Segment:
Full-Size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Luxury vehicle owners, independent repair shops specializing in European vehicles, DIY enthusiasts with advanced mechanical skills
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ
Vehicle Highlights:
Long wheelbase, powerful V8 engine, sophisticated iDrive infotainment, advanced comfort and safety features, premium interior materials
Benefit:
Provides expert-level repair and maintenance guidance directly from BMW, ensuring accurate and efficient servicing.
Engine:
Engine mechanical (N62 V8), lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine management systems (DME)
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 6HP26) diagnosis, repair, and fluid service
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, axles, AWD system (if applicable)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, hydraulic systems, adaptive drive, self-leveling suspension
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake pad/rotor replacement, hydraulic unit diagnosis
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, Servotronic (variable assist)
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, seats, interior trim, climate control, comfort access
Comfort Systems:
HVAC, power seats, heated/ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting
Infotainment And Navigation:
iDrive system, professional navigation, audio system, Bluetooth, CCC (Car Communication Computer) module
Driver Assistance:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Head-Up Display (HUD), parking sensors, rearview camera
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common issues, reading diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing
Repair:
Component removal and installation, major and minor repairs across all covered systems
Special Tools:
Identification of required BMW special tools for specific procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Complete, from basic maintenance to complex system overhauls and diagnostics
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
4.8 Liters (4835 cc)
Horsepower:
360 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
360 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Injection System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-point Injection
ECU:
Bosch Motronic DME (Digital Motor Electronics)
Valvetrain:
Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing), Valvetronic (Variable Valve Lift)
Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (e.g., Castrol EDGE 5W-30)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 Liters (9 US quarts)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (for 2006 model year vehicles)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Not specifically rated for 2006, but generally performed well in its class.
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Front, side-impact, and head protection airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning and force-limiting seatbelts
System Name:
iDrive (CCC - Car Communication Computer)
Features:
Central control knob, high-resolution displays, navigation, radio, CD changer, Bluetooth hands-free, optional voice control.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with radar-based distance keeping.
Lane Departure Warning:
Optional Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system.
Head Up Display:
Optional Head-Up Display (HUD) projecting critical information onto the windshield.
Bluetooth:
Integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Seat Technology:
Multi-contour front seats with heating, ventilation, and memory functions; optional comfort rear seats.
Lighting:
Xenon Adaptive Headlights, interior ambient lighting.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Interval Indicator (VSI) – typically 10,000-15,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle, using synthetic oil.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles for the N62 V8 engine.
Transmission Service:
Recommended fluid and filter change around 60,000-100,000 miles, though BMW historically considered it 'lifetime' fluid. Professional advice is crucial here.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S (or equivalent approved hydraulic fluid)
Common Problems:
Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, coolant leaks (e.g., water pump, hoses), ignition coil failures, VANOS solenoid issues, E65/E66 electronic gremlins (CCC, iDrive), ABS/DSC module failures, active steering pump issues, fuel pump failures.
Maintenance Recommendations:
Regular inspection of all gaskets, cooling system components, and electronic modules is highly recommended due to the complexity of the vehicle.
Brand Focus:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, engineering, and luxury.
Generation:
E65/E66 is the fourth generation of the BMW 7 Series (introduced in 2001, facelift in 2005).
Introduction Of 750Li:
The 750Li designation marked a return to numerically descriptive badging, replacing the 745Li and representing the 4.8L V8 engine.
Production Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Production Years:
2005-2008 (for the E66 facelift generation with the 750Li model)