1997 BMW 5 Series E39

Overview

Engines

2.8L inline-six, 4.4L V8

Came as

• Sedan

On record

6 warnings, 1 recall

What changed for 1997

• The redesigned 5 Series arrives as the 528i and the V8 540i sedans. The wagons are dropped. Edmunds

Compare 1997 with 1996

Colors

No paint color is recorded yet.

Specs

Badges

• 528i: 2.8L inline-six, Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• 540i: 4.4L V8, Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference

Engines

• 2.8L inline-six M52 engine page CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference

  190 hp and 206 lb-ft at first, and 193 hp from 1999 · 1997–2000

• 4.4L V8 M62 CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference

  282 hp, with 310 lb-ft at first and 324 lb-ft from 1998

Transmissions

• Five-speed manual Edmunds, a published reference
• Four-speed automatic (1997–2000) Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
• Five-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference
• Six-speed manual Edmunds, a published reference

Drivetrains

• Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, a published reference

Body styles

• Sedan Edmunds, a published reference

Packages

• Sport Package Edmunds
• Cold Weather Package Edmunds

Figures for the whole E39

• Model code: E39 A published reference
• Built: Mostly in Dingolfing, Germany, from 1995 to May 2004 A published reference
• Total built: 1,488,038, of which 266,209 were Touring wagons A published reference
• US sales: 19,294 from May 1999 to May 2000, and 15,233 the year after A published reference
• Consumer Reports: Gave the 530i its highest car rating to date in 2001 A published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Cooling system failure All years

  Check: Ask for records of the expansion tank, water pump, thermostat and radiator, and watch the temperature gauge on a long drive.

  Euro Premium Parts calls the cooling system the most critical issue on the six, with plastic parts that turn brittle and can fail together, overheating the engine. CarGurus also advises watching the cooling system and changing the coolant regularly. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Timing chain guides on the V8 All years

  One source so far

  Check: Listen for a rattle at a cold start.

  Euro Premium Parts says the M62's plastic chain guides wear, and that a failed tensioner left alone can wreck the engine. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Cracks at the rear subframe mounts All years

  One source so far

  Check: Have the rear subframe mounting points inspected for cracks, especially on a 540i.

  Euro Premium Parts says the mounting points in the body can crack under stress, making the car unstable, and that the repair means reinforcement welding. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Worn front control arm bushings and ball joints All years

  One source so far

  Check: On the test drive, feel for vague steering and listen for clunks.

  Euro Premium Parts calls this nearly universal on E39s past 80,000 miles. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Missing pixels in the instrument cluster All years

  One source so far

  Check: Look for dead rows of pixels in the cluster's display.

  Euro Premium Parts calls this very common on older E39s, and minor. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• VANOS wear on the six All years

  One source so far

  Check: Feel for a rough idle or a loss of power.

  Euro Premium Parts says the VANOS solenoid and seals degrade with age, and that a rebuild kit is a well-known repair. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 1996–1997 Recall 04V183000

  The front spring strut plate can crack after long exposure to the elements and break, and could touch the tire. Dealers fit a retaining clip under the plates. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• Sought after

  The E39 as a driver's car All years

  One source so far

  CarGurus says the E39 is generally considered the most rewarding 5 Series to drive and the best of the breed to many fans, and that it is starting to appreciate as a classic. CarGurus

• Watch for

  An early 540i without proof of its bores 1997–1998

  Walk away One source so far

  Euro Premium Parts calls pre-1999 540i cars the highest-risk purchase, for the Nikasil bore problem, and says to approach them with extreme caution without a bore inspection or proof of a replacement engine. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Maintenance

• Engine oil and filter All years

  Replace every 5,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, rather than following the service indicator A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask for oil change records.

• Cooling system All years

  Replace every 80,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts advises replacing the expansion tank, water pump, thermostat, hoses and radiator at or before 80,000 miles, whatever the symptoms A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask whether the cooling system has been renewed.

• Differential and gearbox fluid All years

  Replace every 50,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts advises it despite BMW calling it a lifetime fill A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Brake fluid All years

  Replace every 2 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

Warranty when new