Barracuda

Barracudas occur in subtropical and tropical oceans worldwide. Now to upshift, you had to pull back the lever, instead of pushing forward, as in the pre-2001 model year E39s. Known incidents generally involve spearfishing or hand feeding. Also, in the 2001 model year, BMW Steptronic-equipped E39s had their manual program direction switched to match BMWs F1 cars. While barracudas sometimes follow snorkelers and scuba divers across the reef, which can make one feel uncomfortable, there exist no substantiated reports of unprovoked attacks. Meanwhile, the 540i was given more power, totalling 290 hp (216 kW). There have been a few isolated cases where barracudas attacked a human thinking that part of it was a fish, but these incidents are extremely rare, especially considering the number of times that barracudas and humans encounter each other. Also, a new 525i was introduced featuring a 184 hp (137 kW) M54 2.5 liter inline-6 and a slightly cheaper price.

They rely on surprise and short bursts of speed to overrun their prey, sacrificing maneuverability. Other options changed: for example, the 528i was replaced by the 530i which had a new 225 horsepower (168 kW) M54 3.0 L inline-6. They are voracious predators and hunt using a classic example of lie-in-wait or ambush. (Note: this technology is called "celis" by the OEM - Hella.) Also, the rear lights were converted to being LED-based. Barracudas occur both singly and in schools around reefs, but also appear in open seas. For the 2001 model year, BMW updated the E39 with newer, clear-lens headlights which first displayed the now-popular "angel eyes". . The 540i was powered by the 282 horsepower (210 kW) 4.4 L V8 seen in the E38 (7-Series) and the X5.

They are caught as food and game fish (however, barracuda flesh can occasionally contain ciguatera toxin). The 520, 523 and 528 were powered by 150, 170 and 190 hp versions of the BMW M52 engine, which is a gasoline inline-6 design. The lateral line is prominent. All but the M5 (sedan only) are available as either a touring (wagon) or sedan. The two dorsal fins are widely separated, with the first having five spines and the second having one spine and nine soft rays. The European BMW range saw the 520, 523, 528, 530, 535, 540, 525tds, 520d, 525d, 530d and M5. The barracuda body is elongated, with the lower jaw of the large mouth jutting out, and displaying prominent fang-shaped teeth. Of the full range available, the USA saw the 528i, 540i and M5.

The one genus of the family includes about 25 known species. Various engine sizes and types have been available. The barracuda (Sphyraenus, family Sphyraenidae) is a ray-finned fish notable for its large size (up to 1.8 m or 6 ft) and fearsome appearance. The E39 was sold in the UK starting in 1995, followed by the rest of Europe and finally on other continents. Sphyraena waitii. The BMW E39 M5 was introduced in 1998, with a 5.0 L V8 engine. Sphyraena viridensis (Yellowmouth barracuda; Latin name 'greenish'). The basic model was the 520i, which develops 150 hp (112 kW).

Sphyraena tome. It was the successor of the BMW E34 in 1996 (UK) but was replaced by the BMW E60 in 2004. Sphyraena sphyraena (European barracuda). The E39 automobile platform was the basis for the 1996 through 2004 BMW 5 Series. Sphyraena qenie (Chevron or Blackfin barracuda). Sphyraena putnamae (Sawtooth barracuda).

Sphyraena pinguis (Red or Brown barracuda). Sphyraena picudilla (Southern sennet; Latin name 'little woodpecker'). Sphyraena obtusata (Obtuse barracuda). Dutch Brazil).

Sphyraena novae-hollandiae (Shortfinned barracuda; Latin name 'of New Holland', i.e. Sphyraena lucasana (Lucas barracuda). Sphyraena langsar (Shortjawed barracuda). Sphyraena jello (Pickhandle barracuda or Indo-malaysian barracuda).

Sphyraena japonica (Japanese barracuda). Sphyraena idiastes (Pelican barracuda). Sphyraena helleri (Heller's barracuda). Sphyraena guachancho (Guachanche barracuda).

Sphyraena forsteri (Bigeye barracuda). Sphyraena flavicauda (Yellowtail barracuda). Sphyraena ensis (Vicuda or Mexican barracuda). Sphyraena chrysotaenia (Yellowstripe barracuda).

Sphyraena chinensis (Striped barracuda; Latin name 'Chinese'). Sphyraena borealis (Northern sennet). Sphyraena barracuda (Great barracuda). Sphyraena argentea (Pacific barracuda; Latin literally 'silver').

Sphyraena afra (Guinean barracuda). Sphyraena acutipinnis (Sharpfin barracuda).