🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Chassis Code:

F01 (Standard Wheelbase), F02 (Long Wheelbase), F03 (Hydrogen Fuel Cell)

Model Years Covered:

2009

Internal Model Designation:

F01/F02/F03

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan / Flagship Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers prioritizing comfort, performance, advanced technology, and brand prestige.

Key Competitors 2009:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221), Audi A8 (D3), Lexus LS (XF40), Porsche Panamera (970), Jaguar XJ (X351).

Design Philosophy:

Modern interpretation of BMW's characteristic styling, emphasizing elegance, dynamism, and advanced aerodynamics. Focus on driver-centric cockpit and luxurious passenger environment.

Advanced Technology Suite:

Introduction of iDrive infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems, adaptive suspension technologies, and powerful, efficient engine options.

Variant Offering:

Standard (F01) and Long Wheelbase (F02) versions, plus the experimental F03 hydrogen fuel cell model, showcasing BMW's diverse powertrain and platform capabilities.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All models and all repairs A-Z for the specified model year

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typically thousands of pages for comprehensive BMW factory manuals)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Digital (PDF) due to dealership technician use and widespread distribution

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed procedures for all engine variants offered in 2009, including N63 (V8 twin-turbo), N54 (Inline-6 twin-turbo), N55 (Inline-6 twin-scroll turbo), N74 (V12 twin-turbo), and hydrogen fuel cell system for F03.

Engine Management:

ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator control, fuel injection systems (direct injection, common rail for diesel if applicable), ignition systems, emissions control systems (catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, EGR).

Transmission Automatic:

Detailed repair and diagnostics for ZF 8-speed automatic transmissions (e.g., 8HP45, 8HP70) and potentially others depending on engine option. Includes valve body repair, mechatronics unit diagnostics, torque converter procedures, fluid service and specifications.

Transmission Manual:

If equipped, coverage for manual transmissions including clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul.

Drivetrain AWD:

Service and repair of xDrive all-wheel-drive system, including transfer case, differentials (front and rear), and related electronic control units.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including standard struts, springs, control arms, bushings, and advanced systems like Adaptive Drive, Dynamic Drive, and Active Roll Stabilization. Includes component replacement, alignment procedures, and damper calibration.

Steering:

Servotronic power steering system, hydraulic and electric power steering components, steering column, tie rods, and steering angle sensor calibration.

Brakes Hydraulic:

Front and rear brake systems (ventilated discs, calipers), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), and related hydraulic components like master cylinder, brake booster, and ABS/DSC control module.

Brakes Electronic:

Electronic parking brake (EPB) system, including actuator replacement and service procedures. Regenerative braking aspects for F03 hydrogen variant.

Body Exterior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, bumpers, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, fog lights), mirrors, and exterior trim.

Body Interior:

Interior trim panels, seats (adjustment, removal, heating/ventilation/massage systems), dashboard, center console, headliner, airbags, seatbelts, and interior lighting.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control system, HVAC blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant charge, climate control head unit, and multi-zone climate control functionalities.

Electrical System:

Low voltage system, battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams for all major circuits, fuses, relays, and grounding points.

Body Control Module:

Central body electronics (ZKE/BDC), including functions like central locking, power windows, mirrors, wipers, lighting control, and sunroof operation.

Infotainment I Drive:

iDrive infotainment system, including head unit, display, controller, audio system (HiFi, Logic7, Bowers & Wilkins options), navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM integration.

Instrument Cluster:

Instrument cluster diagnostics, display functions, warning indicators, and potential replacement/coding procedures.

Comfort Access Keyless Entry:

Keyless entry, comfort access system, door handle sensors, trunk release, and key fob programming/replacement.

Lighting Adaptive:

Adaptive Headlight technology, Xenon/LED lighting systems, cornering lights, and automatic high beam assist.

Parking Assistance:

Parking sensors (front and rear), rearview camera, surround view camera system, and parking assistant features.

Driver Assistance:

Active cruise control (ACC) with Stop & Go, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, active steering assist, and night vision systems.

Headup Display:

Head-Up Display (HUD) system calibration and repair.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell F03:

Specific troubleshooting, maintenance, and component replacement for the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, hydrogen storage, and electric drive components of the F03 variant.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change, transfer case fluid change (AWD).

Diagnostics:

Fault code reading and interpretation using BMW diagnostic tools (ISTA/P, ISTA/D), live data stream analysis, component testing, and troubleshooting guided by diagnostic flowcharts.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all mechanical and electrical components, including engine parts, transmission, suspension components, brake calipers, sensors, modules, lights, and interior parts.

Timing Belt Chain:

Procedures for timing chain inspection, tensioner replacement, and camshaft/crankshaft timing alignment for all applicable engines.

Fuel System Repair:

Fuel pump replacement, fuel injector diagnostics and replacement, high-pressure fuel pump service (for direct injection), fuel filter replacement.

Cooling System:

Radiator replacement, water pump service, thermostat replacement, coolant hose inspection and replacement, bleed procedures.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter replacement, muffler service, oxygen sensor replacement, exhaust manifold repair.

Air Conditioning Evaporative Emission Control:

Refrigerant handling, compressor replacement, AC system leak testing, evacuation and recharge. EVAP system diagnostics and component replacement.

Wheel Alignment:

Detailed alignment specifications and procedures for front and rear suspensions.

Tire Replacement Rotation:

Correct tire fitting, balancing, and rotation patterns.

Electrical Component Testing:

Using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic testers to verify electrical component function.

Module Coding Programming:

Procedures for replacing and programming various electronic control units (ECUs) such as DME, EGS, CAS, FRM, etc., using BMW's ISTA system.

Airbag System Service:

Safety precautions, airbag module replacement, seat belt replacement, and related sensor calibration.

Unlocking Vehicle Without Power:

Emergency procedures for accessing the vehicle or specific components when primary power is lost.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete vehicle rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic strategies and component-level repair.

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced: Includes specific fault codes, diagnostic trouble trees, live data parameters, and actuator test descriptions for all major systems.

Repair Specificity:

Vehicle-Specific: Avoids generic information, providing exact procedures, torque values, and specifications tailored to the F01/F02/F03 platform.

Wiring Diagrams:

Included: Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, often color-coded for clarity and including connector pinouts.

Technical Bulletins:

Likely integrates information equivalent to Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and recalls relevant to the model year.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Searchable text, bookmarks, hyperlinked sections expected)

Print Format:

High-resolution images and diagrams, clear text formatting suitable for printing.

Physical Binding:

N/A (if digital), or perfect binding/spiral binding if printed

Physical Paper:

N/A (if digital), or high-quality, durable paper if printed

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants 2009:

N55B30 (3.0L Inline-6 Turbo), N63B44O0 (4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo), N74B60 (6.0L V12 Twin-Turbo), N54B30 (3.0L Inline-6 Twin-Turbo - early models), potentially other variants depending on market.

Displacement:

4.4 Liters

Configuration:

V8, Twin-Turbocharged (Hot-V Configuration)

Horsepower:

Approx. 400 hp @ 5500-6300 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 450 lb-ft @ 1750-4500 rpm

Injection Type:

Direct Injection (High-Pressure)

Displacement:

3.0 Liters

Configuration:

Inline-6, Single Twin-Scroll Turbocharger

Horsepower:

Approx. 300 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 1200-5000 rpm

Injection Type:

Direct Injection (High-Pressure)

Octane Rating:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended for optimal performance)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

ZF 8-Speed Automatic (e.g., 8HP45, 8HP70 depending on engine)

Type:

Manual transmission might be available on certain engine variants in specific markets, though less common for this generation.

Gear Selector:

Electronic Gear Selector (Steptronic)

Drive Modes:

Sport, Comfort, Eco PRO (dependent on optional packages and model year updates)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or equivalent specified by ZF, e.g., Shell M-1375.4 or equivalent.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 199.9 inches (5077 mm)

Width:

Approx. 74.9 inches (1903 mm)

Height:

Approx. 58.1 inches (1477 mm)

Length:

Approx. 205.5 inches (5221 mm) (Long Wheelbase)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 126.4 inches (3210 mm)

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and options, generally ranging from 4,300 to 5,000+ lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 5,700 - 6,200 lbs

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 14.0 - 17.7 cubic feet (14.0 for F01, larger for F02 with specific options).

Wheelbase F01:

Approx. 119.7 inches (3040 mm)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x112 mm

Typical Tire Sizes:

245/45R19, 275/40R19 (staggered fitment common on rear)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Likely received good ratings, though specific ratings for the 2009 model year may vary by country. Typically 4 or 5 stars in frontal and side impact tests.

IIHS Ratings:

Likely designated as a Top Safety Pick or received good ratings in relevant crashworthiness tests.

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC).

Braking Systems:

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

Driver Assistance Packages:

Optional: Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Head-Up Display.

Airbags:

Advanced multi-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags, knee airbags (driver/passenger), head protection system (air curtains) for front and rear occupants.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters for all seating positions.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

Body Structure:

High-strength steel and aluminum construction for enhanced occupant protection and structural rigidity.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

iDrive (CCC or CIC generation depending on exact build date and options)

Display Type:

High-resolution LCD display, typically 10.2 inches, integrated into the dashboard.

Controller:

Central rotary dial and button interface with shortcut buttons.

Audio Options:

Standard BMW Professional Radio, optional HiFi Sound System, optional Logic7 Surround Sound, optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.

Navigation:

Professional Navigation system with integrated maps and real-time traffic information.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go functionality, using radar sensors to maintain distance.

Lane Keeping:

Optional Lane Departure Warning system that vibrates the steering wheel.

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Optional Blind Spot Detection system, indicated by icons in the side mirrors.

Night Vision:

Optional Night Vision system with pedestrian detection, displaying an infrared image on the central display.

Bluetooth:

Integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Usb Aux:

USB and Auxiliary audio input ports for connecting external media devices.

Seats:

Multi-contour front seats with electric adjustment, lumbar support, memory functions, heating, ventilation, and optional massage functions.

Climate Control:

Multi-zone automatic climate control with personalized temperature settings for driver, front passenger, and rear occupants.

Panoramic Sunroof:

Optional large panoramic sunroof with electric tilt and slide function.

Headlights:

Standard Xenon Adaptive Headlights with automatic leveling and cleaning system. Optional LED headlights on some late models or facelifts.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Condition Based Service (CBS) system indicates intervals, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.

Brake Fluid Interval:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Air Filter:

Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, or as indicated by CBS.

Cabin Microfilter:

Typically every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or annually.

Spark Plugs:

Varies by engine: N55/N63 typically around 60,000 miles; N74 V12 may have different intervals.

Engine Oil Specification:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) for diesel engines (if applicable to market). Viscosity often 0W-30 or 5W-30.

Coolant Specification:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based, silicate-free).

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid (for hydraulic systems).

N63 Engine Specific:

Oil consumption, carbon buildup on intake valves, ignition coil failures, fuel injector issues, turbocharger problems. Often addressed by BMW's Customer Care Package or Technical Campaign.

Electrical Gremlins:

Issues related to the Body Control Module (BCM/FRM module), water ingress affecting electronics, parking light failures, door module malfunctions.

Suspension Components:

Wear on bushings, ball joints, and air springs (if equipped), particularly in the front suspension. Issues with Active Roll Stabilization components.

I Drive System:

Occasional software glitches, frozen displays, or controller malfunctions.

Thermostat Housing:

Cracking or leaks from the plastic thermostat housing, leading to coolant loss.

Water Pump Failures:

Early failure of electric water pumps (common on later models, but early signs might be present).

Fuel Pump Failures:

Potential for high-pressure fuel pump failures, especially on direct injection models.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Varies by engine: e.g., N63 approx. 8.5 liters (9 US quarts); N55 approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts).

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 9.5 - 10.5 liters (10 - 11 US quarts), varies by engine and cooling system configuration.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 8 - 10 liters (8.5 - 10.5 US quarts), varies by transmission model.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW, known for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan, has a long history of producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with advanced engineering and driver engagement.

Previous Generation:

E65/E66 (2002-2008), characterized by Chris Bangle's controversial design language and significant technological advancements.

F01 Introduction:

Introduced in 2008 for the 2009 model year, marking a return to more conservative, elegant styling while retaining and advancing the technological prowess of its predecessor.

Platform Development:

Utilizes BMW's CLAR platform architecture (though CLAR name emerged later, the foundational elements were present), designed for flexibility and incorporation of advanced materials and powertrains.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Dingolfing Plant, Germany.

Production Years F01 F02:

2008-2015

Production Years F03:

Limited production, 2009-2012, as a technology demonstrator.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best 10:

The 7 Series has historically been a strong contender and frequent recipient of automotive awards, including '10Best' lists from publications like Car and Driver for its class.

Luxury Vehicle Awards:

Likely received awards for luxury, technology, and performance from various automotive media outlets globally.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings can vary; specific year-to-year ratings from Consumer Reports should be checked, but luxury vehicles often face higher expectations and scrutiny.

Iso Certification:

BMW's manufacturing facilities are certified to ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) standards.