The 2011 BMW 535i: A Businessman's Sedan

Performance, Power, and Prestige

Seth Joyner
The 2011 BMW 535i got some heavy revisions for the upcoming season. The BMW 535i has had a major overhaul in its chassis, motor, and transmission configurations. From the outside you can tell something is just a bit different about this E60 chassis; that's because it has now been labeled the F10. The new BMW 535i has a lower roof line and has had its wheel base stretched to 116.9 inches, that's 3.2 inches longer than the previous E60 model. The 2011 BMW 535i has a softer sleeker appearance to it than the trivial boxy angles of the previous BMW 535i. Newly redesigned fenders, front fascia, headlights and hood give it a strikingly happy appearance; it almost seems as though the 2011 BMW 535i is smiling at you, winking with its acute dual projector headlamps. A crisp sharp line travels down the mid-point of the body until you reach the rear of the car. Steam-line red brake lights peer at you as you gaze at the magnificent dual exhaust pipes; one can help but think the 535i may mean business.

The 2011 BMW 535i receives a new engine labeled the N55 and it receives a single twin scroll turbo charger ditching the last models twin turbo system for a new and improved crisper bower band and reduced emissions. The 2011 BMW 535i still generates the same 300 horsepower and 300ftlbs of torque, but it provides this massive torque in an improved rpm range of 1200 to 5000 rpm. The 2011 BMW 535i can jaunt from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and rips through the quarter mile in 14.1 seconds at 100 mph; not bad considering the larger four door sedan weighs in at a hefty 4100 pounds. This is about 100 pounds more than the previous 535i. The 2011 BMW 535i is governed to 130mph; however if you spring for the optional sport package you will be able to see 150 mph, so those speeding tickets can rack up. The 2011 BMW 535i rides on 18 inch classic BMW 15 spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sport Maxx GT run flats, just in case you have a high speed run in with the police and a spike strip. Power is put to the wheels from a new ZF eight speed transmission that utilizes five individual clutch packs to provide power to the limited slip rear end.

The interior of the 2011 BMW 535i is a work of art; ergonomic yet business-like casual. From the new three spoke steering wheel to the new 10.5 inch navigation screen perfectly placed at eye level in the center of the dash the 2011 BMW 535i screams prestige and refinement. Wood accents and a semi-manual automatic wood embossed shifter make you feel right at home. The new 2011 BMW 535i will set you back about $55,000 depending on the options that you get.

http://www.insideline.com/bmw/5-series/2011/2011-bmw-535i-first-drive.html

Published by Seth Joyner

Owned a hot rod shop till things went south, now I'm giving writing a try.  View profile

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