E39 - History - BMW

Engine specifications

Various engine sizes and configurations have been available. The North American market saw the 525i, 528i, 530i, 540i and M5. The European range was however, more diverse, with BMW offering the 520i, 523i, 525i, 528i, 530i, 535i, 540i, 525tds, 520d (the only four-cylinder 5-Series engine on this generation), 525d, 530d and M5.

Flexible Electronics Design

Since the start of production the entire in-car entertainment system (Radio Function, Navigation System, Television and Telecommunications systems) is based on a very flexible automotive computer system. As a result the E39 models can all be easily upgraded with the newest BMW technologies including BMW's Bluetooth System, the DVD based Navigation system, as well as BMW's CD changers that play MP3s. The factory navigation systems before 1998 production were based on the first generation MKI (or Mark I) Navigation system. This CD Based MKI navigation system used internal gyros, an external Trimble GPS navigation receiver and external video processor, which also received Television signals (TV Video module). The CD Based MKII version was introduced in 1998 Model Year E39s and included a newer, and faster processor which included the video processing function, no longer requiring the TV video module, and USA model E39s with navigation no longer included the TV module function as a factory option. The Next Generation Navigation Computer starting with the 2001 Production E39, the MKIII, was also a CD Based Navigation system and was equipped with a faster processor as well as internal GPS receiver. The MKIII Navigation computers were very susceptible to electronic failures due to spikes in battery voltage such as jump starting. BMW documentation shows that failures may occur as a result of loss in NVRAM Memory corruption when power is abruptly disconnected when the activity light is still illuminated. 2003 Model Year E39s with navigation were equipped with the MKIV DVD based navigation system, which featured DVD map support, included a faster processor and latest generation software supporting "Perspective mode" or 3D map viewing (V32 Firmware). The MKIV navigation is backwards compatible with ALL model year BMW E39s. Upgrading the BMW MKII or MKIII navigation computer equipped E39s is a simple plug and play swap out, with MKI system upgrading requiring the additional connection of the separate GPS receiver antenna disconnected and directly connected to the back of the mkiv. E39s built before 1998 and equipped with the MKI navigation system can be upgraded to the MKIV as well, simply by either replacing the MKI Navigation plugs with a new BMW wiring harness, (BMW part Number BMW 61 12 6 915 132) Or by simply disconnecting the BLUE plug on the TV video module and connecting this plug directly to the back of MKIV and not connecting the missing Magenta Plug. However, upgrading the MKI navigation system without the BMW P/N 61 12 6 915 132 will eliminate the dead reckoning function (Missing Connection for ABS wheel sensors and Reverse Sensors).

From 1997-2000, the E39 model range in North America consisted of the 528i, 540i, and M5. In 2001, the 528i was discontinued and replaced by the 525i and 530i. The 520i, 523i, 525i and 528i were powered by a 110 kilowatt (150 hp) engine in earlier versions, a 126 kilowatt (170 hp) and 141 kilowatt (190 hp) engines respectively. These were all versions of the gasoline M52 inline-six engine. The 530i was powered by a 171 kilowatt (231 hp) inline-six, the M54, shared with the E46 330i. The 540i was initially powered by the 210 kilowatt (282 hp) 4.4 litre M62B44 V8 which was derived from the earlier E34 5 Series' M60, but included upgraded cylinder block material, electronics, and more displacement. In September 1998, the 540i received the further upgraded M62TUB44, which was also seen in the E38 (7 Series) and in the BMW E53 (X5). This engine supported a VANOS variable valve timing system, and had electronic throttle control. It was slightly boosted to 220 kW (290 hp) for years 1998 to 2003 540i's.