🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Year:

2006

Covered Models:

Chassis Code:

E65/E66

Engine Code 750I 750Li:

N62B48TU

Engine Code 760I 760Li:

N73B60

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Bmw Positioning:

Flagship model, representing BMW's pinnacle of luxury, comfort, technology, and performance.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ, Porsche Panamera (later model).

Distinguishing Attributes:

Advanced iDrive infotainment system, powerful V8 and V12 engine options, sophisticated chassis and suspension, focus on driver engagement within the luxury segment, premium interior materials and craftsmanship.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Content Summary:

Cockpit operation, iDrive system, voice command, opening/closing features, child safety, driving operation, vehicle controls, comfort/convenience/safety technology, lighting systems, climate control, interior accessories, driving tips, navigation system (startup, destination input, route guidance), troubleshooting, system on/off and settings, audio systems (radio, CD player, CD changer, external audio, DVD changer), telephone integration, BMW Assist, mobility features, refueling, wheels and tires, underhood components, maintenance, component replacement, assistance procedures, technical data, voice command shortcuts, comprehensive index.

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 300-400 pages (typical for this class and year)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Book

📖 Manual Coverage

Infotainment And Electronics:

iDrive system (comprehensive operation, navigation, audio, climate, communication), Radio, CD/DVD players and changers, external audio integration, telephone functions, BMW Assist telematics, voice command system (operation, commands, settings), climate control system (automatic, zones, features).

Vehicle Controls And Features:

Opening and closing mechanisms (doors, trunk, windows, sunroof), seat and steering wheel adjustment, interior lighting, ambient lighting, comfort features (e.g., heated/ventilated seats, dynamic seats), mirrors, sun blinds, storage compartments.

Safety And Driver Assistance:

Passive safety (airbags, seatbelts, child restraint systems - ISOFIX), active safety systems (ABS, DSC, traction control), parking assist systems, adaptive headlights, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring.

Powertrain And Chassis:

Engine operation, starting procedures, refueling information, wheels and tires (identification, pressure, replacement), basic underhood component identification and checks (fluids), basic maintenance checks.

Operation And Adjustment:

Daily operation of vehicle systems, adjusting seats, mirrors, climate control, infotainment settings, navigation input, phone pairing.

Maintenance And Care:

Basic checks (fluid levels, tire pressure), refueling procedures, basic component replacement (e.g., bulbs, wiper blades - if covered in owner's manual), advice on vehicle care.

Troubleshooting:

'What to do if...' section covering common warning lights, minor issues, and emergency procedures.

Child Safety:

Detailed instructions on installing child restraint systems and safety considerations for transporting children.

Depth:

Designed for the owner; covers operation, features, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair, diagnostics, or complex electrical system diagnosis which would be found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Not specified (assumed physical print for a 2006 model year manual sales business)

Print Quality:

Original BMW factory print quality (high-resolution images, clear text)

Binding:

Perfect Bound or Spiral Bound (typical for OEM owner's manuals)

Paper Quality:

Durable, coated paper stock suitable for automotive manuals

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally aspirated V8

Engine Code:

N62B48TU (4.8L V8)

Displacement:

4.8 liters (4800 cc)

Horsepower:

360 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque:

360 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Engine Type:

Naturally aspirated V12

Engine Code:

N73B60 (6.0L V12)

Displacement:

6.0 liters (5972 cc)

Horsepower:

438 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

444 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Injection System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with individual coil-on-plug ignition.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 750:

6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Transmission Type 760:

6-speed Automatic Transmission (SMG or traditional automatic depending on market/specific build, though typically automatic for 2006 760i/Li)

Transmission Features:

Steptronic manual shifting mode, adaptive shift logic.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

119.4 inches (3033 mm)

Length:

199.7 inches (5074 mm)

Width:

73.2 inches (1859 mm)

Height:

58.2 inches (1478 mm)

Wheelbase:

124.6 inches (3165 mm)

Length:

204.9 inches (5205 mm)

Width:

73.2 inches (1859 mm)

Height:

58.2 inches (1478 mm)

Curb Weight 750I:

Approx. 4,387 lbs (1990 kg)

Curb Weight 760I:

Approx. 4,608 lbs (2090 kg)

Curb Weight 750Li:

Approx. 4,519 lbs (2050 kg)

Curb Weight 760Li:

Approx. 4,773 lbs (2165 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

While specific NHTSA ratings for the 2006 E65/E66 generation are not readily available in a standardized format for this era, BMW vehicles of this period typically performed well in crash tests due to advanced safety structures.

Active Safety Systems:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Adaptive Headlights (AFS), Parking Distance Control (PDC), Cruise Control.

Passive Safety Features:

Front and side airbags, head protection system (HPS) for front and rear occupants, active head restraints, three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners, ISOFIX child seat mounting points.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

BMW iDrive (2nd Generation), featuring a central display, rotary controller with buttons, and an array of menus for navigation, communication, entertainment, and climate control.

Navigation:

Integrated professional navigation system with map display and voice guidance. Destination input and route guidance are detailed in the manual.

Audio Systems:

High-fidelity audio systems including radio, CD player, optional CD changer, DVD changer, and inputs for external audio devices (e.g., AUX-in).

Driver Assistance Features:

Active Cruise Control (optional, requiring radar sensors), Parking Distance Control (PDC) front and rear, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights.

Phone Integration:

Bluetooth hands-free telephone system with voice control. Manual covers pairing and basic phone functions.

Telematics:

BMW Assist (Tele Aid equivalent in other brands) for emergency assistance, stolen vehicle tracking, and remote services (subscription-based).

Comfort Features:

Multi-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, optional heated rear seats, optional active seats with massage function, power adjustable steering column, power-operated doors and trunk lid, comfort access keyless entry.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system. Owner's manual will guide on interpreting CBS messages.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual; typically around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on engine variant and specific plug type. The manual will specify the exact interval for each engine.

Engine Oil Type 750:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) compliant, SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 synthetic oil.

Engine Oil Type 760:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) compliant, SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 synthetic oil.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue (G48 Ethylene Glycol based) antifreeze concentrate, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Refer to manual for specific ATF type (e.g., Esso LT 71141 for older ZF transmissions, or BMW's proprietary fluid for later versions). Critical for automatic transmissions.

Common Wear Items:

Valve cover gaskets (oil leaks), eccentric shaft sensor (rough idle), ABS/DSC sensor failures, power steering hoses, alternator failures, coolant expansion tank leaks, electronic parking brake issues, iDrive system glitches/screen issues.

Vanos Issues:

The N62 V8 engine is known to have issues with the VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system, often due to degraded seals or solenoids, leading to rough idle or reduced performance.

Ccv System:

The Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can become clogged, leading to oil leaks and pressure build-up.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW, known as Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long-standing reputation for producing "The Ultimate Driving Machine," emphasizing performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.

E65 E66 Introduction:

The E65 (standard wheelbase) and E66 (long wheelbase) generation of the BMW 7 Series debuted for the 2002 model year in Europe and 2001 in North America. It represented a significant departure in styling and technology from its predecessor (E38).

E65 E66 Facelift:

A significant facelift occurred for the 2005 model year, addressing some of the initial criticisms of the styling and introducing updated technology. The 2006 models reflect these updates, including revised styling, improved iDrive functionality, and updated engine options (e.g., introduction of the 4.8L V8 and the 6.0L V12).

Production Period:

2001-2008 (North America), 2001-2009 (Global)

Manufacturing Locations:

Mainly Dingolfing, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards Generation:

While specific awards for the 2006 model year might be varied, the E65/E66 generation was recognized for its technological innovation, particularly the iDrive system (though often controversial), and its luxurious appointments. It was consistently ranked among the top luxury sedans in its class by automotive publications.