BMW · Wagon · 1995–2003
BMW 5er E39 Touring
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
★★★★★
2.2 / 5.0 · Based on 10 engine variants Most Fun Engine
286 PS
4.4L V8 Benzin
V8 Gentleman
Fun to Drive! Problem Engine
116–136 PS
2.0L Diesel Diesel
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Engine Overview
The BMW 5er E39 Touring is available with 9 engine variants — from 116 to 286 hp.
520d
2000 2003
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
530d
1998 2003
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
520i Engine Change
1996 2000
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2000 2003
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2000 2003
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
523i Engine Change
1995 2000
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
1995 2000
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
525i
2000 2003
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
528i
1996 2000
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
530i
2000 2003
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
535i
1996 2003
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
540i
1996 2003
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear integral arms worn Rear integral arms wear regularly. When the ball joint is worn out the rear wheel loses lateral support. Typical problem over 100,000 km. Symptoms: Squeaking or creaking at the rear axle over bumps, slight play in rear wheel, instability in corners. from 100,000 km | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the BMW 5er E39 Touring have? +
The BMW 5er E39 as Touring has 68 known weaknesses, 7 vehicle-related.
Which engine is recommended? +
Be Careful: M52B20 (2.0L 24V), M52B25 (2.5L 24V), M52B28 (2.8L 24V), M54B25 (2.5L 24V), M54B30 (3.0L 24V), M62B44 (4.4L V8). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'.
Is the BMW 5er E39 Touring worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the BMW 5er E39 Touring — 4 of 10 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'.
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee