BMW 5 Series E39 535i V8 (245 Hp) Automatic


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 345 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1610 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.9 s). The top speed reaches 250 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.

535i V8 (245 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Smooth and powerful V8 provides effortless acceleration and a refined driving experience, though the automatic can feel less engaging than a manual.

Fuel Economy

As expected for a V8, fuel economy is a significant compromise, particularly in urban settings. High running costs are typical.

Best Use Case: Highway cruising, spirited driving, luxury touring.

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(Touring (E39): 1996 - 2000).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:5 Series
Generation:E39
Modification (Engine):535i V8 (245 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1998
End of production:2000
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:245 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:70 Hp/l [30mm less]
Torque:345 Nm @ 3800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M62B35 More details about the engine M62B35
Engine displacement:3498
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:7.5 l
Coolant:12 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:84 mm mm
Piston Stroke:78.9 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:16.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.5 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:6.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:6.9 sec
Maximum speed:250 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:6.6 kg/Hp, 152.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.7 kg/Nm, 214.3 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:6.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1610
Max. weight:2150
Max load:540
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:460 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4775 mm mm [30mm less]
Width:1800 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1435 mm mm [10mm less]
Wheelbase:2830 mm mm [20mm less]
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 typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/55 R16W
Wheel rims size16
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionSeveral levers and rods

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