly, then the oil does not need to be changed. The other side argues that the manufacturer, on average, lays down 250-300 thousand km of service life. And if you do not change the oil every 80-100,000 km, the oil will lose its properties, and the filter will become clogged with dust from wear of the clutches, which will lead to the failure of the box. All service stations support the side for regular oil changes.
Undercarriage and steering part
The suspension of the BMW 5 E39 is clearly designed for the German Autobahns; in our harsh realities, the resource of both the front and rear suspension is not enough for a very long time. Some people think this is due to the aluminum suspension, but metal has nothing to do with it. Aluminum is used to reduce weight and does not affect suspension life, but cost. Silent blocks fail, ball joints, shock absorbers and stabilizer struts. Silent blocks change separately, but ball only with a lever together, but "walk" about 100,000 km. The stabilizer struts are almost a consumable, you can safely take it in reserve, since you will have to change every 20-30 thousand km. On the E39 with R6 and V8 engines, in the front suspension there are different levers, shock absorbers and steering knuckles, they are not interchangeable, and the chassis is more durable on the eight-cylinder versions.
On versions with V8, the steering is also much more reliable, paired with such heavy motors, reliable worm gearboxes were installed. And on the R6 they put ordinary steering racks, which do not shine with special reliability. For some time, the knock can be removed by adjusting, then restoration or replacement. There are two types of fluid in the steering system, mixing leads to leakage and "death" of the power steering.
You won't be able to forget about the rear suspension either. You can start with the stabilizer struts, just like the front. In second place in terms of replacement frequency are “floating” silent blocks, there are 4 of them with an average mileage of 50,000 km (Sino-Polish no more than 20,000 km). Rear suspension arms are assembled only. Front wheel bearings, by the way, they also change only together with the hub.
When servicing the chassis of the BMW 5 E39, it is recommended not to delay the elimination of individual breakdowns or knocks, it is better to eliminate the problems gradually than to find yourself with a car, which has completely "killed" the suspension. One broken silent block can accelerate the destruction of the rest of the suspension several times.
