2011 BMW 535i xDrive
The 2011 BMW 535i xDrive is a sedan. It has a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 300 hp (224 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 6.0 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2011 BMW 535I XDRIVE
The 2011 BMW 535i xDrive is the all-wheel-drive six-cylinder version of the sixth-generation 5 Series saloon (F10), which went on sale in North America for the 2011 model year. It uses BMW’s new N55 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, rated at 300 hp and 300 lb-ft (about 407 Nm), with drive sent to all four wheels through the xDrive system. This entry covers the eight-speed automatic, which was standard on the 535i.
The first year of the F10
2011 was the launch year of the F10, which replaced the controversial E60 with more conservative styling, a longer 2,968 mm wheelbase and a cabin built around a much-improved iDrive controller and a widescreen display. The N55 engine was also new, swapping the previous 335i-style twin-turbo setup for a single twin-scroll turbocharger with Valvetronic. xDrive arrived alongside the rear-drive car, giving buyers in snowy regions an alternative to the 550i xDrive V8.
On the road and inside
The F10 leans towards comfort and refinement more than its predecessor, with electric power steering and a quiet, roomy cabin. Rear legroom improved noticeably and the boot is a useful size for a mid-size saloon.
Buying one today
Commonly reported N55 weak points include the electric water pump and thermostat, oil leaks from the valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets, and wastegate rattle. Early F10s also have a lot of electronics, and xDrive cars add a transfer case that should shift smoothly. A documented service history is worth a lot.
Rivals
In 2011 the 535i xDrive competed with the Audi A6 3.0T quattro, Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC, Lexus GS 350 AWD and Infiniti M37x.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 535i xDrive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2011 | Version / Trim | BMW 2011 535i xDrive |
| Body Style | Sedan | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Melbourne Red Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Engine | 3.0L 6-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 3,000 cc |
| Power | 300 hp / 224 kW | Torque | 407 Nm / 300 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 6.0 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 20 mpg city / 28 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,968 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,760 kg (3,880 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2011 SEDANS
Compared with other 2011 sedans in our database, its 300 hp is 6% more than the average 2011 sedan (284 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.8 seconds quicker than average.
| 2011 BMW 535i xDrive | Average 2011 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 300 hp | 284 hp (107 cars) | +6% |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 363 Nm (107 cars) | +12% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.0 s | 6.8 s (106 cars) | -12% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 139 mph (106 cars) | +12% |
| Kerb weight | 1,760 kg | 1,639 kg (121 cars) | +7% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,291 cc (121 cars) | -9% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2011 sedans with similar power to the 2011 BMW 535i xDrive.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW 535i xDrive | 300 hp | 6.0 s | 1,760 kg |
| 2011 Volvo S80 AWD | 300 hp | 7.0 s | 1,685 kg |
| 2011 Lexus GS 350 | 303 hp | 6.0 s | 1,745 kg |
| 2011 Ford Mustang | 305 hp | 5.0 s | 1,750 kg |
| 2011 Hyundai Genesis | 306 hp | — | 1,697 kg |