2000 BMW 5 Series Photos, engines & full specs

BMW introduced a facelifted version for the fourth generation of the 5 Series in late 2000 for the 2001 model year, and besides some exterior changes, it also featured engine upgrades.

By 2000, the 5 Series was already one of the best-selling premium sedans in the world. Its wide engine range, features, and comfort were on par with or above its competitors. While it lacked an all-wheel drive version, such as those provided by Audi or Mercedes-Benz for their A6 and the E-Class, respectively, it featured advanced engineering solutions. Thanks to the styling updates made by BMW for the 2001 model year, the E39 looked young again and eager to satisfy its owners. The LCI (Life Cycle Impulse), as it was known in BMW’s naming system, also marked a crucial step in the automaker’s evolution strategy since it was the first 5 Series generation to be sold in more than 1.5 million units, sedan and Touring versions combined.

At the front, the most significant change was for its headlights. While these still featured a dual-headlamp styling, they had circular daytime running lights inside them, gaining the nickname of “angel eyes.” In addition, the automaker installed clear corner-mounted turn signals instead of those from the non-facelifted version that sported orange lenses. Furthermore, on the lower bumper, the automaker installed a thick and wide air intake and an apron that improved aerodynamics. Like its non-facelifted sibling, the E39 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) boasted an excellent drag coefficient of just 0.27.

From its profile, the automaker replaced the black rubber stripe that crossed the vehicle from front to back with a body-colored one. As a result, the car’s shape looked smoother. The pulled-out side sills made the air current avoid the rear wheel arches, improving airflow. Thanks to the curved roofline, imagined by the Japanese designer Joji Nagashima, the E39 retained the main core values of the German automaker. It even sported the famous Hofmeister kink behind the rear doors. Finally, the 2001 5 Series received a new set of taillights at the back, with white areas for the reversing lights and turn signals.

Inside, the 2001 E39 was available in a few options that ranged from cloth upholstery and plastic trims to woodgrain on the dash and leather seats. Furthermore, an extended leather pack also covered the center console. The driver fronted a new steering wheel with buttons that controlled the stereo. In addition, customers could order the vehicle with an M-Sport package that added a three-spoke steering wheel. On the center stack, the automaker added a new display for the infotainment system with a 19:6 ratio instead of the 4:3 one used on the non-facelifted version.

Under the hood, BMW revamped the entire engine lineup, preparing them for the new Euro 3 emission standards that came into force starting on January 1st, 2001. Besides the gasoline engines, the automaker also offered a few choices of diesel units. Most versions were paired with five-speed manuals or automatics, while some engine versions were available with a six-speed manual for selected markets.