E39 - History - BMW

Petrol engines
Model                Power                          Torque                         0-100 km/h                    Years

520i       110 kW (150 PS; 148 bhp) @ 5900 190 N·m (140 ft·lbf) @ 3500 10.2/11.5 (MT/AT) 1996-2000
520i       125 kW (170 PS; 168 bhp) @ 6250 210 N·m (150 ft·lbf) @ 3500 9.1/10.2 (MT/AT)   2000-2003
523i       125 kW (170 PS; 168 bhp) @ 5500 245 N·m (181 ft·lbf) @ 3500 8.5/9.7 (MT/AT)     1995-2000
525i       141 kW (192 PS; 189 bhp) @ 6000 245 N·m (181 ft·lbf) @ 3500 8.1/8.9 (MT/AT)     2000-2003
528i       142 kW (193 PS; 190 bhp) @ 5500 280 N·m (210 ft·lbf) @ 3500 7.5/8.8 (MT/AT)     1995-2000
528i SE 142 kW (193 PS; 190 bhp) @ 5500 280 N·m (210 ft·lbf) @ 3500 7.1 (MT)                1998
530i       170 kW (231 PS; 228 bhp) @ 5900 300 N·m (220 ft·lbf) @ 3500 7.1/7.4 (MT/AT)     2000-2003
535i       180 kW (245 PS; 241 bhp) @ 5800 345 N·m (254 ft·lbf) @ 3800 6.9/7.6 (MT/AT)     1996-2003
540i       210 kW (286 PS; 282 bhp) @ 5400 440 N·m (320 ft·lbf) @ 3600 6.2/6.4 (MT/AT)     1996-1998
540i       217 kW (295 PS; 291 bhp) @ 5400 460 N·m (340 ft·lbf) @ 3600 6.2/6.4 (MT/AT)     1999-2003
M5        294 kW (400 PS; 394 bhp) @ 6600 500 N·m (370 ft·lbf) @ 3800 5.3 (MT)                1998-2003

Diesel engines
Model              Power                            Torque                          0-100 km/h                     Years

520d      100 kW (136 PS; 134 bhp) @ 4000 280 N·m (210 ft·lbf) @ 1750 10.6 (MT)               2000-2003
525d      120 kW (163 PS; 161 bhp) @ 4000 350 N·m (260 ft·lbf) @ 2000 8.9/9.1 (MT/AT)      2000-2003
525td       85 kW (116 PS; 114 bhp) @ 4800 230 N·m (170 ft·lbf) @ 1900 11.9 (MT)               1997-2000
525tds   105 kW (143 PS; 141 bhp) @ 4600 280 N·m (210 ft·lbf) @ 2200 10.4/11 (MT/AT)      1996-2000
530d      135 kW (184 PS; 181 bhp) @ 4000 390 N·m (290 ft·lbf) @ 1750 8.1/8.4 (MT/AT)       1998-2000
530d      142 kW (193 PS; 190 bhp) @ 4000 410 N·m (300 ft·lbf) @ 1750 7.8/8.3 (MT/AT)       2000-2003

Figures specified are for European saloon models.

Changes by model year (US)

E39 sedan (USA; pre-facelift)
BMW E39 estate (Europe; pre-facelift)
BMW 525i (Australia; facelift)
European Market BMW 5 series (facelift)
New "Angel-Eyes" BMW E39 M-Sport package after facelift

1997
The 1997 model year 5 series E39 was introduced into the US market in the spring of 1996. Models available were the 528i with an I6, and the 540i with a M62 V8. The on-board computer, called the Multi-Information System (MID), was upgraded in mid-1997. The 528i E39 was the first car ever to be fitted with CBC - Cornering Brake Control.

1998
1997-2000 BMW Saloon (Europe; pre-facelift)
For 1998 optional rear side airbags became available, and both models also gained BMW's exclusive new Head Protection System, which consists of two tubular bags that inflate upon a side impact and pop out just above each front door. A new Sport Package for the 528i and 540i, as well as an automatic transmission 540i were added options. The Sport Package included black body trim (standard models had chrome around the top of the windows), a sport-tuned suspension, and 17-inch (430 mm) wheels and tires. In September 1998, the 540i's M62B44 was updated to the M62TUB44, adding 15 lb·ft (20 N·m) of torque. DSC first became available on 540i with automatic transmission as of 9/97

The high-performance M5 saloon returned to the BMW fold. Built in limited numbers, the M5 used a 400 hp (300 kW) V8 S62, and came with a firmer suspension, 18 inch wheels, a 6-speed manual transmission, and exclusive interior trim. Lower-body rear side airbags were standard on the M5, remaining optional for other models.

1999
1999 saw the introduction of the Touring (estate) body style and joined saloons in both I6 and V8 versions. New options for 1999 included brighter xenon headlights, Park Distance Control that warns of obstacles when backing up, and self-leveling rear suspension for estates. Standard on V8 models and newly optional for 528i versions was BMW's Dynamic