sliding element and method for manufacturing a sliding element

There is provided a slide member provided with a coating consisting of a Bi-based material. The sliding element includes a substrate; and a coating consisting of Bi or a Bi alloy provided on the substrate. A surface portion (the most surface portion) of the coating comprises an oxide layer in which a bismuth oxide is dispersed. The content of bismuth oxide in the oxide layer, represented by the oxygen content is greater than or equal to 0.5% by mass and less than or equal to 8.0% by mass. The orientation index of the main orientation plane of crystals of Bi or Bi alloy in the coating is 50% or higher. The main orientation plane of crystals of bismuth oxide in the oxide layer is the (220) plane or the plane (201).