Most historians concur that 1989 was a watershed year. This was the year that will go down in history for the "Revolutions of 1989" and the fall of the Berlin Wall, which signaled the end of the Cold War. It’s also the year when the first commercial internet service providers emerged and cars like the Vector W8 and the Ginetta G32 appeared on the scene. And for BMW enthusiasts, 1989 marks the year when the German automaker started working on a successor to the E34. The development of this car ended in 1995 when BMW debuted the E39 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The E39 came equipped with curtain airbags, which were revolutionary in the late '90s. Standard features on the original models also included air conditioning, power steering, dual front and side airbags, and anti-lock brakes. The public and industry experts went crazy for the E39 and many consider, even today, the BMW E39, the best sport sedan ever built. To be fair, it’s not difficult to see why, considering how durable and reliable this vehicle was, so for those interested in this car, here’s how much it costs to service and maintain a BMW E39 today.

Related: Here's What We Love About The 2000 BMW E39 540i

The BMW 5 Series E39 Has Excellent Customer Reviews

2000 BMW E39 540i
BMW Guide

On Edmunds, the 2003 model year has a score of 4.8 out of 5.0, with 88 percent of consumers giving it 5 stars and only 2 percent marking it with one star. The reliability and durability of this car impressed buyers the most, but they also praised the comfort of the cabin, safety features, and on-board tech. One user even said that automakers don’t build cars like this anymore, while another mentioned his BMW is “still going strong” despite the 168,000 miles on the odometer. As for negative comments, there are two users who gave the E39 a score of 1 star, with one user complaining about the headlight system, and the other about a cracked radiator, oil leaks, issues with the torque converter and window regulators.

On Cars.com, the 2003 BMW 530 has a score of 4.5 out of 5.0, with owners giving it 4.9 points for performance and 4.2 for reliability. Even here, some users say this BMW model was the best car they ever owned, while others point out that this is a “great car for both cruising and commuting,” which has “excellent value.” The lowest score found on Cars.com is 3.0 and is from 2010. The user says the BMW 530i has a “great engine,” which delivers “solid performance.” He also raves about handling and cornering, but expresses disappointed with reliability. “It only has 70k on the clock and is routinely in the shop for one thing or another, and each time it is $1-2k,” says the BMW E39 owner.

Related: BMW 540i E39: Costs, Facts, And Figures

This Is How Much It Would Cost To Maintain The Sports Sedan

2001 BMW 5 Series E39
Bring a Trailer

Most E39 reviews are positive, notwithstanding the occasional bad comment. For most buyers, the E39 still has a fantastic value, despite its advanced age. Buyers shouldn't have concerns about repair and maintenance costs, as long as they take care of their car and keep it in top shape. It is important to note that even the 2003 model year is approaching twenty years of existence, so will require some maintenance. However, because these cars already retail for as little as $3,700, purchasers can discover great prices, which make up for the repair costs.

On a 2017 post on the Bimmerfest forum, owners offered feedback regarding maintenance and repair costs. For example, one driver who owned a BMW 540i Sport from the year 2000 with 114,000 on the odometer said he paid $6,000 for the car, $2,800 for basic repairs, and another $300 for E39 specific repairs. The E39 specific repairs include a new heater hose, lock actuator, headlight adjusters, and a wiper control module. Another owner who bought a 2001 BMW 540i said he is doing most of the maintenance himself; thus, the annual cost of repair is as little as $300. An older model from 1998, purchased with 143,000 miles on the odometer for $4,300 also had the annual costs of repairs at $300, but the owner paid $4,150 for specific E39 repairs, which include new cooling system, front, and rear suspension overhauls and cylinder head rebuild.

Meanwhile, Repair Pal establishes that the annual repair, service, and maintenance costs for a BMW 540i is $798. However, age, mileage, and the location of the mechanic shop impacts the costs. According to Repair Pal, a coolant change can cost anywhere from $275 to $293, while fuel filter replacement comes with a cost of $203 to $252. Meanwhile, the window regulator motor replacement costs between $395 to $529 and the knock sensor replacement is the most expensive repair, with prices ranging from $617 to $760.

Sources: Edmunds, cars.com, Carfax, Bimmerfest, Repair Pal