Segment:
Executive Sedan / Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS, Jaguar S-Type/XF
Differentiation:
Known for sporty driving dynamics, potent twin-turbo engine, and advanced technology for its era.
Engine Technology:
High-performance Twin-Turbocharged Direct Injection (N54 engine)
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) standard, xDrive All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional
Chassis Features:
Aluminum multi-link front suspension, Integral-V rear suspension, Adaptive Drive (optional)
Infotainment:
iDrive system with navigation and multimedia integration
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting
Body Style Coverage:
Sedan (E60), Wagon/Touring (E61)
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (N54 Twin-Turbo Inline-6), Transmission (6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic), Drivetrain (Rear-Wheel Drive, xDrive AWD options)
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, DSC, EBD), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Engine Management System, Ignition, Fuel Injection, Lighting, Instruments, Infotainment, Climate Control, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules (BCM), Gateway Modules, CAN Bus Architecture
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Seats, Trim, Glass, Roof Systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements (Air, Cabin, Oil, Fuel), Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush, Coolant Flush, Drive Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine Mechanical (pistons, rods, bearings, head gasket, timing chain), Turbocharger Service, Fuel System Overhaul, Cooling System Repair, Transmission Rebuild, Differential Service, Brake Caliper/Rotor Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), Steering Rack Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Diagnostics:
Fault Code Retrieval and Interpretation (OBD-II), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Component Testing, Electrical Circuit Diagnosis, Pressure Testing (fuel, oil, coolant), Vacuum Testing
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Type:
3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline 6-Cylinder Petrol
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
High-pressure direct injection (High-Pressure Fuel Pump - HPFP is a known failure point)
Turbochargers:
Parallel twin-turbocharger system
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30
Oil Specification Standard:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01)
Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)
Coolant Capacity:
9.5 US quarts (9.0 Liters)
Transmission Type Sedan:
6-speed Manual (GS6-37BZ)
Transmission Type Automatic:
6-speed Automatic (GA6HP-26Z / GA6HP-28Z)
Automatic Transmission Modes:
Steptronic manual shift mode
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF LT-3 (BMW Part No. 83 22 0 026 797) or equivalent spec (e.g., Dexron VI for some applications, check VIN)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MTF LT-2 (BMW Part No. 83 22 0 309 031) or equivalent
Length Sedan:
191.1 inches (4853 mm)
Width Sedan:
72.7 inches (1847 mm)
Height Sedan:
57.4 inches (1458 mm)
Wheelbase Sedan:
116.4 inches (2957 mm)
Length Wagon:
192.2 inches (4882 mm)
Width Wagon:
72.7 inches (1847 mm)
Height Wagon:
57.1 inches (1450 mm)
Wheelbase Wagon:
116.4 inches (2957 mm)
Curb Weight Sedan Manual:
3726 lbs (1690 kg)
Curb Weight Sedan Automatic:
3770 lbs (1710 kg)
Curb Weight Wagon Automatic:
4134 lbs (1875 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120
Tire Sizes Standard:
245/40R18 (Front & Rear)
Tire Sizes Optional:
245/35R19 (Front), 275/30R19 (Rear) (Sport Package)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (2008 Model Year)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
Dynamic Stability Control:
Standard (DSC)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASC)
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Airbags:
Frontal, Side-impact (front & rear optional), Knee Airbags (driver)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners and force limiters
Head Restraints:
Active head restraints (front)
System Name:
iDrive (CCC or CIC depending on production date and options)
Features:
Navigation system, Radio (AM/FM/Satellite), CD/DVD player, Auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth connectivity (optional), USB integration (later models)
Cruise Control:
Standard, Adaptive Cruise Control (optional)
Parking Assistance:
Front and Rear Park Distance Control (PDC), Rearview camera (optional)
Lighting:
Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Halogen fog lights
Bluetooth Preparation:
Optional, often part of Premium Sound or Navigation packages.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000 miles for N54 engines.
Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (BMW Part No. 81 22 9 400 276)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 High Performance
Engine Common Problems:
High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure, Injector failure (Bosch EV14), Ignition coil failure, Turbocharger wastegate rattle, Oil filter housing gasket leaks, PCV valve issues (integrated into valve cover on N54)
Transmission Common Problems:
Automatic transmission torque converter issues, Valve body solenoids
Electrical Common Problems:
Water pump and thermostat failures (electric), Power steering pump failure, iDrive system glitches, Battery drain issues
Brand Focus:
German luxury automotive manufacturer known for performance and engineering.
Generation Introduction:
The E60 generation of the BMW 5 Series debuted in 2003 globally, with the 535i designation (replacing the 530i) and the N54 twin-turbo engine introduced for the 2007 model year.
Facelift:
Mid-cycle facelift (LCI) occurred for the 2008 model year, with minor styling updates and technology enhancements.
Body Style Introduction:
The E61 Touring (wagon) variant was also available during these years.
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany
Ward Auto World Ten Best Engines:
The N54 engine received multiple Ward's 10 Best Engines awards for its power, efficiency, and smooth operation.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Often featured on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run.
