The BMW E39 is the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series range of executive cars, which was manufactured from 1995 to 2004. It was launched in the sedan body style, with the station wagon body style introduced in 1996. The E39 was replaced by the E60 5 Series in 2003, however E39 Touring models remained in production until May 2004.

The fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series executive cars consists of the BMW E60 and BMW E61. The E60/E61 generation was produced by BMW from 2003 to 2010 and is often collectively referred to as the E60.