CarCredo

BMW 5 Series E39 (1995–2004)

4.0/5
Reliability score Good
Email-verified reliability report

Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

4 Verified owner reports

Every report is validated by email.

Most reported affected parts

View all parts
1
Gearbox
3 reports
2
Electronics
1 reports
3
Flywheel
1 reports
4
Fuel pump
1 reports
5
Oil consumption
1 reports

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
520i (150 Hp) (M52B20) 4.0 4 Gearbox, Electronics, Flywheel
520i (150 Hp) Automatic (M52B20) No reports 0 No issues reported
520i (170 Hp) (M54B22) No reports 0 No issues reported
520i (170 Hp) Steptronic (M54B22) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 22 more engines
520i 24V (170 Hp) (M54B22) No reports 0 No issues reported
520i 24V (170 Hp) Steptronic (M54B22) No reports 0 No issues reported
523i (170 Hp) (M52B25) No reports 0 No issues reported
523i (170 Hp) Automatic (M52B25) No reports 0 No issues reported
525i (192 Hp) (M54B25) No reports 0 No issues reported
525i (192 Hp) Steptronic (M54B25) No reports 0 No issues reported
525i 24V (192 Hp) (M54B25) No reports 0 No issues reported
525i 24V (192 Hp) Steptronic (M54B25) No reports 0 No issues reported
528i (193 Hp) (M52B28) No reports 0 No issues reported
528i (193 Hp) Automatic (M52B28) No reports 0 No issues reported
530i 24V (231 Hp) (M54B30) No reports 0 No issues reported
530i 24V (231 Hp) Steptronic (M54B30) No reports 0 No issues reported
535i V8 (235 Hp) (M62B35) No reports 0 No issues reported
535i V8 (235 Hp) Automatic (M62B35) No reports 0 No issues reported
535i V8 (245 Hp) (M62B35TU) No reports 0 No issues reported
535i V8 (245 Hp) (M62B35) No reports 0 No issues reported
535i V8 (245 Hp) Automatic (M62B35) No reports 0 No issues reported
535i V8 (245 Hp) Steptronic (M62B35TU) No reports 0 No issues reported
540i (286 Hp) Steptronic (M62B44) No reports 0 No issues reported
540i V8 (286 Hp) (M62B44) No reports 0 No issues reported
540i V8 (286 Hp) Automatic (M62B44) No reports 0 No issues reported
540i V8 (286 Hp) Steptronic (M62B44) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
520d (136 Hp) (M47D20) No reports 0 No issues reported
525d (163 Hp) (M57D25) No reports 0 No issues reported
525d (163 Hp) Steptronic (M57D25) No reports 0 No issues reported
525tds (143 Hp) (M51D25) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 7 more engines
525tds (143 Hp) Automatic (M51D25) No reports 0 No issues reported
530d (184 Hp) (M57D30) No reports 0 No issues reported
530d (184 Hp) Automatic (M57D30) No reports 0 No issues reported
530d (193 Hp) (M57D30) No reports 0 No issues reported
530d (193 Hp) Steptronic (M57D30) No reports 0 No issues reported
530d 24V (193 Hp) (M57D30) No reports 0 No issues reported
530d 24V (193 Hp) Steptronic (M57D30) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
BMW 5 Series E39 520i (150 Hp) Sedan 190,000 km

Problem: Transmission

The car offers good stability, comfort, and a wide range of features. However, the automatic transmission and ABS/ASC sensors have been problematic. Specifically, the automatic transmission failed completely at 180,000 km.

Pros: Stability, comfort, numerous options
Cons: Automatic transmission, ABS/ASC sensors, Mainly the automatic transmission died at 180,000 km
Verified owner Verified
BMW 5 Series E39 520i (150 Hp) Sedan 220,000 km

Problem: Electronics

The car has issues with its electronics, including various sensors, an airbag warning light, and a rear power window. The chassis itself is generally good, with stable comfort and no oil consumption.

Pros: Comfortable and stable ride, No oil consumption
Cons: Insufficient torque, Steering wheel too large, Stabilizer bar links (at 170,000 km), Various sensors, Airbag warning light, Rear power window, Radiator, Fuel pump, Washer fluid line, Uneven wear on rear tires
Verified owner Verified
BMW 5 Series E39 520i (150 Hp) Sedan 176,000 km

Problem: Gearbox

Very comfortable, smooth, and powerful enough. Complex to troubleshoot yourself, requires very good documentation + heavy car. Transmission fluid change after starting problem, resolved by myself, crankshaft impulse generator (?) + camshaft sensor (?). Soon, I have to redo the rear axle, arm and ball joint, the rubber has aged badly (?).

Pros: Very comfortable, smooth, and powerful enough
Cons: Complex to troubleshoot yourself, requires very good documentation + heavy car, Transmission fluid change after starting problem, resolved by myself, crankshaft impulse generator + camshaft sensor, Rear axle, arm and ball joint need repair, rubber has aged badly
Verified owner Verified
BMW 5 Series E39 520i (150 Hp) Sedan 280,000 km

Problem: Air Conditioning

Reliability is excellent. Nearly 60,000 km with only one issue: a broken heater hose. Otherwise, only routine maintenance. The wheel bearings were noisy, but the car likely hit a curb. Very comfortable and easy to maintain, with all components accessible under the hood. Headlights can be removed in 2 minutes. Basic but well-equipped trim level includes automatic climate control and cruise control. Easy to upgrade; I added electric leather seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Pros: Reliability, Comfortable, Easy maintenance, Well-equipped trim, Simple to upgrade
Cons: Heater hose failure, Opaque headlights, Wheel bearing noise

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