Segment:
Executive Sedan/Wagon
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS (JZS160).
Dvantages Of Digital:
Cleanliness (no oil on hands), ability to print specific pages, portability.
Completeness:
Designed to be a complete, official full workshop service repair manual.
Accessibility:
Immediately solvable problems via PDF format.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine overhaul, timing belt, head gasket, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, exhaust systems.
Engine Management:
Engine control unit (ECU), ignition system, emission control systems, sensors, actuators.
Transmission:
Automatic and manual transmission servicing, repair, and overhaul. Fluid change procedures.
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, CV joints, differentials.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, brake discs, brake pads, calipers, ABS system, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Full electrical system diagnostics, troubleshooting, wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, accessories.
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable), underbody protection, chassis components.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system servicing, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Interior Trim:
Dashboard, seats, door panels, headliner removal and installation.
Basic Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (air, oil, fuel, cabin), tire pressure checks, fluid level checks.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed schedules for routine servicing based on mileage and time.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed, numbered instructions for all repairable components.
Component Replacement:
Instructions for replacing major and minor components.
Overhaul Procedures:
Comprehensive procedures for complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Diagnosis of electrical faults using wiring diagrams and test procedures.
Diagnostic Codes:
Interpretation and troubleshooting of On-Board Diagnostic (OBD-II) trouble codes.
Depth Of Information:
High - Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex engine rebuilds and electrical diagnostics.
Detail Level:
Detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings for critical information.
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos for each procedure.
Wiring Diagrams:
Integrated and detailed wiring diagrams for ease of electrical troubleshooting.
Torque Specifications:
Included for all critical fasteners and components.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repairs.
525I Transmission:
5-speed manual Getrag S5D 250G
528I Transmission:
5-speed manual Getrag S5D 250G
530I Transmission:
5-speed manual Getrag S5D 250G
540I Transmission:
6-speed manual ZF S6-37ZH
525I Optional Transmission:
5-speed automatic Steptronic GM A5S 325Z
528I Optional Transmission:
5-speed automatic Steptronic GM A5S 325Z
530I Optional Transmission:
5-speed automatic Steptronic GM A5S 325Z
540I Optional Transmission:
5-speed automatic Steptronic GM 5L440E
Steptronic:
Allows manual shifting of automatic transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III H) - Manual will specify exact type and quantity.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent - Manual will specify exact type and quantity.
NHTSA Ratings:
Generally high safety ratings for its era, though specific year ratings may vary.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Asc:
Optional/Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T on some models)
Traction Control:
Standard on most models, advanced on later versions.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Infotainment System:
BMW Business CD, Professional RDS CD, or optional Navigation systems with CD changer capabilities.
Display:
Central LCD screen in the dashboard for climate control, radio, navigation, and vehicle information.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) sensors (front and rear).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth phone preparation with a cradle in the center console or armrest.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Rain Sensing Wipers:
Optional rain-sensing automatic wipers.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 15,000 miles (12,000 to 24,000 km) or annually, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system or specific model recommendations. Manual will provide precise guidance.
Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), or as indicated by the CBS.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, potentially longer for iridium or platinum types. V8 engines may have different intervals.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-30. Manual will specify exact type and viscosity based on engine.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent (ethylene glycol-based, silicate-inhibited). Mixture of 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 (e.g., BMW High Performance DOT 4). Replace every 2 years.
Cooling System Weaknesses:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and leak; water pumps and thermostat housings are common failure points.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and oil filter housing gaskets are prone to leaks over time.
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings and rear shock mounts can wear out, leading to noise and poor handling.
Vibration Issues:
Driveshaft flex disc (guibo) and center support bearing can fail, causing vibrations, especially under acceleration.
Electrical Quirks:
ABS/DSC warning lights, pixelated displays (from dead pixels on the instrument cluster), and headlight leveling issues are not uncommon.