For the first time, the BMW 5-Series e39 was presented to the public back in 1989. And only 6 years later, the new "five" became available on the automotive market. Its presentation took place at the end of 1995 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
She is the fourth generation. The prefix "E" originated from the German word, which is translated into our language as "extension", "evolution", "process". These are the most accurate epithets that could describe the development of Bavarian designers.
It is worth noting that in the fourth modification, the shortcomings and errors of the previous generation model, which was based on the body, were taken into account. The engineers paid special attention to the suspension, the characteristics of which have improved significantly.
Specifications
For the entire time of production, as many as 7 power units were involved.
The youngest were considered two gasoline engines, with a volume of 2 liters, which produced a power of 150 horsepower. The only difference was that the top speed of one was 220 km/h and the other 212 km/h.
The younger diesel version boasted a volume of 2 liters, giving out 136 horsepower. Reached a top speed of 206 km / h.
The older diesel engine had a volume of 2.5 liters, could produce 143 horsepower, and accelerated to 211 km / h without any problems.
The most powerful is the M-series power unit, with a volume of 4.5 liters, issuing over 285 “horses”, and boasts a top speed of 250 km / h.
Innovations of the fourth generation BMW 5-Series e39
The fifth model of the fourth generation BMW was the first to use a lightweight suspension. The Bavarian designers managed to reduce the EC of the car by almost 40%. Such a fantastic result was achieved through the use of aluminum, the share of which, in the body material, is very significant.
The lighter suspension greatly improved the level of ride and made the ride more comfortable.
It is worth noting that aluminum was also used in some problem areas of the body, which were previously highly susceptible to corrosion. Therefore, it is not surprising that the car successfully resists rust.
Also, we must not forget that the exhaust system is largely made of stainless steel, which contributes to a longer period of its trouble-free service.
Motorists appreciated the new, significantly improved sound insulation system, which was considered one of the best at that time. The main secret of its success was the fact that double windows were used in the cabin, which blocked external noise.
Interior equipment BMW 5-Series e39
The base model for sedans is the 520i. She boasted a two-liter engine capable of producing 148 horsepower. At the same time, fuel consumption in mixed mode was 9 liters per 100 kilometers.
1997 was marked by the fact that the developers released a station wagon. It was equipped with the same engine and its consumption was 13 liters in the city, and 7 liters on the highway.
The list of basic equipment of the car includes:
- climate control system;
- multifunction steering wheel;
- Cruise control;
- Bluetooth headset;
- heated mirrors.
Additionally, it was possible to order a function for heating the steering wheel.
It is worth noting that all the necessary buttons were on the steering wheel, which greatly simplified the control process.
Each driver could individually adjust the position of the steering wheel within two planes, which, at that time, was considered a rarity.
The front row of seats is equipped with regulators. Each passenger has the opportunity to adjust the position of the seat. The “BMW broken back” function appeared, which made it possible to separately adjust the lower and upper backs of the seats.
The highlight is the floor accelerator pedal. This decision was very pleased with motorists, however, many did not like the fact that it is too tough.
Crash tests organized by the European independent organization NCAP demonstrated a good security system. The car was rated "4 stars", which can be called a good result.
The role of the rear row of seats is performed by a comfortable sofa that can accommodate three people. However, the average passenger will feel some inconvenience, because he will have a large transmission tunnel under his feet.
The capacity of the luggage compartment of the sedan is 460 liters, and the station wagon - 410 liters.
BMW 5-Series e39 engines
| Type | Volume | Power | Torque | Overclocking | Max speed | Number of cylinders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 2.0 l | 136 HP | 280 H*m | 10.6 sec. | 206 km/h | 4 |
| Petrol | 2.2 l | 170 HP | 210 H*m | 9.1 sec. | 226 km/h | 6 |
| Petrol | 2.5 l | 192 HP | 245 H*m | 8.1 sec. | 238 km/h | 6 |
| Diesel | 2.5 l | 163 HP | 350 H*m | 8.9 sec. | 219 km/h | 6 |
| Diesel | 2.9 l | 193 HP | 410 H*m | 7.8 sec. | 230 km/h | 6 |
| Petrol | 3.0 l | 231 HP | 300 H*m | 7.1 sec. | 250 km/h | 6 |
| Petrol | 3.5 l | 245 HP | 345 H*m | 6.9 sec. | 250 km/h | V8 |
| Petrol | 3.5 l | 286 HP | 420 H*m | 6.2 sec. | 250 km/h | V8 |
In all power units, the blocks were made of aluminum. The Bavarian engineers claimed that thanks to the new technology, their engines would not break down. In support of this, the cylinders inside the motor were covered with nixel, which was supposed to significantly increase the life of the engine. However, it soon became clear that such a coating wears out quickly, and as an alternative, they began to use cast-iron cylinder liners.
At the very beginning of production, the car was equipped with three gasoline units and one diesel. These are 520i, 523i, 528i and 525tds.
The entire line of gasoline engines is equipped with six-cylinder blocks. The junior gasoline unit produces 150 horsepower, and the oldest one produces 193 horsepower.
The diesel version produces 143 "horses".
In 1998, the company began production of the most famous model - the BMW 5-Series e39 M5. An eight-cylinder V-shaped engine was used as a power unit for the new modification. The M5 was considered the first sedan whose engine could produce as many as 400 "horses". Inspired and its volume, which was 5 liters.
It is worth noting that the M5 began to use the new DV system, which is responsible for managing 2 camshafts.
The fuel supply system has also changed, which contributes to a more economical ride.
Restylings
Since 1999, BMW engineers have carried out several restylings of the "five". It is worth noting that the appearance has not changed much. Basically, the modernization concerned power units and "stuffing". All six-cylinder engines since that time are equipped with two camshafts. Plus, at the same time, the range of diesel engines also increased, to which the M5 joined, with a CR injection system. The development of this injection system was carried out by BOSCH.
The year 2000 was marked by the fact that it was then that the most extensive restyling was carried out. This time, the changes affected the appearance, in addition, three new engines were added. The updated sedan has got new marker lights, a modernized false radiator grille and a new bumper.
Also, since 2000, they began to install engines of the M54 series, which made it possible to significantly increase the power and functionality of the units.
A little later, another modification appeared - 520d, which was equipped with a two-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 136 horsepower. Acceleration time from zero to hundreds is less than 11 s.
The fourth generation model was produced until 2003, and the M5 modification until 2004.
For the fifth generation, the E60 body was already used. However, according to the authoritative German automotive publication AutoBild, it is she who is the most successful sedan in the history of the automotive industry.
At the moment, it is quite difficult to purchase a high-quality BMW 5-Series e39. And if there is such an opportunity, then it is advisable to do this in Germany or, in extreme cases, in Poland. An excellent car is considered to have had no more than two owners, and its cost is not less than $ 5,000.
Video
My first post of this kind. I wrote myself. Somewhere I found something, changed it a little, entered it somewhere, cut off the unnecessary somewhere. I spent a lot of effort. I hope you will not pass by and leave your opinion about the post. Enzhoy fuck :)
Exactly mid 90s. And in September 1995, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the E34 was replaced by the new E39. In the same year, Mercedes presents its big-eyed (w210), while Audi is still lagging behind ... its novelty (4B, C5) will be presented only after 2 years.
So E39. The straight lines of the predecessor have been replaced by smoother ones. Four separate headlights hid in one block. The salon has undergone significant changes. Just like the exterior, straight lines have changed to smooth ones, but the highlight remains - the center console, as before, faces the driver. No wonder they say that Mercedes is a car for a passenger, and BMW is a car for a driver. The reason to say so was not only in the console. There was less space for passengers in the back than in the "bastard", and the driving performance was higher for the E39. For the first time, a navigation screen appeared on the "five" (albeit for an additional fee, but still), it is also a multimedia screen, it is also an on-board computer that displays climate control modes and much more.
Initially, the car came with one M52 engine, but it had a different volume - 2.5 (523i) and 2.8 liters (528i) with a capacity of 170 and 193 horsepower, respectively. Classic straight-six with the Vanos system (Variable Valve Timing System, analogue of VVT-i for Toyota and VTEC for Honda).
About a year later, the range of engines was supplemented with 3 options: an in-line six with a volume of 2.0 (M52) liters and a power of 150hp. + 2 V8 engines (M62) with a volume of 3.5 and 4.4 liters with a capacity of 235 and 286 horsepower, respectively. Cars with V8 engines had a slightly different front suspension, steel elements were used in it, and on the R6 it was completely aluminum.
In the same year, a station wagon appeared on the market, traditionally called the Touring. The station wagon was longer and heavier than the sedan (Really Oo), but thanks to design changes in the rear suspension, it handled just as well as the sedan. And for 6 years, the BMW 540i Touring was considered the fastest mass-produced barn, just before the release of the RS6 Avant.
Until the end of 1996, a 2.5-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 143 horses appeared on the car. After the appearance of the car on the market, it became a favorite, and not small. The car turned out to be quite economical and, thanks to its 280Nm, it drove quite briskly for a diesel. The car had an index of 525tds Touring.
Although the people liked the car, the engine was not reliable (none of them left 100 thousand km - problems with the head of the cyandro block), later it was replaced with another diesel engine, the receiver was developed by Mitsubishi, which, in turn, only after 2 years after release, it stopped creating constant problems.
1997 turned out to be stingy with innovations. But in 1998, the Bavarians bounced back in 2 years. First, there was a completely new turbodiesel engine. The engine was one of the first equipped with the latest Common Rail fuel supply system at that time. This made it possible to remove very decent 184hp from 3 liters. (competitors had 150-160 in their arsenal). And the thrust of 390Nm already at 2200rpm made this car very nimble - a 1.6-ton sedan with a mechanical 6-speed gearbox accelerated to the control hundred in just 8 seconds ...
Well, secondly, this is the presentation of the new M5 model, which has become the top of the lineup. The car was equipped with a V8 engine (S38B49 - In fact, a highly refined M62), the volume of which was brought to 4.9 liters, the compression ratio was raised from 10.0 to 11.0. This required oil cooling of the forged pistons with oil jets from special sprayers, forged reinforced crankshafts and connecting rods, special three-layer all-metal head gaskets, and a host of other innovations to increase power to 400hp/500Nm. Relative to the 540i, there was also increased traction, the main pair was shorter and there was a rear limited-slip differential with a 25 percent lock. The suspension is a little stiffer, the steering is a little sharper, the brakes are more powerful. In general, a standard set … Not without the most important button in the cabin … the "M" button, which turns on the "man" mode. All these innovations allowed the 1.7 ton sedan to accelerate to hundreds in 5.3 seconds, and the maximum speed was limited to 250 km / h, although the speedometer was marked up to an impressive 300, gives reason to think about the potential of the car :)
"M" - a package on a restyled barn.
In 2001, a very significant event took place. Namely, there was a restyling of the E39 model. The main thing is that there are absolutely new unique headlights. A luminous edging appeared around the main lamp of each "round timber" of the headlight. She lit up in all 4 headlights when the driver turned on the dimensions. It looks very impressive when the circle glows, and inside it is black. This original system was invented by Hella commissioned by BMW. This system was immediately popularly called angel eyes, and since then many owners of older BMWs have been converting their headlights to angel eyes, because on any BMW, as it turned out, if everything is done correctly, it looks very impressive, especially late in the evening and late at night.
An approximate list of changes in the car after restyling:
-
New optics. The marker (parking) lights of the headlights received a rounded shape in the form of "angel eyes". The rear lights have clear (yellow) direction indicators, as well as LED marker lights.
-
The front bumper has undergone significant design changes, and new fog lamps have also been introduced.
-
The "nostrils" on the front hood now have a more expressive shape.
-
The moldings are painted in the color of the car body, except for the M5 version, which, as before, has matte black moldings.
-
Navigation installed in new cars has a large 16:9 widescreen color monitor.
And now in the yard in 2003, the E39 is being removed from production because it was replaced by the E60, which was very ambiguous. Some people liked him, some didn't. But it was a completely new five ... that's a completely different story;)
- * By the way * Station wagons and M5 E39 were produced until 2004, until they were replaced by receivers in the 60th body
The BMW 5 Series was once one of the best cars in the E segment. It enchanted with the harmony of lines that, with the light hand of designers, skillfully combined a dynamic image and elegance. The E39 generation is over 20 years old. Therefore, do not deceive yourself, the Bavarian “fives” arrive at an advanced age, especially pre-styling modifications. Nevertheless, the BMW silhouette has remained timeless and is still able to arouse admiration today.
The interior design is also a success. The simple front panel contributes to maintaining ergonomics at the highest level, and instrument readability is exemplary. Fans of the brand appreciate the emphasis on the driver - a slightly deployed center console. The upholstery and plastics in the cabin are of the highest quality. Thanks to this, the inside of the car looks relatively fresh, despite the past years.
The biggest problem with the interior of the BMW 5 Series is the lack of space. Passengers in the back seat are especially affected. In addition, the 5 Series has a relatively small trunk - 460 liters, which is less than that of such bright representatives of the segment as the Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Klasse. Station wagon holds from 410 to 1525 liters of luggage. Fortunately, the trunk has the correct shape, which allows you to use its volume to one hundred percent.
Which engine to choose?
From the point of view of efficiency, it is considered that diesel modifications are most preferable. However, in the case of the BMW 5 Series, there are a number of important points. Among diesel versions, 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 it turns out to be voracious. In urban mode, such a BMW burns more than 11 liters of diesel fuel. In addition, piston rings wear out, fuel pumps and the cooling system pump fail.
The 530d version engine is more reliable. A 3-liter turbodiesel accelerates the "five" to 100 km / h in 8 seconds. The power unit is quieter and more economical than the tds series diesel.
Among diesel modifications, there are also models 520d and 525d. 2-liter diesels are too weak, but consume less than 8 liters of fuel in the city. However, savings from low fuel consumption will not be able to cover the cost of troubleshooting common problems. The 136-horsepower engine has problems with the fuel pump, turbocharger, dual-mass flywheel and alternator pulley. 525d is slightly more economical, but slower than 530d.
In the range of gasoline engines, the most common is a 2-liter unit with a capacity of 150 hp. Due to its 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.
Modifications 523i, 525i and 528i are more dynamic. The best driving performance is guaranteed by a 2.8-liter 193-horsepower engine. Unfortunately, due to the high fuel consumption, this car is not cheap to operate. Of course, the most optimal model will be 525i. Engine power reaches 192 hp, and acceleration to 100 km / h takes 8.1 seconds. You will have to pay with relatively high fuel consumption - about 13 liters in the urban cycle.
The 3.0-litre straight-six petrol has an electronic throttle, an aluminum block with cast-iron liners, and variable valve timing on both camshafts. According to mechanics, this is the last really hardy Bavarian inline-six. The only serious problem is related to 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 requires attention. A faulty thermostat, cooling fan, or radiator can easily lead to an engine overheating and a costly overhaul. All motors use a maintenance-free timing chain drive.
Chassis.
"Five" E39 had a reputation as the best sedan in the late nineties and the new millennium. This is due to the almost completely aluminum suspension on both axles. The body does not heel in corners, the wheels seem to be glued to the road surface - the suspension provides comfort and confidence in movement. Just captivating precision steering.
Unfortunately, the poor condition of Russian roads significantly affects the condition of the suspension. Bushings of the front transverse levers, bushings and anti-roll bars, floating silent blocks give up pretty quickly. Current suspension repairs may require up to 20,000 rubles. BMW 5 Series owners believe that the suspension needs a serious overhaul every 100-150 thousand km.
Typical problems and malfunctions.
The Bavarian sedan often has electrical and electronic problems. Malfunctions are subject to: temperature sensors for air conditioning, airbags, ABS and xenon light level. In addition, power windows and a set of indicators are prone to breakage, and the display often burns out.
Among the mechanical damages are common: loss of tightness of the radiator, the appearance of play in the steering and wear of the elastic coupling of the cardan shaft. Another common problem is fogging headlights.
As a rule, well-maintained E39 BMWs are not considered problematic, but this does not mean that operating costs will be low. High prices for spare parts and consumables eventually result in a decent amount, significantly covering the cost of maintaining a car of a less prestigious brand.
Market situation.
The BMW 5 Series E39 was a resounding success in the market. Despite high prices, around 200,000 vehicles were sold worldwide each year. Great demand in the past has contributed to a fairly impressive number of offers in the secondary market. Thus, today there is a wide choice. But in order not to run into a time bomb, you need to be very careful! Car sales portals are filled with copies after serious accidents or beaten to death.
As for equipment, everything is simple here: the larger the engine, the larger the list of equipment. Basic modifications have at their disposal a set of airbags, power accessories, climate control, and top versions, even in our time, can impress with a colossal list of additional equipment. For BMW 5 2001-2002 today they ask a lot - about 300-400 thousand rubles.
Conclusion.
The BMW 5 Series is a good alternative to a family car. It is able to conquer the driver, and passengers will appreciate the quality of the interior and the high level of equipment. Gasoline engines are considered the least problematic. During operation, you will often have to deal with the suspension and electrics.
In this article, you will find out whether it is worth getting involved with buying a BMW E39. We will learn about what points you should pay attention to and how to buy the right car.
The new generation of the fifth series in the back of the E39 appeared in the spring in Geneva in 1995. In 1995, only a sedan was available to customers, and only two years later the Touring wagon came up to release.
Body
The BMW E39 has a reliable body and simple body repair, it is assembled and disassembled several times, the interior is also easily disassembled. The joints between the gaps are minimal; the body has anti-corrosion treatment and high quality paintwork. The body of the BMW E39 has become more modern and attractive.
Rust can appear due to chips, or if the car has been in a serious accident. Chips can be used as a reason for bargaining. Due to the reagents, the sills, bottom and bottom of the trunk can rot, so you should take a closer look at these places before buying in order to avoid further surprises.
You should visually inspect the gaps at the body, they should not be as wide as a finger. It will not be superfluous to take a closer look at the glass numbers, the numbers of the front left and front right should match, similarly with the rear ones.
Manufacturer BMW has provided a huge range of paintwork diversity. Below you can see some of them. This is only a small number of them in fact hundreds.
Salon
The salon of the five has always had rich equipment and the BMW E39 is no exception. It has: climate control, cruise control, course stabilization system (DSC) and of course an on-board computer. Later versions, from 2000 onwards, boast a memory device for the driver's seat, with three positions and, in some versions, even breaking backs.
And of course, one cannot remain silent about the high quality of interior trim materials: soft plastic, wood or aluminum inserts, leather or fabric seats. It all depends on the configuration of the car. The only thing the salon is not famous for E39, and all fives, with large sizes it does not have a very large capacity - this applies to rear passengers. In a tall person, sitting in the back, his legs will rest on the front seat.
BMW E39 engines
A wide range of engines was installed on it, starting from a 136-horsepower diesel engine with a volume of 2.0 liters, and ending with a 400-horsepower 4.9-liter powerful atmospheric engine, which was installed on its production began in 1998. Installed on this model straight sixes, which were the most common on this model, eight-cylinder engines were also installed on this model.
E39 motors were equipped with a system Vanos and double Vanos. This is a valve control system that allows you to change the valve timing depending on the nature of the ride.
Engines up to 1998 had Nikasil coating instead of cast-iron sleeves. Thanks to the nikasil coating, the engine became lighter, but in our conditions with our gasoline it collapses, and the compression in the cylinders begins to fall, and due to low-quality gasoline, the cylinder heads are destroyed. Later, the Germans began to use an aluminum coating, which increased the reliability of engines so that it is better to choose cars from 1999 so it will be more reliable.
BMW E39 engines reliable enough, but prone to overheating, this hereditary trait passes from generation to generation. Often the culprit of overheating is the electronic thermostat, it is short-lived and quickly fails. To prevent overheating, it is necessary to clean the radiator every year. Before buying, if you are not sure about the health of the viscous coupling, it is better to replace it; it can cause overheating.
All motors are equipped with a timing chain, which increases reliability, but do not forget that it stretches over time so that if necessary it is better to replace it, after replacement you will forget about it for a long time, its resource is about 300 thousand km.
Eight-cylinder engines are more prone to overheating, more often fans fail. The radiator is clogged with dirt and dust. It must be cleaned regularly so that it does not clog and does not overheat. It is recommended to do this once every six months.
The best option is to choose a BMW E39 after 1999 to avoid problems with an engine overhaul. A good option in terms of power and economy is 2.5 liters
192 HP
Weak engines up to 170 hp s, it makes no sense to take, the expense and tax are almost the same.
From diesel engines, it makes sense to take a closer look at the M57 530d 193 hp. A big plus is its consumption, the power does not exceed 200 hp, which also favorably affects the tax. It can be noted that this motor is not prone to oil consumption and has a decent resource. In addition, you can resort to to increase power.
Transmission
E39 transmissions are reliable, care should be taken to ensure that they do not ooze oil, otherwise the oil seals must be urgently replaced. All bmw This model is rear wheel drive. Three types of boxes were installed on this car: 5-6 speed mechanics and TipTronic automatic with manual shifting. All boxes are highly reliable. The machine fails only with a sharp and aggressive ride. On a mechanical box, over time, the gearshift bushing and the box stem seal fail. The automatic transmission before the intermediate repair serves 250-300 thousand km.
electrical equipment
This thing is pretty tricky. This model is not very reliable electrical equipment. All because of its abundance, and not because of the quality, there is too much of it. Often, the contact between the cables of information displays and the board disappears. The result is a fuzzy image on the display. Interestingly, the malfunction can be affected by air humidity.
There is also a problem with climate control. From time to time, he begins to make independent decisions: to distribute air flows, refusing to regulate air flows. The way out is to replace the electronic control unit. This also applies to the power window mechanism. There are plastic parts, they are flimsy and often break.
On the previous model, this mechanism proved to be more reliable.
Suspension
Compared to it, there is an abundance of aluminum parts in the suspension, which has improved handling and comfort. On our roads, the suspension goes no more than 40,000 km. In eight-cylinder engines, the front suspension is more reliable, it is made of cast iron. Another problem was the steering rack, which was installed on this model. On our roads, it is short-lived, goes where 40000-60000 km and then regularly empties the owner's wallet. And here the eight-cylinder engines turned out to be more reliable; they still have the good old worm gear.
Advantages and disadvantages , according to owners:
| pros | Minuses |
|---|
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.
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