2012 BMW 535i
The 2012 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 2012 BMW 535I
The 2012 BMW 535i is the six-cylinder, rear-wheel-drive version of the sixth-generation 5 Series saloon (F10). It is powered by the N55, a 3.0-litre single-turbo inline-six rated at 300 hp and 300 lb-ft. This entry covers the version with the eight-speed automatic; a six-speed manual was also available.
Second year of the F10
The F10 replaced the E60 for the 2011 model year with a more conservative design and a strong focus on refinement. For 2012 BMW broadened the range below the 535i with the new 528i, which switched from a six-cylinder to a turbocharged 2.0-litre four, so the 535i became the entry point for buyers who wanted six cylinders. Within the line-up it sat between that 528i and the V8 550i, with xDrive all-wheel drive available as an alternative to this rear-drive car.
What it is like
The F10 is larger and heavier than its predecessor and prioritises comfort and quietness, though the electric power steering and optional adaptive dampers and Integral Active Steering give it a choice of characters. The N55 and eight-speed automatic are a smooth, flexible pairing. The cabin offers generous rear space and a sizeable boot, and it uses the latest iDrive with a wide central screen.
Buying one today
Commonly reported problems include failure of the electric water pump and thermostat, oil filter housing and valve cover gasket leaks, and oil leaks from the oil pan gasket on higher-mileage cars. Check that electronic features such as the screen, camera and parking sensors all work correctly.
Rivals
Rivals included the Mercedes-Benz E350, Audi A6 3.0T, Infiniti M37 and Jaguar XF.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 535i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2012 | Version / Trim | BMW 2012 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 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 | 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.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 BMW 535i | 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 |