🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

550i

Model Code:

E60 (Sedan), E61 (Touring)

Chassis Code:

E60 (Sedan), E61 (Touring)

Engine Code Primary:

N62TU (V8)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Luxury Sedan

Positioning:

A high-performance variant of the BMW 5 Series (E60/E61), known for its potent V8 engine and luxurious appointments.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Jaguar XF.

Engine Performance:

Powerful V8 engine offering strong acceleration and torque.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned BMW handling, stability, and responsive steering, enhanced by optional Active Drive and Active Steering.

Luxury Appointments:

Premium interior materials, advanced comfort features, and sophisticated technology integration (iDrive).

Design:

Distinctive Chris Bangle-era styling, embodying BMW's sporty and elegant design language.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

V8 Naturally Aspirated Engine (N62TU), including cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, and engine management.

Transmission:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (GM 6L45, 6L50) and Steptronic transmission control, including removal, installation, and internal repairs.

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and xDrive All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems, including differentials, driveshafts, and axles.

Brakes:

Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), brake booster, parking brake.

Suspension:

Front and rear independent suspension, adaptive drive, active steering, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings.

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering system, Active Steering technology.

Electrical System:

12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, underbody protection, chassis components.

HVAC:

Automatic climate control system, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant system.

Infotainment And Navigation:

iDrive system, professional navigation, radio, CD changer, amplifier, speaker systems.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, parking sensors (PDC), cruise control.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), inspections, lubrication.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code identification and interpretation.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake replacements, suspension repairs.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic charts, OBD-II code explanations, sensor data analysis.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, and performance data.

Depth:

Expert level, covering complete disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, and repair of all vehicle systems, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes, text-searchable PDF

Quality:

High-resolution scans, printable pages

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

4.8L Naturally Aspirated V8 (N62TU)

Bore X Stroke:

93.0 mm x 91.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1

Valve Train:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (variable camshaft timing)

Engine Management System:

Bosch Motronic (specific model varies by year)

Horsepower:

360 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque:

360 lb-ft @ 3400-3800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

18.0 gallons (68 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-Speed Steptronic Automatic (GM 6L45 / 6L50)

Type:

N/A for 550i model (Manual transmission was available on other 5 Series models like 525i, 530i, but not the 550i)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI (or approved equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) for refill, higher for complete overhaul.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

116.4 inches (2957 mm)

Length:

193.1 inches (4905 mm)

Width:

72.4 inches (1839 mm)

Height:

58.0 inches (1473 mm)

Front Track:

61.2 inches (1554 mm)

Rear Track:

61.8 inches (1570 mm)

Curb Weight:

3,990 - 4,140 lbs (1810 - 1878 kg) depending on configuration (RWD/AWD, options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5,100 lbs (2313 kg)

Trunk Capacity:

14.0 cu ft (396 liters)

Cargo Capacity E61 Touring:

24.0 cu ft (680 liters) / 58.3 cu ft (1650 liters) with rear seats folded

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5 Stars (for comparable E60 models)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for comparable E60 models)

IIHS Roof Strength:

Good (for comparable E60 models)

ABS:

Standard, with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

Dsc:

Standard Dynamic Stability Control (traction control, stability control)

Active Steering:

Optional variable-ratio and variable-effort steering system

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection airbags (curtain airbags).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Interface:

iDrive infotainment system with a central LCD screen controlled by the iDrive knob and buttons.

Navigation:

Optional professional navigation system with map updates.

Audio System:

Standard HiFi audio system, optional Logic 7 premium audio system.

Parking Assistance:

Park Distance Control (PDC) with visual and audible warnings, optional rearview camera.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC).

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface for mobile phones.

Usb Aux:

Optional USB audio interface or auxiliary input for audio devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil quality (indicated by Condition Based Service - CBS).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Flush:

BMW typically uses long-life coolant; consult specific vehicle maintenance schedule (often every 5 years or 100,000 miles).

Spark Plugs:

Recommended replacement around 60,000 - 100,000 miles for the N62TU engine (often iridium-tipped).

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic oil, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30.

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.5 quarts (8.0 liters)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol-based, or equivalent approved specification).

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron III or Dexron VI (consult specific manual for exact type).

Valve Cover Gaskets:

Common for leaks due to age and heat exposure, leading to oil smell and consumption.

Oil Pan Gaskets:

Similar to valve cover gaskets, leaks can occur.

Coolant Expansion Tank:

Can crack or leak over time.

Drive Belt Tensioner And Idler Pulleys:

Can fail, leading to belt noise or failure.

Alternator:

Can be a failure point, especially on higher mileage vehicles.

Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:

Misfires can occur, often requiring replacement of individual coils or sets of plugs.

Water Pump:

Can develop leaks or bearing failure.

ABS/Dsc Module:

Electronic faults can occur, often related to module failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW has a long history of producing sporty, driver-focused luxury vehicles with advanced engineering.

E60 Generation:

The E60 generation (2003-2010) marked a significant design and technological evolution for the 5 Series, introducing concepts like iDrive and a more avant-garde exterior design.

550I Introduction:

The 550i replaced the 545i in the 2005 model year, featuring an enlarged 4.8-liter V8 engine for increased performance.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Dingolfing, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 5 Best Engines:

The N62 V8 engine (including the 4.8L variant) was recognized by Car and Driver in their annual '10 Best Engines' list in various years, appreciating its smooth power delivery and refinement.

Wards Auto 10 Best Engines:

The N62 V8 engine was also a multiple winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines awards.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings for this generation of BMWs can vary; consult specific model year reports for detailed analysis, but generally mid-range for luxury brands of this era.