Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV / SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle)
Brand Positioning:
Premium, performance-oriented, technologically advanced
Key Competitors:
Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, Lexus RX, Land Rover LR3/LR4, Porsche Cayenne
SUV Capabilities:
Combined luxury, on-road dynamics with off-road capability (though primarily urban-biased)
Drivetrain Technology:
Advanced xDrive all-wheel-drive system
Powertrain Options:
Range of powerful inline-six and V8 gasoline and diesel engines
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing components, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems (direct injection), ignition systems, emission control systems, ECU diagnostics, sensors and actuators
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission (if applicable) repair and overhaul
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 6HP) repair, overhaul, mechatronics, torque converter, fluid service
Drivetrain:
All-wheel drive system (xDrive), differentials, drive shafts, transfer case
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, anti-roll bars, steering system, power steering
Brakes:
Brake system components (rotors, pads, calipers), hydraulic system, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake
Electrical System:
12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses and relays
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, chassis repair, towing
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C refrigerant, blower motor, climate control unit
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belt mechanisms, pre-tensioners
Infotainment And Comfort:
Navigation system, audio system, instrument cluster, comfort access, seats, sunroof
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, differential repair, suspension component replacement
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing common wear items and major components
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, repair of electrical faults
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners
Tightening Sequences:
Correct order and sequence for tightening bolts and nuts
Depth Of Coverage:
Detailed, from basic maintenance to complete component overhauls and diagnostics
Diagnostic Capability:
Includes information on interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and using diagnostic equipment
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Profusely illustrated with clear, step-by-step diagrams and exploded views
Engine Options:
N52B30 (3.0L Inline-6), N62B48 (4.8L V8), M57D30 (3.0L Turbo Diesel), N54B30 (3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 - later models)
Engine Code Example Gasoline:
N52B30 (e.g., X5 3.0i)
Engine Code Example V8:
N62B48 (e.g., X5 4.8i)
Engine Code Example Diesel:
M57D30TU2 (e.g., X5 3.0d)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 260 hp to 350 hp (depending on engine variant)
Torque Range:
Approximately 295 lb-ft to 350 lb-ft (depending on engine variant)
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Direct Injection (DI) for N54/N63, Port Injection for N52/N62
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended for most gasoline engines), Diesel for diesel variants
ECU Type:
Siemens or Bosch Engine Control Units (ECUs)
Length:
Approx. 191.1 inches (4853 mm)
Width:
Approx. 76.0 inches (1930 mm)
Height:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Seating Capacity:
5 passengers standard, optional 7-passenger configuration
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 25.0 cu ft (708 liters)
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 75.2 cu ft (2128 liters)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,600 lbs - 5,000 lbs (2087 kg - 2268 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 6,000 lbs (2722 kg) with optional towing package
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:
5-Star Rating (for applicable models and configurations)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Likely received 'Good' ratings in relevant IIHS tests for its time
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Parking Assist:
Front and Rear Park Distance Control (PDC), optional rearview camera
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags for front and rear passengers)
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Infotainment System:
BMW iDrive system (Generation 2)
Display Type:
Central LCD screen (typically 8.8 inches)
Navigation:
Optional Professional Navigation System
Audio Options:
Standard HiFi audio, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Lane Departure Warning:
Optional Lane Departure Warning
Head Up Display:
Optional Head-Up Display (HUD)
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Usb Aux:
USB/Audio interface for iPod and other media devices
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions (BMW Condition Based Service - CBS)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (recommended)
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 - 40,000 miles or as indicated by CBS
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 - 20,000 miles or as indicated by CBS
Spark Plugs:
Replace around 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on engine and plug type
Automatic Transmission Service:
BMW often recommends 'lifetime' fluid, but independent specialists and many owners recommend fluid and filter change between 50,000 - 100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-30 viscosity
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue antifreeze coolant (G48 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 HIGH PERFORMANCE or BMW Super DOT 4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Shell M-1375.4, ZF TE-ML 11, or equivalent (refer to specific transmission type)
Common Issue Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, oil filter housing seals can be prone to leaks.
Common Issue Cooling System:
Water pump failures, thermostat housing leaks, coolant expansion tank cracks.
Common Issue Suspension:
Air suspension compressor failures (if equipped), control arm bushings, tie rod ends wear.
Common Issue Electrical:
Fuel pump failures, alternator issues, HVAC blower motor resistor failures.
Common Issue Engine N52:
Valvetronic eccentric shaft sensor failure, VANOS solenoids, PCV system issues.
Common Issue Engine N62:
Coolant leaks from valley pan, valve stem seals, ignition coil failures.