The BMW 5 Series (E39) is a full-size executive car that was produced from 1995 to 2004. It was the fourth generation of the 5 Series and marked a significant departure from its predecessor in terms of design and engineering.
Design and Features
The E39 5 Series featured a more angular and aggressive exterior design, with a longer and wider body than its predecessor. The car's lines were characterized by sharp creases, a distinctive front grille, and a prominent boot lip spoiler. The interior was redesigned to be more luxurious and spacious, with improved ergonomics and an emphasis on comfort.
Engine Options
The E39 5 Series was available with a range of engines, including:
- Petrol:
- M52B25 (2.5L inline-6): 170hp
- M52TUB25 (2.5L inline-6 twin-turbo): 192hp
- M54B25 (2.5L inline-6): 193hp
- M52B28 (2.8L inline-6): 194hp
- Diesel:
- M47D20 (2.0L inline-4): 110hp
- M57D30 (3.0L inline-6): 184hp
Transmission and Drivetrain
The E39 5 Series featured a range of transmission options, including:
- 5-speed manual
- 4-speed automatic
- 5-speed SMG (sequential manual gearbox)
- 6-speed SMG (sequential manual gearbox)
The car was available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (xDrive) depending on the trim level.
Trim Levels
The E39 5 Series was offered in a range of trim levels, including:
- Base model
- Executive
- Sport
- M5 (high-performance variant)
- Touring (estate wagon version)
Performance and Handling
The E39 5 Series was known for its exceptional handling and performance. The car's suspension was redesigned to be more comfortable and composed on the road, while also providing excellent grip and stability.
The M5 variant, in particular, was renowned for its blistering acceleration and agility, making it one of the fastest production cars available at the time.
Awards and Accolades
The E39 5 Series won numerous awards during its production run, including:
- European Car of the Year (1996)
- Best Executive Car (2002)
Overall, the BMW 5 Series E39 was a highly acclaimed executive car that set new standards for comfort, performance, and handling in its class.
