BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) 525tds (143 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.8 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 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)

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 10.7 s). The top speed reaches 210 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) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Adequate for cruising, but the older M51 diesel lacks the refinement and punch of newer units. Acceleration is modest.

Fuel Economy

Decent for its era, with reasonable highway efficiency. Urban consumption is higher.

Best Use Case: Long-distance highway cruising.

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) Automatic
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 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.7 sec
Maximum speed:210 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:10.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1575
Max. weight:2205
Max load:630
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:1440 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2850 mm mm [20mm more]
Front track:1512 mm
Rear (Back) track:1522 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):120 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 brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/65 R16
Wheel rims size16
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionInclined Lever

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