Vehicle Class:
Full-Size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Owners seeking in-depth knowledge for DIY maintenance and repair, Independent Repair Shops
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ
Vehicle Highlights:
V8 Engine, Extended Wheelbase (Li), Advanced Technology, Luxury Interior
Manual Advantage:
Official BMW licensing ensures accuracy and completeness, digital format offers quick access and searchability
Engine:
4.4L V8 Naturally Aspirated (N62B44)
Transmission:
6-speed automatic (GM 5L40-E / ZF 6HP19)
Brakes:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Suspension:
Front Independent, Rear Independent, Adaptive Drive (Optional)
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Steering, Servotronic
Electrical:
12V Electrical System, Battery, Alternator, Starter, Lighting, ECUs, Body Control Modules (BCM), Infotainment System
Bodywork:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Sealing
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control, HVAC System
Safety Systems:
Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain), Seatbelts, ISOFIX
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plugs, Belts, Hoses
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Service, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Diagnostics, BMW Specific Diagnostic Procedures, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete Electrical Wiring Diagrams for All Systems
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, component testing, and troubleshooting trees
Rebuild Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for engine, transmission, and major component overhauls
Engine Type:
4.4-liter (4398 cc) V8, Naturally Aspirated
Valvetrain:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 82.7 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
329 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
330 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.0 Liters (12.7 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (9.0 US Quarts)
Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 approved)
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic (specific model varies, e.g., ME7.2)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission
Transmission Model:
ZF 6HP19
Shifting Modes:
Drive, Sport, Manual (via Steptronic lever or steering wheel buttons)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 - 9.0 Liters (16.9 - 19.0 US Quarts) - dry fill
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF LT 71141 (or BMW equivalent like P/N 83 22 0 030 539)
Fluid Change Interval:
BMW typically lists as 'lifetime', but recommended service interval for heavy use is 60,000 - 100,000 miles
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this year, but BMW generally excels in safety.
IIHS Crash Test:
Not extensively documented by IIHS for this specific model year, but reflects BMW's robust safety engineering.
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (HPS) curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
System Name:
iDrive (first generation)
Features:
Central control knob, onboard computer, navigation system (optional), radio, CD player, climate control integration.
Cruise Control:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Distronic (optional)
Parking Assistance:
Front and Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth integration for phone calls (optional)
Keyless Entry:
Comfort Access System (keyless entry and start) (optional)
Lighting:
Xenon Headlights with Adaptive Headlight Control (optional)
Oil Change Interval:
Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months
Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 - 45,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 15,000 - 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type and material)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (BMW recommends Castrol GT/LM High Performance Brake Fluid)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid
Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets, coolant leaks from hoses and expansion tanks, potential for starter motor failure, ignition coil issues, VANOS solenoid problems.
Transmission:
Mechatronic unit failures, torque converter issues, transmission fluid leaks.
Electrical:
Water pump failure (electric), thermostat failure (electric), Battery cable issues, EWS (immobilizer) faults, ABS/DSC sensor issues, iDrive system glitches.
Suspension:
Air suspension compressor failures, strut leaks, control arm bushings wear.
Brand Legacy:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, combining performance and luxury.
Generation:
The E65/E66 generation marked a significant departure for BMW's flagship sedan with its bold styling and advanced iDrive system.
Development Focus:
This generation prioritized comfort, technology, and a new design language over previous generations' more conservative approach.
Production Years:
E65/E66 generation: 2001-2008
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany