Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, intake manifold, exhaust manifold
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (DME), engine management, sensors, actuators, starter, alternator
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 8-speed), manual transmission (if applicable), transfer case (xDrive), clutch, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM)
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, differential, CV joints, xDrive all-wheel drive system
Suspension:
Front suspension (double wishbone), rear suspension (multi-link), adaptive suspension systems (e.g., EDC, air suspension), springs, shock absorbers, control arms, anti-roll bars
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering column, steering rack, wheel alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes, brake discs, calipers, pads, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake system (electronic)
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, convertible roof mechanism (F12), glass, mirrors
Body Interior:
Seating, dashboard, center console, door panels, headliner, carpeting, climate control system, HVAC
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relays, body control module (BCM), comfort electronics
Infotainment And Electronics:
iDrive system, navigation, audio system, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, instrument cluster, head-up display (HUD), parking sensors, backup camera
Driver Assistance Systems:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Surround View cameras, Parking Assistant
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, brake inspections, tire rotations
Repair:
Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly of major and minor assemblies, diagnostic procedures
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, fault code explanations, common problem identification and solutions
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, specific BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., ISTA/D), module coding and programming information
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, fluid capacities, electrical values
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electrical system diagnostics and body repair.
NHTSA Ratings:
Generally good ratings, though specific official NHTSA crash test data for this generation might vary by body style and year.
IIHS Ratings:
Likely received 'Good' or 'Top Safety Pick' ratings from IIHS for most relevant crashworthiness tests.
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including ABS, Traction Control (ASC+T), Cornering Brake Control (CBC).
Braking Systems:
Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Drying, Start-off Assistant.
Driver Assistance:
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Collision Warning with City Braking.
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, rollover protection system (convertible).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning and force-limiting seatbelts, active front head restraints.
Oil Change Interval:
Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends oil changes every 10,000 - 15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Brake Fluid Change:
Typically every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine: N55 typically around 60,000 miles; N63 typically around 50,000 miles. Refer to manual for exact specification.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) depending on region and specific engine. Typically SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Type:
ZF Lifeguard fluid for the 8-speed automatic (e.g., 8HP transmission fluid, specific part numbers apply). Check manual for exact specs and serviceability.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 High Performance brake fluid.
N63 Engine Specific:
Can experience issues with valve stem seals, piston rings, ignition coils, and fuel injectors. Known as 'The Chocolate Engine' due to early issues, though improved in later iterations.
F12 Convertible Roof:
Potential issues with the hydraulic system for the convertible top mechanism, seals, and motors.
Electronics:
Like many modern BMWs, can encounter complex electronic issues, including iDrive system glitches, sensor failures, and control module malfunctions.
Turbocharger Issues:
Turbocharger wastegate actuator issues or leaks in the charge air system can affect performance.
