Segment:
Luxury Gran Turismo / Executive Sedan (GT variant).
Target Audience:
Owners seeking a luxurious, sporty, and practical vehicle with advanced technology and all-weather capability.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, Audi A7, Porsche Panamera (entry-level trims).
Vehicle Type:
Five-door hatchback Gran Turismo (GT) offering coupe-like styling with SUV-like practicality.
Drivetrain Advantage:
Standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system providing enhanced traction and stability in various road conditions.
Purpose:
Provides essential technical information for DIY maintenance, troubleshooting, and professional repair of the 2011 BMW 535i GT xDrive.
Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed procedures, specifications, and diagnostic strategies, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.
Powertrain:
Engine (N55B30A), cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, engine management (DME), turbocharger system.
Drivetrain:
xDrive all-wheel drive system, transfer case, drive shafts, differentials (front and rear).
Transmission:
8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (GA8HP70Z/GA8HP75Z), transmission control module (TCU).
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension (independent), dampers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering system (Servotronic), power steering.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake calipers, rotors, pads, hydraulic lines, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, control modules (ECU, TCU, DSC, etc.).
Bodywork And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control system (HVAC), power windows, locks.
Infotainment And Electronics:
iDrive infotainment system, navigation, audio system, instrument cluster, driver assistance systems (parking sensors, rearview camera if equipped).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, inspections), fluid checks and changes, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, guided fault finding, symptom-based diagnostics.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical systems, component removal and installation, torque specifications, special tool requirements.
Rebuild And Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for engine component rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilds.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagrams for specific circuits, testing procedures for sensors and actuators, diagnostic strategies for electrical faults.
Programming And Coding:
Information on module programming and coding procedures (often requires dealer-level tools, but manual may outline general principles).
Depth:
Comprehensive, ranging from basic owner maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repair, including diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
3.0L Inline 6-Cylinder Twin-Scroll Turbocharged Petrol (N55B30A).
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 1200-5000 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).
Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil (BMW Longlife-01 or LL-04 approved).
Oil Capacity:
6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters) with filter change.
Spark Plugs:
NGK SILZKER7B11 (or equivalent specification).
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not extensively rated by NHTSA for this specific GT variant in 2011, but generally high for BMW models of the era.
IIHS Ratings:
Likely performed well in IIHS tests relevant to the 5 Series platform.
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control (DTC).
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist.
All Wheel Drive:
xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
System Name:
BMW iDrive (CCC or CIC Professional depending on options).
Features:
Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, USB audio interface, voice control, auxiliary input, optional enhanced sound systems.
Parking Assistance:
Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear, optional rearview camera.
Lighting:
Xenon Adaptive Headlights with LED accent lighting, automatic headlights.
Smartphone Integration:
Bluetooth integration for calls and audio streaming. USB for charging and audio. No native Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in this era.
Climate Control:
Automatic dual-zone climate control, optional rear climate controls.
Oil Service:
Condition Based Service (CBS) indicator, typically between 10,000 - 15,000 miles or annually.
Brake Fluid:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage).
Spark Plugs:
Approximately 60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent specified by BMW.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Turbocharger Cooling:
Potential for oil leaks or coolant leaks related to the turbocharger cooling lines, requiring inspection and replacement.
High Pressure Fuel Pump:
Early N55 engines could experience issues with the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) leading to stalling or rough running.
Water Pump And Thermostat:
Electric water pump and thermostat failures can lead to overheating; replacement often required.
Pcv System:
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve failures can lead to oil leaks, rough idle, and performance issues.
Transfer Case Actuator:
Potential for xDrive transfer case actuator failure, affecting AWD engagement.