working on a BMW 1997 E36 vs 1997 E39?

Asked by Washington Dec 17, 2020 at 10:59 PM about the 1997 BMW 5 Series 528i Sedan RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hey are the engines really any different from the same year e36 to the e39? im
looking at a 1997 528i to work on for a project car... but im wondering if it will be
a lot more difficult compared to the 318is or something?

Thanks!

2 Answers

41,150

The E39 would have the M52 inline six cylinder engine. If the E36 is around the same year and with a 328I, it's the same engine. But if you have another model like a 318is, that is a 4cyl engine, there were two versions. The later years BMW E46 uses the same M52 engine and there are plenty of parts available and self help videos online to help. But working on a BMW no matter the engine size of those model years will be similar. It's not like you working on a BMW and then a Dodge.

7,845

If you can handle an E36, you can handle an E39. They're very similar cars, although the 6 cylinder is a bit different than the 4 cylinder. Overall M52 E39s are very simple cars to work on, I really enjoy them.

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