BMW 5 Series fourth generation

Photo: OSX / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The BMW 5 Series fourth generation (1997–2003): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 30 versions in the United States and Canada.

Model codes: E39 · Sold in: United States and Canada

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	North America	Wikipedia
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 test	Pass rate	UK average	Tests
13 years and older	70.4% (69.9–70.9)	69.2%	30,807

What the MOT finds

Area	This model	UK average, same ages
Brakes	43.1%	36.4%
Suspension	40.4%	41.6%
Tyres	28.4%	31.2%
Noise, emissions and leaks	27.3%	17.1%
Lights and electrics	26.0%	28.8%
Body, chassis and structure	13.5%	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 30 versions of the BMW 5 Series fourth generation

Show all 30 versions

United States 17 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Drive	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2001–2003	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	19–21 MPG (11.2–12.4 L/100 km) EPA	263–291 g/km
2002–20033MODE · 3MODE CLKUP	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA	276 g/km
20033MODE CLKUP	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA	263 g/km
2001–2003	3.0 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	21–22 MPG (10.7–11.2 L/100 km) EPA	251–263 g/km
20033MODE CLKUP	3.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA	276 g/km
1997–2003(FFS) · CLKUP	4.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA	307 g/km
1999–2003GUZZLER	4.4 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km
2003GUZZLER, 3MODE CLKUP	4.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
2001–20023MODE	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA	276–291 g/km
2001–20023MODE	3.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA	291 g/km
1999–20023MODE · GUZZLER, 3MODE	4.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km
1998–2000	2.8 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	19–21 MPG (11.2–12.4 L/100 km) EPA	263–291 g/km
1998–2000	2.8 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA	291 g/km
20002MODE	2.8 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA	291 g/km
1997–1998(GUZZLER) (FFS)	4.4 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km
1997(FFS)	2.8 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA	291 g/km
1997(FFS)	2.8 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA	263 g/km

Canada 13 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2001–2003Compact	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	11.0–11.2 L/100 km 5-cycle	253–258 g/km
2001–2003Station wagon: Small	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	11.9–12.0 L/100 km 5-cycle	274–276 g/km
2001–2003Station wagon: Small	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	11.9–12.2 L/100 km 5-cycle	274–281 g/km
2001–2003Compact	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	11.3–11.5 L/100 km 5-cycle	260–265 g/km
2001–2003Compact	3.0 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	10.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	251 g/km
2001–2003Compact	3.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	12.1–12.2 L/100 km 5-cycle	278–281 g/km
1997–2003Compact	4.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	12.8–13.0 L/100 km 5-cycle	294–299 g/km
1997–2003Compact	4.4 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	13.8–14.4 L/100 km 5-cycle	317–331 g/km
1999–2003Station wagon: Small	4.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	13.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	320 g/km
1999–2000Compact · Station wagon: Small	2.8 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	12.5 L/100 km 5-cycle	288 g/km
1997–2000Compact	2.8 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	11.2–11.4 L/100 km 5-cycle	258–262 g/km
1999–2000Station wagon: Small	2.8 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	12.4 L/100 km 5-cycle	285 g/km
1997–1998Compact	2.8 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	12.1–12.2 L/100 km 5-cycle	278–281 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.