2003 BMW 530i

60,000 Original Miles

Manual Transmission

3.0L Inline 6

225 hp @ 5900 RPM*

214 lb/ft torque @ 3500 RPM*

Capable 0-60 MPH: 6.7 seconds

Top Speed: 149 mph

*MSRP in 2003: $41,100

*Seller Asking:

$8,900

530i models with the 5spd manual make up only 1.9% of all E39 production worldwide. In 2003, only 808 cars were sold in this configuration
The 530i is the most powerful 6 cylinder 5 series in the lineup, featuring the 225hp M54 inline six
6 cyl E39 models employ a modern rack and pinion steering system, which is absent on the V8 cars. The M5’s semi-dry sump system wouldn’t fit with the rack and pinion (R&P) setup, so an old-school recirculating ball system was used (it was cost effective to exclude the R&P setup from the 540i as well, whose M62 V8 is closely related to the M5’s S62 V8)
Compared to the old recirculating ball setup, R&P is lighter, less complex, and provides a very tight and responsive steering feel (offers a more positive engagement)
All 5 series cars could be ordered with a manual transmission. The M5 and 540i use the same 6spd, while all other models use a 5spd
Compared to the previous M52 inline 6, the new M54 has an improved gas flow system that provides better combustion efficiency (better mixing of the fuel/air). This results in smoother low RPM operation. In addition, the M54 revs more eagerly and features a higher redline. The most noticeable benefit of the M54 is the mid-range torque – 85% of max torque is now available between 1500 RPM and 6000 RPM
To say the E39 was an improvement over the E34 is an understatement. The E39’s body alone was 82% stiffer, 20% more aerodynamic, and weighed exactly the same as the E34’s body shell. It was also substantially safer in crash tests
Nearly the entire suspension is made of aluminum on the E39 – the first for a volume production car

Key Model Year Changes:

Final year of the E39 5 series
Sunroof and in-dash CD player are now standard
New multi-spoke wheels
Isofix/LATCH child seat anchors are added
Radio is updated to a new CD53 unit, which supports auxiliary
Center wheel caps are updated to higher quality pieces
The M-Sport package now includes the full M-Technic body kit and M-tech II suspension

Specs: