Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) 525tds (143 Hp)
Overall Rating
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)
Touring (E39) Overview:
BMW 5 Series (Touring (E39)). With 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11 l/100km). With a weight of 1575 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.4 s). The top speed reaches 203 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
525tds (143 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate performance for daily driving, with the manual gearbox offering slightly more driver engagement than the automatic.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy for a diesel, especially on longer journeys, but not class-leading.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement for its class.
- • Timeless, elegant design that still looks good today.
- • Engaging driving dynamics and precise steering.
- • Spacious and practical Touring body style with ample cargo space.
- • Strong and diverse engine lineup, from economical diesels to powerful V8s.
Cons:
- • Can be expensive to maintain as they age, especially with complex electronics.
- • Rust can be an issue on certain areas (e.g., tailgate, sills).
- • Older diesel engines (M51) are less refined and powerful than modern units.
- • Some common electrical gremlins and cooling system vulnerabilities.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Touring (E39): 1995 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 5 Series |
| Generation: | Touring (E39) |
| Modification (Engine): | 525tds (143 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 143 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 57.2 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 280 Nm @ 2200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M51D25 More details about the engine M51D25 |
| Engine displacement: | 2498 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.75 l |
| Coolant: | 10 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 203 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11 kg/Hp, 90.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.6 kg/Nm, 177.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1575 |
| Max. weight: | 2235 |
| Max load: | 660 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1525 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 410 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4805 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1800 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1445 mm mm [5mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2850 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Front track: | 1512 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1526 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R16 95V |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Inclined Lever |
Driven it? Loved it? Hated it? Share your honest review!