Market Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera, Jaguar XJ.
Luxury Appointments:
Extensive use of premium materials, advanced comfort features, sophisticated interior design.
Technology Integration:
Industry-leading iDrive infotainment system, advanced driver assistance systems, innovative chassis technologies.
Performance And Dynamics:
BMW's signature driving dynamics, powerful engine options, sophisticated suspension systems (including adaptive and active systems).
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, timing, lubrication, cooling.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensors, actuators, DME (Digital Motor Electronics).
Transmission Mechanical:
Automatic transmission overhaul, torque converter, valve body, mechatronics.
Transmission Electronic:
Transmission control unit (TCU), shift solenoids, sensors.
Drivetrain:
All-wheel drive system (xDrive), differentials, driveshafts, CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, adaptive drive, active roll stabilization, air suspension, self-leveling suspension.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear.
Electrical System:
12V battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuse boxes, relays.
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, seats, interior trim, chassis components.
HVAC:
Climate control system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, heater core, blower motor, controls.
Infotainment And Electronics:
iDrive system, navigation, audio system, Bluetooth, instrument cluster, lighting systems.
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) like parking assist, lane departure warning (if equipped).
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Detailed symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, brake fluid flush, coolant replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for removing and reinstalling parts and sub-assemblies.
Calibration And Coding:
Procedures for calibrating sensors and modules, and coding new control units (requires BMW ISTA/P or similar).
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic diagnostics and routine maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls. Includes component specifications and tolerances.
Engine Options:
N54B30 (3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6), N63B44 (4.4L Twin-Turbo V8), M-variants (e.g., S63B44 for Alpina B7).
Engine Power Output 30I:
Approx. 300 hp @ 5800 rpm (N54B30)
Engine Torque 30I:
Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 1200-5000 rpm (N54B30)
Engine Power Output 40I:
Approx. 315 hp @ 5800 rpm (N55B30 - later models, but N54 was prevalent in 2010 for 740i)
Engine Torque 40I:
Approx. 330 lb-ft @ 1500-4750 rpm (N54B30)
Engine Power Output 50I:
Approx. 400 hp @ 5500-6500 rpm (N63B44)
Engine Torque 50I:
Approx. 450 lb-ft @ 1750-4500 rpm (N63B44)
Fuel Injection Type:
Direct Injection (Benzin Direkteinspritzung - FDI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 RON or higher recommended)
NHTSA Ratings:
Typically 5-star ratings in frontal and side impact tests for this era BMW, though specific model year ratings should be verified.
Active Safety Systems:
ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), Traction Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS), optional Adaptive Headlights, Lane Departure Warning.
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (air curtains), seatbelt pretensioners, active head restraints.
Infotainment System:
BMW iDrive (CCC or CIC generation, depending on specific build date/options), featuring a high-resolution central display, hard drive navigation, voice control, Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity.
Driver Assistance Features:
Park Distance Control (PDC), rearview camera, Surround View (optional), Lane Departure Warning, Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go function.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free, USB audio interface, BMW ConnectedDrive services (may require subscription).
Oil Change Interval:
Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically indicates oil service every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, whichever comes first.
Brake Fluid Change:
Typically every 2 years (per BMW standards).
Spark Plug Replacement N54:
Around 60,000 miles, but refer to manual for specific intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement N63:
Around 60,000 miles, but refer to manual for specific intervals.
Engine Oil Spec N54 N63:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 synthetic oil. Always verify exact specification based on engine code and region.
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Specific ATF fluid for the respective transmission gearbox (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or ZF Lifeguard 6/8). Refer to manual for precise part numbers.
Common Issues N63:
Valve stem seal wear leading to oil consumption, ignition coil and injector failures, carbon buildup on intake valves, turbocharger issues.
Common Issues N54:
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures, turbocharger wastegate rattle, fuel injector issues, water pump failures.
Suspension Issues:
Air suspension compressor failures, air strut leaks, active roll stabilization hydraulic leaks.
Electrical Issues:
Battery drain due to parasitic draw, iDrive system glitches, electronic control unit (ECU) failures.