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BMW 5 Series E39 525tds (143 Hp) Automatic
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)
E39 Overview:
BMW 5 Series (E39). With 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1555 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 s). The top speed reaches 205 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.
525tds (143 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate performance for daily driving, but the older M51 diesel lacks the refinement and punch of newer common-rail units. The automatic transmission further blunts acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for its time, especially on longer journeys, but not class-leading by modern standards. Running costs are generally low.
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): 1995 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 5 Series |
| Generation: | E39 |
| Modification (Engine): | 525tds (143 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 143 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 57.2 Hp/l [30mm less] |
| 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: | 13 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 205 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.9 kg/Hp, 92 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.6 kg/Nm, 180.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1555 |
| Max. weight: | 2015 |
| Max load: | 460 |
| 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 [5mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2830 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1516 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1530 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 | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Several levers and rods |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the BMW 5 Series?