Vehicle Segment:
Executive Sedan/Wagon (mid-size luxury)
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS, Jaguar S-Type
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive (standard on 530xi)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6
Platform Significance:
Represents the pinnacle of BMW's E60 generation luxury and performance engineering.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic), Drivetrain (xDrive AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, DSC), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Engine Management, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Control Modules, Infotainment, Power Accessories, Diagnosis & Fault Finding
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Sunroof, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Fault code interpretation, Electrical circuit analysis, Component testing
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, Transmission overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Electrical component repair, Body panel repair
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, Alignment procedures, Wiring diagrams, Diagnostic connector pinouts
Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and major component overhaul)
Engine Type:
3.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline-6
Displacement:
2996 cc (183 cu in)
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
236 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane Recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (8.9 Quarts)
Spark Plug Type:
NGK SILZKR7B11 or equivalent
ECU Type:
MSV70 or similar Siemens DME
Transmission Type:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic
Manual Transmission Availability:
Not available for 530xi model (typically only for RWD variants)
Drivetrain Management:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive System with electronic power distribution
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent Pentosin ATF1)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
5-Star (for both driver and passenger)
IIHS Top Safety Pick Sedan:
Yes
Traction Control:
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Front airbags, Front side-impact airbags, Head protection system (front and rear)
Seat Belts:
Pretensioners and force limiters
Chassis Safety:
Reinforced safety cell, Crumple zones
Interface:
iDrive system (CIC or CCC depending on specific build date)
Display Type:
Central color LCD screen
Audio Options:
AM/FM stereo, CD player, optional Sirius Satellite Radio, Logic7 premium audio
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC)
Parking Assistance:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC), optional Front PDC
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity
Headlights:
Standard Halogen Projector, optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, based on oil quality and driving conditions (condition-based service system).
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years
Coolant Replacement Interval:
Initial fill is typically long-life, subsequent replacements around 60,000 miles or as per vehicle's condition monitoring.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approx. 100,000 miles (for long-life iridium plugs)
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) 5W-30 or 0W-30 synthetic oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant
Valve Cover Gasket Leaks:
Common on N52 engines due to aging rubber seals.
Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leaks:
Another common source of oil leaks on the N52 engine.
Water Pump And Thermostat:
Can fail prematurely on N52 engines, often requiring replacement.
ABS/Dsc Module Failures:
Can cause ABS, DSC, and speedometer issues; often requires professional repair or replacement.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, engineering excellence, performance.
E60 Platform Introduction:
Introduced in 2003 (globally) as a replacement for the E39 5 Series.
530Xi Positioning:
Represents the all-wheel-drive variant of the 530i, offering enhanced traction and stability.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing Plant, Germany
E60 Facelift:
Mid-cycle facelift occurred in 2007 for the 2008 model year, not directly impacting 2006-2007 models but relevant for platform context.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E60 5 Series platform was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards in various configurations during its production run.
Jdpower Dependability:
Generally received good ratings for dependability, though specific model year ratings vary. Manual provides maintenance to preserve this.
Emisiones Standards:
Complies with applicable EPA and California emissions standards for the model years.
