🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

535i xDrive

Year:

2010

Chassis Code:

E60

Engine Code:

N54B30A

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Mid-Size Sedan (Luxury)

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced technology

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M

Vehicle Highlights:

Powerful twin-turbocharged engine, advanced xDrive all-wheel-drive system, luxurious interior, refined ride quality, sophisticated technology

Benefit To Owner:

Enables informed maintenance decisions, cost-effective repairs, and confident DIY servicing

Benefit To Technician:

Provides authoritative diagnostic and repair procedures, crucial for efficient and accurate servicing

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, diagnostic, and maintenance procedures for the 2010 BMW 535i xDrive

Secondary Coverage:

Wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), specifications, and torque values

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software/Digital Download (likely PDF or proprietary application)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6 (N54B30A): Engine mechanical, fuel delivery, ignition, emission control, cooling, lubrication, turbocharger system

Transmission:

6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GA6HP26Z): Gearbox operation, fluid specifications, service procedures, control module diagnostics

Drivetrain:

xDrive All-Wheel Drive System: Transfer case, front/rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, wheel bearings, system diagnostics

Suspension:

Front: MacPherson strut, multi-link. Rear: Multi-link. Includes shock absorbers, springs, control arms, sway bars, bushings, alignment procedures

Brakes:

Front: Ventilated discs. Rear: Ventilated discs. ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake assist, parking brake, hydraulic system, component replacement

Steering:

Hydraulic Power Steering: Steering rack, power steering pump, fluid specifications, tie rods, power steering assist system diagnostics

Electrical:

Complete electrical system: Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, ignition, CAN bus network, body control modules (BCM), comfort systems, infotainment wiring

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, mirrors, bumpers, interior trim, seat mechanisms, hood, trunk, corrosion protection

HVAC:

Automatic climate control, A/C system operation, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor, control panel

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, SRS control module, crash sensors, active head restraints

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs

Scheduled Maintenance:

Brake fluid flush, coolant flush, transmission fluid service, differential fluid service, spark plug replacement intervals

Component Replacement:

Alternator, starter motor, water pump, thermostat, fuel injectors, mass air flow (MAF) sensors, oxygen (O2) sensors, brake pads and rotors, suspension components

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting common issues, interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), using diagnostic scan tools, electrical circuit testing

Rebuilds:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, differential rebuilds (detailed instructions where applicable)

Special Procedures:

Turbocharger system diagnostics and repair, fuel system pressure testing, electronic module programming/coding (mention of necessary tools may be present)

Depth:

In-depth, factory-level technical information suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts

Detail Level:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions, torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic flowcharts, and wiring diagrams

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Type:

Proprietary software or PDF format with interactive elements

Resolution:

High-resolution diagrams and images for clarity

Binding:

N/A (Software)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-Cylinder, Twin-Turbocharged (Twin-Scroll Turbochargers)

Displacement:

2996 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Valve Train:

Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Direct Injection (High-Pressure Fuel Injection)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Oil Type Specification:

BMW Longlife-01 (e.g., Castrol EDGE Professional OE 0W-30) or equivalent

Oil Capacity With Filter:

6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol based)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 9.5 Liters (10.0 US Quarts)

Spark Plugs:

NGK SILZKFR8A8 (or equivalent, e.g., Bosch ZGR7TPP33)

Emission System:

Dual Catalytic Converters, Secondary Air Injection System, Lambda Sensors (O2 Sensors)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Transmission Code:

GA6HP26Z

Transmission Type:

N/A (535i xDrive was automatic only)

Modes:

Sport Mode, Manual Shift Mode (via shifter or paddle shifters)

Transmission Fluid Type:

BMW ATF 6 (e.g., ZF Lifeguardfluid 6) - Synthetic

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7 Liters (for complete fill, may vary based on procedure)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

191.1 inches (4854 mm)

Width:

72.7 inches (1847 mm)

Height:

57.8 inches (1468 mm)

Wheelbase:

116.4 inches (2957 mm)

Front Headroom:

38.5 inches (978 mm)

Rear Headroom:

37.5 inches (953 mm)

Front Legroom:

41.7 inches (1059 mm)

Rear Legroom:

35.1 inches (892 mm)

Trunk Volume:

14.0 cubic feet (396 Liters)

Curb Weight:

4178 lbs (1895 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

5180 lbs (2350 kg)

Standard Wheel Size:

18 x 8.0 inches

Standard Tire Size Front:

245/40R18

Standard Tire Size Rear:

245/40R18

Bolt Pattern:

5x120mm

Center Bore:

72.6 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

5-Star (as part of overall vehicle safety)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for relevant model years)

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control (ASC/DTC)

Braking Assistance:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Cornering Brake Control (CBC)

All Wheel Drive:

xDrive Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags)

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

Head Restraints:

Active head restraints for front seats (reduce whiplash injury)

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

iDrive (IDrive Professional)

Display:

Central LCD display (typically 7-inch or optional 8.8-inch)

Control Interface:

Central control knob with surrounding buttons, voice control

Audio Options:

AM/FM Stereo, CD Player, optional Satellite Radio, optional Harman Kardon Surround Sound System

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC)

Parking Assistance:

Optional Rear Parking Sensors (PDC), optional front parking sensors, optional rearview camera

Lighting Features:

Xenon Adaptive Headlights with automatic leveling, LED taillights

Bluetooth:

Standard Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming

Usb Aux:

Optional USB/Auxiliary audio input

Navigation:

Optional Professional Navigation System

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends every 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year, depending on driving conditions.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage

Coolant Change:

BMW recommends coolant for life, but a flush and refill is advisable around 5-7 years or 100,000 miles for preventative maintenance.

Transmission Fluid Service:

BMW traditionally stated 'lifetime' fill, but professional recommendations often suggest fluid and filter change every 60,000-80,000 miles for longevity.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 60,000 miles for the N54 engine

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid

Differential Fluid Front:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Synthetic Gear Oil (BMW P/N 83222365987 or equivalent)

Differential Fluid Rear:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Synthetic Gear Oil (BMW P/N 83222365987 or equivalent)

Transfer Case Fluid:

BMW Transfer Case Fluid (e.g., DTF-1) or an SAE 75W-85 GL-4 Synthetic Gear Oil

Common Problem 1:

High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure: Symptoms include rough idling, stalling, loss of power.

Common Problem 2:

Turbocharger wastegate rattle: Audible rattle on cold start or deceleration.

Common Problem 3:

PCV Valve failure: Symptoms include oil leaks, rough idle, increased oil consumption.

Common Problem 4:

Ignition coil and spark plug issues: Misfires, rough running.

Common Problem 5:

Oil pan gasket leaks: Common due to age and material degradation.

Common Problem 6:

Water pump and thermostat failure: Overheating, coolant leaks.

Common Problem 7:

Oil cooler line leaks: Visible oil leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Identity:

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.

5 Series Heritage:

The 5 Series represents BMW's core executive sedan, evolving through multiple generations since its inception in the 1970s, consistently blending sportiness with comfort.

E60 Generation:

The E60 generation (2004-2010) was a significant departure with Chris Bangle's controversial design language, introducing iDrive and advanced electronic systems.

2010 Model Year:

The 2010 model year represents the final year of the E60 generation, often incorporating mid-cycle refresh updates and refinements. The 535i xDrive specifically introduced the potent N54 twin-turbo engine.

Production Location:

Primarily Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The 5 Series has frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in various iterations, highlighting its dynamic prowess and balance.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports typically rates BMW vehicles highly for performance and luxury, with mixed results on predicted reliability for certain generations/engines.

Euro Ncap:

The E60 5 Series generally achieved high safety ratings in European crash tests.