E39

E39
Name	BMW 5 Series (E39)
Manufacturer	Bayerische Motoren Werke
Production	1995–2003
Class	Executive car
Body style	4-door saloon, 5-door touring
Layout	Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, optional All-wheel drive
Wheelbase	2810 mm
Length	4724–4868 mm
Width	1775–1840 mm
Height	1420–1460 mm
Predecessor	BMW 5 Series (E34)
Successor	BMW 5 Series (E60)

E39 The BMW 5 Series model introduced in the mid-1990s represented a pivotal executive automobile offering from Bayerische Motoren Werke that blended luxury, performance, and technology. Launched during the tenures of Bernd Pischetsrieder and Helmut Panke at the company, it competed directly with rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz W210, Audi A6 (C5), and the Lexus GS. It established benchmarks for chassis dynamics, safety features, and drivetrain range that influenced subsequent models from BMW and other manufacturers like Jaguar and Volvo Cars.

Overview

The vehicle was marketed as a premium executive saloon and touring model, aimed at customers of Deutsche Bahn executives, banking professionals in Frankfurt am Main, and fleet buyers such as Sixt SE. Its platform shared engineering philosophies with BMW 7 Series (E38) but prioritized weight distribution and handling akin to Alpina-tuned variants. The design language was overseen by studio teams that had previously worked on projects for Mini (2001) and influenced later designs from Toyota and Honda in the executive segment.

Design and Development

The exterior design program was led by BMW design staff who collaborated with suppliers in Munich and coachbuilders in Ingolstadt. The body-in-white and structural engineering incorporated high-strength steel and early use of aluminum panels, techniques similar to those in the Audi A8 (D2). Suspension geometry evolved from developments at BMW Motorsport and influenced by testing on circuits such as the Nürburgring and Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Interior ergonomics drew on lessons from the BMW 7 Series (E38), with controls and materials sourced from suppliers serving Porsche and Lexus.

Models and Variants

Available bodystyles included a four-door saloon and a five-door touring, with performance-oriented models tuned by BMW M GmbH and limited-production runs by Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH + Co. KG. Trim levels and special editions were sold across markets including United Kingdom, United States, Japan, and Germany, with market-specific options influenced by legislation such as emissions rules in California and taxation regimes in Italy. Fleet derivatives were popular with corporations like Deutsche Post and rental companies such as Avis Budget Group.

Engines and Performance

Powertrains spanned inline-six petrol and diesel engines, V8 petrol units, and turbocharged variants, with engineering contributions from BMW powertrain teams who previously worked on engines for BMW M3 (E36) and the BMW 7 Series (E38). Notable engine families included straight-six units used by fleets in France and V8 variants competing against units in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210). Performance variants delivered acceleration and handling capabilities assessed at test venues including Silverstone Circuit and Autodromo Nazionale Monza, with aftermarket tuning offered by companies such as AC Schnitzer and Hartge.

Safety and Technology

Safety systems incorporated early electronic stability control calibrated by BMW engineers who had collaborated with Bosch and tested at facilities like the Idiada Vehicle Engineering test center. Airbag systems and occupant protection mirrored developments seen in models from Volvo Cars and Saab Automobile. Technology features included multi-zone climate control, navigation systems developed with suppliers involved in Garmin partnerships, and infotainment interfaces that presaged later integration in models by Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

Production and Sales

Manufacturing took place at BMW plants with logistics links to suppliers across Germany, United Kingdom, and South Africa, and sales were strong in markets such as China, United States, and United Kingdom. The model supported dealer networks including BMW UK, BMW of North America, and distributor operations in Australia and Canada. Corporate fleet purchases and leasing were influential, with large orders from companies like Siemens and government fleets in several European capitals.

Legacy and Motorsport

The car left a lasting legacy through tuning houses like Alpina and AC Schnitzer and its use in motorsport series assisted by BMW Motorsport in touring car endurance events at circuits such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and Spa 24 Hours. Its platform influenced subsequent executive models from BMW and competitors including Mercedes-Benz and Audi, and it remains a popular choice for historic racing and owner clubs associated with organizations like the BMW Car Club of America and the BMW Club GB.

Category:BMW vehicles Category:Executive cars Category:1990s automobiles Category:2000s automobiles