BMW 5 Series E39 528i (193 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.9 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

BMW 5 Series:

The BMW 5 Series is an executive car manufactured and marketed by BMW since 1972. It is the successor to the BMW New Class sedans and is currently in its eighth generation. The car is sold as either a sedan or, since 1991, a station wagon. A 5-door fastback was sold between 2009 and 2017. Each successive generation has been given an internal G-code designation since 2017. Previously, a F-code designation was used between 2010 and 2016, while an E-code designation was used between 1972 and 2010. These are used to distinguish each model and generation from each other....(Read more on Wikipedia)

E39 Overview:

BMW 5 Series (E39). With 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1500 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.5 s). The top speed reaches 240 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

528i (193 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Often hailed as the best all-rounder, the 528i offers robust straight-six power, excellent refinement, and strong acceleration. Manual gearbox is highly recommended.

Fuel Economy

Very respectable fuel economy for its performance, making it a highly practical and enjoyable daily driver.

Best Use Case: Daily driver, enthusiast choice, mixed driving, long-distance.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional ride quality and handling balance
  • • High-quality interior materials and build
  • • Timeless and elegant design
  • • Wide range of refined and powerful engines
  • • Excellent long-distance cruiser with superb ergonomics

Cons:

  • • Common cooling system issues (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank)
  • • Suspension components wear (bushings, ball joints) requiring regular attention
  • • Potential for rust on sills and wheel arches, especially in older models
  • • Electrical gremlins (pixel display issues, window regulators, ABS modules)
  • • V8 engines can be expensive to run and maintain due to complexity and fuel consumption

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E39: 1996 - 2000).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:5 Series
Generation:E39
Modification (Engine):528i (193 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:2000
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:193 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:69.1 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:280 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M52B28 More details about the engine M52B28
Engine displacement:2793
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Coolant:10.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:84 mm
Piston Stroke:84 mm
Compression ratio:10.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.2 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.5 sec
Maximum speed:240 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.8 kg/Hp, 128.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.4 kg/Nm, 186.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1500
Max. weight:2040
Max load:540
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:460 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4775 mm [Same length.]
Width:1800 mm [Same width.]
Height:1435 mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2830 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1512 mm
Rear (Back) track:1526 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/60 R15 W
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionSeveral levers and rods

Your first impression of the BMW 5 Series in one word? Go!