e39 pre facelift vs e39 facelift...

[EuJax]

Hi guys, I tried to look up for the differences between the facelift and non facelift version of e39, unfortunately i couldnt get much. Could you guys share with me the differences ie the engine, interior, exterior... Would appreciate your help a lot, thanks. Regards

 

[IsaacVky]

Clear lenses(Post) and amber lenses(Pre) for the headlamp and taillight's signal.

 

[EuJax]

Thanks. Apart from that?

 

[Jerman]

Thanks. Apart from that?

1. Round fog lights instead of rectangular
2. Body strip without chrome lining
3. 10 airbags
4. After year 2001, M54 engine(drive-by-wire) vs M52
5. Interior changes to the control panel design

 

[wc9922]

1) Steptronic +/- directional positions changed

 

[EuJax]

Thank you guys. So i suppose the drive-by-wire m54 is smoother compare to the M52? Sorry as i am very new to all the 5 series, is the M52 used in the last batch of the e34?

And actually the most i like to hear from fellow forummers is, would you all go for a facelift version over a pre facelift and reasons? I know the later version is much sleeker and looks a whole lot better with angel eyes and sportier kits, but apart from that? How does maintenance compare ? M52 easier or M54?

Thank you people.



Regards

 

[Jerman]

Thank you guys. So i suppose the drive-by-wire m54 is smoother compare to the M52? Sorry as i am very new to all the 5 series, is the M52 used in the last batch of the e34? How does maintenance compare ? M52 easier or M54?
Regards

bro,
No, the last batch of E34's are running on M50 engine while the first batch of E39 on M52. If budget permits, go for the M54 engine. Even the first batch of E60 (520i, 525i & 530i) are running on M54 engine. Maintenance is about the same. Some items for the M54 may cost a little more (between RM 50-100) eg. fuel filter

More info as follows,


The BMW E39 was one of BMW's most successful cars, with several different models. These included:

• 1996–2000 520i - 2.0 L M52B20 I6, 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp)
• 2000–2003 520i - 2.2 L M54B22 I6, 127 kW (173 PS; 170 hp)
• 1996–2000 523i - 2.5 L M52B25 I6, 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp)
• 2000–2003 525i - 2.5 L M54B25 I6, 137 kW (186 PS; 184 hp)
• 1996–1999 528i - 2.8 L M52B28 I6, 144 kW (196 PS; 193 hp)
• 1999–2000 528i - 2.8 L M52B28 TU I6, 144 kW (196 PS; 193 hp)
• 2000–2003 530i - 3.0 L M54B30 I6, 172 kW (234 PS; 231 hp)

 

[EuJax]

Thank you very much Jerman. The info you gave is very useful for me. The later version will definitely be better, looking at the output and horsepowers, the extras inside out and stuff. But at the end, hunting on used cars depends solely on what i can find and the price...by luck i'd say. 520i, 523i, 525i....they are all great cars. Manual tranny would be blessed...

Of course, my dream would be the 540i (M) as i enquired in a thread below. Happen to spot one but owner is not selling yet, plus i am tight in pockets to even just imagine the maintenance of the 4.4 V8. So settling on a smaller engine is another alternative i suppose.

Lastly, to me, the e39 is one of the most beautiful "modern-yet-old school" BMW ever. Love it so much since i first saw it since 97. Somehow, the e60 does not give me such excitement even up till now. Would prefer e39 over the successor anytime.

And i am still driving a e30 M40 now Enjoy every minute of it too.






Regards

 

[EuJax]

If i may add, if any of you e39 drivers who is having a TT, i hope i can join u guys to learn more bout the ride. Thanks and please feel free to PM me for TT. Cheers.



Regards

 

[wc9922]

Go with the M54's. They have refined it after 2001. There is better use of torque and power on these cars. Now prices are affordable than before.

 

[funfer_fahrer]

Thanks. Apart from that?

1. Round fog lights instead of rectangular
2. Body strip without chrome lining
3. 10 airbags
4. After year 2001, M54 engine(drive-by-wire) vs M52
5. Interior changes to the control panel design

6. The size of the rear lights on the pre-facelift is not the same as the size of the facelited model althought they look identical.

 

[525i]

6. The size of the rear lights on the pre-facelift is not the same as the size of the facelited model althought they look identical.

Speaking of rear lights, the post 2001 models comes with Celis LED lights.

 

[IsaacVky]

Thank you very much Jerman. The info you gave is very useful for me. The later version will definitely be better, looking at the output and horsepowers, the extras inside out and stuff. But at the end, hunting on used cars depends solely on what i can find and the price...by luck i'd say. 520i, 523i, 525i....they are all great cars. Manual tranny would be blessed...

Of course, my dream would be the 540i (M) as i enquired in a thread below. Happen to spot one but owner.......

Bro if you can afford a 540i, why not you just go for the 530i M54B30 :top:

 

[EuJax]

Hi guys, thank you all for your info and advice. Appreciate it alot.

525i, what is Celis LED?

Isaac, the reason why i love the 540i so much is because of its 6 speed manual tranny...and i doubt if i can find any 530i or any smaller engine with that...i just love manual tranny If i am going to drive an auto, i'll be happy with just a M54 520i or a M52 523i. Sufficient

Keep your thoughts coming guys if you have anything to add Cheers.





Regards

 

[525i]

525i, what is Celis LED?

Celis LED is using rows of LED lights instead of a single light bulb. It has a transformer and ballast as well if I am not mistaken. It looks better IMHO. It is only for the back lights and not the signal or reverse lights.

 

[EuJax]

Thanks 525i...i did notice that too. The facelift e39 have a tail lights looks like lines, which is much more modern in style.

 

[azan23uk]

manual tranny

Isaac, the reason why i love the 540i so much is because of its 6 speed manual tranny...and i doubt if i can find any 530i or any smaller engine with that...i just love manual tranny If i am going to drive an auto, i'll be happy with just a M54 520i or a M52 523i. Sufficient

you can get a grey importer to bring in one 2003 530i M-Sport Manual for you. But the ZF auto in the e39 is already a bloody good tranny. most magazines favor the auto compared to the manual. i like manual too....

 

[EuJax]

Thanks for the info, azan. I always knew the auto tranny of BMWs are very efficient ones. But its just the thrill of stepping the clutch and pull the knob down to 2 or 4, or push it up to 3 or 5, if u know what i mean and in the case of this 540i, one may pull it down to 6!



Regards

 

[buzzlie]

Guys,

For untrained eyes like me, what is the easiest way to differentiate whether the E39 is using M52 or M54. Just by looking at the Year?

 

[IsaacVky]

Guys,

For untrained eyes like me, what is the easiest way to differentiate whether the E39 is using M52 or M54. Just by looking at the Year?

check the VIN number :top: