E39 BMW 5 Series 1997–2003 E39

The fourth 5 Series, a sedan and from 1999 a sport wagon, as the six-cylinder 528i, 525i and 530i and the V8 540i, with rear-wheel drive and a manual or automatic.

4 engines21 colors6 warnings14 recalls

How it was checked: 39 sources read.

Generation E39 1997–2003 Pick a generation
Model year All 7 Pick a year

Overview

Engines
2.8L inline-six, 4.4L V8, 2.5L inline-six, 3.0L inline-six
Came as
On record
6 warnings, 14 recalls

Sold as 528i (1997–2000), 540i, 525i (2001–2003), 530i (2001–2003)

The story

Joji Nagashima's design was chosen in June 1992 and frozen for production under Chris Bangle. The E39 premiered at the 1995 Frankfurt show and reached the US as a 1997 model, introduced in mid-1996. Edmunds, a published reference

It used aluminum for most of its front suspension, and its body was 40 percent stiffer than the E34's. Car and Driver put it on its 10Best list six times running, from 1997 to 2002, and CarGurus says many fans consider it the best 5 Series of all. CarGurus, a published reference

A facelift for 2001 brought new lights and a new six-cylinder engine range, with the 525i and 530i in place of the 528i. Edmunds, a published reference

Rare and special

Colors

Show all 21 colors
  • Glacier Green Metallic2000
  • Biarritz Blue Metallic2000
  • Slate Green Metallic2003
  • Sterling Gray Metallic2003
  • Topaz Blue Metallic2003
  • Blue Water Metallic2003
  • Titanium Gray Metallic2003
  • Steel Blue Metallic2003
  • Toledo Blue Metallic2003
  • Kalahari Beige Metallic2003
  • Black Sapphire Metallic2003
  • Orient Blue Metallic2000–2003
  • Alpine White2000–2003
  • Jet Black2000–2003
  • Titanium Silver Metallic2000–2003
  • Oxford Green Metallic2000–2003

Interiors

Sources: Edmunds

Specs

Badges

Engines

Transmissions

Drivetrains

Body styles

Packages

Figures

Rare trims and options

Years and what changed

  1. 1997

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

  2. 1998

    The 540i's V8 gains torque. CarGurus

  3. 1999

    Sport wagon versions of the 528i and 540i arrive, and the 528i gains a little power. Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

  4. 2000

    No changes. CarGurus

  5. 2001
    Refresh

    A facelift brings new lights and the 525i and 530i in place of the 528i, plus rear head airbags, parking sensors and a bigger navigation screen. Edmunds, a published reference

  6. 2002

    No change recorded

  7. 2003

    The 530i can have a new sport package with sport suspension, and the 540i M-Sport is sold as a limited model. CarGurus, a published reference

Watch out

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

Going to see one? Take the checklist with you.

Open the checklist

Recalls

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

Show all 14 recalls

  • 2001 Recall 02V138000

    A failing cooling fan motor can overload the fan's control unit and stop the fan. Dealers replace the fan. This adds cars to 01V206000. NHTSA

  • 2002 Recall 02V057000

    A thrust bearing in the front strut mounts may not have been positioned and secured, so a strut could separate from its mount. Dealers replace both upper mounts. NHTSA

  • 2002 Recall 01V352000

    The tires' outer sidewalls may have been cut when they were fitted, and can slowly lose pressure. Dealers inspect all five tires and replace any that are cut. NHTSA

  • 2001 Recall 01V206000

    A failing cooling fan motor can overload the fan's control unit and stop the fan. Dealers replace the fan. NHTSA

  • 2000 Recall 00V048000

    The brake lamp switch can fail with the brake lamps stuck on or off. Dealers inspect it and fit an improved switch if needed. NHTSA

  • 1999 Recall 99V004000

    The insulation on the main cable from the generator to the starter is too thin and can be cut by its clip. Dealers tape the cable and fit a revised clip. NHTSA

  • 1999 Recall 99V005000

    A ring gear in the five-speed automatic can wear early, losing first, second, third and reverse. Dealers replace the gearbox. NHTSA

  • 1998 Recall 98V142000

    The differential's pinion shaft may lack its surface hardening and wear early. Dealers replace the differential. NHTSA

  • 1998 Recall 98V143000

    The gear position switch's seal can leak and let water in. Dealers replace the switch. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

Maintenance

Warranty when new

Basic50,000 miles or 4 years Edmunds
Drivetrain50,000 miles or 4 years Edmunds
Rust6 years EdmundsAny miles
Roadside assistance50,000 miles or 4 years Edmunds
Free scheduled maintenance50,000 miles or 4 years EdmundsEdmunds' 2003 specs page gives this; its 2001 review gives three years or 36,000 miles

Before you pay: every warning, recall and check on one sheet.

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