BMW E39

The model was presented to the public in September 1995 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Design changes compared to the previous generation ( BMW E34 ) were more significant than in previous generations. In general, the body became less angular, branded double headlights were covered with a common lampshade, the fringing of the radiator grille (“nostrils”) took on a more rounded shape. The center console of the car, as in previous generations, is slightly turned towards the driver. Due to the increase in wheelbase, the space for rear passengers has also increased.

The car's suspension is almost entirely made of aluminum, which has a good effect on the handling of the car, reducing its weight. As a result, the unsprung suspension mass decreased by 36%. The design of the rear suspension with the “steering” action of the rear wheels improves the handling of the car on the road. To better distribute the weight of the car along the axes, the battery is located underground in the luggage compartment.

In the spring of 1997, the Touring station wagon was released, which is 90 mm longer than the sedan and 100 kg heavier. The range of engines is completely identical to the sedan, and the list of standard equipment was supplemented by two side airbags.

In 1998, the production of the BMW M5 began. This car was equipped with a forced 5-liter V8 S62 engine, structurally similar to the serial 4.4-liter M62B44, equipped with a Double-VANOS system and eight individual throttle valves. For the first time on a BMW production model, engine power reached 400 hp. But unlike the BMW E34, there was no M-station wagon based on the E39. The world's only official BMW M5 E39 touring was ordered by the head of the BMW M GmbH.

In 1999, the model received part of the design changes that affected the engines, and did not affect the design of the car. The main changes were that the 6-cylinder engines got control of both camshafts of the Double-VANOS system, the 8-cylinder engines got the VANOS system for intake valves and the two-stage catalytic converters of exhaust gases, which made it possible to satisfy the requirements of Euro 4 2005.

In the same 1999, an 184-horsepower diesel engine with an undivided combustion chamber, Common Rail injection system, turbocharging and intercooler on the BMW 530d model appeared. The car is capable of developing 225 km / h and spending less than 6 l / 100 km in a standard suburban cycle .

At the end of 1999, the first BMW E39 cars assembled at Avtotor JSC in the Kaliningrad Region appeared on Russian roads.

In early 2000, an inexpensive BMW 520d appeared with a 2-liter 4-cylinder direct injection diesel engine. The more powerful BMW 525d replaced the predecessor 525tds with a 143-horsepower diesel engine. The new 2.5-liter, 6-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged diesel engine is equipped with a Common Rail fuel injection system and develops 163 hp.

In September 2000, the BMW E39 underwent a restyling . Externally updated five can be easily recognized by the original lighting technology made using CELIS technology, bumpers and more rounded mirrors. However, the main changes are hidden inside - here immediately appeared three new M54 engines for the BMW 520i, 525i and 530i models. All of them are in-line, 6-cylinder, with the Double-VANOS system. The first engine for the BMW 520i, created on the basis of the old 2-liter unit. An increase in the piston stroke from 66 to 72 mm made it possible to increase the working volume from 1991 to 2171 cm³ and the maximum power from 151 to 170 hp. at 6250 rpm The second engine is the previous 2.5-liter unit of the BMW 523i model, but in the modernized version it develops not more than 170, but 192 hp. (the 523i index was replaced by the correct 525i). The third engine for the BMW 530i, for the first time, in the middle of 2000, appeared on the models of the 3rd series - it is a 3-liter engine with an impressive power of 231 hp. The design features of the model include hydrofilled silent blocks, which better dampen vibration, but wear out quickly enough.

The model was produced until 2003, when it was replaced by the BMW E60 . Station wagons were produced until 2003.

In 2000 there was a car restyling. All the following cars of the “fifth” series in this body were produced in a new form:

• The side (parking) lights of the headlights received a rounded shape in the form of "angel eyes." The taillights have transparent direction indicators, as well as LED side lights.
• The decorative grille has acquired a new, more voluminous appearance.
• The bumper design is slightly modified, the new style of the front fog lights.
• New steering wheel design in the M-style. New driver airbag (dual-design)

The BMW E39 performed pretty well in the Euro NCAP test :

• BMW official website