🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: Sedan Year: 2003 Codes Chassis Code: E60 (for 5 Series Sedan variant) Platform: E60 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Premium Mid-Size Executive Sedan Target Audience: Owners and independent repair shops focused on luxury vehicle maintenance and repair. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS Series, Cadillac CTS. Key Features Driving Dynamics: Renowned for its balance of comfort and sporty handling, advanced suspension technology. Powertrain Options: Wide range of inline-6 gasoline engines and efficient diesel options. Technology Integration: Early adoption of iDrive infotainment system and advanced electronic architecture. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Market Segment: Luxury Mid-Size Sedan Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Full Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Comprehensive diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and tuning for all gasoline and diesel variants. Transmission: Repair and maintenance of automatic and manual transmissions, including torque converter, clutch, and gear selection mechanisms. Drivetrain: Front and rear axle repair, differential servicing, driveshaft and CV joint maintenance. Suspension: Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, and alignment specifications. Brakes: Brake system overhaul, including ABS, DSC, brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, and fluid. Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and wheel alignment. Electrical: Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse box layouts, lighting systems, power windows, seats, mirrors, and keyless entry. Climate Control: HVAC system diagnosis and repair, including A/C compressor, blower motor, evaporator, heater core, and climate control modules. Body: Exterior and interior body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, bumpers, and trim. Comfort Features: Seat adjustment mechanisms, sunroof operation, interior lighting, and sound system components. Safety Systems: Airbag system diagnosis, SRS module, seatbelt mechanisms, and advanced driver assistance systems (if equipped). Procedures Included Scheduled Maintenance: Detailed recommended service intervals and procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and inspections. Troubleshooting: Extensive diagnostic charts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues. Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions with torque specifications, special tools required, and diagrams for all major component repairs. Rebuilding: Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds. Refurbishment: Guidance on restoring worn components and cosmetic finishes. Restoration: Information relevant to bringing a classic vehicle back to its original condition, including historical data. Diagnostics: OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, and ECU communication protocols. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Diagnostic Tools: Information on using professional diagnostic tools like ISTA/D and specialized BMW scanners. Wiring Diagrams: Detailed and clearly annotated electrical wiring schematics for all systems. Torque Specifications: Precise torque values for all fasteners and critical components. Special Tools: Identification and usage instructions for BMW-specific special tools. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and images. Print Quality Resolution: Optimized for both on-screen viewing and printing. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Families: M54 (inline-6 gasoline), N52 (inline-6 gasoline - introduced later in the E60 lifecycle), M47/M57 (4-cylinder/6-cylinder diesel). Common Gasoline Engines: 3.0L Inline-6 (M54B30), 2.5L Inline-6 (M54B25). Common Diesel Engines: 2.0L/2.5L 4-cylinder Turbo-Diesel (M47), 3.0L 6-cylinder Turbo-Diesel (M57). Performance 3.0L M54 Horsepower: 228 hp @ 6000 rpm 3.0L M54 Torque: 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Engine Management: Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SFI), Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing). Fuel System Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for gasoline engines), Diesel Fuel for diesel variants. Fuel Delivery: High-pressure fuel pump, fuel injectors. Emission Control: Catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) for diesel engines. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Options: 6-speed manual transmission (SMG sequential manual for some models), 5-speed automatic transmission (Steptronic). Optional Automatic Transmission Features: Steptronic manual shifting mode, adaptive shift programs. Features Transmission Fluid Spec: Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) depending on transmission type (e.g., Dexron III, Lifeguard 5/6) - Refer to manual for exact spec. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 189.1 inches (4803 mm) Width: Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm) Height: Approx. 57.4 inches (1458 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3500 - 3800 lbs (1588 - 1724 kg), varies by engine and equipment. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star (for driver and passenger) NHTSA Side Impact: 5-Star (for front and rear passengers) IIHS Frontal Offset: Good Active Features Traction Control: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS). Braking: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist. Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), side-impact airbags (front seats), available head protection airbags. Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment System Name: iDrive (Infotainment System Control) Features: Central control knob, high-resolution display, navigation system (optional), radio, CD player, climate control integration. Driver Assistance Features: Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Park Distance Control (PDC). Connectivity...
Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) depending on transmission type (e.g., Dexron III, Lifeguard 5/6) - Refer to manual for exact spec.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 189.1 inches (4803 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.4 inches (1458 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3500 - 3800 lbs (1588 - 1724 kg), varies by engine and equipment.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (for front and rear passengers)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Active Features
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS).
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), side-impact airbags (front seats), available head protection airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
System Name:
iDrive (Infotainment System Control)
Features:
Central control knob, high-resolution display, navigation system (optional), radio, CD player, climate control integration.
Driver Assistance
Features:
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Park Distance Control (PDC).
Connectivity
Features:
Bluetooth preparation (optional), voice control (optional).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically 7,500 - 15,000 miles (12,000 - 24,000 km) or 12-24 months, based on driving conditions and oil quality (BMW Condition Based Service - CBS).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Flush:
Initial at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for standard spark plugs, or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for long-life iridium plugs.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30, BMW LL-01 or LL-04 approved (synthetic).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48).
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent.
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Water pump failure (electric variable speed), thermostat housing leaks, coolant expansion tank cracks.
BMW, a German manufacturer renowned for luxury and performance vehicles since 1916.
Model Evolution
Generation:
Fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series (E60).
Design Philosophy:
Marked a significant departure in styling and technology from its predecessor (E39).
Production
Production Years:
2003-2010 (for the E60 generation).
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa; Regensburg, Germany.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward Auto World Engine Award:
Several BMW engines, including inline-6 variants, received Ward's 10 Best Engines awards in preceding years, contributing to the reputation of this model's powertrain.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed to below average for early E60 models, often due to complex electronics and advanced features, improving in later years. Manual provides detailed troubleshooting for common issues.