Market Segment:
Executive Sedan/Wagon segment, luxury and performance-oriented.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Jaguar XF.
Design Philosophy:
Understated elegance, driver-focused ergonomics, advanced technology integration.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for BMW's characteristic 'Ultimate Driving Machine' handling, responsive steering, and comfortable ride.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for gasoline and diesel engines including disassembly, inspection, assembly, and troubleshooting.
Engine Management:
ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control.
Transmission:
Automatic and manual transmission repair, clutch service, transmission control modules.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) or Rear-wheel drive (RWD) axle and driveshaft service, differential repair.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component replacement, alignment specifications, shock absorber and strut service.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column, rack and pinion.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, DSC, brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
12V battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting systems, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, climate control unit repair, heater core service.
Comfort Systems:
Power seats, power windows, sunroof operation, keyless entry, central locking.
Infotainment:
iDrive system troubleshooting, audio components, navigation system.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based repair guidance, error code interpretation.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all components.
Special Tools Procedures:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools for specific repair operations.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including interpretation of sensor data and fault codes, often requiring BMW diagnostic equipment (e.g., ISTA).
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including detailed measurements and tolerances.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, crucial for electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Options 2009:
F10/F11 generation launched with various gasoline and diesel engines. Common for 2009 (depending on market introduction) would include: 520i, 523i, 525i, 530i, 520d, 525d, 530d.
N52B30:
3.0L naturally aspirated inline-6 (found in 525i/530i variants, e.g., N52B30BF, N52B30ALE).
N55B30:
3.0L turbocharged inline-6 (found in 535i variants).
N47D20:
2.0L turbocharged inline-4 diesel (found in 520d variants).
M57D30:
3.0L turbocharged inline-6 diesel (found in 525d/530d variants, e.g., M57D30TU2).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 170 hp (520i) to over 300 hp (535i/530d).
Torque Range:
Approximately 200 lb-ft to over 450 lb-ft depending on engine.
Injection Type:
High-pressure direct injection (HPI) for gasoline engines, common rail direct injection for diesel engines.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 95 or higher recommended for gasoline engines), Diesel fuel for diesel engines.
Standard Transmission Type:
6-speed manual transmission (available on some models).
Optional Transmission Type:
6-speed ZF 6HP automatic transmission, or newer 8-speed ZF 8HP automatic transmission (depending on specific market introduction and engine).
Automatic Features:
Steptronic (manual shifting mode), adaptive shift programs, potentially shift paddles.
Length:
F10 Sedan: Approx. 4,899 mm (192.9 in); F11 Touring: Approx. 4,912 mm (193.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,860 mm (73.2 in)
Height:
F10 Sedan: Approx. 1,464 mm (57.6 in); F11 Touring: Approx. 1,471 mm (57.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,968 mm (116.9 in)
Seating Capacity:
5 occupants
Sedan Trunk Volume:
Approx. 520 liters (18.4 cu ft)
Touring Cargo Volume:
Approx. 560 liters (19.8 cu ft) with rear seats up, expandable to 1,670 liters (59.0 cu ft) with rear seats folded.
Curb Weight Range:
Varies significantly by engine and configuration, typically from 1,600 kg to 1,900 kg (3,500 lbs to 4,200 lbs).
Euro Ncap Rating:
5 Stars (for general F10/F11 models, specific year may vary slightly).
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA).
Driver Assistance:
Optional features could include Adaptive Headlights, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection.
Airbags:
Front, side, curtain airbags, potentially knee airbags.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioners and force limiters on front seats, three-point belts for all passengers.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX mounting points.
Infotainment System:
BMW iDrive system, featuring a central display, rotary controller, and customizable menus for navigation, audio, climate, and vehicle settings.
Audio Options:
Standard HiFi audio, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional ACC with Stop & Go functionality.
Parking Assist:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC), rearview camera, Surround View cameras.
Bluetooth Integration:
Standard Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, often with USB interface for media playback and charging.
Navigation:
Optional Professional Navigation system with real-time traffic information.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically up to 15,000 miles or 24,000 km, or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system. Oil type and viscosity are critical.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles for gasoline engines, depending on engine variant. Diesel engines may have different intervals for glow plugs.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) for gasoline engines, depending on market and fuel quality. Diesel engines require specific diesel engine oils meeting BMW standards (e.g., LL-04).
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent) mixed with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Specific ZF Lifeguard fluid for automatic transmissions (e.g., ZF Lifeguard 6 for 6HP, ZF Lifeguard 8 for 8HP). Manual transmission fluid specifications vary.
Common Problems:
VANOS solenoids (variable valve timing), oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan, EGR cooler issues (diesel), particulate filter regeneration problems (diesel), electric water pump failures (later models, but can be a concern), iDrive system glitches, suspension component wear (control arms, bushings).
Diesel Specific:
N47 diesel engines are known for potential timing chain issues, though typically later in their lifecycle or higher mileage. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clogging is a common diesel concern.
Bmw Philosophy:
Founded on engineering excellence, sporty driving characteristics, and luxury for over a century.
Fifth Generation:
The F10/F11 represents the sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series, succeeding the E60/E61. Launched in 2010 for the 2011 model year, but the 2009 mention likely refers to early introduction or market variations for specific regions.
Production Start Year:
2010 (for most markets as the 2011 model year). Early units or specific model year designations might place some production within late 2009 for model year 2010 vehicles.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, Germany, with potential assembly in other international locations.
Safety Awards:
Typically received high safety ratings from organizations like IIHS and Euro NCAP, reflecting BMW's commitment to safety technology.
Design Awards:
Often praised for its sophisticated and timeless design, contributing to its strong residual values and market appeal.
Consumer Reviews:
Consistently ranked highly by automotive journalists and consumers for its blend of luxury, performance, and technology, although maintenance costs can be a consideration.