Segment:
Executive Sedan/Wagon
Brand Positioning:
Premium, performance-oriented luxury vehicle
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS
Powertrain Highlight:
Twin-turbocharged inline-six engine (N54) offering strong performance and torque.
Handling Focus:
Renowned BMW driving dynamics, balanced chassis, available Adaptive Drive and Active Steering.
Technology Integration:
Advanced iDrive infotainment system, optional Head-Up Display, comprehensive driver assistance features.
Powertrain:
Engine (N54), Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (RWD/xDrive)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Standard & Optional M Sport), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, HVAC Controls, Infotainment, Sensors, Wiring Diagrams
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Seats, Upholstery, Trim, Climate Control System
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Brake Pad Replacement, Belt Service
Repair:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper Service, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Fault Finding Procedures, System Testing
Special Procedures:
Turbocharger Replacement, Fuel Injector Service, Ignition Coil Replacement, Drivetrain Component Alignment, Software Updates/Programming (with appropriate tools)
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Engine Type:
3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6 (Inline-30)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 1400-5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Direct Injection (High-Pressure Fuel System)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation or equivalent)
Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or LL-01FE approved)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approx. 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters)
Type 2008-2009:
ZF 6HP19TU 6-Speed Automatic
Type 2010:
ZF 8HP70 8-Speed Automatic (introduced in later production)
Manual Transmission:
Getrag GS6-37BZ 6-Speed Manual (less common)
Automatic Features:
Steptronic (manual shifting mode), Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 (for 6HP19TU), ZF Lifeguardfluid 8 (for 8HP70) or approved equivalents.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for applicable model years/testing)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for applicable model years/testing)
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Optional Safety Features:
Adaptive Headlights, Lane Departure Warning, Active Cruise Control
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection airbags (curtain airbags)
System Name:
iDrive (CCC or CIC depending on model year and options)
Display:
Central LCD display (various sizes, e.g., 7-inch or 8.8-inch)
Navigation:
Optional Professional Navigation System
Standard Features:
Cruise Control, Parking Sensors (Front & Rear)
Optional Features:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Head-Up Display (HUD), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Active Steering
Audio Options:
CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB/Auxiliary inputs (depending on option packages)
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (dual-zone or multi-zone)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, based on BMW's condition-based service (CBS) system or fixed intervals.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Generally around 60,000 miles for the N54 engine, consult manual for exact interval.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent (confirm specific BMW part number or specification)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) Brake Fluid (BMW Super-DOT 4 recommended)
N54 Engine Common Problems:
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, turbocharger wastegate rattle, ignition coil failure, PCV valve issues, carbon build-up on intake valves.
Common Electrical Issues:
Water pump failure (electric), thermostat failure, sensor failures (e.g., camshaft position sensor), iDrive system glitches.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), a German luxury and performance automobile manufacturer.
E60 Generation:
The E60 generation of the 5 Series was introduced in 2003, replacing the E39. The 535i model, powered by the N54 twin-turbo engine, debuted in 2008, marking a significant performance upgrade for the 5 Series line.
Production Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Ward S 10 Best Engines:
The N54 engine received multiple 'Ward's 10 Best Engines' awards for its performance and technology.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied by year, often rated average to above average, with some specific model year concerns noted regarding the N54's early complexity.
