2011 BMW 535i
The 2011 BMW 535i is a sedan. It has a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 300 hp (224 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 6.0 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2011 BMW 535I
The 2011 BMW 535i is the six-cylinder saloon from the launch year of the sixth-generation 5 Series (F10). Its 3.0-litre N55 turbocharged inline-six produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft, and drives the rear wheels. This entry covers the version with the eight-speed automatic; a six-speed manual was also offered.
A new 5 Series
The F10 replaced the E60 for 2011 with a more conservative design and a longer wheelbase. The N55 engine was also new, using a single twin-scroll turbocharger with Valvetronic in place of the earlier twin-turbo N54. The 535i sat between the 528i and the V8-powered 550i, and an all-wheel-drive 535i xDrive was also listed.
Comfort and technology
The F10 leans towards refinement, with a quiet cabin, a smooth eight-speed gearbox and electric power steering. Driving Dynamics Control lets the driver select different modes, and Integral Active Steering was optional. The rear seats are roomier than in the E60, and the boot is a good size for a saloon of this class.
Buying one today
Known issues on the N55 include the electric water pump, oil filter housing and valve cover gasket leaks, and cracking of the plastic charge pipe. Early F10 cars should be checked for electrical faults and for any outstanding service campaigns.
Rivals
Competitors in 2011 included the Mercedes-Benz E350, Audi A6 3.0T, Lexus GS 350, Infiniti M37 and Jaguar XF.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 535i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2011 | Version / Trim | BMW 2011 535i |
| 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 | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | 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 / 30 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 | 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.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW 535i | 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 |