Segment:
Mid-size luxury sedan, part of the BMW 5 Series (E60 generation).
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a premium driving experience with a blend of performance, comfort, and luxury.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac STS.
All Wheel Drive:
The 'xi' designation signifies BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and stability.
Engine Performance:
Known for its smooth power delivery and refined operation.
Driving Dynamics:
Characteristic BMW handling and a focus on driver engagement.
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced features for its time, and a comfortable ride.
Engine:
Complete service, repair, and diagnostics for the N52B30 inline-6 engine.
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for the ZF 6HP19 automatic transmission and manual transmission (if applicable).
Drivetrain:
Detailed coverage of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, including transfer case, differentials, and drive shafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, control arms, bushings, and steering components.
Brakes:
Brake system components, hydraulics, ABS, DSC, and parking brake service.
Electrical:
Comprehensive electrical diagrams, component testing, wiring harnesses, ECU diagnostics, lighting, and comfort electronics.
Body:
Body panel repair, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, and collision repair information.
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, diagnosis, and repair of components like the compressor, evaporator, and blower motor.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, and evaporative emissions control system servicing.
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant, water pump, thermostat, and cooling fan diagnosis and replacement.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and oxygen sensors.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and general upkeep.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, and fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems and components.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including disassembly and reassembly.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners and critical components.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated, Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
2996 cc (3.0 Liters)
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
236 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic DME (MS S54 for manual, MS S54 for auto, specifics may vary)
Variable Valve Timing:
Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Variable Camshaft Lift:
VALVETRONIC (Variable Valve Lift)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (ZF 6HP19)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (available in some markets/configurations)
All Wheel Drive Integration:
Seamless integration with the xDrive system.
Automatic Modes:
Sport and Manual modes (Steptronic).
Length:
Approx. 190.6 inches (4841 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.5 inches (1816 mm)
Height:
Approx. 58.0 inches (1473 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 113.7 inches (2890 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3700-3900 lbs (1680-1770 kg), varies with options
Gross Weight Rating:
N/A (typically not specified in this level of detail for manuals)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 14 cubic feet (396 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star (for relevant models/testing periods)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for relevant models/testing periods)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) / Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
All Wheel Drive System:
xDrive Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain head protection airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Head Unit:
iDrive system (first generation), with professional navigation and infotainment options.
Display:
Central information display (CID) screen, typically 7 inches.
Audio Options:
Standard Hi-Fi system, optional Harman Kardon premium sound system.
Parking Assistance:
Optional front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface.
Headlights:
Standard Halogen or optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles or as per CBS.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 miles for the N52 engine (often iridium-tipped).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Replacement:
BMW recommends long-life coolant, typically replaced around 100,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30, BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 approved synthetic oil.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 (or equivalent specified by BMW/ZF).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4+.
Oil Leaks:
Common valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket leaks.
Cooling System Failures:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle; water pump and thermostat failures.
Ignition Coils:
Ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can clog, leading to oil leaks and rough running.
X Drive Transfer Case:
Occasional issues with the transfer case actuator or oil leaks.
Brand Focus:
BMW AG is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering.
Generation:
E60 generation of the 5 Series, introduced in 2003 (for 2004 model year in US), with facelift in 2007.
525Xi Introduction:
The 525xi variant, featuring the 3.0L N52 engine and xDrive AWD, was a significant addition to the E60 lineup, particularly in markets with diverse weather conditions.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany, with potential assembly in other global locations.