The E39 5-Series with M52/M54 sixes, the M62 V8 (540i) and the M57 diesel (530d). Age-related cooling and V8 timing-guide items are the usual watch-points. Editorial summary, not a reliability rating; per-configuration facts are below.
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Filtered: M52 · 2.0–2.8L petrol (M52).
Known issues
Sorted by severity. Tap an issue to reveal its symptom, repair and what to check.
Engines & reliability
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Pre-purchase checklist
Maintenance
Key service intervals — vary by engine and driving conditions.