The BMW 5 Series has historically occupied the executive sedan segment, known for its blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology. This manual caters to owners and independent repair facilities seeking to maintain and repair these premium vehicles.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed directly with Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, and Jaguar S-Type during its various generations.
Key Features
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides dealership-level diagnostic and repair information, enabling comprehensive vehicle servicing and troubleshooting. Includes TSBs and recall data, vital for accurate and up-to-date repairs.
Vehicle Strengths:
Renowned for driving dynamics, sophisticated engines (inline-six and V8), robust build quality, and advanced electronic systems for their era.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Engine Mechanical:
Yes
Engine Electrical:
Yes
Fuel System:
Yes
Exhaust System:
Yes
Transmission Manual:
Yes
Transmission Automatic:
Yes
Drivetrain:
Yes
Suspension:
Yes
Steering:
Yes
Brakes:
Yes
Electrical System:
Yes
Body And Frame:
Yes
Interior:
Yes
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:
Yes
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Yes
Scheduled Maintenance:
Yes
Technical Service Bulletins Tsbs:
Yes
Recall Information:
Yes
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Varies by specific chassis and engine, but comprehensive coverage implies thousands of pages.
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Software Format:
Proprietary Diagnostic Software (likely Windows-based executable or disc image)
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and xDrive (all-wheel drive - AWD) systems. Covers differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, transfer cases, wheel bearings, and axle shafts.
Suspension Steering Systems:
Front and rear suspension (MacPherson struts, multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, sway bars. Power steering systems, steering racks, steering columns, wheel alignment specifications.
Engine component overhauls and replacements (e.g., head gasket, piston rings, valve seals), transmission rebuilds and replacements, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), brake caliper and rotor replacement, starter and alternator replacement, fuel pump and injector replacement, radiator and cooling fan replacement, ABS/DSC module diagnosis and replacement, steering rack replacement.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and uncommon problems, fault code interpretation (OBD-II and proprietary BMW codes), troubleshooting charts, electrical testing procedures, component testing methods.
Technical Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing specifications, valve clearances, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical resistance values, flow rates, capacities, and performance data.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Data Format:
Digital software, likely with a graphical interface and searchable database.
Print Quality
Illustrations:
Detailed diagrams and illustrations supporting repair procedures.
Text Clarity:
Accurate, clear, and concise text for ease of understanding.
Sport mode, manual shifting (Steptronic), limited-slip differentials (LSD) available on some models, xDrive all-wheel drive integration.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
E34 Dimensions:
Length: ~188-192 in, Width: ~70-71 in, Height: ~56-57 in, Wheelbase: ~111-113 in.
E39 Dimensions:
Length: ~188-191 in, Width: ~71-72 in, Height: ~57 in, Wheelbase: ~113-115 in.
E60/E61 Dimensions:
Length: ~191-193 in, Width: ~72-73 in, Height: ~57-59 in, Wheelbase: ~117-118 in.
E53 X5 Dimensions:
Length: ~187-190 in, Width: ~74-75 in, Height: ~67-68 in, Wheelbase: ~114 in.
E70 X5 Dimensions:
Length: ~191-194 in, Width: ~76 in, Height: ~68-69 in, Wheelbase: ~115-116 in.
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 3,500 - 4,500 lbs, depending on chassis and engine.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA IIHS Ratings:
Varies by model year and generation. Later models (E39, E60, E70) generally received good to excellent ratings in crash testing, often with 4 or 5-star front and side impact ratings.
Active Features
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) / Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in later models, Xenon headlights (optional/standard on higher trims).
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, side airbags (optional/standard), head protection systems (later models), crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell, seatbelt pre-tensioners.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Systems:
BMW Professional Radio, CD players, Cassette decks, early navigation systems (CCC - Car Communication Computer, M-ASK - Multi Audio System Controller), enhanced sound systems (Harman Kardon, Logic 7).
BMW Assist, Bluetooth integration (later models), voice control (later models).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 to 15,000 miles or annually, depending on model year, engine type, and oil used (often indicated by BMW's Condition Based Service - CBS).
Spark Plug Interval:
Varies significantly by engine type. Early I6 and V8 engines might be 30,000-60,000 miles, while later models with iridium plugs could extend to 60,000-100,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Typically every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Transmission Fluid Change:
For automatics, BMW initially marketed them as 'lifetime' fluid. However, best practice and manual recommendations often suggest changing at 60,000-100,000 miles, especially for heavy use. Manual transmissions typically at 60,000-100,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
Specific grades vary by engine and ambient temperature. Common specifications include BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01), BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) for diesel, or API SN/ILSAC GF-5 equivalents. Common viscosities: 5W-30, 0W-30, 5W-40.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant or G48 (ethylene glycol based) antifreeze mixed with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Specific to the ZF transmission model. Examples: ZF Lifeguardfluid 5, Lifeguardfluid 6, ATF LT3, ATF 7045E, ATF M1375.4. Critical to use the exact specified fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Gear oil specifications vary. Early models may use GL-4, while later models could use GL-5 or specific BMW synthetic gear oils.
Known Issues
E34 Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses), VANOS unit issues (M50/M52), head gasket leaks, fuel pump failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, electrical gremlins.
E39 Common Problems:
Cooling system (plastic components), VANOS issues, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), oil separator (CCV) clogging, front suspension bushings and ball joints, ABS/DSC sensor failures, window regulator failures, pixelated instrument cluster LCDs.
E60 E61 Common Problems:
Oil leaks (valve cover, oil filter housing gasket), coolant leaks, fuel injectors (especially diesel), EGR valve issues (diesel), DPF issues (diesel), water pump failure, electrical issues related to modules, active steering pump failure (if equipped).
X5 Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks, oil leaks (especially valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket), VANOS issues, front suspension components (control arms, bushings), transfer case actuator issues, DSC sensor issues, catalytic converter failure (older models).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a German luxury and performance automobile manufacturer founded in 1916. Renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy.
Model Evolution
5 Series Generations:
The 5 Series represents BMW's executive car line. The generations covered (E34, E39, E60/E61) saw significant advancements in technology, safety, and performance, transitioning from more analog systems to sophisticated electronic controls and increasingly powerful engine options. The inclusion of the X5 (E53, E70) SUVs highlights BMW's expansion into the Sports Activity Vehicle segment, sharing platform components and powertrain technologies.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced in Germany (Dingolfing plant), with some production or assembly potentially occurring in other global locations depending on the specific model and year.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Awards:
The 5 Series has consistently received accolades for its driving dynamics, engineering, and luxury appointments from automotive publications worldwide throughout its production years. Specific awards vary by model year and generation.
Een selectie kiezen resulteert in het geheel verversen van de pagina.