BMW 5 Series (E39)

BMW 5 Series (E39)
Facelift BMW 525i sedan (E39, Australia)
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	September 1995 – May 2004
Model years	1996 – 2003
Assembly	Germany: Dingolfing
Designer	Joji Nagashima (1992)
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car (E)[1]
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door wagon (Touring)
Layout	FR layout
Related	BMW 7 Series (E38)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 2.0-2.8 L M52 I6 2.2-3.0 L M54 I6 3.5-4.4 L M62 V8 4.9 L S62 V8 Diesel: 2.0 L M47 turbo I4 2.5-2.9 L M51/M57 turbo I6
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,830 mm (111.4 in)
Length	4,775–4,805 mm (188.0–189.2 in)[2][3]
Width	1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height	1,435–1,445 mm (56.5–56.9 in)[2][3]
Curb weight	1,685–1,845 kg (3,715–4,068 lb)[4][5]
Chronology
Predecessor	BMW 5 Series (E34)
Successor	BMW 5 Series (E60)

The BMW E39 is the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series range of executive cars, which was manufactured from 1995 to 2004. It was launched in the sedan body style, with the station wagon body style (marketed as "Touring") introduced in 1996. The E39 was replaced by the E60 5 Series in 2003, however E39 Touring models remained in production until May 2004.^[6][7]

The proportion of chassis components using aluminium significantly increased for the E39, and it was the first 5 Series to use aluminium for all major components in the front suspension or any in the rear. It was also the first 5 Series where a four-cylinder diesel engine was available. Rack and pinion steering was used for four- and six-cylinder models, the first time that a 5 Series has used this steering system in significant volumes. Unlike its E34 predecessor and E60 successor, the E39 was not available with all-wheel drive.

The high performance E39 M5 sedan was introduced in 1998, powered by a 4.9 L (302 cu in) DOHC V8 engine. It was the first M5 model to be powered by a V8 engine.