Segment:
Executive Mid-Size Luxury Sedan/Wagon
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Infiniti M
Engine Technology:
Twin-turbocharged, direct injection for improved performance and efficiency
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW handling, balanced chassis, optional Active Steering and Adaptive Drive
Infotainment:
iDrive control system, advanced navigation and entertainment options
Comfort And Luxury:
Premium interior materials, advanced climate control, comfortable seating
Engine:
Twin-turbocharged Inline-6 (N54B30)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), xDrive (All-Wheel Drive - for specific models/years)
Transmission:
6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic (Steptronic)
Suspension:
Front: Double-wishbone; Rear: Multi-link integral-link axle
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated discs; Rear: Ventilated discs; ABS, DSC, DTC
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, diagnostics, component testing, DME, EGS, Comfort Access, iDrive system
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, crash structure
HVAC:
Climate control system, A/C system, heating system, ventilation
Fuel System:
Direct injection (High-Pressure Fuel Pump - HPFP, Injectors)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, brake fluid flush, coolant flush
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding trees, wiring diagram interpretation
Repair:
Engine mechanical repairs, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical parameters
Calibration Coding:
Procedures for component replacement and programming (e.g., injectors, sensors)
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools Required:
BMW ISTA/D, INPA, DIS (for advanced diagnostics and programming)
Configuration:
3.0L (2979cc) Inline-6, Twin-Turbocharged
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 1400-5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Direct Injection (High-Pressure Fuel Pump)
Turbocharger System:
Sequential Twin-Turbochargers (smaller turbo for low RPM boost, larger for high RPM)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 spec) or equivalent
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (synthetic, BMW LL-01 approved)
Type:
6-speed manual transmission
Type:
6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission
Automatic Features:
Sport mode, manual shift mode (via shifter or paddle shifters on some models)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF 6HP (e.g., Shell M-1375.4 or Pentosin ATF1)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or MTF3
Length:
Sedan: 4841 mm (190.6 in); Touring: 4890 mm (192.5 in)
Height:
Sedan: 1468 mm (57.8 in); Touring: 1471 mm (57.9 in)
Wheelbase:
2888 mm (113.7 in)
Trunk Volume:
Sedan: 520 liters (18.3 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Touring:
Touring: 560 liters (19.8 cu ft) / 1650 liters (58.3 cu ft) with seats folded
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1750-1850 kg (3858-4079 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2300 kg (5070 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Not typically specified or recommended for this model
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
5-star (Sedan)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (Sedan)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assistant
Steering Assist:
Hydraulic power steering, optional Active Steering
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system
Interface:
Central controller knob with surrounding buttons, LCD screen
Features:
Navigation system (optional), radio, CD player, climate control, vehicle settings
Cruise Control:
Standard, with optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go
Parking Assist:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear, optional rearview camera
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity
Usb Aux:
Optional USB/Auxiliary input
Headlights:
Halogen or optional Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights with angel eyes
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 miles or 12 months (variable by oil life sensor, but manual often recommends specific mileage for clarity)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Coolant Flush:
Initial change around 5 years, then every 2-3 years thereafter
Spark Plugs:
Typically around 60,000 miles (check manual for specific N54 recommendation)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as indicated by maintenance reminder
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (CHF 11S or similar approved)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity)
High Pressure Fuel Pump (Hpfp):
Known failure point, leading to rough running, misfires, and stalling. Later revisions are more reliable.
Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:
Can fail prematurely, causing misfires, especially on cylinders 1 and 6.
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle:
Common noise from the twin-turbo setup, often not indicative of failure but can be addressed.
Water Pump And Thermostat:
Electric water pump can fail, leading to overheating. Thermostat housing can also crack.
Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:
Can develop leaks over time, requiring replacement.
Idrive System Glitches:
Early versions of iDrive could be prone to software glitches or screen failures.
Bmw Philosophy:
The Ultimate Driving Machine - emphasis on performance, handling, and driver engagement
E60 Introduction:
Introduced in 2003 (for 2004 model year), replacing the E39 5 Series. Known for its controversial Bangle-era styling and advanced iDrive system.
E60 Facelift:
Mid-cycle facelift (LCI) introduced for the 2008 model year, featuring revised styling (headlights, taillights, bumpers) and technology updates.
N54 Engine Introduction:
The N54 twin-turbocharged engine was introduced in 2006 and became the flagship engine for many BMW models, including the 535i, offering significant power gains over its naturally aspirated predecessors.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing Plant)
Production Years For 535I E60:
2007-2010