🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

550i

Model Years Covered:

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Chassis Codes:

E60 (Sedan), E61 (Wagon/Touring)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Sedan / Luxury Mid-size Sedan

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced technology.

Key Competitors:

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

Performance:

Powerful V8 engine, balanced handling, comfortable ride.

Luxury Appointments:

Premium interior materials, advanced comfort features, sophisticated design.

Technology:

iDrive infotainment system, advanced driver assistance systems (available).

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive repair and service procedures for the BMW 550i.

Secondary Coverage:

Troubleshooting, diagnostics, maintenance schedules, electrical diagrams, specifications.

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (typically 2000+ pages for full workshop manuals of this era).

Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (V8 N62B48), Transmission (Automatic), Drivetrain (RWD/AWD options - xDrive later in generation).

Chassis:

Suspension (Adaptive Drive, Active Roll Stabilization), Steering (Servotronic), Brakes (ABS, DSC), Wheels and Tires.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, control modules (ECU, DME, ABS/DSC modules), lighting, instrumentation, infotainment.

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, climate control system (HVAC), safety systems (airbags).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid level checks and top-offs, brake pad/rotor inspection and replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine component removal/installation (e.g., starter, alternator, cooling system), transmission service, suspension and steering component replacement, brake system overhaul, exhaust system repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical troubleshooting flowcharts.

Special Procedures:

Component adaptations after replacement (e.g., throttle body, steering angle sensor), calibration procedures for advanced systems.

Depth:

Advanced diagnostics, detailed component removal and reassembly, specific torque specifications, electrical schematics, and troubleshooting charts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution scans or original digital files, suitable for printing specific sections.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

N62B48

Configuration:

4.8L V8, Naturally Aspirated

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing), VALVETRONIC (Variable Valve Lift).

Horsepower:

Approx. 360 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 360 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm

Injection:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential injection.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 RON or higher recommended).

Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system.

Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or equivalent synthetic oil.

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Automatic Steptronic (GA6HP26Z).

Type:

Not applicable for 550i in this generation; AWD (xDrive) was available with automatic transmission.

Shift Modes:

Automatic, Manual (Steptronic) with sequential shifting via selector lever or steering wheel paddles.

Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Shell ATF 349).

Capacity:

Approx. 9.5 quarts (9.0 liters) for a dry fill, varies with torque converter.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 191.8 inches (4871 mm)

Width:

Approx. 72.7 inches (1847 mm)

Height:

Approx. 57.7 inches (1466 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 113.7 inches (2890 mm)

Front Headroom:

Approx. 38.4 inches (975 mm)

Rear Legroom:

Approx. 35.6 inches (904 mm)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 14.0 cubic feet (396 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3800 - 4000 lbs (1724 - 1814 kg), depending on options and drivetrain.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 5000 lbs (2268 kg).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (for comparable E60 models).

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for comparable E60 models).

Traction Control:

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) / Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.

Steering Systems:

Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering.

Airbags:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), side airbags, head protection airbags (curtain airbags).

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

System:

CCC (Car Communication Computer) iDrive system with integrated navigation, radio, CD player, and optional Bluetooth and satellite radio.

Display:

Central LCD display integrated into the dashboard.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional Active Cruise Control (ACC).

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parking Assistant (rear park distance control and optional rearview camera).

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control with multi-zone temperature settings.

Seating:

Power-adjustable front seats with memory, optional heated and ventilated seats.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Variable Service Interval Indicator (VSI) typically suggests oil changes every 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil condition monitoring.

Brake Fluid:

Recommended replacement every 2 years.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Coolant, typically long-life, check manual for specific interval, often around 30,000-50,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Typically around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for the N62 engine.

Engine Oil Spec:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic 0W-30 or 5W-30.

Transmission Fluid Spec:

BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent.

Coolant Spec:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type).

Engine:

Oil consumption, valve stem seals, oil pan gasket leaks, VANOS solenoids, eccentric shaft sensor, ignition coils/spark plugs.

Cooling System:

Water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks, coolant expansion tank leaks.

Electrical:

CCC/iDrive system issues, power seat module failures, battery drain due to parasitic draw, headlight washer pump failure.

Suspension:

Control arm bushings, tie rod ends, Adaptive Drive/ARS hydraulic leaks or pump failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW, a German manufacturer with a long history of producing high-performance luxury vehicles and renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan.

Generation:

Fifth generation (E60/E61) of the BMW 5 Series.

Introduction Era:

Introduced in 2003 (E60) and 2004 (E61), with the 550i variant replacing the 545i in 2005.

Facelift:

A mid-cycle facelift occurred for the 2008 model year, bringing updated styling and technology.

Manufacturing Location:

Mainly Dingolfing, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Accolades:

While specific awards for the 2005-2010 550i might vary, the E60 generation as a whole received accolades for its driving dynamics and technology from various automotive publications during its tenure.