BMW 5 Series fourth generation

BMW 5 Series fourth generation
Photo: OSX / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The BMW 5 Series fourth generation (1996–2003): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 37 versions in the United Kingdom.

Model codes: E39 · Sold in: United Kingdom

Dimensions, weights and capacity

SpecificationNorth AmericaWikipedia
Dimensions
Length–4,775–4,805 mm
Width–1,800 mm
Height–1,435–1,445 mm
Wheelbase–2,830 mm
Weights and towing
Kerb weight–1,500–1,845 kg
Seats and space
Luggage space (EPA)311–934 L EPA–
Passenger space (EPA)2,633–2,747 L EPA–
Performance
Top speed–204–250 km/h
Torque–190–500 Nm

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: Wikipedia (en, cs, sv), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at testPass rateUK averageTests
13 years and older70.4% (69.9–70.9)69.2%30,807

What the MOT finds

AreaThis modelUK average, same ages
Brakes43.1%36.4%
Suspension40.4%41.6%
Tyres28.4%31.2%
Noise, emissions and leaks27.3%17.1%
Lights and electrics26.0%28.8%
Body, chassis and structure13.5%18.6%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

681 complaints for model years 1997–2003. 43 crashes · 51 fires · 50 injuries

  • Airbags 140
  • Engine 138
  • Electrical system 81
  • Transmission and drivetrain 53
  • Brakes 29
  • Speed control 27

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 37 versions of the BMW 5 Series fourth generation

Show all 37 versions

United Kingdom 37 versions

New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
2001–2004520i Touring2.2 LPetrol5-speed manual9.5 L/100 km NEDC228 g/km
2001–2004520i Touring2.2 LPetrol5-speed automatic10.1 L/100 km NEDC242 g/km
2000–2004523i Touring · 525i Touring2.5 LPetrol5-speed manual9.8 L/100 km NEDC235 g/km
2001–2004525i Touring2.5 LPetrol5-speed automatic10.5 L/100 km NEDC252 g/km
2001–2004525d Touring2.5 LDiesel5-speed manual7.0 L/100 km NEDC187 g/km
2001–2004525d Touring2.5 LDiesel5-speed automatic8.2 L/100 km NEDC219 g/km
2000–2004530d Saloon2.9 LDiesel5-speed automatic8.3 L/100 km NEDC221 g/km
2000–2004530d Touring2.9 LDiesel5-speed manual7.3 L/100 km NEDC194 g/km
2000–2004530d Touring2.9 LDiesel5-speed automatic8.5 L/100 km NEDC226–227 g/km
2001–2004530i Saloon3.0 LPetrol5-speed automatic10.7 L/100 km NEDC257 g/km
2001–2004530i Touring3.0 LPetrol5-speed manual9.9 L/100 km NEDC238 g/km
2001–2004530i Touring3.0 LPetrol5-speed automatic10.9 L/100 km NEDC261 g/km
2000–2004540i Touring4.4 LPetrol6-speed manual12.4–12.6 L/100 km NEDC299–302 g/km
2000–2004540i Touring4.4 LPetrol5-speed automatic12.6–12.8 L/100 km NEDC304–307 g/km
2001–2003520i Saloon2.2 LPetrol5-speed manual9.0 L/100 km NEDC213 g/km
2001–2003520i Saloon2.2 LPetrol5-speed automatic9.9 L/100 km NEDC237 g/km
2000–2003523i Saloon · 525i Saloon2.5 LPetrol5-speed manual9.4 L/100 km NEDC225 g/km
2001–2003525i Saloon2.5 LPetrol5-speed automatic10.3 L/100 km NEDC247 g/km
2001–2003525d Saloon2.5 LDiesel5-speed manual6.7 L/100 km NEDC179 g/km
2001–2003525d Saloon2.5 LDiesel5-speed automatic8.1 L/100 km NEDC216 g/km
2000–2003530d Saloon2.9 LDiesel5-speed manual7.1 L/100 km NEDC189 g/km
2001–2003530i Saloon3.0 LPetrol5-speed manual9.5 L/100 km NEDC229 g/km
2000–2003535i Saloon3.5 LPetrol5-speed manual11.6–11.8 L/100 km NEDC279–283 g/km
2000–2003535i Saloon3.5 LPetrol5-speed automatic11.7–11.9 L/100 km NEDC282–286 g/km
2000–2003540i Saloon4.4 LPetrol6-speed manual12.1–12.3 L/100 km NEDC292–295 g/km
2000–2003540i Saloon4.4 LPetrol5-speed automatic12.1–12.3 L/100 km NEDC292–295 g/km
2000–2003M5 Saloon4.9 LPetrol6-speed manual13.9–14.4 L/100 km NEDC336–346 g/km
2000520i Saloon2.0 LPetrol5-speed manual9.0 L/100 km NEDC215 g/km
2000520i Saloon2.0 LPetrol5-speed automatic9.9 L/100 km NEDC237 g/km
2000520i Touring2.0 LPetrol5-speed manual9.6 L/100 km NEDC229 g/km
2000520i Touring2.0 LPetrol5-speed automatic10.5 L/100 km NEDC250 g/km
2000523i Saloon2.5 LPetrol5-speed automatic10.3 L/100 km NEDC245 g/km
2000523i Touring2.5 LPetrol5-speed automatic10.7 L/100 km NEDC256 g/km
2000528i Saloon2.8 LPetrol5-speed manual9.5 L/100 km NEDC228 g/km
2000528i Saloon2.8 LPetrol5-speed automatic10.5 L/100 km NEDC252 g/km
2000528i Touring2.8 LPetrol5-speed manual9.8 L/100 km NEDC235 g/km
2000528i Touring2.8 LPetrol5-speed automatic10.7 L/100 km NEDC257 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.