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1999 BMW 5 Series

US · Compact Cars

The 1999 BMW 5 Series is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.

Engine
Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder
Transmission
Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain
RWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Economy
16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) combined
1999 BMW 5 Series
Exterior (Front)
Photo: Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0) · CC BY-SA 4.0
Specifications at a Glance

Key Figures

Units:
Engine / Powertrain
2.8L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder
Combined Economy
16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) combined
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
Automatic, Manual
Market: US·Switch units to convert the figures shown.
Compare 1999 BMW 5 Series ↗

Engine

Engine
SpecificationValueSource
EngineVaries by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder
Displacement2.8 L to 4.4 L
Cylinders6 to 8
Fuel typeGasoline

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
SpecificationValueSource
TransmissionVaries by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Gears4 to 6
DrivetrainRWD

Fuel economy and range

Fuel economy and range
SpecificationValueSource
Combined16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km)
City14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km)
Highway19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)

Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.

Trims and configurations

8 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. Last checked November 5, 2026.

  • 19E058000: STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING

    ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles. The steering center rods may have an insufficient ball pin pull force that may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.

    Remedy: ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.

    Reported August 28, 2019. View on NHTSA

Data sources

Source checked: November 9, 2026

Data verified: November 9, 2026

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Related vehicles

  • 1998 BMW 5 Series

    Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder · RWD
    20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km)

  • 2000 BMW 5 Series

    Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder (GUZZLER) · RWD
    21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km)

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the 1999 BMW 5 Series have?

Varies by configuration: 2.8L 6-cylinder, 4.4L 8-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.

What is the fuel economy of the 1999 BMW 5 Series?

Combined fuel economy is 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.

Is the 1999 BMW 5 Series front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?

Drivetrain: RWD.

Are there recalls for the 1999 BMW 5 Series?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year (last checked November 5, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.