The car from the BMW concern in the back of the E39 began to be developed back in 1989. Only 6 years later, the new generation of the 5 series was presented to the general public. This happened in autumn 1995 at an exhibition in Frankfurt.
"Entwicklung 39" is the code name for the fourth generation of BMW's fifth series.
E39 - the fourth generation of the fifth BMW series. According to the technical documentation at the factory, the car was called Entwicklung 39. Translated from German, this word means: “expansion”, “evolution”, “development”, “process”. Such words are the best suited for this car model from Bavarian design engineers. When developing it, reviews of BMW in the previous body with the E34 index were taken into account. The main claims then were to 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 volume, cu. cm | 1991 | 2171 | 191 | 2171 | 2494 | 2979 | 1951 | 2498 | 4398 |
| Power, hp | 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 managed to reduce the overall weight of the car by 38%. This result was achieved through the use of components and parts made of aluminum. The light suspension made it possible to create a car with increased ride comfort and significantly added ride comfort.
Aluminum was also used to make some body panels. This innovation helped protect it from corrosion. Body E39 perfectly resists rust.
The fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series Touring
The E39 was the first BMW to feature a stainless steel exhaust system. This greatly increased the life of the muffler.
The fourth generation of the BMW car was characterized by increased sound insulation. Double glass was used for the side windows. This significantly reduced the penetration of noise into the cabin.
Base model BMW E39. Salon equipment
The 520i is considered the backbone of BMW's 5 Series sedan lineup. 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 into a series. The word was added to the index of the universal model Touring. This car consumes up to 13 liters in the "city" mode, 6.9 liters per hundred in the "highway" mode.
Fuel consumption in mixed mode is 9 liters per 100 kilometers
In the basic configuration, there are options that were previously available only for extra money. Here is their list:
- climate control;
- multifunction steering wheel;
- Cruise control;
- bluetooth;
- automatic heated mirrors.
On request, the car can be equipped with a heated steering wheel. The activation 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 you can adjust the slope of the upper backrest separately from the bottom. This design was called "BMW breaking back". The front seats are equipped with three-position memory.
During the crash test, the E39 received four stars
A signature feature of this sedan is the floor-mounted accelerator pedal. Some BMW owners have pointed out that it is a bit stiff. But everyone unanimously stated 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 has a system for tightening seat belts in an accident.
EuroNCAP is a European international organization founded in 1997. Its main activity is the conduct of 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 uncomfortable with the placement of the legs, he will be hindered by a rather wide transmission tunnel in the middle.
Remarkable is the fact that the luggage compartment of the sedan has a volume of 460 liters, which is 50 liters more than that of 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, engines 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 inside were coated with a special substance called nikasil. It is an alloy of nickel and silicon. But as practice has shown, the nikasilon coating is quickly destroyed by 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 powertrain series is a six-cylinder block. The weakest develops power up to 150 horses. An engine with a volume of 2.3 liters 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 capacity 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 has launched the production of the top model M5. The main difference of this model was in the engine. A V-shaped "eight" was installed under the hood. It was the first car with a power unit that developed 400 horsepower! Its volume was 5 liters. In addition, the M5 model used the new Double-VANOS system - control of two camshafts. The fuel supply system was also changed: eight throttle valves supply the air-fuel mixture to eight cylinders. The average fuel consumption is up to 14 liters per hundred kilometers.
Structural changes and restyling
In 1999, Bavarian designers carried out several upgrades of the BMW E39. The exterior has not been changed. The main design changes affected the engines. Two camshafts were installed on 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, they made adjustments to the appearance and added three new power units. The exterior of the car received new marker lights, a modified 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 in-line engines had six cylinders and a Double-VANOS control system. Modernization made it possible to obtain more powerful engines. Model 520i has become more powerful by 20 horses. Now under its hood fits 170 horses. 525i with M54B25 engine develops 192 hp. with a torque of 245 Nm. The top model with the 530i index received the M54B30 with an impressive herd of 231 horses under the hood. The maximum speed of this “five” is 250 km / h, gas consumption in urban mode is 13.7 liters per hundred.
At the beginning of 2000, a new model with a diesel engine also appeared. This "five" wore the index 520d. Having a 2-liter diesel engine with a power of 136 hp, it accelerated to hundreds in just under 11 seconds.
The fourth generation was produced until 2003, the BMW M5 until 2004. The E39 body was replaced by 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 line of powertrains.
Vide review
At the plant in Dingolfing, outside of Munich.
The M5 E39 Touring station wagon variant had a Titanium Silver finish and a black leather exclusive interior. The car was created in one copy as a prototype, the BMW M department decided not to produce the car due to financial considerations.
BMW M5 E39 was produced in three versions, two European specifications with the steering wheel on the left and right side, and one North American version.
European specification Left Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles were produced 7895 vehicles between October 1998 and June 2003, during the same period right hand drive vehicles (RHD) were produced for Europe in the amount of 2595 vehicles.
The North American model (LHD) was produced from 1999 to June 2003. A total of 9992 cars were produced.
Aside from minor mechanical differences between European and North American specifications needed to meet specific emission requirements for each market (eg positioning of exhaust gas catalysts on engines on North American specification models), the M5 E39 is essentially no different.
Design
Externally, the front of the car differs from the stock E39 with a grille with wide chrome trim around the grille, a unique M-Technic front spoiler, and a clear glass on the turn signal.
Standard window openings in the M5 E39 have a chrome finish, but most of it is covered with Shadowline black gloss.
At the rear, there is a small body-coloured trunk lid spoiler (optional), as well as a unique diffuser rear bumper that includes two pairs of twin tailpipes.
The car was equipped with electric rear-view mirrors specially designed for cars, and the “M5” nameplate, which adorned the exterior of the car, characterizing the character of the car (on request, it could be removed).
Salon
The interior of the M5 was made from high-quality materials and, unlike the serial ones, had various types of leather upholstery, wood trim, a power sunroof (standard on North American models), on-board navigation (also standard on North American versions), parktronic and rear side airbags. security (standard on North American models since September 2002).
The interior of the car was also endowed with heated sports seats, adjustable lumbar support and three-position memory. The upholstery style was offered "Sport" and "Exclusive", but later renamed "Luxury" for the North American market.
The three-spoke steering wheel on the upper spokes has integrated audio and cruise control buttons, and the steering wheel itself is trimmed with tri-color threads, and in design (model range produced through August 2000) resembles the steering wheel that was offered in some models, and E39 5 series, but it has a smaller diameter - 375 mm instead of 385 mm.
The steering wheel on the later versions (September 2000 model range) is the same as the steering wheel used in the newer version and differs by slightly spoked and thick rim.
Also unique to the M5 E39 is an instrument panel with special aluminum bezels, red arrows, a speedometer with an "M" logo and 300 km/h (or 180 mph), an oil temperature gauge at the bottom of the tachometer and LED variable signals, which are extinguished as soon as the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
The BMW M5 is also equipped with a footrest for the driver, the M5 logo is printed on special door sills, and the M logo is printed on the illuminated gear lever knob.
Equipment
Unlike the two previous versions of the M5, the E39 version was very well equipped in all markets and included most of the features as standard equipment including xenon headlights, headlight washers, heated front seats with three-way memory for the driver, automatic climate control. control, cruise control, advanced trip computer and premium audio system.
This generation is the first in the M Series to feature Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which includes Automatic Stability Control (ASC), a traction control system that can also be applied to any wheel to help correct understeer or oversteer. .
The car is equipped with ventilated disc brakes, 13.6 inches in diameter at the front and 12.9 inches at the rear. The ABS system was installed as standard.
All M5s are equipped exclusively with 18-inch alloy wheels, 8x18-inch front and 9.5x18-inch rear. These rims were fitted with 245/40ZR18 tires at the front and 275/35ZR18 at the rear.
Engine
The motor, although based on the basic architecture of the 4.4-liter M62, which was installed on, was widely modified. Volume was increased, individual electronic throttle control for each cylinder was added, a digital engine management system - Siemens MSS 52 Motronic and a dual air intake system, which added power.
Dynamics
Maximum speed M5 E39 without limiter ∼ 300 km/h
Acceleration from 0 to 200 km / h - 16.9 seconds
Transmission
The M5 E39 was equipped with a Getrag Type D 6-speed manual transmission () with gear ratios of 4.23 (1), 2.53 (2), 1.67 (3), 1.23 (4), 1.00 (5), 0.83 (6).
Although the same gearbox (with the same ratio) was also installed on the 540i, on the M5 version it has a special clutch to handle the extra torque from the powertrain, and the rear differential uses a shorter ratio of 3.15:1.
Suspension
Front - MacPherson struts, springs, anti-roll bar. Rear - multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
Dimensions
restyling
During the entire production period, there were no major mechanical changes in the M5, only in 2001 some equipment change was added, namely a revised headlight design, a Park Distance Control sensor was added on the front bumper, a thick three-spoke steering wheel was installed, which was written about above, a sensor for standard automatic climate control, navigation and audio device with a 6.5-inch monitor, added rear airbags to protect the head, an audio system with special speakers and two subwoofers became available.
Many consider the BMW 5 Series in the E39 body the last of the representatives of the "true" BMW - cool design, excellent handling and naturally aspirated engines. Of course, one can argue with this, but the fact that this car is recognizable and worth a detailed inspection is a fact. BMW 5 E39 began to be produced in the mid-90s, but their demand and popularity surprises to this day. Let's look at what attracts so much in this BMW model, and if there are any "pitfalls" while owning this car.
Body and equipment
The history of the BMW 5 E39 began in 1995 and ended in 2003, having survived one restyling at the end of 2000. Traditionally for the Bavarian manufacturer, the whole car is built around the 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 are top notch, the most 
door cards are damaged. Noise isolation at the "five" - on the five (on a 5.5 point scale), it is desirable to additionally "silence" the doors, especially if you like high-quality sound in the car. Regular music is also not perfect, often cassette recorders are included in the package, if there is a CD changer, then you still can’t see MP3, but this can be easily fixed (if there is money left after purchase).
But the equipment of the car most often pleases, because even in the “base” it was already relied on: electrical accessories (mirrors, windows), air conditioning, 6 airbags, hydraulic booster, ABS (anti-lock braking system), ASC + T (traction control system) 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, and then the famous "angel eyes" were born. The taillights 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 grille has changed and the design of the steering wheel has become M-style. The range 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 most high-quality restoration repair will no longer return the metal to its former resistance. And with the current regime of urban traffic, as well as taking into account the pace of movement of BMW owners, there are not many unbeaten copies left. But whoever 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, optimal 
a combination of power / costs, many consider the 2.8-liter engine (193 hp), after restyling it was replaced by a 3-liter (231 hp). If you take into account that the fuel consumption and the total cost of maintenance for all 6-cylinder engines are about the same, then there is simply no point in buying a 2-liter BMW 5 E39. In extreme cases, you can take a 2.5-liter engine if a well-groomed copy of the "five" is caught.
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 maintainable, until that time the engines 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, modernization has been carried out, the M52 motor was equipped with cast-iron inserts (sleeves). Modified engines are designated M52TU.
M54- R6 engine, which began to be installed after restyling. Displacement: 2.2 (520i), 2.5 (525i), 3.0 (530i) liters. It differs from the M52 in more power (2.5 liter M54 192 hp, and 2.8 liter M52 - 193 hp), another intake manifold, electronic throttle and 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 nikasil coating was also used, but in parallel with it, an alusil coating 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 alusil coating. The updated motor, marked M62TU, also received the Vanos variable valve timing system, which is discussed below.
In BMW 5 E39 engines, they began to use a revolutionary, at that time, camshaft adjustment system that controls the intake and exhaust valves. Thanks to this system, at low revs, the torque has greatly increased, and the car accelerates perfectly from the bottom. There is a “just vanos”, which regulates only the intake valves, such were installed on the M52 before restyling, as well as on the M62TU. As well as the “double vanos” (Double Vanos), which already controls the exhaust valves, which allows you to get even traction in almost the entire rev range. This was installed on the M52TU and M54.
The disadvantages of this system include only repair. The average service life, with proper maintenance - 250 thousand km, depends mainly on the quality of the oil. It will cost from $1,000 to change the complete system, although there are repair kits that are much cheaper ($40-60 without replacement work, for a “single-ended engine”). In some cases, a repair kit will no longer help, only a replacement. Signs of a "dying vanos": poor (sluggish) traction up to 3000 rpm, a rumble or knock in the front of the engine and increased fuel consumption.
On the BMW 5 Series, in the back of the E39, the following diesel engines were installed:
M51S and M51TUS - diesel engines with injection pump. The working volume is 2.5 liters (525tds). Pretty reliable (in good hands), the timing chain runs 200-250 thousand km, the same as the turbocharger. After 200,000 km, the injection pump will also need to be repaired (expensive). Often the engine control electronics are junk.
M57- more modern turbodiesels, already with direct fuel injection (Common Rail). Working volume - 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 realities, this is a difficult condition). Engine hydraulic mounts are very complex and cost a lot of money. Of all the 530D diesel engines (184 hp - M57, 193 hp - M57TU) - the most preferred option, but necessary Very thorough diagnosis before purchase.
M47 - the only four-cylinder engine in the entire E39 series. The working volume is 2.0 liters (520d). With a turbine, intercooler and Common Rail system - it 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, the oversight of which is fraught with the "death" of the engine. The main culprits are the auxiliary fan motor, thermostat, clogged radiators, and neglect to regularly change the coolant. It is highly recommended to clean the radiators (with disassembly) at least once a year (if the runs are short, 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 really do not like non-original candles, and the original ones with our fuel are enough for 30-40 thousand mileage. But the cost of one coil is $60, and each cylinder relies on one separate coil. From the electronics, lambda probes (oxygen sensors, there are already 4 of them on the E39), an air flow meter and a crankshaft and camshaft position sensor can also disturb. 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 on diagnostics before buying an E39.
Gearbox BMW 5 E39
Both mechanical and automatic gearboxes that were installed on the BMW 5 E39 are quite reliable, but the “human” factor is always present. Manual transmissions were installed mainly in 5-speed, with six steps only the M5 version and some 540i were produced. After 150,000 km of run, the plastic bushing of the shift lever often wears out (it starts to hang out), seals can also leak. The manual transmission maintenance schedule is 60,000 km, at the same time it is necessary to change the oil in the gearbox. Before buying oil, check the stickers on the box and gearbox, as they indicate the type of oil needed. It is highly not recommended to buy a car with a "killed" clutch, because when replacing the clutch, you most often have to change the dual-mass flywheel, which is expensive. With quiet operation, the clutch can “depart” even 200,000 km, but in reality, the average service life is about 100,000 km.
If the automatic transmission is carefully diagnosed before purchase (there should be no jerks, jerks, switching should be imperceptible), then there should be no problems in the future. In most automatic transmissions on the E39, the oil is filled for the entire life of the car, that is, there is no need to change it. And this is the subject of eternal debate in specialized BMW forums. One side believes that if everything works fine, then the oil does not need to be changed. The other side argues that the manufacturer's service life, on average, lays 250-300 thousand km. 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 friction wear, which will lead to failure of the box. All service stations are on the side of regular oil changes.
Chassis and steering
The suspension of the BMW 5 E39 is clearly designed for German autobahns, in our harsh realities, the resource of both the front and rear suspension is not enough for a very long time. Some believe that this is due to the aluminum suspension, but the metal has nothing to do with it. Aluminum is used to reduce weight, and does not affect the life of the suspension, but the cost. Silent blocks, ball bearings, shock absorbers and stabilizer struts fail. Silent blocks change separately, but ball joints only with a lever together, but they “walk” about 100,000 km. The stabilizer struts are almost a consumable, you can safely take them in reserve, since you will have to change every 20-30 thousand km. On the E39 with R6 and V8 engines, the front suspension has different levers, shock absorbers and steering knuckles, they are not interchangeable, and on versions with eight cylinders, the suspension is more enduring.
On versions with V8, steering is also an order of magnitude more reliable, paired with such heavy motors, reliable worm gears were installed. And on the R6 they put ordinary steering racks, which do not shine with special reliability. For some time, knocking can be removed by adjustment, then restoration or replacement. There are two types of fluid in the steering system, mixing leads to leakage and the “death” of the power steering.
You can't forget about the rear suspension either. You can start with the stabilizer struts, as in the front. In second place in terms of frequency of replacement are “floating” silent blocks, there are 4 of them with an average mileage of 50,000 km (Chinese-Polish no more than 20,000 km). The rear suspension arms are only assembled. Front wheel bearings, by the way, also change only 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 fix the problems gradually than to end up with a car with a completely “killed” suspension. One broken silent block can speed up the destruction of other suspension elements several times.
Outcome
BMW of the fifth series in the back of the E39 is not a practical car, but sincere. If he "hooked" you with his charisma, appearance and excellent driving performance, then you will be ready to forgive him some additional costs and breakdowns. If not, then the "five" will be a burden. When choosing, feel free to discard running copies, it will be much more expensive to restore than to pay more for buying a well-maintained car.
When developing the BMW e39, it was immediately supposed to install a V8 engine with 286 hp, given that in those years only hypercars had so many horses, there was simply no need for a more powerful engine, for a car whose mass exceeded 1800 kg, in general sport is contraindicated.
But other manufacturers have noticed that business sedans with huge and powerful engines are in demand. And even marketers realized that by selling sports versions of ordinary sedans, simpler models also start to sell better, and especially all kinds of accessories that distinguish the charged version from the usual one. For example: body kits, nameplates, steering wheels, trim elements, etc.
And then the engineers were still given the green light to develop a sports engine based on the V8, which they so wanted to do for the previous one.
The motor turned out to be noble, 400 hp. And in 1998, the new BMW M5 E39 went into production. Although she was still going by hand. For 5 years of production, almost 20,500 pieces were manufactured.
The BMW M5 E39 was produced only in the sedan body, the station wagon was abandoned, releasing only one prototype.
The heart of the M5 was the S62B50. It was built on the basis but with a very large number of improvements, ranging from the installation of a Vanos valve timing system, individual throttles and ending with a different injection setting. Acceleration to hundreds took 5.3 seconds, and the maximum speed was limited to 250 km / h, but if you remove the limiter, the car will accelerate to 301 km / h. Anyone could remove the limiter, subject to passing BMW driving courses.
There was only one gearbox, 6-speed mechanics, a very clear device, all the shifts were like a rifle bolt.
The suspension is basically the same as the 540i, but the arms are thicker, the springs and dampers are stiffer, and the ride height has been reduced by 23mm.
The brake discs were huge: 13.6 and 12.9 inches. They were quite enough even for the track.
In 2001, the E39 underwent a restyling, during which “angel eyes”, front and rear parking sensors appeared in the optics. The cabin has a large screen on-board media system and an improved audio system.
P.S.
A few years ago I had a chance to ride a BMW E39. Let me tell you something that really surprised me. Let's start with the suspension, the collective farmers say that it is very stiff, but it seemed to me just perfect, we were driving on a not very good road and it was very elastic, moderately hard, while I drove along that section of the road in other cars and they the suspension was already pierced, but on the M5 everything was perfect. At the same time, although the suspension is low, due to the smaller travel, you can drive on rather bad roads without fear of getting caught on the bottom or bumper. With curbs, of course, the problem is, they are all higher than the front spoiler ... and p.e. almost all M5's are cracked.
Motor, at that time I had an E34 525i, and I thought that the M5 would have a very riding motor, which would barely pull on the bottoms and a loud high sound, but it turned out that the M5 had a gurgling, low, American sound and a very large traction on the bottoms, such that in the city you can turn on 5th or 6th gear and drive without problems. Those. you can go anywhere very calmly, but if you stomp the gas pedal, then the acceleration will be just wild, even the rear passengers need to buckle up, because. they are just thrown around the cabin.
Gearbox ... this is a masterpiece, I have not seen more precise switching. But when starting off, you can stall) The clutch is tight and you can accidentally release it strongly.
The BMW M5 E39 was the only car in which I almost got sick, then I also had discomfort in my Adam's apple, as if it had moved)))
And what surprised me in general was the fuel consumption, in the gas to the floor / brake to the floor mode, the M5 consumes no more than 19 liters of 98th gasoline. I expected 30-40 liters).
On many bodies BMW M5 E39 has become a dream come true for me. And I would not want to buy it, I want it to remain an ideal for me, all of a sudden, with a long operation, I will find many shortcomings and be disappointed ...
The BMW M5 in the back of the E39 is a very interesting car, now there are very few such cars left alive. These cars were produced from 1998 to 2003. Today we will consider the car of 2001 of release, already after restyling. M5 E39 is the third generation of M5. The first was E28, then E34.
M5 E39 was produced only in the sedan, but in 1999 there were attempts at BMW to make a station wagon, 1 copy was released, it went to the head of the M-division. But the station wagon did not go into the series, for several reasons. It did not correspond to the ideology of M. Although the M5 station wagon was in the 34th body, the M version was returned to the 61st body, the M5 station wagon is also not in the F10. In about 2 years, a new generation of the M5 will be released, a station wagon will probably appear there, because it will be just relevant, because the new BMW M5 will have all-wheel drive.
Appearance
Outwardly, the M5 differs from the usual 5-ki in the back of the E39, but not much. Especially if you take the e39 in the M-package, then there are very few differences in general, but they exist. The most noticeable difference is at the rear of the car - the car's exhaust. In the M5 - it is forked and 4-barreled. Also, the rear bumper diffuser is different, it is made specifically for 4 pipes. And of course, the M5 nameplate is a mandatory attribute that distinguishes the M5 from the usual 5-ki. On the trunk lid there is a spoiler that presses the car at high speed. If you remove the limiter, then the car can accelerate to 300 km / h.
The wheels are also different, here are wheels of the 65th style, these wheels are specially designed for the BMW M5. These are forged wheels, they are much lighter and stronger than conventional alloy wheels. The M5 has different rear-view mirrors, they are better aerodynamic and look a little better. And on the molding there is a BMW M5 nameplate. The front of the car has not received any special changes compared to the usual 5th in the M package.
But the body of the M5 e39 is unique, it has its own catalog number. The M5 body is not interchangeable with the usual 5th. The rear arches are different, in order to put the widest possible wheels. Engineers have redesigned the rear floor in the trunk. There is no spare tire in the trunk, and instead of it the Germans put a special set - a pump with a special liquid that can be used to seal a puncture. There is even a competent instruction on how to use this glue on the lid.
But in fact, this set is stupid and many owners carry a spare just in the trunk.
The battery in the M5 is in the middle, and not on the right, as in the usual 5s. By moving the battery, you can change the weight distribution of the car. Externally, the car looks restrained, not vulgar, each detail carries some specific technical solution. The M5 in this body is a real BMW of the old school. Today, cars are no longer as reliable as they used to be. Now there is a lot of marketing in the automotive industry. Compared to its predecessor, the E34, the chassis has been upgraded, the brakes have been improved, but the biggest changes are under the hood.
Motor
The motor here is S62. In those years, BMW decided to put a V8 engine on the M5. Before that, only in-line 6s were installed in the M5, but in those years these engines could not compete with Mercedes engines in any way. Therefore, BMW decided to make a motor based on the M62 with a volume of 4.4. This motor is not much heavier than its S38 predecessor, which used a cast iron block, while the S62 motor uses an all-aluminum block. How reliable the S62 is depends on how the first owner was.
Before buying, you need to check the block with an endoscope so that there are no serious scoring. It must be remembered that this is a real sports engine that requires good maintenance, the oil must be changed often - once every 5000 km. It is necessary to fill in a special sports oil 10W60. It is also important to monitor the cooling system, because this motor is very afraid of overheating.
After 100,000 km. mileage VANOS begin to knock. You also need to fill in high-quality fuel - the 98th gasoline is better. On this gasoline, the engine shows its maximum performance. You also need to monitor the intake system, change filters so that the engine breathes fully. If all this is done, then the motor will last a long time.
The S62 engine was built on the basis of the M62 engine, with a volume of 4.4 liters, but it was deeply modernized: the cylinder diameters were increased by 2 mm. every. They also installed a forged crankshaft and upgraded pistons, also modified the block heads, they installed other camshafts. And the dual VANOS system began to be used. Vanos is now installed on the intake and exhaust camshafts.
In addition, a 2-row chain was installed here, which has a good effect on increasing the resource of this motor. The exhaust system also has a higher performance. For the S62 motor, a unique engine control unit was developed. Improved intake system. The intake manifold is not the same as on the M62, there are 8 throttles inside it - one throttle for each cylinder. There are also 2 air filters.
As a result of all the improvements, a power of 400 liters was obtained. s., 500 Nm of torque. Thanks to this motor, the M5 E39 accelerates to 100 km / h in 5.3 seconds. The maximum speed is 300 km/h if the 250 km/h limiter is removed. Fuel consumption is 20 liters per 100 km. around town. On the highway - about 10. But if you don’t step on the gas much, then in the city you can invest in 15-16 liters. But if you drive a sports car, then thinking about fuel consumption is not right.
Salon
The interior of the BMW M5 E39 also contains some interesting features. The instrument panel is marked up to 300 km / h, red arrows and the M logo. There is an indicator whether the engine is warmed up to the end. It also has its own special rear-view mirror. The gearbox in the M5 E39 is only a 6-speed manual. Also, a course stabilization system appeared in the car, it was not yet in the E34. There is a sport button that immediately changes the behavior of the car. The steering wheel becomes more informative and the gas pedal behaves differently. There are no various assistants in this car, so it all depends on the driver. If during the race they stuck the gear badly or gasped at the start, then this is an immediate defeat. There are 400 liters here. With. power and rear-wheel drive, which means that due to inexperience you can go into a skid even with the stabilization system turned on.
