BMW 530xi (E60)

BMW 5 series 2003 3.0 petrol description

Sedan BMW 530xi has been produced from March, 2005 to March, 2007. It has six-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 3.0 litres, which produces power of 258 horsepower on 6600 rpm and torque 300 Nm (Newton metres) on 2500 revolutions per minute.

This 6-cylinder 24-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has fuel injection system, it has no turbine. Engine versions compliant with Euro 4 and Euro 5 emission standards available. Approximate engine life expectancy (mileage until serious repairs are required) for this engine is between 240 000 and 410 000 kilometres. Remember that engine life depends on regular maintenance and the quality of the materials used (oils, fuels, etc.).
More engine specs 
The BMW N52 engine was the first water-cooled engine to feature a composite cylinder block made from a magnesium and aluminum alloy. It was included in Ward’s AutoWorld’s list of the top 10 engines in  ...  This BMW 5 series 3.0 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 6.5 litres.

BMW 530xi has all four wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) and automatic gearbox with 6 gears.
BMW 530xi accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 7.1 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 248 km/h.

In combined cycle (city and motorway), the BMW 530xi fuel consumption is 10 litres per 100km (10 km/l), city fuel economy - 14 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 7.9 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 70 litres or 18.49 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 700 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 880 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 11 litres per 100 km, which is 10% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW 5 series fuel consumption.

BMW 5 series safety

During safety testing BMW 5 series has obtained 4 stars from five, which means good safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of BMW 5 series is evaluated with four stars, children safety - with four stars, and for pedestrian protection BMW 5 series got one star.

With the same engine there are also three other BMW 5 series versions - with rear wheel drive and manual gearbox (BMW 530i MT), and with rear wheel drive and automatic gearbox (BMW 530i AT), and with manual gearbox (BMW 530xi MT 4x4) available:
  • BMW 530i MT is more dynamic - it reaches 100 km/h 0.6 seconds faster (in 6.5 seconds), moreover, it is more economic with manufacturer's fuel consumption is lower by 1.2 litres per 100 km or 12 % - 8.8 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is lower by 1 litres per 100 km or 9 % - 10.0 litres per 100 km
  • BMW 530i AT is more dynamic - it reaches 100 km/h 0.4 seconds faster (in 6.7 seconds), but manufacturer's fuel consumption is lower by 0.7 litres per 100 km or 7 % - 9.3 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is similar - 11.0 litres per 100 km
  • BMW 530xi MT 4x4 is more dynamic - it reaches 100 km/h 0.3 seconds faster (in 6.8 seconds), moreover, it is more economic with manufacturer's fuel consumption is lower by 0.3 litres per 100 km or 3 % - 9.7 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is lower by 1 litres per 100 km or 9 % - 10.0 litres per 100 km
BMW 5 series 3.0 service information and maintenance intervals Oil change intervals, capacities and specifications, service information for filters, spark plugs, belts etc.
BMW 5 series 2003

BMW 530xi technical data

Model: BMW 530xi
Body style: Sedan
Production period: 2005. March ... 2007. March 
Engine: 2996 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders CO2 emissions: 249 g/km
Power: 258 HP ON 6600 RPM Torque: 300 NM ON 2500 RPM
Gearbox: Automatic gearbox (6 gears) Drive type: All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
Top speed: 248 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 7.1 seconds
Fuel consumption (l/100km): 10.0 (combined) 14.0 (urban) 7.9 (highway)
Real fuel consumption: 11 l/100km (21.4 MPG) by user reviews from various sources
Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres (18.5 gallons)
Car dimensions: 4.84m (length) 1.85m (width) 1.47m (height)
Turning diameter: 11 meters
Trunk capacity: 520 litres
Gross weight: 2165 kg

BMW 530xi engine N52B30

Engine reliability and common problems:

The BMW N52 engine was the first water-cooled engine to feature a composite cylinder block made from a magnesium and aluminum alloy. It was included in Ward’s AutoWorld’s list of the top 10 engines in 2006 and 2007. While it offers many advantages, the engine is known to face several recurring issues.

The smaller 2.5-liter version often suffers from oil consumption problems due to its thin piston rings, which quickly coke up and seize. Additionally, after 100,000 km, valve stem seals tend to harden, further exacerbating oil consumption. This issue was largely resolved in engines produced after 2007, but for earlier models, the solution is to replace the valve stem seals and piston rings.

Idle fluctuations are commonly caused by issues in the Valvetronic or Vanos systems, or by a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor. Proper diagnostics are required to identify the fault and replace the defective component. Another frequent issue is the failure of the crankcase ventilation valve (CCV) membrane, which can destabilize engine operation and requires timely diagnostics and replacement.

Engines produced between 2004 and 2009 often exhibit ticking sounds from the hydraulic lifters when cold. This noise is not a sign of failure but a characteristic of the design. Additionally, the engine is prone to overheating, necessitating careful monitoring of the cooling system, including the water pump, thermostat, and radiator, along with regular maintenance.

Valve cover gasket wear is another common issue, leading to oil leaks that require replacement. Despite its weaknesses, regular maintenance and timely resolution of problems can ensure stable and reliable performance from the N52 engine.
Overall, this engine can last around 240,000 to 410,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
Engine displacement 2996 cm3
Number of cylinders 6
Bore (cylinder diameter) 85 mm
Stroke length (piston move) 88 mm
Compression ratio 10.7 : 1
Camshaft drive Timing chain

Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more.

More service info
Timing chain change interval 120,000 km (recommended)

Sometimes manufacturers do not specify timing chain replacement intervals and design chains for engine life. However, once the recommended change interval has been reached, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the chain and to change the chain if excessive stretching is detected or if unusual noises from the engine or other symptoms occur.

Fuel system Injection
BMW 530xi oil type 5W-30
Oil capacity 6.5 litres (6.9 quarts) More service info
Power 218 - 272 HP ON 6600 RPM
Torque 270 - 315 NM ON 2500 RPM
Start of production (year) 2004
Duration of production 7 years
Engine also used on BMW 3 sērija BMW X5 BMW 7 sērija BMW 1 sērija and 5 other models

Generally, the use of an engine in several models and its long production run is an indication of the quality of the engine and the success of its design.

All BMW 5 series sedan [2003 - 2007] modifications

Modification Engine Power Consumption Gearbox Drive type
BMW 520d Sep 2005 — Mar 2007

Most fuel efficient diesel version

2.0 Diesel 163 HP 5.9 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 520d Sep 2005 — Mar 2007 2.0 Diesel 163 HP 6.9 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 520i Jul 2003 — Mar 2005 2.2 Petrol 170 HP 9.0 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 520i Sep 2003 — Mar 2005 2.2 Petrol 170 HP 9.8 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 523i Mar 2005 — Mar 2007

Most fuel efficient petrol version

2.5 Petrol 177 HP 8.5 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 523i Mar 2005 — Mar 2007 2.5 Petrol 177 HP 9.3 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 525i Sep 2003 — Mar 2005 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.4 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 525i Sep 2003 — Mar 2005 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.9 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 525i Mar 2005 — Mar 2007 2.5 Petrol 218 HP 8.7 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 525i Mar 2005 — Mar 2007 2.5 Petrol 218 HP 9.4 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 525xi 4x4 Mar 2005 — Mar 2007 2.5 Petrol 218 HP 9.6 l/100km Manual (6) All wheel
BMW 525xi 4x4 Mar 2005 — Mar 2007 2.5 Petrol 218 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (6) All wheel
BMW 525d Jan 2004 — Mar 2007 2.5 Diesel 177 HP 6.7 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 525d Jan 2004 — Mar 2007 2.5 Diesel 177 HP 7.8 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 530i Jul 2003 — Mar 2005 3.0 Petrol 231 HP 9.8 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 530i Jul 2003 — Mar 2005 3.0 Petrol 231 HP 9.9 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 530i Mar 2005 — Mar 2007 3.0 Petrol 258 HP 8.8 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 530i Mar 2005 — Mar 2007 3.0 Petrol 258 HP 9.3 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 530xi 4x4 Mar 2005 — Mar 2007 3.0 Petrol 258 HP 9.7 l/100km Manual (6) All wheel
BMW 530xi 4x4 Mar 2005 — Mar 2007 3.0 Petrol 258 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (6) All wheel
BMW 530d Jul 2003 — Sep 2005 3.0 Diesel 218 HP 6.9 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 530d Jul 2003 — Sep 2005 3.0 Diesel 218 HP 7.8 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 530d Sep 2005 — Mar 2007 3.0 Diesel 231 HP 6.7 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 530d Sep 2005 — Mar 2007 3.0 Diesel 231 HP 7.5 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 530xd 4x4 Sep 2005 — Mar 2007 3.0 Diesel 231 HP 7.6 l/100km Manual (6) All wheel
BMW 530xd 4x4 Sep 2005 — Mar 2007 3.0 Diesel 231 HP 8.2 l/100km Automatic (6) All wheel
BMW 535d Sep 2004 — Mar 2007

Most powerfull diesel version (272 HP)

3.0 Diesel 272 HP 8.0 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 540i Mar 2006 — Mar 2007 4.0 Petrol 306 HP 11.0 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 540i Mar 2006 — Mar 2007 4.0 Petrol 306 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 545i Sep 2003 — Sep 2005 4.4 Petrol 333 HP 11.0 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 545i Sep 2003 — Sep 2005 4.4 Petrol 333 HP 11.0 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 550i Sep 2005 — Mar 2007

Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds

4.8 Petrol 367 HP 11.0 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 550i Sep 2005 — Mar 2007

Most powerfull petrol version (367 HP)

4.8 Petrol 367 HP 11.0 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 5 series 2003 reviews
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