Everything You Need to Know About the BMW 5 Series E39 - Fault Guide

The body of the BMW 5 series is very strong. In addition, the so-called protective cabin capsule is built into it, protecting those sitting inside with six standard airbags. Corrosion is not characteristic of the E39, thanks to high-quality paintwork, anti-corrosion coating, and galvanization of lower body parts. Moreover, some panels are made of aluminum alloy. The reverse side of the metal is that parts made of winged metal are difficult to straighten.

Salon: The salon of the BMW 5 series is not too big, but even tall people can comfortably accommodate. However, only two passengers will be comfortable in the back seat. The presence of climate control, power accessories, airbags, central locking, power steering, and ABS is more the rule than the exception. After restyling, the creators equipped the fifth series with a multifunctional key with an integrated microchip, storing all information about the car. It is impossible to start the car with another key. The trunk volume of the five is the smallest among its classmates. Additionally, folding rear seats that allow you to increase its volume are rare.

Engines: A feature of the E39 engines is that their aluminum alloy cylinder blocks are not designed for overhaul. Although domestic experts have learned how to extend their life by lining cylinders. Despite that, the service interval recommended by the manufacturer for changing engine oil is 20,000 to 25,000 kilometers. For durable operation of the power unit, it is desirable to change the lubricant every eight to ten thousand kilometers. High-quality oil is also required by the VANOS system, which optimizes engine operation.

In all models, weak points of the motors over time include the plastic thermostat housing and the expansion tank of the cooling system cracking, causing antifreeze leaks. Failures of the diaphragm of the crankcase ventilation valve were also noted, which manifests itself in the unstable operation of the unit and increased fuel consumption. In 8-cylinder M62 engines, the generator often fails, the body of which is liquid-cooled, and oil also leaks from under the valve cover gasket.

Transmission: All E39 5-series cars are rear-wheel drive and were equipped with five and six-speed manual gearboxes and five-speed Tiptronic automatics. Automatic transmission was installed on all eight-cylinder versions but is often found on inline sixes. If you drive carelessly, there is a risk of bending the pan and damaging the filter, which can subsequently lead to a breakdown of the machine. An oil leak from under its gasket may indicate a slightly bent pan. Over time, after a run of 150,000 kilometers, both in the mechanics and in the automatic, oil leaks from under the gearbox shank were known. In addition, in a mechanical box, the oil seal of the gear shift gate loses its tightness.

Suspension: The suspension of the five is moderately hard but at the same time quite energy-intensive. To reduce the weight of the unsprung masses, some of its parts are made of aluminum alloy. Moreover, the front and rear subframes, brake calipers, and even shock strut housings are made of wing metal. Thanks to this, it was possible to reduce the weight of the machine as well as achieve excellent stability and controllability. The chassis is durable and can last about 150,000 kilometers on our roads.

Steering: The rack and pinion steering on many versions is equipped with a hydraulic booster that changes the degree of effort depending on the speed, greatly improving the safety of high-speed control. The weak point is the tie rods that come with the tips. Additionally, in the versions intended for the Eastern European market and equipped with a bad road package, tie rod deformations were noted. The reason is the change in the kinematics of the steering due to the installation of light alloy spacers between the body glass and the damping support, which increases the vehicle's ground clearance. After a run of 150,000 kilometers, wear of a pair of worm rack and steering bushings was noted. Additionally, hydraulic booster hoses lose their tightness at the junction of rubber and metal flanges.

The BMW 5 Series E39 is a business-class car that is very reliable, but its repair costs can be significant.