Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Luxury Sedan/Wagon
Target Audience:
Discerning drivers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology
Primary Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS, Jaguar XF
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW handling and ride comfort, xDrive all-wheel-drive system
Powertrain Sophistication:
Smooth and potent inline-six engines, advanced automatic transmissions
Interior Appointments:
Premium materials, ergonomic design, advanced iDrive infotainment system
Value For Owners:
Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance, diagnose issues, and understand complex systems, potentially saving on dealership service costs.
Value For Independent Shops:
Provides comprehensive technical data and procedures for efficient and accurate servicing of the E60/E61 platform.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Drivetrain, Transmission (Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes (including ABS and DSC), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Body Electrical, Powertrain Electrical, Chassis Electrical, Lighting, Instrumentation, Infotainment System, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) wiring
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC, Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake pad/rotor service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding procedures, use of diagnostic tools (e.g., ISTA/D)
Repair:
Component removal and installation, rebuild procedures, component-level repairs
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance values
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic checks to full engine and transmission overhauls)
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including understanding of complex electronic control units (ECUs) and sensor inputs
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF for quick access to information
Printability:
Printable pages for in-garage use
Resolution:
High-resolution diagrams and illustrations
Illustration Quality:
Detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, and exploded views
Diagram Clarity:
Clear and easy-to-understand graphical representations of components and systems
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
2,996 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valvetrain:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 Valves per Cylinder, VALVETRONIC, Double VANOS
Horsepower:
230 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, Secondary Air Injection System, Oxygen Sensors
Transmission Type:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission
Optional Transmission:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Less common in North America for 528xi)
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Transmission Fluid:
BMW Blue ATF (e.g., ATF LT-3, Lifeguard 6)
Transfer Case Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific specification, typically a specialized AWD fluid
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
5-Star (for applicable model years/tests)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Likely achieved good ratings in relevant crash tests
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
All Wheel Drive:
xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system with variable torque distribution
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver/passenger), Side-impact airbags (front), Head protection system (side curtain airbags for front and rear)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Infotainment System:
iDrive System (BMW's proprietary control interface for navigation, audio, climate, and vehicle settings)
Navigation System:
Optional Professional or Business Navigation Systems
Audio System:
Standard HiFi audio, optional Logic 7 premium sound system
Adaptive Headlights:
Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights with cornering function
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) - front and rear
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) with stop-and-go function on some models
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity
Usb Aux:
Optional USB/Auxiliary input for audio
Oil Change Interval:
Variable based on Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually. The manual will detail exact CBS logic and recommendations.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage
Coolant Replacement:
BMW recommends BMW Blue Coolant and typically suggests replacement every 4 years or longer intervals, consult manual for specifics on the N52 engine.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium plugs used in the N52.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) synthetic oil, viscosity typically 0W-30 or 5W-30 depending on climate. Consult manual for exact specification.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate (e.g., P/N 82 14 1 467 704) mixed with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (e.g., P/N 83 29 0 429 576) or Pentosin CHF 11 S
Valve Cover Gasket Leaks:
Common on the N52 engine due to age and heat, leading to oil leaks and potential fouling of spark plug wells.
Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:
Another common leak point on the N52 engine.
Crankcase Ventilation System:
Clogged PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve or hoses can lead to rough idle, oil consumption, and seal failures.
Water Pump And Thermostat:
Failure of the electric water pump or thermostat can lead to overheating. The manual will detail diagnostics and replacement.
Eccentric Shaft Sensor:
Failure of the eccentric shaft sensor can trigger check engine lights and affect engine performance. Located in the valve cover.
Xdrive Transfer Case:
While generally robust, regular fluid changes are recommended to prevent wear. The manual will cover its maintenance and common fault codes.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building performance-oriented luxury vehicles with excellent driving dynamics and engineering prowess.
E60 Platform Introduction:
The E60 generation 5 Series was introduced in 2003, replacing the E39. The 528xi variant was introduced for the 2007 model year, incorporating the xDrive AWD system and the new N52 engine.
Mid-Cycle Refresh:
The E60 received a significant facelift for the 2008 model year, which included updated styling, interior refinements, and technology enhancements. This manual covers both pre- and post-LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) models.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production for the E60/E61 platform was at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany.
Model Recognition:
The E60 generation 5 Series was widely praised for its driving dynamics, refined interior, and technological advancements, often receiving accolades from automotive publications.
Initial Reviews:
Early reviews often highlighted the improved handling and comfort over its predecessor, while the iDrive system was a point of discussion, evolving in user-friendliness over the model's life.
Quality Standards:
Adherence to BMW's stringent internal quality and engineering standards.