The BMW E39 has rightfully taken its place among the true greats, not only in the canon of the German manufacturer, but also in the entire automotive community. Considered one of the last true analog BMWs, the E39 was designed to perfection. Without the modern electronic amenities of later offerings, the E39 remains a true driver's car. With front-engine and rear-wheel drive, excellent dynamics and a 50/50 weight distribution, it was and still is incredibly engaging to pilot, especially when equipped with one of the larger engines offered.
The E39 was the fourth incarnation of BMW's 5 Series sedan, a model that is still going strong today, although it has more driver assistance systems and electronic dials than we've had hot dinners. And we at Car & Classic like hot dinners. Replacing the aging 5 Series E34, the E39 was a huge step forward in design and technology. Aesthetically, it was a softer car thanks to Joji Nagashima's pens, and engineering was improved across the board, with a whole host of components now manufactured from aluminum, as well as a stiffer body that contributed to how well the car handled.
Various tweaks and improvements have been made over the years, including a facelift in 2000 that also included exterior body and engine upgrades, but overall, the BMW E39 hasn't changed much in nine years of production. If it's not broken and so on. So join us for a closer look at the BMW E39 and discover five things to look out for if you decide to pick up a piece of this rather tasty German car.
ROD
The BME E39 may be an exceptionally well-made car, but they are getting on a bit now and as such various parts and trim will start to degrade. This includes paint and body and so there are a few areas to focus on looking at for rot. Potential problem areas include the wheel arches, the area inside the fuel filler door and the bottom of the doors.
Open all the doors and lift the rubber trim to check for air bubbles or corrosion. Drain holes can also become blocked, and moisture barriers inside doors can deteriorate and fail, letting water into the car, so check carpets for signs of any water or moisture intrusion.
FUNDING
Although handling is the highlight of the car and oversteer is predictable and controlled rear-wheel drive dynamics can catch a novice driver out, especially in more powerful, larger engine cars, so get underneath and check for any accident damage. Wygged chassis rails, poor welding and repairs, and messy panel gaps are clear signs of the car's past performance.
Uneven tire wear can also be a sign of misaligned or damaged suspension and steering, so check all the rubber as well. Take the car for a drive and see if it drives straight and true. It's a tough old beast and so worn suspension bushings can be a problem.
ENGINE
We've all heard the horror stories about the infamous VANOS causing problems. Various parts of the variable valve timing system can fail, including actuators and seals, which will cause loss of power and rough starting problems. The good news is that all of these can be repaired or replaced, so this should not cause problems, although it can be costly depending on the problem.
It's also a good idea to check the cooling system thoroughly. Check all parts from the hoses to the radiator and check for any leaks. While driving, keep an eye on the temperature gauge to make sure everything is kosher and the thermostat is doing its job properly. Timing chains on a V8 can become loose and rattle because of the plastic guides, so listen for any sounds from the engine.
ELECTRONICS
Despite being heralded as the last properly mechanical 5 Series, the BMW E39 still has a whole lot of electronic wizardry on board that should be tested. Prevalent problems include twisting seats and dead pixels. The seat motors become misaligned due to cables slipping from the gears that drive them, causing one side to move independently of the other, instead of in unison.
Pixels on the main dashboard cluster, as well as on the stereo screen, can fail giving uneven readings. An extremely common problem. Window adjusters can also cause headaches, so test all four windows to make sure they are working properly.
SERVICE HISTORY
More important than mileage and perceived condition is a decent service history. The electronic service indicators on these cars can be reset quite easily, so documented evidence of any service and maintenance is essential to support any claim. Check that the VIN number behind the bottom of the windshield matches the sticker in the door jamb.
