BMW 5 Series (E39)

The BMW E39 is the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series range of executive cars, which was manufactured from 1995 to 2004. It was launched in the saloon body style, with the station wagon body style (marketed as "Touring") introduced in 1996. The E39 was replaced by the E60 5 Series in 2003, however E39 Touring models remained in production until May 2004.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

The proportion of chassis components using aluminium significantly increased for the E39, and it was the first 5 Series to use aluminium for all major components in the front suspension or any in the rear. It was also the first 5 Series where a four-cylinder diesel engine was available. Rack and pinion steering was used for four- and six-cylinder models, the first time that a 5 Series has used this steering system in significant volumes. Unlike its E34 predecessor and E60 successor, the E39 was not available with all-wheel drive.

The high performance E39 M5 saloon was introduced in 1998; it was the first M5 model to be powered by a V8 engine.

Development and launch

Development for the E34's successor began in 1993,Template:Citation needed and ended in 1995. The final design by Joji Nagashima was selected in June 1992<ref name= "auto-motor-und-sport">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> and later frozen for production under new design chief Chris Bangle. With design selection in 1992, the series development phase began and took 39 months until start of production. The domestic German design patent was filed on 20 April 1994, with an E39 prototype.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Pre-production cars rolled off the pilot line from February 1995 starting with 523i and 528i models. This was followed by the 520i in March 1995, 525td/tds and 540i in April 1995 and 535i in October 1995.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In May 1995 BMW published the first official photos of the E39.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The E39 premiered in September 1995 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Dealer demonstrator cars became available from September 1995 in continental Europe, commencing full scale production. In December 1995 sales of saloon models began on the European mainland.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Production of wagon/estate models began in November 1996.<ref name="bmweducation.com">Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Refpage Template:Clear right

Body styles

• 
  E39 saloon (Pre-facelift; front)
• 
  Pre-facelift 540i Touring (UK)
• 
  E39 saloon (Pre-facelift; rear)
• 
  E39 saloon (facelift; South Korea)
• 
  E39 Touring (facelift)

Equipment

The E39 was one of the first vehicles (alongside the E38 7 Series) to have curtain airbags, which protect the occupants' heads in a side impact.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> Standard equipment on the launch models included dual front and side airbags, pretensioners and load limiters for the front seatbelts,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> anti-lock brakes, traction control, power steering, and air conditioning.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Satellite navigation was also available, initially using maps on CD-ROMs, then moving to DVD maps in 2002. Some of the optional equipment included heated front seats and steering wheel, a voice entry system, a cordless car phone, and double glazed door side windows.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Several models were available in Sports or Executive trim levels.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Special options available options on wagon models were either a roller blind or extending boot cover with patrician net for the rear boot area, roller sun visors for rear and side windows.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

A "latent heat accumulator" was available as an option up until September 1999.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The accumulator stores engine heat by converting a salt from solid to liquid form (phase transition).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The insulated tank can store heat for several days. The next time the vehicle is started, this heat is automatically used to reduce exhaust emissions (by heating the engine up to operating temperature quicker), for cabin heating and window defrosting.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Separate to the latent heat accumulator is the Residual Heat function (activated by a button labelled "REST"),<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Refpage which allows the demister and cabin heater to use the heat of an engine that has recently been turned off (using an electric pump to push hot coolant through the heater core). Template:Clear right

Engines

Petrol engines

BMW M54 straight-6 engine

BMW M62 V8 engine

At launch, the petrol engines consisted of the BMW M52 straight-6 engines and the BMW M62 V8 engines.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In late 1998, the "technical update" (TÜ) versions of these engines were introduced, introducing double VANOS to the M52 and single VANOS to the M62, primarily to increase torque at low rpm.

For the facelift of the model range in the year 2000, the M52 was replaced by the BMW M54 straight-6 engine<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and the version used in the 530i model topped the Ward's 10 Best Engines list in 2002 and 2003.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The post-facelift V8 models (535i and 540i) continued to use the M62TÜ engine.

Specifications for European models are shown below.<ref name="BMW AG 2003">Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Refpage^,<ref name="BMW AG 1998">Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Refpage^,<ref name="autoweek">Template:Cite web</ref>

Model	Years	Engine	Power	Torque
520i	1995–1998	1991 cc M52B20 straight-6	Template:Cvt at 5,900 rpm	Template:Convert at 4,200 rpm
	1998–2000	1991 cc M52TÜB20 straight-6	Template:Cvt at 5,900 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,500 rpm
	2000–2003	2171 cc M54B22 straight-6	Template:Cvt at 6,100 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,500 rpm
523i	1995–1998	2494 cc M52B25 straight-6	Template:Cvt at 5,500 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,950 rpm
	1998–2000	2494 cc M52TÜB25 straight-6	Template:Cvt at 5,500 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,500 rpm
525i	2000–2003	2494 cc M54B25 straight-6	Template:Cvt at 6,000 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,500 rpm
528i	1995–1998	2793 cc M52B28 straight-6	Template:Cvt at 5,300 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,950 rpm
	1998–2001	2793 cc M52TÜB28 straight-6	Template:Cvt at 5,500 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,500 rpm
530i	2000–2003	2979 cc M54B30 straight-6	Template:Cvt at 5,900 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,500 rpm
535i	1996–1998	3498 cc M62B35 V8	Template:Cvt at 5,700 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,300 rpm
	1998–2003	3498 cc M62TÜB35 V8	Template:Cvt at 5,800 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,800 rpm
540i	1995–1998	4398 cc M62B44 V8	Template:Cvt at 5,700 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,900 rpm
	1998–2003	4398 cc M62TÜB44 V8	Template:Cvt at 5,400 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,600 rpm
M5	1998–2003	4941 cc S62B50 V8	Template:Cvt at 6,600 rpm	Template:Convert at 3,800 rpm

Diesel engines

BMW M51 straight-6 engine (shown in an E36 3 Series)

The initial diesel models used the BMW M51 turbocharged straight-6 engine carried over from its predecessor. In 1998, its successor the BMW M57 was introduced in the 530d model, however the BMW M51 engine continued to be used for two more years in the 525td and 525tds models.

In 1999, the M47 four-cylinder turbo-diesel was introduced in the 520d model, which is the only E39 model to use a four-cylinder engine.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Specifications for European models are shown below.<ref name="BMW AG 2003"/>Template:Refpage^,<ref name="BMW AG 1998"/>Template:Refpage^,<ref name="autoweek"/>

Model	Years	Engine- turbo	Power	Torque
520d	2000–2003	1951 cc M47D20 straight-4	Template:Cvt at 4,000 rpm	Template:Convert at 1,750 rpm
525d	2000–2003	2497 cc M57D25 straight-6	Template:Cvt at 4,000 rpm	Template:Convert at 2,000 rpm
525td	1996–2000	2497 cc M51D25TÜ UL straight-6	Template:Cvt at 4,800 rpm	Template:Convert at 1,900 rpm
525tds	1996–2000	2497 cc M51D25TÜ OL straight-6	Template:Cvt at 4,600 rpm	Template:Convert at 2,200 rpm
530d	1998–2000	2926 cc M57D30 straight-6	Template:Cvt at 4,000 rpm	Template:Convert at 1,750 rpm
	2000–2003		Template:Cvt at 4,000 rpm	Template:Convert at 1,750 rpm

Drivetrain

Manual transmissions

Six-cylinder petrol models and 535i were fitted with either the 5-speed Getrag 250G or ZF 320Z (S5-32) transmission, depending on the year and model. Diesel models with the M51 engine were fitted with the 5-speed ZF 260Z transmission, while the M57 diesel models were fitted with the 5-speed ZF 390 (S5-39DZ) transmission.<ref name = "Larimer (2002)">Template:Cite book</ref> 540i and M5 were fitted with the 6-speed Getrag 420G transmission.<ref name = "Larimer (2002)"/>

Automatic transmissions

ZF 5HP-30 transmission

Some pre-facelift six-cylinder petrol models were fitted with the 4-speed GM 4L30-E (A4S270R)<ref name = "Electronic Transmission Control">Template:Cite web</ref> transmission. Six-cylinder pre-facelift cars built for the Japanese market were fitted with the Jatco 5R01 5 speed automatic transmission. All other six-cylinder models were fitted with 5-speed transmissions, either the GM 5L40-E (A5S360R),<ref name = "Electronic Transmission Control"/> GM 5L40-E (A5S390R),<ref name = "Electronic Transmission Control"/> or ZF 5HP19 (A5S325Z) transmission,<ref name = "Electronic Transmission Control"/> depending on the year and model. V8 petrol models were fitted with either the 5-speed ZF 5HP24 (A5S440Z)<ref name = "Electronic Transmission Control"/> or the 5-speed ZF 5HP30 (A5S560Z).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Differential ratios

The following differential ratios were used by the E39:<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

• 2.35: 530d, 525d manual
• 2.81: 540i manual, 530d automatic
• 2.64: 525tds manual
• 2.93: 528i/530i manual
• 3.07: 528iT/530iT manual and 525d automatic
• 3.15: 525i/525tds automatic, 540i automatic
• 3.15 (LSD): M5
• 3.23: 525iT manual
• 3.38/3.46: 525i Auto <ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• 3.46: 528i/530i (5-speed) automatic
• 4.10: 528i (4-speed) automatic

Steering

Unusually, two different steering systems were used for the E39, depending on the engine. Models with four-cylinder and six-cylinder models use rack and pinion steering,<ref name = "Bent-Eight_Beemer">Template:Cite web</ref> the first time this system has been used in a 5 Series (except for the E34 525iX model). This system steers from the front of the axle.<ref name = "PDD"/>

Models with V8 engines use recirculating ball steering, as per the previous generations of 5 Series.<ref name = "PDD"/>

Chassis and body

Compared with its E34 predecessor, the E39's wheelbase grew by Template:Convert and overall length by Template:Convert. Torsional rigidity was increased over the E34 by 40 percent, which reduces body flex and allows the suspension to operate more accurately, also improving ride quality.<ref name = "PDD"/> Structural dynamics were also an objective of the body design, so the body's frequencies for torsional twisting and bending are in separate ranges and above the natural frequency of the body. These frequencies are out of the range of engine and driveline vibrations, to avoid vibrations being amplified.<ref name="PDD">Template:Cite journal</ref>

Due to a stiffer body shell, the weight of the chassis increased by Template:Convert,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which is offset by the reduced weight of some aluminium suspension components. The wagon version was Template:Convert longer than the previous generation (E34) and weighed approximately Template:Convert more.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Suspension

The E39 was the first 5 Series to use aluminium for most components in the front suspension. The proportion of chassis components using aluminium significantly increased for the E39.<ref name="BMW classic"/>

The front suspension consists of a double-jointed version of the MacPherson strut,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> with six-cylinder cars using an aluminium front subframe. Aluminium is used for the steering knuckles, outer strut tube and the spring pads, resulting in a weight saving of Template:Convert.<ref name = "PDD"/> V8 models also use aluminium in the steering box and several suspension links,<ref name = "PDD"/> to compensate for the heavier steel subframe.

The rear suspension consists of a four link design (called "Z-link"), which is similar to the system used by the E38 7 Series. The design minimises unintentional toe angle changes, which increases the stability of the handling.<ref name = "PDD"/>

Wagon self-levelling suspension

The Touring model was the first BMW model to use air suspension (self-levelling suspension was first used by BMW for the E23 7 Series with a closed-loop nitrogen system that operated in parallel with the steel springs).<ref name=":0" /> This "self leveling" system controls the ride height of the rear of the vehicle and is designed to keep the centre of the wheel a specified distance from the lip of the fender as the weight of the load in the boot area varies.

Instead of using a traditional coil springs, the system uses pneumatic springs paired with air reservoirs that are pressurised by an air compressor.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> The system is controlled by two Hall effect sensors at the rear of the vehicle.<ref name=":1" /> These sensors tell the EHC (electric height control) if the rear ride height needs to be adjusted and adjust headlight height for vehicles equipped with Xenon headlights.<ref name=":1" /> When a door or the rear hatch is opened and then closed the control module will constantly monitor the input signals from the HALL sensors and will activate a correction if the ride height has change greater than 10mm.<ref name=":1" /> During normal operation the system stays online but does not adjust to conditions such as potholes.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>

Headlight Lighting Technology (Front Illumination)

The BMW 5 Series E39 was offered with several headlight configurations depending on trim level and equipment package. Models equipped with conventional halogen headlamps utilized H7 bulbs for the low-beam function, whereas vehicles fitted with factory xenon (HID) systems employed D2S discharge lamps, engineered to deliver a more concentrated light output and a color temperature closer to natural daylight. Regardless of lighting specification—halogen or xenon—the high-beam function across all E39 variants was standardized with HB3 (9005) bulbs, ensuring simplified maintenance and cross-compatibility throughout the model lineup.

The optical design of the E39 headlight assemblies, including the signature “corona ring” elements, was developed to optimize beam distribution and enhance road illumination under nighttime conditions. This configuration allowed both halogen and xenon systems to achieve more uniform light dispersion and improved forward visibility. As a result, the E39 gained recognition for offering one of the most effective lighting systems in its segment at the time.<ref>https://otoled.com/bmw/5-serisi-e39 </ref>

M5 model

M5 rear (post-facelift)

M5 front (post-facelift)

The M5 model of the E39 was introduced in 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show and was produced from 1998 to 2003. It was powered by the S62 V8 engine producing 394 horsepower. All E39 M5 cars that were made were sold in the saloon body style with a 6-speed manual transmission. A single M5 Touring model was made, but was never sold or put into production.

Alpina E39 models

Alpina B10 V8

The Alpina B10 3.2, 3.3, V8 and V8S petrol-engined models were built in saloons and wagon body styles based on the E39 from January 1997 to May 2004.<ref name= "ALPINA">Template:Cite web</ref>

The Alpina B10 3.2 was based on an E39 528i saloon produced by Alpina from August 1997 to December 1998. It was first shown to the public at the IAA Motor show in 1997. The engine is a 6 cylinder petrol producing 260 bhp and 330 nm of torque to the rear driving wheels. 0–60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 160 miles per hour. The B10 3.2 was only available to buy in a 5 speed manual ZF gearbox and only 260 were ever made.

The Alpina B10 3.3 was based on an E39 528i Touring produced by Alpina from February 1999 to October 2003. It was first shown to the public at the Geneva Motor show in 1999. The engine is a 6 cylinder petrol producing 280 bhp and 335 nm of torque to the rear driving wheels. 0–60 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 162 miles per hour. The B10 3.3 was available to buy in a 5 speed manual ZF gearbox or a switchtronic gearbox and only 240 were ever made.

The Alpina B10 V8 pre-facelift was based on an E39 540i saloon produced by Alpina from January 1997 to October 1998. The engine is an 8 cylinder petrol producing 340 bhp and 470 nm of torque to the rear driving wheels. 0–60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 180 miles per hour. The steering wheel was hand stitched by a professional working for Alpina. The B10 V8 pre-facelift was available to buy in a 5 speed manual ZF gearbox or an automatic gearbox and with it being one of Alpina's most successful cars, roughly 1300 were sold worldwide also including the post-facelift models, the Touring models and the B10 V8 S models.

The Alpina B10 V8 post-facelift was based on an E39 540i saloon produced by Alpina from September 2000 to February 2002. The engine is an 8 cylinder petrol producing 347 bhp and 480 nm of torque to the rear driving wheels. 0–60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 173 miles per hour. The B10 V8 post-facelift was available to buy in a 5 speed manual ZF gearbox or an automatic gearbox.

The Alpina B10 V8 Touring was based on an E39 540i Touring produced by Alpina from October 1998 to July 2000. The engine is an 8 cylinder petrol producing 347 bhp and 480 nm of torque to the rear driving wheels. 0–60 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 173 miles per hour. The B10 V8 Touring was available to buy in a 5 speed manual ZF gearbox or an automatic gearbox.

The Alpina B10 V8 S was based on an E39 540i saloon produced by Alpina from January 2002 to May 2004. The engine is an 8 cylinder petrol producing 375 bhp and 510 nm of torque to the rear driving wheels. 0–60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 176 miles per hour. The B10 V8 S was available to buy in a 5 speed automatic.

The Alpina D10 Biturbo was the first diesel car produced by Alpina and was based on an E39 530d. The D10 was in production from April 2000 to October 2003. It was first shown to the public in 1999 at the Geneva Motor show The engine was a 6 cylinder diesel producing 500 nm of torque to the rear driving wheels. 0–60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 157 miles per hour. The D10 Biturbo was available to buy in a Getrag 6 speed manual or a ZF 5 speed automatic and only 94 were ever made.

The Alpina D10 was the first diesel model produced by Alpina and was introduced in February 2000. The engine, a 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged unit rated at Template:Convert and Template:Convert of torque, was based on the engine of the 530d model.<ref name="ALPINA" />

Special protection line model

The 540i Protection light-armored vehicle was launched in Europe in September 1997 and in North America from January 1998.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> These models included aramid fibre armor, bullet-resistant glass that is coated with polycarbonate to reduce spall. The 540i Protection is rated to withstand the impact of handgun fire up to and including .44 Magnum,<ref name="IDS 540i">Template:Cite web</ref> the glass is also protected from attack with blunt objects such as baseball bats and bricks.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The additional security measures brought an additional weight of Template:Convert compared to the normal 540i saloon.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> on request, an intercom system was available and from January 1998 run-flat wheels were available.<ref name = "IDS 540i"/>

Model year changes

Most changes occur in September each year, when the changes for the following model year go into production, as is typical BMW practice. Therefore, the changes for 1996 represent the 1997 model year, for example.

1996

• Station wagon (estate, marketed as "Touring") body style introduced.
• 525td model introduced.

1997

• On-board computer upgraded.
• Cornering Brake Control introduced.
• Rear side airbags introduced.

1998

• M5 model introduced.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Lower-body rear side airbags were standard on the M5, remaining optional for other models.
• M52 straight-six engines updated to M52TU.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• M62 V8 engines updated to M62TU.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• 530d model introduced, using the new M57 straight-six turbo-diesel engine.
• Xenon headlights introduced.
• Parking sensors ("Park Distance Control") introduced.
• Self-levelling rear suspension introduced for Estate models.
• Stability control upgraded (from ASC+T to DSC).
• Self-Adjusting Clutch (SAC) introduced on the straight-six petrol engines.
• Air conditioning, electric rear windows and on board computer added to standard equipment
• Satellite navigation upgraded from MKI (or Mark I) to MKII.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Like the MKI, the MKII uses a 4:3 screen and stores the maps on a CD.

1999

• Rain-sensing windshield wiping introduced (June 1999).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Front seat airbags upgraded to dual stage.<ref name="USA MY changes">Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Rp
• 520d model (using M47 inline-four engine) introduced, replaces the 525td model (M51 engine).<ref name="520d, 525d">Template:Cite web</ref>
• 525d model (using M57 engine) replaces the 525tds model (M51 engine).<ref name="520d, 525d" />

2000 facelift

The E39 facelift (also known as LCI) models began production in September 2000 (for the 2001 model year).<ref name="Facelift press">Template:Cite web</ref>

• 520i, 525i and 530i models (using M54 engines) replace the 520i, 523i and 528i model (M52TU engines).<ref name="Facelift press" />
• 530d model receives power increase.<ref name="Facelift press" />
• Kidney grilles on all models are changed to those of the M5.<ref name="Facelift press" />
• Revised external door handles - now in plastic rather than metal.
• Revised "angel eye" headlights.<ref name="Facelift press" />
• Revised tail lights with LED running lights.<ref name="Facelift press" />
• Navigation screen updated from 4:3 to larger 16:9 widescreen.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

• 
  E39 saloon (facelift; front)
• 
  E39 Touring (facelift; front)
• 
  E39 saloon (facelift; rear)
• 
  E39 Touring (facelift; rear)

2001

• Automatic transmission cars had the manual shift direction switched (to forwards for downshifts, backwards for upshifts).
• Front brakes were upgraded with Template:Cvt discs and new calipers on six-cylinder models.
• Automatic headlights introduced.
• In-dash CD player becomes available on all models.<ref name="USA MY changes"/>Template:Refpage
• Power passenger seat becomes standard on six-cylinder models and automatic climate control becomes standard on 525i.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• M Sport package introduced for the 540i<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

2002

• Navigation computer updated to “Mk IV” Used 2 DVD maps instead of 8 CDs).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

2003

• Additional chrome trim added on the trunk (boot) and on the sides of the body.

Country-specific model ranges

Indonesia

In Indonesia, the initial model range in 1996 was the 523i and 528i,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> with only the 523i available with a manual transmission. Following the September 2000 facelift, the line-up consisted of 520i, 525i and 530i. Indonesian models were assembled in Jakarta from complete knock-down kits.

United States

From 1997 to 1998, the E39 model range in North America consisted of the 528i and 540i, In 1999 the M5 was introduced along with station wagon (marketed as "sports wagon") versions of the 528i and 540i. For the 2001 model year, the 528i was discontinued and replaced by the 525i (525i Touring in estate/wagon format) and 530i (with no wagon variant in the US).

In 2001, the American market 540i's power output was increased to Template:Convert,<ref name="USA MY changes"/>Template:Refpage<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> unlike other markets where the 540i's power remained at Template:Convert.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> All North American models from factory arrived pre-wired for mobile phones; it was a dealer option to have a mobile phone installed into the centre console. The station wagon models were marketed as "Sports Wagon" and standard features included roof rails for mounting a roof rack.

In 2003 BMW sold the 540i M-Sport package as a limited production model in the United States, with 1,190 cars produced with a manual transmission.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Upgrades included 18-inch wheels and various cosmetic features.

Sales in the United States for May 1999 to May 2000 were 19,294 vehicles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following year, sales for May 2000 to May 2001 were 15,233 vehicles.

Motorsport

The M5 was used by several teams in the Italian Superstars Series.<ref>Template:Cite web; Template:Cite web; Template:Cite web; Template:Cite web</ref>

Awards

Car and Driver featured the E39 in its "10Best list" six consecutive times, from 1997 to 2002.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2001, Consumer Reports gave the 530i its highest car rating ever, declaring it the best car they had ever reviewed to date.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Other reviewers have also praised the E39 models.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Safety

Euro NCAP scores (1998)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Adult Occupant:	Template:Rating
Pedestrian:	Template:Rating

The series tested for IIHS's "moderate overlap front" test and received 'Good' rating results, the highest available.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Production

The first pilot production models were built in February 1995,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> with full-scale production starting in September that year.Template:Citation needed Most cars were built at the Dingolfing factory,<ref name="BMW classic">Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Refpage with complete knock-down assembly used in Mexico,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Indonesia and Russia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> CKD production amounted to 17,280, with total production numbering 1,488,038 of which 266,209 units were Touring models.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>