The BMW E39 automobile platform was the basis for the 1997 through 2004 5 Series of automobiles. It replaced the BMW E34 in 1997 and was replaced by the BMW E60 for 2005. The basic model was the 520i, which develops 150 hp (112 kW). An M5 version of the E39 was introduced in 1998, with a 5.0 L V8 engine.
The E39 started out with cars being sold in North America in the 528i and 540i sedan and wagon formats. The 528i was powered by a 2.8 L inline-6 developing just under 190 horsepower (142 kW), while the 540i was powered by the 282 horsepower (210 kW) 4.4 L V8 seen in the E38 (7-Series) and the X5.
For the 2001 model year, BMW updated the E39 with newer, clear-lens headlights which first displayed the now-popular "angel eyes." Also, the rear lights were converted to being LED-based. Other options changed: for example, the 528i was replaced by the 530i which had a new 225 horsepower (168 kW) 3.0 L inline-6. Meanwhile, the 540i was given more power, totalling 290 hp (216 kW). Also, in the year 2001, Steptronic-equipped E39s had their manual program direction switched to match BMW's F1 cars. Now to upshift, you had to pull back the lever, instead of pushing forward, as in the pre-2001 model year E39s.
External links
