🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

528i

Year:

2012

Chassis Code:

F10

Engine Code:

N52B30

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Sedan.

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive technicians.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS.

Vehicle Appeal:

Luxury, performance, advanced technology, sporty driving dynamics.

Manual Advantage:

Official licensing implies accuracy and completeness, providing dealership-level repair information in a digital, easily accessible format.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive repair and service information for the 2012 BMW 528i (F10 chassis).

Estimated Page Count:

~2000-3000 (typical for comprehensive software)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual (Software)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary application)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (N52B30), engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (ZF 8HP45 automatic), driveline.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS/DSC), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Body electrical systems, lighting, instruments, infotainment, comfort electronics, engine control modules (DME), chassis control modules (DSC, etc.), wiring diagrams.

Body:

Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, climate control (HVAC), safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts).

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance schedules, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement.

Repair:

Engine component repair/replacement (e.g., VANOS, valve cover gasket), transmission service, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor service, starter, alternator, AC system service.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for various systems using BMW's ISTA/D (Integrated Service Information Display) principles.

Special Procedures:

Component removal and installation steps, torque specifications, alignment procedures, programming and coding (where applicable to DIY level or technician reference).

Depth:

Detailed technical specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, repair procedures, and component identification for professional-level servicing.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital software, likely executable or PDF with advanced search capabilities.

Print Quality:

N/A (digital format - high resolution for on-screen viewing and potential printing).

Binding Type:

N/A (digital format).

Paper Type:

N/A (digital format).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder

Displacement:

2996 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

82.0 mm x 94.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

12.0:1

Valve Train:

Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 Valves, VALVETRONIC, Double VANOS

Horsepower:

240 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 2750-4250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended)

ECU Type:

Bosch DME (Digital Motor Electronics)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

8-Speed Automatic Steptronic

Transmission Model:

ZF 8HP45

Gear Ratios:

Provided in manual (specific ratios for each gear, R, and final drive).

Fluid Type:

BMW ATF LT-5 (or equivalent specified by ZF/BMW - detailed in manual).

Transmission Control:

Electronic, with Steptronic manual shift mode.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

193.1 inches (4907 mm)

Width:

73.0 inches (1854 mm)

Height:

57.7 inches (1466 mm)

Wheelbase:

116.9 inches (2970 mm)

Front Headroom:

~38.7 inches

Rear Headroom:

~38.3 inches

Front Legroom:

~41.4 inches

Rear Legroom:

~35.3 inches

Trunk Capacity:

~18.4 cu ft

Curb Weight:

~3800-3900 lbs (depending on options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

N/A (typically provided in manual for specific configurations)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Likely 5-Star (common for BMWs of this era, check specific VIN data).

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Likely Top Safety Pick or similar, given BMW's safety focus.

Traction Control:

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

Braking:

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

Driver Assistance:

Optional: Parking Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection.

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags).

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

BMW iDrive (CCC or CIC generation for 2012 model).

Features:

Navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, USB audio interface, auxiliary audio input, HD Radio, optional satellite radio, voice control.

Standard Features:

Cruise control, rear-view camera (often optional).

Optional Features:

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Head-Up Display (HUD), Parking Assistant.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth for phone calls and audio streaming, USB port for media playback and charging, BMW ConnectedDrive services (subscription-based).

Climate Control:

Automatic dual-zone climate control (often with microfilter system).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Service:

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

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect annually, replace as needed based on CBS or visual inspection (e.g., every 30,000 miles).

Cabin Microfilter:

Inspect annually, replace as needed (e.g., every 15,000-30,000 miles).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 miles (for N52B30, often with specific iridium plugs).

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 compliant synthetic oil, viscosity 5W-30 or 0W-30 (refer to manual for specific approval).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based).

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron VI or BMW equivalent (refer to manual for specific type).

Common Wear Items:

Valve cover gasket leaks (common on N52 engines), VANOS solenoids, ignition coils, water pump failure (electric type), fuel injectors.

Suspension:

Control arm bushings, sway bar links.

Electrical:

Water pump failure, alternator issues, battery drain (due to integrated electronics).

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, renowned for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' and engineering excellence.

F10 Generation:

Fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series, launched in 2010. Introduced a more modern design language and advanced technology.

528I Positioning:

Mid-level luxury sedan, balancing performance and efficiency with the 3.0L naturally aspirated inline-six.

Manufacturing Location:

Mainly Dingolfing, Germany.

Production Years:

2010-2016 (for F10 generation, 528i designation evolved).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

While the specific 2012 528i might not be on every list, the 5 Series platform frequently received accolades for its driving dynamics and luxury.

Ward 10Best Engines:

The N52 engine family (including variants similar to the 3.0L in the 528i) was a multiple winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines awards.

Luxury Car Reviews:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its blend of sportiness, comfort, and technology.