🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 5-series Model Code: E60 Year: 2008 Generation Generation Name: Fifth Generation (E60/E61) Generation Years: 2003-2010 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Executive Sedan/Wagon (Luxury Mid-size). Target Audience: Owners and independent repair shops seeking authentic, detailed information for maintaining and repairing the 2008 BMW 5-series. Competitive Analysis Competitive Alternatives: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Volvo S80. Key Features Manual Advantage 1: Vehicle-specific, not generic information. Manual Advantage 2: Directly replicates dealership technician manual content. Manual Advantage 3: Comprehensive coverage from routine maintenance to advanced diagnostics and repairs. Manual Advantage 4: Easy-to-use digital format with printability and image scaling. Value Proposition Owner Benefit: Empowers owners to perform repairs and maintenance themselves, saving time and money while ensuring accurate work. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: All models and all repairs A-Z for the 2008 BMW 5-series (E60). Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive, as indicated by 'complete step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications to completely repair your vehicle'. Manual Type Manual Classification: Factory Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF Compatibility: Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine mechanical, engine control system, fuel service, emission control, intake, exhaust, cooling, lube, ignition, starting, charging. Drivetrain Systems: Automatic transmission, manual transmission, transfer case (if applicable to specific E60 models), propeller shaft, drive shaft, differential, axles, suspension. Chassis Systems: Tires & wheels, brake control, brakes, parking brake, steering column, power steering. Electrical Systems: Electrical system overview, supplemental restraint system (SRS), seat belts, engine immobilizer, cruise control, wiper & washer, door locks, meter, audio/visual, horn, windshield/glass/mirrors, instrument panel, multiplex/CAN communication. Body Systems: Air conditioning, seats, engine hood/doors, exterior & interior components. Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections. Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting, fault diagnosis using provided schematics and specifications. Repair Procedures: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair across all systems. Technical Data Provision: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Factory-level detail, equivalent to that used by dealership technicians for diagnosis, maintenance, and repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Document Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable within the PDF for quick information retrieval. Print Quality Printable Pages: Yes, all pages are printable. Image Scalability: Images and diagrams can be blown up and printed in enlarged copies. Binding Type Binding Method: N/A (Digital PDF format, no physical binding). Paper Type Paper Material: N/A (Digital PDF format, no physical paper type). ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Options Common Engine Families E60: N52 (Naturally Aspirated Inline-6), N54 (Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6), N62 (Naturally Aspirated V8). Engine Details N52 Engine Code N52: N52 Displacement N52: 3.0 L (approx. 2996 cc) Horsepower N52: Approx. 255 hp @ 6600 rpm Torque N52: Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm Engine Details N54 Engine Code N54: N54 Displacement N54: 3.0 L (approx. 2979 cc) Horsepower N54: Approx. 300 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque N54: Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm Engine Details N62 Engine Code N62: N62 Displacement N62: 4.0 L / 4.8 L (approx. 3999 cc / 4799 cc) Horsepower N62: Approx. 300 hp (4.0L) / 360 hp (4.8L) @ 6300 rpm Torque N62: Approx. 295 lb-ft (4.0L) / 360 lb-ft (4.8L) @ 3400 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), often with High-Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) on N54 and later N62 variants. Engine Technologies Valvetrain Technologies: Double VANOS (variable camshaft timing), Valvetronic (variable valve lift) often featured. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Transmission Type Standard: 6-speed manual transmission (SMG available on some earlier models, but less common for 2008 MY). Optional Transmission Transmission Type Optional: 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with manual shifting mode. Transmission Features Transmission Control: Electronic transmission control unit (TCU) for optimal performance and efficiency. Transmission Fluid Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec: Specific to ZF 6HP transmission; typically requires ZF Lifeguard Fluid 6 (or equivalent approved by BMW). Manual Transmission Fluid Spec: Specific gear oil, often synthetic SAE 75W-90 or 75W-80 GL-4/GL-5 depending on exact gearbox. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Dimensions Body Styles: Sedan (E60), Wagon/Touring (E61). Wheelbase: Approx. 116.4 inches (2956 mm) Length: Approx. 191.1 inches (4855 mm) for Sedan Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 3500-4000 lbs (1588-1814 kg), varies by engine and configuration. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating: Typically 4-star or 5-star in frontal and side crash tests (specific ratings vary by exact test year and configuration). IIHS Rating: Often designated as a 'Top Safety Pick' or received 'Good' ratings in crashworthiness tests. Active Features Active Safety Systems: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS). Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, active head restraints, pre-tensioning seatbelts. Optional Safety Features Advanced Driver Assistance: Optional adaptive cruise...
Comprehensive coverage from routine maintenance to advanced diagnostics and repairs.
Manual Advantage 4:
Easy-to-use digital format with printability and image scaling.
Value Proposition
Owner Benefit:
Empowers owners to perform repairs and maintenance themselves, saving time and money while ensuring accurate work.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Scope:
All models and all repairs A-Z for the 2008 BMW 5-series (E60).
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive, as indicated by 'complete step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications to completely repair your vehicle'.
Manual Type
Manual Classification:
Factory Service and Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Digital Format:
PDF
Compatibility:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible.
Automatic transmission, manual transmission, transfer case (if applicable to specific E60 models), propeller shaft, drive shaft, differential, axles, suspension.
6-speed manual transmission (SMG available on some earlier models, but less common for 2008 MY).
Optional Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with manual shifting mode.
Transmission Features
Transmission Control:
Electronic transmission control unit (TCU) for optimal performance and efficiency.
Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Specific to ZF 6HP transmission; typically requires ZF Lifeguard Fluid 6 (or equivalent approved by BMW).
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
Specific gear oil, often synthetic SAE 75W-90 or 75W-80 GL-4/GL-5 depending on exact gearbox.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior Dimensions
Body Styles:
Sedan (E60), Wagon/Touring (E61).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 116.4 inches (2956 mm)
Length:
Approx. 191.1 inches (4855 mm) for Sedan
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3500-4000 lbs (1588-1814 kg), varies by engine and configuration.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rating:
Typically 4-star or 5-star in frontal and side crash tests (specific ratings vary by exact test year and configuration).
IIHS Rating:
Often designated as a 'Top Safety Pick' or received 'Good' ratings in crashworthiness tests.
Active Features
Active Safety Systems:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS).
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, active head restraints, pre-tensioning seatbelts.
Optional Safety Features
Advanced Driver Assistance:
Optional adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, active steering.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
iDrive system (CIC or CCC depending on specific production date and options), featuring navigation, radio, CD player, and auxiliary inputs.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, optional USB audio interface.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Park Distance Control (PDC), optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Head-Up Display (HUD), Lane Departure Warning.
Vehicle Control
Electronic Systems:
Advanced electronic control units managing engine, transmission, chassis, and body functions. LIN and MOST bus communication for data transfer.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Major Service Interval:
Examples include spark plug replacement around 60,000-100,000 miles, brake fluid flush every 2 years, coolant every 4-5 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-30, depending on climate and specific engine.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or approved equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4 Plus.
Known Issues
Common Issue 1:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, or oil pan gasket.
Common Issue 2:
Cooling system leaks (water pump, thermostat housing, radiator).
Common Issue 3:
PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system issues, leading to rough idle or oil consumption.
Common Issue 4:
Ignition coil and spark plug failures.
Common Issue 5:
Fuel injector issues, particularly on N54 twin-turbo models.
Common Issue 6:
Electronic issues related to the iDrive system, sensors, or modules.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
Focus on 'Ultimate Driving Machine' with emphasis on performance, handling, and driver engagement.
Model Evolution
E60 Introduction:
Introduced in 2003 as a replacement for the E39 5-series, marked a significant design and technology shift.
E60 Facelift:
Mid-cycle facelift occurred for the 2008 model year, bringing updated styling, iDrive improvements, and powertrain enhancements.
Production
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Awards:
The E60 5-series often received awards for design, performance, and safety from various automotive publications and organizations during its production run.
Powertrain Recognition:
BMW's inline-6 and V8 engines, particularly the turbocharged N54, were frequently lauded for their power and efficiency, sometimes appearing on 'Ward's 10 Best Engines' lists.