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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum 2011 535i Track Test by Inside Line
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      08-24-2010, 05:43 PM   #1
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Arrow 2011 535i Track Test by Inside Line

Edmunds Inside Line has taken the F10 2011 535i out to the track for some testing. Here are the video and performance results they managed to achieve with the 535i. Performance measures recorded include 0-60 time, 1/4 mile, slalom speed, skid pad lateral acceleration (G's), and braking distance.

Quote:
The 2011 BMW 535i is the most radically different 5 Series for this, the sixth generation (F10 for the BMW geeks) of the venerable not-too-big/not-too-small midsize BMW sedan with a new engine, new suspension and a new eight-speed automatic.

Output from the 3.0-liter I-6 remains static at 300 horsepower, but the methodology is different. Instead of using the N54 twin-turbo inline-6, the new 2011 535i uses the new N55 single twin-scroll turbocharger, a variation on the I-6 we first saw on the 2010 BMW 535i GT. The 535i automatic also makes use of the ZF-built eight-speed automatic that also debuted on the 535i GT. The new trans promises increased fuel economy while maintaining crisp shifts and sporty performance. We know, we know, BMWs should be manuals, but let's get with the times for a minute; the 5 Series makes up more than 50 percent of BMW's global sales, and manual transmission take rates are lower than public school students not diagnosed with ADHD. A six-speed manual is still available for 2011, but the eight-speed is more interesting.

Apart from a single turbo, two more gearsets and a double-wishbone front suspension replacing the old struts, the 2011 5 Series is the first of the 5ers to come with electronic power steering (EPS). Our tester also comes equipped with the Dynamic Handling package ($2,500) and the Sport package ($2,200). Included are driver-adjustable dampers, active roll stabilization and a driving dynamics control that allows the selection of one of four different modes from Comfort to Sport +. Different selections vary the level of throttle response, transmission shift attitude, power-steering assistance and traction control. We also had the Sport automatic transmission option ($500) which added a three-spoke wheel with proper left-down, right-up paddles.

So, the 2011 BMW 535i has an automatic transmission, electric power steering and an electronic LSD. But is it still any good on our track? Results and video after the jump.

Vehicle: 2011 BMW 535i
Odometer: 1,396
Date: 8/24/10
Driver: Chris Walton
Base Price (with destination and tax): $49,600
Options: Dynamic Handling Package ($2,700); Sport Package ($2,200); Dakota Leather ($1,450); Side and Top View Cameras ($800); Park Distance Control ($750); Dark Graphite Metallic ($550); Sport Automatic Transmission ($500); Rearview Camera ($400); iPod and USB Adapter ($400).
As-Tested Price: $60,225

Specifications:
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: Eight-speed automatic
Engine Type: Turbocharged inline-6
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 2,979/181.8
Redline (rpm): 7,000
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 300 @ 5,800
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 300 @ 1,200-5,000
Brake Type (front): Ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): Ventilated disc
Steering System: Electric-assist rack-and-pinion
Suspension Type (front): Multilink
Suspension Type (rear): Multilink

Tire Size (front): 245/40R19 94Y
Tire Size (rear): 275/35R19 96Y
Tire Brand: Goodyear
Tire Model: Excellence
Tire Type: Asymmetrical all-season
Wheel Size: 19-by-8 inches front and rear
Wheel Material (front/rear): Alloy
As Tested Curb Weight (lb): 4,080

Test Results:
0 - 30 (sec): 2.3
0 - 45 (sec): 3.9
0 - 60 (sec): 5.9
0 - 75 (sec): 8.6
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 14.30 @ 95.06
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 5.6
30 - 0 (ft): 28
60 - 0 (ft): 110
Slalom (mph): 64.9 stability off, 62.0 on
Skid Pad Lateral Acceleration (g): 0.84 stability off, 0.84 trac on
Db @ Idle: 42.3
Db @ Full Throttle: 73.4
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 67.0


Acceleration Comments: Wide range of settings means wide range of results, from normal drive to sport/DSC off. At worst, it stumbles off the line, then gets with the program at @ 3,000 rpm. At best with brake torque and DSC off, it's still not what I'd call "snappy" off the line but at least the boost is in the right place for a decent run. Very smooth upshifts in every mode, but it seemed to delay 1-2 (possibly 3-4) in Sport mode. Crossed the finish in 4th gear.

Braking Comments: Highly susceptible to pavement irregularities, hence 10-foot variance in otherwise fade-free set of runs. Some smoking front pads, but no discernible loss of power. Obvious anti-dive suspension and lots of rebound damping. Firm pedal and straight stops throughout.

Handling Comments: Slalom: With DSC off in Sport, the tires were the limiting factor. Good balance between understeer/oversteer and good steering response but not enough ultimate grip to make it all work. In Sport + DSC on, the brakes would grab abruptly just as I approached a cone (expecting a little slide), so I had to back down the speed to keep from being pulled into cones by DSC. Skid pad: hard to balance/steer on the line with boost varying wildly -- requires constant steering with DSC off. With DSC on (Sport +) it requires virtually no steering, and throttle was more consistent (obviously being managed by computer), steering weight was appropriate, but almost no feel.

http://blogs.insideline.com/straight...automatic.html


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      08-24-2010, 08:11 PM   #2
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would love to see the 550.

did this car have handling package?
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      08-24-2010, 09:35 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Grizzles View Post
would love to see the 550.

did this car have handling package?
I've added the full options on this car as tested (wasn't available when responded). See above.
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      08-25-2010, 12:37 AM   #4
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Reconfirms what we already knew...
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      08-25-2010, 08:58 AM   #5
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Do any other cars in the BMW lineup have the electronic steering?
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      08-25-2010, 09:06 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tk005x View Post
Do any other cars in the BMW lineup have the electronic steering?
The BMW Z4 has electronic steering as well as the 5-GT with IAS and the 7 series with IAS.

The new BMW X3 will have electronic steering across the range, as well as the new upcoming BMW F20 1-series and F30 3-series.
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      08-25-2010, 10:13 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BabkenBMW View Post
Too poor performance numbers. An absolute regress from the E60. I start to get disappointed with the 5 Series and BMW in general. I'm thinking about my next car, and initially I was sure of the new 5 Series, but now I lean towards the new E-Class. Especially if I read another review of this kind.
If you're leaning towards the new E-class then good luck! The new E-class is much more soft and disconnected from the road than what the 5-series is with the new electronic power steering setup. Plus the interior to the E-class is one notch below from the F10 5-series.
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      08-25-2010, 10:15 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BabkenBMW View Post
Too poor performance numbers. An absolute regress from the E60. I start to get disappointed with the 5 Series and BMW in general. I'm thinking about my next car, and initially I was sure of the new 5 Series, but now I lean towards the new E-Class. Especially if I read another review of this kind.
Poor performance numbers and instead you want an E Class. You're not making any sense man.
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      08-25-2010, 10:24 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BabkenBMW View Post
Then just look at the slalom speed with the sport package: 64.9 mph. Ridiculous. Just ask yourself what the slalom speed will be without the sport package. And what about the turtle-like acceleration off the line?
That's not too different from the slalom on the 2008 535i sport insideline tested which was 65.2 Mph. that's only a 0.3 mph difference. The E60 535i tested was 3960lbs and the F10 tested was 4080lbs, 120 pounds difference. for everyday driving you're not going to notice a difference. Plus the new crash tested from IIHS.ORG coming perfect across the range for the F10 is worth the added 120lbs over the average crash test scores of the E60.
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      08-25-2010, 10:28 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BimmerGuyFL View Post
That's not too different from the slalom on the 2008 535i sport insideline tested which was 65.2 Mph. that's only a 0.3 mph difference. The E60 535i tested was 3960lbs and the F10 tested was 4080lbs, 120 pounds difference. for everyday driving you're not going to notice a difference. Plus the new crash tested from IIHS.ORG coming perfect across the range for the F10 is worth the added 120lbs over the average crash test scores of the E60.
Good points.
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      08-25-2010, 11:33 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BabkenBMW View Post
My friend, let me bring some data comparison between the F10 535i and E60 535i.
0-60mph: E60-5.5 seconds, F10-5.9 seconds;
0-75mph: E60-8.2 seconds, F10-8.6 seconds;
1/4 mile(sec@mph): E60-14.0@100.4, F10-14.3@95.06
Skid pad lateral acceleration: E60-0.89g, F10-0.84g.

I can't call it anything but an absolute regress.
But weren't they going for a less edgy more luxurious car to begin with? I do agree I don't like regressing in performance for added comfort when the e60 had a comfy enough ride. (I really hope they don't do that to the F30)

another thing to note is that this F10 was equiped with all season goodyears... that will def impact the slalom numbers.
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      08-25-2010, 12:02 PM   #12
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It should be clear by now that BabkenBMW is trolling here for attention, and his simple point is this: Go for the Merc, drop the F10.

Check out the the comparison by Motortrend as was pointed out by another:
left column 2010 535i and right column F10 535i


TEST DATA
Acceleration to mph
0-30 2.0 sec 2.1 sec
0-40 2.8 3.1
0-50 4.2 4.2
0-60 5.5 5.6
0-70 7.1 7.2
0-80 9.3 9
0-90 11.4 11.2
0-100 13.9 13.8
0-110 18.4 17.6
0-120 22.2 21.6
Passing, 45-65 mph 2.6 2.7
Quarter mile 14.1 sec @ 100.6 mph 14.1 sec @ 101.0 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 112 ft 109 ft
Top-gear revs @ 60 mph 2150 rpm 1900 rpm

Quote "Our quarter-mile time of 14.1 seconds was identical, and in fact the trap speed was up from 100.6 mph to 101.0. The 60-mph-dash was a tenth slower at 5.6 seconds, while times to the higher speeds were improved (21.6 seconds to 120 mph beats the twin-turbo featherweight by six-tenths). That's impressive, especially if the fuel economy ends up equal or better."

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz0xdbhkfkE

Last edited by bm323; 08-25-2010 at 12:16 PM..
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      08-25-2010, 12:41 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bm323 View Post
It should be clear by now that BabkenBMW is trolling here for attention, and his simple point is this: Go for the Merc, drop the F10.

Check out the the comparison by Motortrend as was pointed out by another:
left column 2010 535i and right column F10 535i


TEST DATA
Acceleration to mph
0-30 2.0 sec 2.1 sec
0-40 2.8 3.1
0-50 4.2 4.2
0-60 5.5 5.6
0-70 7.1 7.2
0-80 9.3 9
0-90 11.4 11.2
0-100 13.9 13.8
0-110 18.4 17.6
0-120 22.2 21.6
Passing, 45-65 mph 2.6 2.7
Quarter mile 14.1 sec @ 100.6 mph 14.1 sec @ 101.0 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 112 ft 109 ft
Top-gear revs @ 60 mph 2150 rpm 1900 rpm

Quote "Our quarter-mile time of 14.1 seconds was identical, and in fact the trap speed was up from 100.6 mph to 101.0. The 60-mph-dash was a tenth slower at 5.6 seconds, while times to the higher speeds were improved (21.6 seconds to 120 mph beats the twin-turbo featherweight by six-tenths). That's impressive, especially if the fuel economy ends up equal or better."

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz0xdbhkfkE
BM323's post on comparing the E60 and F10 535i are more accurate only because they were tested on the same day. The test from insideline's 2008 E60 and 2011 F10 are almost three years apart as well as different temperatures and settings so it's not an apples to apples comparision like Motortrends comparo.
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      08-25-2010, 01:05 PM   #14
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^ I agree with that guy, the same car tested in two different seasons of the year will yield different results...
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      08-25-2010, 01:30 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bm323 View Post
It should be clear by now that BabkenBMW is trolling here for attention, and his simple point is this: Go for the Merc, drop the F10.

Check out the the comparison by Motortrend as was pointed out by another:
left column 2010 535i and right column F10 535i


TEST DATA
Acceleration to mph
0-30 2.0 sec 2.1 sec
0-40 2.8 3.1
0-50 4.2 4.2
0-60 5.5 5.6
0-70 7.1 7.2
0-80 9.3 9
0-90 11.4 11.2
0-100 13.9 13.8
0-110 18.4 17.6
0-120 22.2 21.6
Passing, 45-65 mph 2.6 2.7
Quarter mile 14.1 sec @ 100.6 mph 14.1 sec @ 101.0 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 112 ft 109 ft
Top-gear revs @ 60 mph 2150 rpm 1900 rpm

Quote "Our quarter-mile time of 14.1 seconds was identical, and in fact the trap speed was up from 100.6 mph to 101.0. The 60-mph-dash was a tenth slower at 5.6 seconds, while times to the higher speeds were improved (21.6 seconds to 120 mph beats the twin-turbo featherweight by six-tenths). That's impressive, especially if the fuel economy ends up equal or better."

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz0xdbhkfkE
+1 F10 FTW!!!
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      08-25-2010, 01:55 PM   #16
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      08-25-2010, 03:21 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gatoman39 View Post
Poor performance numbers and instead you want an E Class. You're not making any sense man.
Yeah e class should be the opposite of what you want if you are looking at performance. If anything you should be looking at the Jag.
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      08-25-2010, 07:43 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tk005x View Post
Yeah e class should be the opposite of what you want if you are looking at performance. If anything you should be looking at the Jag.
+1, I quite agree.
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      08-25-2010, 10:41 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tk005x View Post
Yeah e class should be the opposite of what you want if you are looking at performance. If anything you should be looking at the Jag.
I agree that the Jag is a close contender, but I don't think it handles as well through the bends; however, it certainly is an extremely comfortable motorway cruiser. Only trouble for me is all the trashy bling inside; I think you'd soon tire of all that shiny metal and neon-blue lighting and that's before you find that the sat-nav screen is mounted too low in the dash to make it safely usable at speed.
The BMW's cabin is a classic study in understated elegance and that's one of the main reasons why I've ordered the 535d M Sport. Ok, it doesn't sound as good as the petrol version, but it goes just as well and drinks a hell of a lot less fuel.
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      08-26-2010, 12:59 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon D View Post
I agree that the Jag is a close contender, but I don't think it handles as well through the bends; however, it certainly is an extremely comfortable motorway cruiser. Only trouble for me is all the trashy bling inside; I think you'd soon tire of all that shiny metal and neon-blue lighting and that's before you find that the sat-nav screen is mounted too low in the dash to make it safely usable at speed.
The BMW's cabin is a classic study in understated elegance and that's one of the main reasons why I've ordered the 535d M Sport. Ok, it doesn't sound as good as the petrol version, but it goes just as well and drinks a hell of a lot less fuel.
For real world driving a diesel is much more sensible. It's not as sexy, but neither is spending a kings ransom on fuel. As far as the Jag XF goes, it's a nice looking car, but I agree the inside is trying way to hard to be cool. That gets old. I want to like Jags, but I'd never buy one. It's stories like this that make me remember why...
How To Tow A Jaguar Equipped With An Electronic Shift Lever
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      08-26-2010, 05:57 AM   #21
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      08-26-2010, 04:41 PM   #22
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Jeebus the new F10 535i is heavier than my E60 M5!!
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