Market Position:
Luxury Sports Activity Coupe (SAC), targeting premium SUV buyers seeking performance and distinctive styling.
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking a luxurious, high-performance vehicle with distinctive styling that stands out from traditional SUVs and sedans.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, and Audi Q7, but distinguished itself with its coupe-like roofline and emphasis on on-road performance over traditional SUV utility.
Key Features:
Distinctive coupe-like silhouette, powerful V8 engine options, advanced xDrive all-wheel-drive system, luxurious interior appointments, sport-oriented driving dynamics.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical Systems, HVAC, Body & Chassis, Diagnostic Troubleshooting, Maintenance Procedures
Manual Type:
Online Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Web-based Software (Accessible via Browser)
Page Count:
Digital content with extensive sections; not a fixed page count like a print manual. Estimated to contain thousands of pages of information equivalent.
Systems Covered:
Engine (N63B44A, N63B48B), Transmission (ZF 6HP26), Drivetrain (xDrive All-Wheel Drive), Suspension (Adaptive Drive, Air Suspension), Steering (Servotronic), Braking System (Dynamic Stability Control), Electrical System (On-Board Diagnostics, Wiring Diagrams), HVAC, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Body Control Module, Interior/Exterior Lighting, Infotainment, Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Wiring Diagrams:
Includes detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems, aiding in troubleshooting electrical faults.
Body And Chassis:
Covers body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, sunroof operation, chassis component torque specifications, and collision repair guidelines.
Procedures Included:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement (Shock Absorbers, Control Arms), Engine Tune-ups, Spark Plug Replacement, Ignition Coil Replacement, Fuel Injector Service, Cooling System Flush, Air Conditioning Service, Diagnostic Code Interpretation, Troubleshooting of Common Faults, Drivetrain Component Inspection and Repair, Electrical Component Testing and Replacement, Body Panel Repair and Alignment
Troubleshooting Guides:
Provides systematic troubleshooting flowcharts and diagnostic procedures for common drivability and electrical issues.
Engine Rebuilding:
Detailed steps for engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement (pistons, bearings, seals), and reassembly, including torque sequences and specifications.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to in-depth repair and diagnostics)
Diagnostic Codes:
Covers OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), their meanings, and troubleshooting steps.
Primary Engine:
4.8L Twin-Turbocharged V8 (N63B48B)
Bore X Stroke:
3.48 in x 3.82 in (88.3 mm x 96.7 mm)
Horsepower:
350 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
350 lb-ft @ 3400-5000 rpm
Fuel System:
Direct Injection with Twin-Turbochargers
Engine Variants:
Available with a 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6 (N54B30) in earlier models of the E71 generation, and a 4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8 (N63B44A/N63B48B) as the primary offering for the 2008 model year.
Transmission:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission
Optional Transmission:
N/A for 2008 model year
Features:
Driver-selectable modes (Sport, Manual), Adaptive shift logic based on driving style.
Transfer Case:
xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system with variable torque distribution.
Length:
193.9 inches (4925 mm)
Width:
78.1 inches (1985 mm)
Height:
67.3 inches (1708 mm)
Curb Weight:
4,904 lbs (2224 kg) for 4.8i model
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 6,570 lbs (2980 kg) for 4.8i
Towing Capacity:
7,716 lbs (3,500 kg) with optional trailer hitch.
Cargo Volume:
20.5 cu ft (580 L) with rear seats up; 66.5 cu ft (1880 L) with rear seats folded
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not Rated (Specific testing for this niche model was less common compared to mainstream SUVs)
Active Features:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.
Adaptive Drive:
Optional system combining active roll stabilization and electronic damping control for enhanced handling and ride comfort.
Passive Features:
Front airbags, Front side-impact airbags, Head protection airbags (front and rear), Active front head restraints, Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Infotainment System:
iDrive infotainment system with 8.8-inch display, Navigation system, AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional satellite radio and premium audio systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
User Interface:
iDrive controller with buttons for primary functions, integrated voice command system.
Driver Assistance:
Park Distance Control (PDC), Backup camera (optional), Adaptive Headlights.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB audio interface.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions. Oil life monitor system advises based on actual usage.
Brake Fluid Interval:
Every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Interval:
Varies by engine, typically around 60,000 miles for V8 models.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved 5W-30 or 0W-30 synthetic oil.
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW ATF 6 (or equivalent specification for ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission, e.g., Pentosin ATF1).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48, Ethylene Glycol based).
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent.
Differential Fluid Type:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent API GL-5).
Known Issues:
N63 V8 engine: Oil consumption, vacuum leaks, ignition coil failures, fuel injector issues, turbocharger leaks. General: Suspension wear (air springs, control arms), water pump failure, electronic control unit (ECU) issues, panoramic sunroof drainage blockage leading to water ingress.
Common Repair Items:
Turbocharger oil feed lines (N63), valve stem seals, coolant expansion tank, radiator hoses, drive belts, serpentine belt tensioner and pulleys.
Brand Heritage:
BMW, known for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan, has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles, including sedans, coupes, and later, SUVs and crossovers.
Model Evolution:
The X6 was introduced as BMW's first 'Sports Activity Coupe' (SAC), a radical departure from traditional SUV design, emphasizing a lower, sleeker profile and sportier driving experience. It was based on the X5 platform but featured a unique, sloping roofline.
Design Philosophy:
To create a vehicle that blended the presence and capability of an SUV with the dynamic styling and handling characteristics of a coupe, filling a unique niche in the market.
Production Years:
2008-2014 (First Generation E71)
Manufacturing Location:
Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
