Valvetronic (Variable Valve Lift Control) and VANOS (Variable Valve Timing).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission
Optional
All Wheel Drive:
Optional xDrive All-Wheel Drive System
Features
Transmission Control:
Electronic control with manual shift mode (Steptronic).
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW LT-3 (or equivalent, consult specific OEM service information for exact part number)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
191.8 inches (4872 mm)
Width:
72.7 inches (1847 mm)
Height:
58.0 inches (1473 mm)
Wheelbase:
116.4 inches (2957 mm)
Front Track:
61.6 inches (1565 mm)
Rear Track:
61.9 inches (1572 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Rwd:
Approx. 3900 lbs (1769 kg)
Curb Weight AWD:
Approx. 4050 lbs (1837 kg)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
14.0 cubic feet (396 liters)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
IIHS Side Impact:
Good
Active Features
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Antilock Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Headlights:
Adaptive Xenon Headlights
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seat belts with force limiters.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
BMW iDrive system (CCC or CIC generation depending on specific production date).
Navigation:
Optional Professional Navigation System.
Audio System:
Standard Hi-Fi audio, optional Logic7 premium sound system.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assistance:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) with front and rear sensors, rearview camera.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Head Up Display:
Optional Head-Up Display (HUD).
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system with USB audio interface.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Condition-based service (CBS) system typically recommends every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed or every 60,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48, Ethylene Glycol based) mixed with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent.
Known Issues
Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:
Common on the N62 V8 due to age and material degradation, requiring engine removal or subframe drop for replacement.
Coolant Leaks:
Failure of plastic coolant expansion tank, hoses, and water pump seals.
Valve Cover Gasket Leaks:
Another common source of oil leaks, often related to aging rubber seals.
Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:
Can lead to misfires and rough running, replacement is a routine maintenance item.
ABS/Dsc Sensor Failures:
Wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering warning lights and affecting traction and braking systems.
HVAC Blower Motor Resistor:
Can fail, causing the blower to only work at certain speeds or not at all.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Legacy:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, renowned for performance-oriented luxury vehicles and motorsport success.
Model Evolution
E60 Generation Introduction:
The E60 generation introduced a significant design shift and advanced technology compared to its E39 predecessor.
550I Positioning:
The 550i served as the flagship gasoline-powered model in the E60 lineup, offering the most potent V8 engine available.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Model Year Awards:
While specific awards for the 2006-2010 550i are not universally documented, the E60 generation was generally well-received for its driving dynamics and technology.
Ratings
Jd Power Initial Quality:
Typically ranked competitively within its segment for initial quality, though long-term reliability can vary.
Certifications
Manufacturer Quality Standards:
Meets stringent BMW internal quality and engineering standards.