Positioning:
Premium mid-size luxury sedan, competing with models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, and Lexus GS.
Key Strengths:
Sporty driving dynamics, advanced technology, refined interior, powerful twin-turbocharged engine.
Vehicle Highlights:
The 2008 BMW 535i (E60 generation) represents a significant evolution in BMW's mid-size luxury sedan offering, featuring the highly potent N54 twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine, renowned for its strong performance and torque delivery. This generation introduced advanced electronic systems and a refined chassis for a superior driving experience.
Primary Coverage:
Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Specifications
Estimated Pages:
Varies by Software Version (typically 2000+ pages for comprehensive digital manuals)
Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (e.g., PDF, proprietary executable)
Powertrain:
Engine (N54B30A Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (6-speed Manual/Automatic), Drivetrain (Rear Wheel Drive/xDrive)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering System, Brake System (ABS, DSC, CBC)
Electrical:
Body Control Modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Infotainment System, Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, HVAC Controls, SRS (Airbag) System, CAN Bus Architecture
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Convertible Top (if applicable to specific sub-model)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and Filter Change, Air Filter Replacement, Cabin Air Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replenishment
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Sensor Testing, Component Diagnosis, Wiring Diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine Mechanical Repair (head gasket, timing chain, turbocharger), Transmission Overhaul, Brake Component Replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), Suspension Component Replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), Electrical Component Repair/Replacement
Special Procedures:
Wheel Alignment, Tire Mounting and Balancing, Air Conditioning Service, Software Updates/Coding (if supported by the software)
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6 (N54B30A)
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 1400-5000 rpm
Injection Type:
Direct Injection (High-Pressure)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification)
Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-04 specification)
Oil Capacity:
6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (GS6-37BZ-TU or similar)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GA6HP19Z or similar)
Automatic Features:
Adaptive Shift Control, Manual Mode (Steptronic), Sport Mode
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF6 (or equivalent ETL-7045E/83 220 026 955)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good
Traction Control:
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking Assistance:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver & passenger), Side-impact airbags (front), Head protection system (front & rear)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
System Name:
iDrive Infotainment System
Features:
Central control knob, high-resolution display, navigation system, radio, CD player, optional auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth connectivity (with TCU module).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go function
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parking Assistant (Park Distance Control - PDC) with front and rear sensors
Bluetooth:
Available via an optional Bluetooth telephone preparation module.
Headlights:
Standard Xenon Adaptive Headlights with automatic leveling and cleaning system.
Oil Change Interval Indicator:
Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as indicated by CBS.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 miles for the N54 engine, using specific ignition coils and plugs.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) Brake Fluid (BMW Spec. 5.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
CHF 11S Synthetic Hydraulic Fluid (BMW spec. 81 22 9 407 767)
Common N54 Issues:
High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure, Injector issues, Ignition Coil failure, Turbocharger wastegate rattle, PCV system problems, Carbon buildup on intake valves.
Common Chassis Issues:
Oil pan gasket leaks, Valve cover gasket leaks, Power steering hose leaks, Suspension bushing wear.
Common Electrical Issues:
Water pump failure (electric), Battery drain issues, Sensor failures (e.g., VANOS, camshaft position), Idrive system glitches.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW, founded in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for producing sporty, driver-focused luxury vehicles with engineering excellence.
E60 Generation:
The E60 generation of the 5 Series (produced from 2003-2010, with a facelift in 2007) replaced the E39. The 535i variant introduced the groundbreaking N54 twin-turbocharged engine for the 2008 model year, significantly enhancing performance over its naturally aspirated predecessor.
Production Location:
Dingolfing Plant, Germany
Car And Driver Best:
Car and Driver 10Best Trucks and SUVs (for specific configurations or related models of the era, highlighting BMW's overall quality).
Engine Ward:
The N54 engine was a recipient of Ward's 10 Best Engines award for its innovative twin-turbocharging technology and strong performance.
Safety Certification:
Certified for compliance with various international automotive safety standards.
