🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

535xi

Model Variant:

xDrive (All-Wheel Drive)

Model Generation:

E60/E61

Production Years Covered:

2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Chassis Code:

E60 (Sedan), E61 (Touring/Wagon)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Executive Mid-size Sedan/Wagon

Target Audience:

Luxury car buyers seeking performance, comfort, and advanced technology, along with those prioritizing all-weather capability.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Infiniti M

Vehicle Highlights:

Powerful twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, advanced xDrive all-wheel-drive system, sophisticated ride and handling, luxurious interior appointments, extensive technology features.

Utility For Owners:

Empowers owners with detailed procedures for routine maintenance, troubleshooting common issues, and performing repairs, leading to cost savings and better vehicle upkeep.

Utility For Technicians:

Serves as an indispensable resource for professional mechanics, providing factory-level data for accurate diagnostics and repairs, crucial for efficient workflow and customer satisfaction.

📋 Manual Details

Major Topics:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Body, HVAC, Emissions Control, Diagnostics, Maintenance

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (N54), Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Engine Management (DME), Transmission (Automatic - GM 6L45/6L50, potentially manual options), Transfer Case, Driveshafts, Axles

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System (Hydraulic Power Steering), Brakes (ABS, DSC, Brake System Components), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules (BCM), DME, EGS, ABS/DSC Control Modules, Comfort Access, Navigation System (CCC/CIC), Audio System

Body Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Airbags, HVAC System (Climate Control), Safety Restraint System

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Cabin), Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Differential Fluid Change, Transfer Case Fluid Change, Belts & Hoses Inspection/Replacement

Repair Diagnostics:

Engine Component Removal/Installation (Turbochargers, Injectors, Ignition Coils), Transmission Service/Repair, Suspension Component Replacement (Struts, Control Arms), Brake Caliper/Rotor Replacement, Steering Rack Repair, Electrical Troubleshooting (Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing), Module Programming/Coding (ISTA/P procedures outlined conceptually), HVAC System Diagnosis, SRS System Diagnosis

Special Procedures:

Turbocharger System Diagnosis and Repair, High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Service, Direct Ignition System Troubleshooting, xDrive System Maintenance and Diagnosis, DME and EGS Module Reset/Adaptation

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and component-level repairs. Includes detailed explanations, torque specifications, special tools, and troubleshooting trees.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick access to information

Quality:

High resolution for clarity of diagrams and text

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

N54B30

Engine Type:

3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6

Bore X Stroke:

82.0 mm x 94.6 mm

Displacement:

2979 cc (3.0 Liters)

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

300 lb-ft (400 Nm) @ 1400-5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Direct Injection (High Pressure)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)

Turbochargers:

Twin-Turbocharged, parallel configuration

ECU Type:

Bosch DME (Digital Motor Electronics) - specific model varies (e.g., MSV80)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 9.5 Liters (10.0 US Quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-Speed Automatic (Steptronic)

Transmission Model:

GM 6L45 / 6L50

Type:

6-Speed Manual (Limited availability on 535xi)

Automatic Features:

Steptronic manual shifting mode, Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC), Sport and Comfort modes

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI (GM Official)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.1 Liters (7.5 US Quarts) for complete fill

System:

xDrive All-Wheel Drive

Transfer Case Fluid Type:

BMW Transfer Case Fluid (ATF-LT3, Pentosin DP3 or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Sedan: 4841 mm (190.6 in) / Touring: 4898 mm (192.8 in)

Width:

1846 mm (72.7 in)

Height:

Sedan: 1468 mm (57.8 in) / Touring: 1491 mm (58.7 in)

Wheelbase:

3029 mm (119.3 in)

Front Headroom:

Approx. 970 mm (38.2 in)

Rear Legroom:

Approx. 876 mm (34.5 in)

Trunk Volume Sedan:

Approx. 520 Liters (18.4 cu ft)

Cargo Volume Touring Seats Up:

Approx. 560 Liters (19.8 cu ft)

Cargo Volume Touring Seats Down:

Approx. 1650 Liters (58.3 cu ft)

Curb Weight Sedan:

Approx. 1770 kg (3902 lbs)

Curb Weight Touring:

Approx. 1870 kg (4123 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by configuration, check vehicle VIN

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Center Bore:

72.5 mm

Standard Wheel Size:

17-inch or 18-inch alloy

Standard Tire Size Sedan:

225/55R17, 245/40R18 (front/rear staggered optional)

Standard Tire Size Touring:

225/55R17

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Rating:

5-Star (for 2007-2010 models where tested)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good (for 2007-2010 models where tested)

IIHS Rear Impact Rating:

Good (for 2007-2010 models where tested)

IIHS Roof Strength Rating:

Good (for 2007-2010 models where tested)

Stability Control:

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

Braking Features:

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

Drivetrain Safety:

xDrive All-Wheel Drive System

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, head protection system (front and rear), active head restraints (front)

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

iDrive (Controlled via Center Console Controller)

Display:

Central LCD Display (6.5-inch or optional 8.8-inch Professional Navigation)

Features:

Optional Navigation System (CCC or later CIC), Radio (AM/FM), CD Player, DVD Player (for navigation and audio), Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connectivity (phone and audio streaming), Aux input.

Features:

Cruise Control, Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (Active Cruise Control), Parking Distance Control (PDC), Optional Head-Up Display (HUD).

Bluetooth:

Integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Comfort Access:

Keyless entry and start system.

Lighting:

Xenon Adaptive Headlights with cornering lights, LED taillights.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable Oil Service (Condition Based Service - CBS), typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual or CBS indicator.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as per CBS.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically 60,000 miles for N54 engines.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Flush:

Every 4-5 years or as per CBS.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-40 or 0W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) specifications.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.

Common Problems:

High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failures, Ignition Coil failures, Injector issues (early models), Turbocharger wastegate rattle/failure, Oil gasket leaks (valve cover, oil pan), Water pump/thermostat failures, PCV system issues, Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection characteristic).

Recommendations:

Regular oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil, timely replacement of ignition coils and spark plugs, monitoring of fuel system pressure, occasional intake manifold walnut blasting to remove carbon buildup.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

Renowned for performance ('The Ultimate Driving Machine'), engineering excellence, and luxury. Established in 1916.

E60 Platform:

The E60 generation (2003-2010) represented a significant shift in BMW's design language, introducing modern styling and advanced electronic systems. The 535xi variant was introduced to offer enhanced traction and performance in various weather conditions.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Dingolfing, Germany

Market Introduction:

The 535xi variant was introduced to cater to markets with demanding weather conditions and buyers seeking the performance of the N54 engine with the added benefit of all-wheel drive.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward 10 Best Engines:

The BMW N54 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 engine was a recipient of Ward's 10 Best Engines award multiple times during its production lifespan, recognizing its technological innovation, performance, and efficiency.

Vehicle Awards:

The BMW 5 Series (E60/E61) generation received numerous accolades and awards from automotive publications for its blend of luxury, performance, and technology throughout its production run.