1999 BMW 5 Series 540iA
_(55012871210).jpg)
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: BMW 525i (E39, 2003) (55012871210) by Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW M5 E39 speedometer by inkiboo, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW E39 523i Gauges by Untitled, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW E39 523i instrument panel by Untitled, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1999 BMW 5 Series 540iA is a 282-hp 4.4-liter V8 with a 5-speed automatic. It starts at $51,100 MSRP.
It makes 282 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 324 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
The 5 Series measures 188.0 inches long on a 111.4-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,803 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $51,100 ($99,685 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | Naturally Aspirated 4.4L V8 |
| Displacement | 4.4 L |
| Horsepower | 282 hp @ 5,400 rpm |
| Torque | 324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 32V |
| Bore and Stroke | 92 x 82.7 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Injection Type | EFI |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
| 1st Gear | 3.57 |
| 2nd Gear | 2.2 |
| 3rd Gear | 1.51 |
| 4th Gear | 1 |
| 5th Gear | 0.8 |
| Reverse | 4.1 |
| Final Drive | 2.81 |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 18 MPG |
| Highway | 24 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium Unleaded |
| Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Independent w/Coil Springs |
| Rear Suspension | Four-link w/Anti-Roll Bar |
| Turning Diameter | 37.4 ft |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | 12.8 x 1.18 in |
| Rear Brake Disc | 11.7 x 0.79 in |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 16 x 7 in |
| Wheels Rear | 16 x 7 in |
| Tires Front | P225/55HR16 |
| Tires Rear | P225/55HR16 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 188 in |
| Width | 70.9 in |
| Height | 56.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in |
| Front Track | 59.5 in |
| Rear Track | 60.1 in |
| Cargo Volume | 11.1 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 3,803 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 37.4 in |
| Headroom Rear | 37.2 in |
| Legroom Front | 41.7 in |
| Legroom Rear | 34.2 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 56.8 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 55.9 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1999 BMW 5 Series 540iA with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1999 BMW 5 SERIES. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Aug 28, 2019 · STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles. The steering center rods may have an insufficient ball pin pull force that may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
Consequence: If the steering rod detaches from the steerable wheel knuckle, it can cause sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.
NHTSA campaign 19E058000
2 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1999 BMW 5 SERIES
Owner Complaints
2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 BMW 5 SERIES. See all on nhtsa.gov
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Air | 1 |
| Hydraulic | 1 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1999 BMW 5 SERIES. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.