F10 / F11 · 2010–2013

BMW 535i F10 / F11 · 306 hp · N55B30A (2010–2013)

The 535i (petrol) produces 225 kW (306 hp) and 400 Nm from the N55B30A engine of 2979 cc. Same name, different version: do not confuse with the 535i 225 kW / N55B30A (2013–2016, facelift). Engine code and output appear in the registration and VIN data.

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Identify the car and prepare its maintenance

Technical specifications

Fuel
Petrol
Power
306 PS / 225 kW
Displacement
2 979 cm³
Torque
400 Nm
Engine code
N55B30A
Period covered
2010–2013
Documented market
Europe

Transmission

  • Manual · 6 speeds
  • Automatic · 8 speeds

Figures apply to the cited configuration and market; equipment and transmissions may vary by production date.

Specification source : [1] ADAC e.V. [2] ADAC e.V. [3] ADAC e.V. [4] ADAC e.V. [5] ADAC e.V.

Identification and specifics

The 535i (petrol) produces 225 kW (306 hp) and 400 Nm from the N55B30A engine of 2979 cc. ADAC period: 03/2010–06/2013. Body: F10 Saloon and F11 Touring. Gearbox: six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. Also offered as xDrive (all-wheel drive). 0–100 km/h: 6 s; NEDC combined: 8.5 l/100 km (Saloon, manual, RWD, ADAC). Same name, different version: do not confuse with the 535i 225 kW / N55B30A (2013–2016, facelift). Engine code and output appear in the registration and VIN data.

Source : [3] [4] [5] [1]

Engine oil for this version

BMW oil-change quantity (press specification sheets): 6.5 l — F10 Saloon and F11 Touring. It is a service quantity: check the level after filling.

Source : [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]

Servicing and CBS deadlines

CBS calculates deadlines from usage; read distance and date under Vehicle info → Vehicle status → Service required. The F10 handbook lists oil, oil filter and microfilter at each oil service; spark plugs and air filter every second oil change; front and rear pads, brake fluid and vehicle check at their own deadlines. The handbook sets no universal fixed oil-change mileage. The handbook consulted covers 2013–2017 F10s; for a pre-facelift car, confirm the schedule from the VIN.

Source : [12] [13] [14]

Documented recalls

ADAC’s F10/F11 5 Series list cites, for this period: propshaft flexible disc that can break (February 2017 recall, cars built 12/2010–06/2011); VANOS unit bolts that can break on petrol straight-sixes (April 2014 recall, cars built 09/2009–11/2011). These campaigns target build ranges and often other models too: only a VIN check confirms eligibility and completion.

Source : [2]

Preparing the service

Bring the VIN, build month, engine code N55B30A and the 225 kW output. Note the CBS deadlines and hand over the key used on the last drive: it stores service data. Mention any period with the battery disconnected, which CBS does not count. Ask for oil, filters and operations to be itemised and the service recorded in the history.

Source : [13] [3]

BMW N55 petrol engine (3.0 l turbo six)

This applies to every car fitted with the N55 engine.

What the N55 is

A 2,979 cc inline six-cylinder petrol engine (84.0 × 89.6 mm), successor to the N54. It replaces the N54’s two turbochargers with a single twin-scroll unit and is BMW’s first turbo engine with Valvetronic (Valvetronic III with double VANOS). Direct injection uses solenoid injectors instead of piezo ones. BMW’s training material introduces it in the F07 535i GT (N55B30M0, 225 kW, 400 Nm); it reached the 135i Coupé and Convertible in March 2010, and the 2014 2 Series data lists it as N55B30O0 in the M235i.

Source : [16] [18] [20]

Engine oil

BMW’s owner’s manual for the F20 1 Series (X/14) allows BMW Longlife-01, Longlife-01 FE and Longlife-04 oils for petrol engines, in SAE 0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40 or 5W-30. Longlife-04 is approved for petrol engines only in the EU, Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Oil change quantity: 6.5 l for the F22 M235i (2014) and the F30 335i Touring (2013) according to BMW’s data sheets; it may differ on other models. The level is measured electronically by the oil quality sensor.

Source : [19] [15] [20] [21] [16]

Timing drive

Timing chain, mounted on the crankshaft with an M18 central bolt according to BMW’s training material; BMW’s parts catalogue lists it with guide rails and tensioner. None of the sources consulted gives a replacement interval: it is a repair, not a maintenance item.

Source : [16] [17]

Maintenance and records

Oil, oil filter and microfilter

At the CBS deadline

The F10 handbook pairs the oil change with a new oil filter and climate-control microfilter. Check the final level.

Source [14]

Air filter

Every second oil change

Replace the element; sooner in dusty conditions.

Source [14]

Spark plugs (petrol)

Every second oil change

Renew the spark plugs.

Source [14]

Front and rear brakes

At the CBS deadline

Pads, disc thickness and surface check; front and rear have separate deadlines.

Source [14]

Brake fluid

At the CBS deadline

Replace the fluid; check the date on the active bonnet gas struts.

Source [14]

Vehicle check

At the CBS deadline

Lights, belts, tyres, chassis, steering, sealant kit, road test.

Source [14]

Questions about this version (5)

Which engine powers this 306 hp 535i?

The 535i (petrol) produces 225 kW (306 hp) and 400 Nm from the N55B30A engine of 2979 cc. ADAC period: 03/2010–06/2013. Body: F10 Saloon and F11 Touring. Gearbox: six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. Also offered as xDrive (all-wheel drive). 0–100 km/h: 6 s; NEDC combined: 8.5 l/100 km (Saloon, manual, RWD, ADAC).

Source : [3] [4] [5] [1]

How much oil does the 535i N55B30A take?

BMW oil-change quantity (press specification sheets): 6.5 l — F10 Saloon and F11 Touring. It is a service quantity: check the level after filling.

Source : [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]

What does the BMW handbook schedule for the 535i besides the oil change?

CBS calculates deadlines from usage; read distance and date under Vehicle info → Vehicle status → Service required. The F10 handbook lists oil, oil filter and microfilter at each oil service; spark plugs and air filter every second oil change; front and rear pads, brake fluid and vehicle check at their own deadlines. The handbook sets no universal fixed oil-change mileage. The handbook consulted covers 2013–2017 F10s; for a pre-facelift car, confirm the schedule from the VIN.

Source : [12] [13] [14]

Which recalls should be checked on a 535i N55B30A?

ADAC’s F10/F11 5 Series list cites, for this period: propshaft flexible disc that can break (February 2017 recall, cars built 12/2010–06/2011); VANOS unit bolts that can break on petrol straight-sixes (April 2014 recall, cars built 09/2009–11/2011). These campaigns target build ranges and often other models too: only a VIN check confirms eligibility and completion.

Source : [2]

How do I tell this 535i from other versions?

Same name, different version: do not confuse with the 535i 225 kW / N55B30A (2013–2016, facelift). Engine code and output appear in the registration and VIN data.

Source : [3] [4] [5] [1]

Documentary sources

  1. [1] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW 5er-Reihe F10/F11 (2010–2013)

    ADAC e.V. · DE · Allemagne · Liste des versions F10 avec périodes de commercialisation, kW/PS ; bornes de carrosserie F10 2010–2013, F11 2010–2013, M Performance 2012–2013, M5 F10M, Gran Turismo F07. · Accessed 08/10/2026

  2. [2] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW 523i (03/10–09/11)

    ADAC e.V. · DE · Allemagne · Fiche technique : N53B30A, 2996 cm³, 150 kW/204 PS, 270 Nm, boîte manuelle 6, 0–100 km/h 7,9 s, NEDC 7,6 l/100 km. Rubrique « Rückrufe & Mängel » de la 5er-Reihe. · Accessed 08/10/2026

  3. [3] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW 535i (03/10–09/11)

    ADAC e.V. · DE · Allemagne · Fiche technique : N55B30A, 2979 cm³, 225 kW/306 PS, 400 Nm, manuelle 6, 0–100 km/h 6,0 s, NEDC 8,5 l/100 km. · Accessed 08/10/2026

  4. [4] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW 535i (09/11–06/13)

    ADAC e.V. · DE · Allemagne · Fiche technique : N55B30A, 225 kW/306 PS, 400 Nm, manuelle 6, 0–100 km/h 5,8 s, NEDC 8,1 l/100 km. · Accessed 08/10/2026

  5. [5] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW 535i xDrive Automatic (03/11–09/11)

    ADAC e.V. · DE · Allemagne · Fiche technique : N55B30A, 225 kW/306 PS, transmission intégrale, automatique 8. · Accessed 08/10/2026

  6. [6] BMW Group PressClub — BMW 5 Series Sedan specifications, 535i / 550i, 09/2010

    BMW AG · EN · Europe / marchés ACEA · Valid from 09/2010. 225 kW/306 hp and 300 kW/407 hp; engine oil (oil change) 6.5 l and 8.5 l. · Accessed 08/10/2026

  7. [7] BMW Group PressClub — BMW 5 Series Touring specifications, 523i / 528i / 535i, 09/2010

    BMW AG · EN · Europe / marchés ACEA · Valid from 09/2010. Engine oil (oil change) 6.5 l. · Accessed 08/10/2026

  8. [8] BMW Group PressClub — BMW 5 Series Sedan specifications, 528i / 535i / 550i xDrive, 09/2011

    BMW AG · EN · Europe / marchés ACEA · Valid from 09/2011. 180, 225 and 300 kW; engine oil 5.75 / 6.5 / 8.5 l. · Accessed 08/10/2026

  9. [9] BMW Group PressClub — BMW 5 Series Sedan specifications, 530i / 535i, 09/2011

    BMW AG · EN · Europe / marchés ACEA · Valid from 09/2011. 200 kW/272 hp and 225 kW/306 hp; engine oil 6.5 l each. · Accessed 08/10/2026

  10. [10] BMW Group PressClub — BMW 5 Series Touring specifications, 528i / 535i xDrive, 09/2011

    BMW AG · EN · Europe / marchés ACEA · Valid from 09/2011. Engine oil 5.75 l and 6.5 l. · Accessed 08/10/2026

  11. [11] BMW Group PressClub — BMW 5 Series Touring specifications, 530i / 535i, 09/2011

    BMW AG · EN · Europe / marchés ACEA · Valid from 09/2011. 200 kW and 225 kW; engine oil 6.5 l each. · Accessed 08/10/2026

  12. [12] BMW 5er Limousine F10 — Betriebsanleitung (Sach-Nr. 01 40 2 956 193)

    BMW AG (notice reproduite par kfz-handbuch.de) · DE · Europe / Allemagne · Page 94 : Servicebedarf — distance ou date de la prochaine maintenance, Fahrzeuginfo → Fahrzeugstatus → Servicebedarf. Notice des F10 2013–2017. · Accessed 08/10/2026

  13. [13] BMW 5er Limousine F10 — Betriebsanleitung (Sach-Nr. 01 40 2 956 193)

    BMW AG (notice reproduite par kfz-handbuch.de) · DE · Europe / Allemagne · Page 247 : CBS selon conditions d’utilisation ; remettre la clé du dernier trajet ; immobilisations batterie débranchée non comptées (liquide de frein, huile, microfiltre) ; historique ; contrôles standard. Notice des F10 2013–2017. · Accessed 08/10/2026

  14. [14] BMW 5er Limousine F10 — Betriebsanleitung (Sach-Nr. 01 40 2 956 193)

    BMW AG (notice reproduite par kfz-handbuch.de) · DE · Europe / Allemagne · Page 248 : huile, filtre et microfiltre ; bougies (essence), filtre à gazole (diesel) et filtre à air tous les deux vidanges ; plaquettes avant/arrière ; liquide de frein ; contrôle du véhicule. Notice des F10 2013–2017. · Accessed 08/10/2026

  15. [15] BMW TIS — BMW Quality Longlife-04

    BMW AG — TIS (archive) · EN · Europe · SI 11 03 04 (156) · revision 09/2005 · Accessed 08/10/2026

  16. [16] BMW Technical training — N55 Engine

    BMW of North America — Technical training (archive.org copy) · EN · USA · Initial print 02/10 · “Crankshaft” (timing chains) · “Oil Level” (oil quality sensor) · engine-level description · Accessed 08/10/2026

  17. [17] BMW parts catalogue (ETK) — F20 M135i N55: timing and valve train, timing chain

    bmwfans.info (copy of the BMW ETK parts catalogue) · EN · Europe · Group 11 · timing chain · Accessed 08/10/2026

  18. [18] Neue Motorengeneration für das BMW 135i Coupé und das BMW 135i Cabrio

    BMW Group · DE · Germany · Presse-Information (PDF attachment), pp. 1–3 · Accessed 08/10/2026

  19. [19] BMW Betriebsanleitung — Der BMW 1er (Online-Version für Sach-Nr. 01 40 2 956 470)

    BMW AG (copy hosted by kfz-handbuch.de) · DE · Germany · deutsch X/14 · p. 71 (Servicebedarf) · pp. 166–169 (Motoröl, freigegebene Motorölsorten) · pp. 172–174 (Wartung: CBS, Übersicht Wartungsumfänge) · Accessed 08/10/2026

  20. [20] BMW UK Technical data — 2 Series Coupé [F22], March 2014

    BMW Group UK · EN · United Kingdom · Engine type (N20B20U0, N55B30O0, N47D20U1, N47D20O1, N47D20T1), output, torque, gearbox, “Engine oil — exchange quantity” · Accessed 08/10/2026

  21. [21] BMW — 335i Touring, fiche 03/2013

    BMW Group · EN · Europe / marchés ACEA · 2 pages : caractéristiques moteur, boîte, puissance/couple et Engine oil capacity, note Oil change volume. · Accessed 08/10/2026

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