2012 BMW 535i xDrive
The 2012 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 2012 BMW 535I XDRIVE
The 2012 BMW 535i xDrive is the all-wheel-drive six-cylinder saloon from the sixth-generation 5 Series (F10). Its N55 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft (about 407 Nm), and this entry covers the version with the eight-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel drive.
Changes for 2012
The F10 arrived for the 2011 model year, so 2012 was its second season. The range around the 535i changed notably that year: the entry 528i swapped its six-cylinder for a 2.0-litre turbocharged four, and the ActiveHybrid 5 joined the line-up using the same N55 engine paired with an electric motor. The 535i itself remained the mainstream six-cylinder choice, sitting below the V8 550i.
On the road
The F10 moved the 5 Series towards comfort and refinement, with a quiet cabin, strong mid-range pull from the turbo six, and a smooth eight-speed gearbox. Electric power steering replaced the previous hydraulic system. Rear legroom improved over the E60 thanks to a longer wheelbase of 2,968 mm, and the boot is a practical size.
Buying one today
The N55 is commonly reported to leak oil from the valve cover, oil filter housing and oil pan gaskets as it ages, and electric water pumps and thermostats are known failure points. Look for evidence of regular oil changes, a healthy transfer case and working electronics, including the iDrive screen and parking sensors.
Rivals
Competitors included the Audi A6 3.0T quattro, Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC, Infiniti M37x and Lexus GS 350 AWD.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 535i xDrive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2012 | Version / Trim | BMW 2012 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 | 21 mpg city / 30 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,968 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,760 kg (3,880 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2012 SEDANS
Compared with other 2012 sedans in our database, its 300 hp is 9% more than the average 2012 sedan (276 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.0 seconds quicker than average, and it is 8% heavier than the typical sedan.
| 2012 BMW 535i xDrive | Average 2012 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 300 hp | 276 hp (119 cars) | +9% |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 355 Nm (119 cars) | +15% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.0 s | 7.0 s (121 cars) | -14% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 137 mph (121 cars) | +13% |
| Kerb weight | 1,760 kg | 1,623 kg (138 cars) | +8% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,193 cc (135 cars) | -6% |
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 2012 sedans with similar power to the 2012 BMW 535i xDrive.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 BMW 535i xDrive | 300 hp | 6.0 s | 1,760 kg |
| 2012 Volvo S80 AWD | 300 hp | 7.0 s | 1,685 kg |
| 2012 Ford Mustang | 305 hp | 5.0 s | 1,750 kg |
| 2012 Hyundai Genesis | 306 hp | — | 1,697 kg |
| 2012 Nissan Maxima | 290 hp | 6.2 s | 1,540 kg |