🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

E60 (Sedan)

Platform:

E60

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Executive/Luxury Sedan

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S80.

Design Philosophy:

BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, blending luxury with performance and advanced technology.

Innovations:

Introduction of the iDrive infotainment system, advanced chassis dynamics, sophisticated electronic aids.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Covers all aspects of operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the 2004 BMW 5 Series.

Page Count:

Approx. 300-400 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system.

Drivetrain:

Transmission (automatic and manual), drive shafts, differential.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS, DSC).

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, lighting, fuses, relays, power windows, locks, mirrors, climate control electronics, iDrive system.

Body And Interior:

Seats, airbags, seat belts, climate control, interior lighting, door operation, hood/trunk release.

Infotainment And Electronics:

iDrive system, radio, navigation, telephone, climate control functions.

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Indicator lights and warnings, basic diagnostic procedures for common malfunctions.

Safety Features:

Operation of airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, lane departure warning (if equipped).

Instrument Panel:

Explanation of all gauges, warning lights, and indicator symbols.

Depth:

Detailed information for the owner on vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Not a full service manual for in-depth mechanical repairs but provides essential knowledge for responsible ownership.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed)

Print Quality:

High-quality, durable paper with clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

Perfect bound or saddle-stitched (typical for manuals).

Paper Type:

Glossy or semi-gloss coated paper for durability and image clarity.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Type:

N52B30 (for 530i - inline-6 cylinder, naturally aspirated)

Displacement:

2996 cc (3.0 Liters)

Horsepower:

255 hp @ 6600 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

236 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm (approx.)

Valve Train:

Double VANOS, Valvetronic

Fuel System:

Electronic fuel injection (EFI)

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, secondary air injection (depending on market)

V8 Engine Variant:

4.8L V8 (N62B48) for 545i/550i, 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo (N63) for 550i (later production in E60 cycle, though 2004 is pre-N63).

V8 Engine Output:

545i: 325 hp, 330 lb-ft. (Note: 550i and N63 are for later E60 years, 2004 would primarily have 525i, 530i, 545i).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-speed manual (on select models, e.g., 530i)

Optional Transmission:

6-speed ZF Steptronic automatic transmission

Automatic Transmission Features:

Adaptive shift logic, manual shift mode (via selector lever or paddle shifters on some models).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-2, Dexron VI or equivalent (verify specific recommendation for Steptronic)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

190.6 inches (4842 mm)

Width:

72.7 inches (1847 mm)

Height:

58.1 inches (1476 mm)

Wheelbase:

113.7 inches (2888 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 97.7 cu ft (2766 L)

Trunk Capacity:

14.0 cu ft (396 L)

Curb Weight 530I:

Approx. 3615 lbs (1640 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4740 lbs (2150 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars

IIHS Front Small Overlap:

Good (for this testing era, full overlap frontal)

Traction Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)

Braking System:

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

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Run-flat tire indicator system (on models with run-flats)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver/passenger), side-impact airbags (front seats), head protection system (front and rear curtain airbags).

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters, active head restraints (front).

Child Restraint:

LATCH (ISOFIX) lower anchorages for child seats in rear outboard positions, child safety rear door locks.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

iDrive (Infotainment Direct Control System)

Features:

Central color display, rotary controller with buttons, navigation system, radio, CD player, climate control management, telephone integration.

Cruise Control:

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

Parking Assist:

Optional front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC) with visual and audible warnings.

Phone Integration:

Bluetooth hands-free interface (optional or standard depending on trim).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Condition-based service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions. Manual will specify initial recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

Approximately every 30,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.

Cabin Air Filter:

Approximately every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

For N52 engine, typically around 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type). Manual will provide precise interval.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 - 7.0 liters (6.9 - 7.4 US quarts) for 3.0L inline-6. Manual provides exact fill.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent, mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 High Performance brake fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, coolant expansion tank leaks, water pump failures, serpentine belt tensioner issues.

I Drive System:

Early versions could be complex; screen display issues or control knob malfunctions can occur with age.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings, sway bar links, and shock absorbers can wear over time, leading to noise and handling degradation.

Electrical Gremlins:

Water ingress into the LCM (Light Control Module) or footwell modules can cause various electrical issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), founded in 1916 in Germany, known for aviation engines, motorcycles, and luxury automobiles.

Previous Generation:

E39 (1995-2003), which was highly praised for its driving dynamics and build quality.

Generation Introduction:

The E60 generation was introduced in 2003 for the 2004 model year, marking a significant design and technological departure from the E39.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production in Dingolfing, Germany, with additional assembly plants in Mexico, Egypt, Thailand, China, and Russia for various markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism:

While specific awards for the 2004 model year owner's manual are rare, the E60 5 Series itself received numerous accolades for its engineering, performance, and styling from automotive publications such as Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Automobile Magazine upon its debut.

Build Quality Perception:

Generally considered to have excellent build quality, characteristic of BMW's German engineering.