IL Track Tested: 2011 BMW 535i Automatic

I drove a F10 535i a while back. Nice car- if I was 80 years old. Too big, too heavy, and not enough steering feel. I'm still waiting on a nice E46 M3 ZCP or maybe even the 1er M coupe.

So when should we start a petition for BMW to bring back hydraulic steering?

If they want to manage emissions (Car Magazine in UK said it saves 4g/km) they should REDUCE WEIGHT!

The 5-Series continues to get bigger, fatter, and with worse steering feel than the previous version.

Pretty soon, it is going to be the size of the 7-Series.

I'd rather have an Infiniti M or Jaguar XF.

How long will it take for BMW to start producing cars with zero steering feel and boat-like handling? Not very long it seems. I'm afraid the next 3-Series is going to be too big and overweight. The 5-Series really defines BMW, it should be better than this, especially with the competition that is out there from Benz, Jag, and Infiniti.

There is something wrong about this test.
No way this car has a 95 mph trap speed.
Thats just too low. By the old 535i standard and by what MT and Car n Driver did.
One thing is that IL is always the slowest to 60, but trap speeds are another thing.
This car traps at around 100 mph.

And as far as the slalom and the grip numbers, poor numbers given that it has the sport package and the dynamic handling package. Even a Mitsubishi lancer GTS tested by IL had better slalom and grip. Could be the almost 4100 pounds of weight?

And you guys should be testing the 550i. Now thats a different beast than before.
The 535i we all knew that it would perform very closely to the the old 535i.
And it did in the tests of Motor Trend and Car n Driver.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_1001_2011_bmw_535i_test/specs.html

At first glance the times look slow, but don't forget that IL does not correct acceleration times for weather conditions. Based upon recent weather patterns here and the date of testing, I'm guessing that testing was done in near triple digit temps and that's going to slow a car down a lot - at least 2-3 tenths and a few mph.

We were out at Irwindale recently and from 6pm in the afternoon with the sun still up and temps hot till an hour after dark when temps had dropped our ET's in the 1/8 mile dropped nearly 3 tenths of a second and trap speeds went up by 2 mph.

Amazing that the V6 version can do sub 6 seconds. What is the purpose of the V8 now?

@fuhteng:
What's the purpose of the V8 now? Sub-5 second runs. :)

Though unless they do something to liven up the steering feel, it might be kinda pointless.

Seems like a big old POS.

Hmmm...the numbers don't seem special. At least it looks better than the old one.

"The 5-Series continues to get bigger, fatter, and with worse steering feel than the previous version."

And that one was worse than the E39.

:-/

Still to me, the E39 is wayyy more appealing as a proper 5 series.

Actually this is not as radical a BMW as the last version. The last version grew on me over time, and became a beautiful automobile, whose shape was copied by Accord, Camry, Genesys, .... From the rear so many vehicles started looking more and more like the 5 series. Not to mention those halo angel headlights.

Without a doubt this is the standard bearer of the executive class. A fine combination of speed and luxury. I would like to have a normally aspirated 3 liter inline tested. I understand it is supposed to be lighter than the old series. A V8 is simply not needed nowadays. It is redundant and just uses more gas without much benefit, unless one wants to own the M version.

I must agree that this version has become just a bit too big, and the lines between it and 7 series are becoming blurry. Let's hope this is as large a 5 series as there will be, regardless, still simply one of the best executive luxury sedans in the world.

I could barely get past the price list! iPod and USB Adapter - $400?.
As-Tested Price: $60,225! WOW. And you had to add a Dynamic Handling Package for $2,700 and Sport Package for $2,200 to get those track numbers.

Electric steering isnt going anywhere. This car gets 28mpg which is great for its size and the electric steering is a factor in that number. BMW has to worry about meeting fuel efficiency targets just like everyone else so you can expect to see EPS on all future models. Cars are not going to get much lighter as long as EPS, 8 speeds and other technologies are available to keep mileage respectable. Why would BMW attempt to strip weight from a new model when this car is 200lbs heavier and yet more efficient than the last car?

Pat:

This car hits an absurd $74k with all the options. Why would I buy this car for $70k over a CTS-V? Automobile has a LT car that stickers at $65k. This car actually makes the E350 seem almost reasonably priced when comparable equipped.

I just love how BMW charges $400.00 for an ipod and usb connector. HA!

IL - So your definition of "special" appears to be that which is most common. A manual transmission equipped 5 series is technically more "special".

Regardless, what is so "special" about the 8-speed anyway? I'd think its more likely BMW doesn't want to give you one so they can eventually phase them out.

WTH? All-season tires come equipped on the sports package! Really?

I guess there's a reason a 5 year old body style supercharged A6 is beating the new BMW 5 series.

BMW keeps getting fatter and still charging you for everything.

If it was the ultimate driving machine, you could justify paying almost $1500 for leather in car with a base price of $50,000.

$400 for an ipod connector is a nice touch.

"steering weight was appropriate, but almost no feel."

Wow, I don't think that I have ever read a negative comment with respect to BMW steering feel before.

@audirs4 - what does leather have to do with driving? Had the full gamut from cloth, to leather to vinyl. Of all the vinyl in my 335i and Cooper S was the best. Zero maintenance, grippy and cost nothing extra. Leather is okay but you must maintain it. Cloth sucks.

And the ipod connector... this is 2010, do people still have iPods? This isn't 2007. The iPod as a standalone unit is dying out quickly (sales are dropping each quarter) and soon the concept will be as quaint as the idea of a walkman/discman. The cell phone has replaced the generic watch, generic music player, generic GPS, calculator, dayplanner/pda.

Thank goodness this 535 is a dog. Now I know that it is not important to, one day, be driving a BMW. There are other cars out there that can perform as well or better for a lot less money. Thank you, Edmunds.

This is not sarcasm, by the way.

This class of car is getting out of hand, too heavy and complex to be a good ownership experience. There are a LOT of things on this car that will be service nightmares a few years down the road. Asymmetrical tires with different sizes front to rear, run-flats no less, will be a joy to replace, $$$ plus a wait to get delivery on the right tire.

At 4,080 pounds and with dead steering, there is nothing "sports sedan" any longer about the 5 series. They are now just luxury cars for badge buyers. Sad, the older 5-series generations were something special.

Then again, much of their competition is going down the same road of excess weight, complex controls and features, questionable reliability, and dubious long-term value.

It is possible to get a thoroughly satisfying and well-engineered car for the real world at much lower price points, for those able to endure the humiliation of not owning the prized brands.

"What is the purpose of the V8 now?"
The V8 does 0-60mph in negative times. That's right, it brings you back in time. You leave the office at 6pm and get back home at noon the same day. Unless there is traffic.

Yep, Chris was talking steering boost. It fades in and out which is odd for what's supposed to be a steady state test.
-mm

"I drove a F10 535i a while back. Nice car- if I was 80 years old. Too big, too heavy, and not enough steering feel. I'm still waiting on a nice E46 M3 ZCP or maybe even the 1er M coupe."

You didn't like the large luxury sedan and plan on getting a small sporty coupe instead...really comparing apples to apples there.

Obviously none of you are the target market or would even consider this car. It's more the kind of car our DADS would be interested in.

I'd be interested in seeing a comparison of this vs the new E-Class (and A6 when it comes out).

Wow, excellent comments. I'd rather take my chances on a used 540i. These days, almost all the new cars in this segment are bloated and seem to have little road feel.

What's strange is that the e39 was athletic and fun. The e60 while not great, was decently engaging. Why is BMW so far adrift now?

blueguydotcom: the iPhone uses the same input as the iPod (curses on Apple and any other company that uses a proprietary connector instead of a generic USB). But yes, millions of people still have iPods because they want a great music player, but not a phone tethered to AT&T.

The consensus is that the new 5er has been watered down a bit to appeal to the masses. Remember that the number one complaint from non-enthusiasts was that the E60 5er wasn't as comfortable as its chief rival the E class.

Enthusiasts have, however, not been forgotten it seems. They simply need to purchase the dynamic or sports package and their 5er will be more involving and direct.

Personally I've got no interest in sports sedans. I prefer comfortable cruisers like the Mercedes E class and perhaps the new F10 5er if it turns out to be comfortable and spacious. The E60 5er never won me over.

"And the ipod connector... this is 2010, do people still have iPods? This isn't 2007. The iPod as a standalone unit is dying out quickly (sales are dropping each quarter) and soon the concept will be as quaint as the idea of a walkman/discman. The cell phone has replaced the generic watch, generic music player, generic GPS, calculator, dayplanner/pda. "

the point is that a USB port should be STANDARD on a $50k car. Spare us the excuse making and misdirection by talking about how Ipods are going out of style. There are tens of millions of them in the US and USB ports are standard on many $25k cars. BMW is nickel and diming people to death as usual and its a joke. Somehow they have convinced people that cars with good handling shouldnt be expected to have the same amount of standard equipment as a $25k Honda.

"But yes, millions of people still have iPods because they want a great music player, but not a phone tethered to AT&T."

Exactly.

BTW, considering the price of the car the performance isnt all that impressive. The best thing about the 535i is the ridiculous efficiency. Its a nice car, but its way too much money for a car that pulls .84g and has only 300hp. The M56 and CTS-V are the best $60k luxury sedans on the market. I don't understand why I would get this BMW for over $60k when the M56 has far more power and the same gadgets for the same money.

bmwm1 says:

"The 5-Series continues to get bigger, fatter, and with worse steering feel than the previous version.

Pretty soon, it is going to be the size of the 7-Series."

I believe this uses the same chasis as the 7, that explains why its bigger.

carpaul1 says:

"Actually this is not as radical a BMW as the last version. The last version grew on me over time, and became a beautiful automobile, whose shape was copied by Accord, Camry, Genesys, .... From the rear so many vehicles started looking more and more like the 5 series."

Oh yes, the ole "Bangle butt". The 5 series was arguably the best of the Chris Bangle era.

pat1usmc says:

"I could barely get past the price list! iPod and USB Adapter - $400?.
As-Tested Price: $60,225! WOW. And you had to add a Dynamic Handling Package for $2,700 and Sport Package for $2,200 to get those track numbers."

I'm with you on that! @ $400 it sounds like it needs to include an iPod...sheesh!

blueguydotcom says:

"And the ipod connector... this is 2010, do people still have iPods? This isn't 2007. The iPod as a standalone unit is dying out quickly (sales are dropping each quarter) and soon the concept will be as quaint as the idea of a walkman/discman."

Um, yea! 1) Most Americans probably already owns one, hence the drop in sales. 2) Apple tends to make its own products irrelevant with the introduction of a new item (the iPad being the exception, it was suppose to hit market before the iPhone). The iPod was doomed with the release of the iPhone, again...hence to the drop in sales.

Hmmm, I think BMW now stands for Boring Motor Works...although Breaking My Wallet still applies. :)

Expensive and boring.

Blue Dot,

I love it how you and the BMW swingers justify being raked over over the coals by your boys. Sorry, but I'm not paying $1500 for leather interior in a $54,000 car.

People love technology. Go sit inside of a 35k entry level new bodystyle A4, and look at the way the bluetooth, sat radio, and I phone work. It's hands down a better and more user friendly system than the current 3 series or C class. People are not buying CD's near as much anymore any they love thier iphones and iopds.

BMW's are supposed to be the ultimate driving maching. But they keep missing the mark with styling & technology that miss the mark.

If this new 5 series drove like a dream and was getting superb reviews- then you might be able to justify it's pricing and oddity's. But it doesn't and you can't.

I had the opportunity to sit and drive the new '11 A8 - and that car's interior slays the 7 series in all aspects.

Why is the new 7 series 400 pounds heavier than an A8? Because it's cheaper to manufacture and BMW can live off their repuation and take short cuts.

Whenever BMW is in truoble, they'll just give dealers of cash and incentives to get cars off the lot.

"Go sit inside of a 35k entry level new bodystyle A4, and look at the way the bluetooth, sat radio, and I phone work. It's hands down a better and more user friendly system than the current 3 series or C class. People are not buying CD's near as much anymore any they love thier iphones and iopds."

Go sit inside a 24K Fusion with SYNC and it is even easier.

Re: 1487
"the point is that a USB port should be STANDARD on a $50k car. Spare us the excuse making and misdirection by talking about how Ipods are going out of style. There are tens of millions of them in the US and USB ports are standard on many $25k cars. BMW is nickel and diming people to death as usual and its a joke. Somehow they have convinced people that cars with good handling shouldnt be expected to have the same amount of standard equipment as a $25k Honda. "

Because not everyone lives by the iPod. I don't have an iPod, never will, and want nothing to do with that company.
And I thank BMW for not making it standard equipment. I sleep better night knowing I haven't paid for a feature that I don't use. There's something magical about being able to order the car to the your own exacting standard, not having paid for something you never wanted. Keyless entry and SatNav? Absolute must for me. Heated seats or premium stereo? Not worth a penny IMO. iPod interface? Not even if it's a no-cost option.
By the way, you can get a well-equipped 535 for $55k, minus dealer discounts. It's silly comparing fully-loaded cars from Germany--you can load a Cayman up to $100k, but who in the right mind ever orders one like that? CTS-V starts well north of $55k. Infiniti is always a better value than BMW and I welcome the competition.

Re: RS4
"People love technology. Go sit inside of a 35k entry level new bodystyle A4, and look at the way the bluetooth, sat radio, and I phone work. It's hands down a better and more user friendly system than the current 3 series or C class. People are not buying CD's near as much anymore any they love thier iphones and iopds."

Nicely done Audi. An A4 from last year having better electronics integration than a 3er from 2005.
What's next? An iPad better than an abacus?

"Go sit inside a 24K Fusion with SYNC and it is even easier."

Thanks for educating the masses.

"Why should I get one BMW when I could get four(?), five(?) Fusions? After all, the Fords will have a much nicer interiors. And I'll have five of them, to boot!"

If you're in the market for a car, and you're a bargaining hunter, BMW is not the brand for you. In fact, it never was.

If you're looking for strictly high-horsepower, straigtline performance: again, BMW is not for you.

If you're looking for all-out luxury, BMW is not for you.

If you like a car company that has excellent all-around performance capabilities, some luxury appointments, and puts an emphasis on handling in ALL of it's vehicles, from the lowly 116 to the mighty Alpina B7, BMW may be the right car for you.

Be forewarned: You're going to pay for having a little of the best of all worlds.

If you don't appreciate BMW for what is: A premium car company that is the bullseye for all other manufacturers, you're either a hater or heretic. It doesn't matter which. It isn't BMW, or BMW fans (like me) that obsesses over the other car companies, but the other way around.

You can always go faster...go more comfortably...and go cheaper than BMW.

(I have to admit, I never cross-shopped a Fusion with my '09 335i. (I know, I know. Another overpriced, under-powered, spartan-spec'd interior BMW sedan. But, it's a punishment I'll have to live with everyday.)

@goody4: about the emphasis on handling...they're losing it. As evidenced by the [expletive] ELECTRIC STEERING!

@goody4: about the emphasis on handling...they're losing it. As evidenced by the [expletive] ELECTRIC STEERING!

I've driven both the F10 535i and the 550i. Both cars are supremely refined, quiet, comfortable, and loaded with tech. And they're kinda boring, though the 550i is pretty absurdly powerful. For my $70K (I get cars loaded) I'd much rather have an M3, and I do. That said, this car will not appeal to the same buyer looking for a CTS-V or an M3, and I can see this being a more fun choice than an E-Class.

I think the performance stats are a little weak - especially the acceleration times, but I wonder if the N55 is really putting down closer to its power rating versus the obviously-underrated N54.

Not a BMW defender. I blasted the F10 for being big, fat, slow and not offering amazing handling. But I don't get the obsession with worthless garbage like ipod connectors, leather, moonroofs, etc. Sorry. Just doesn't make sense to me. I don't think the measure of a car is in the standard equipment. It if were Acura would be the king of the near luxury makes.

The 5er is a volume car. How many people that buy it could actually define steering feel? Next time your at the doctor ask him what he thinks about his car's skidpad performance.

Bottom line: it's a nice car with a roundel markup, which is all 90% of the people that own BMWs pay for anyway. Enthusiasts will look elsewhere, within BMW's own lineup or at the incredible variety of other attractive options at this price point.

People hated Chris Bangle designs but at least his designs were memorable. I owned the last 5 series, a 545i and at least there was a sense of masculinity to it. I loved the look of the rear, somewhat thick but masculine. It had presence. This new 5 is too similar to the current 3 series. In fact I drove past the new 5 and I thought it was the 3. I really am not impressed by the current design. Walter de silva or chris bangle BMW needs you!!!!!!

"Because not everyone lives by the iPod. I don't have an iPod, never will, and want nothing to do with that company.
And I thank BMW for not making it standard equipment. I sleep better night knowing I haven't paid for a feature that I don't use. There's something magical about being able to order the car to the your own exacting standard, not having paid for something you never wanted. Keyless entry and SatNav? Absolute must for me. Heated seats or premium stereo? Not worth a penny IMO. iPod interface? Not even if it's a no-cost option."

Classic BMW fanboy excuse making.

1. USB ports are used by more than Ipods so save your anti Apple rants for someone else. I never endorsed the ipod nor Apple, nor Saint Steve so you can relax
2. Not having expected standard features would be OK if the price reflected that. BMW charges more and gives you less and THAT my friend is the issue at hand
3. Offering 2 million build combinations for a luxury car is stupid and inefficient which is why Japanese and American luxury cars can't be built in nearly unlimited combinations. The fact that you can customize a BMW one of a million ways is one reason why BMWs cost so much to build and thus cost so much to buy. Sorry, but a "luxury" car is supposed to have more stuff than a cheaper car. It's been that way since luxury cars came about.
4. A $55k 535 will not be well equipped by the standards of most luxury car buyers. Sure, you can get a purist special with vinyl seats and a sports package for $55k but you and I both know it will be a cold day in hell when you can find numerous $55k 535s on a dealer lot. People paying this much for a car don't want a stripper version. A "base" CTS-V at $62k is nearly loaded and is as well equipped as a $60k 5 series with 256 less hp.

"Be forewarned: You're going to pay for having a little of the best of all worlds."

Be forewarned that BMW no longer has a monopoly on luxury cars that can handle. You might want to check out some of the recent products from Infiniti, Cadillac, Audi and Mercedes. Of course, Mercedes charges just as much so they arent' really a good example. Contrary to popular belief amongst the BMW faithful you aren't getting anything exclusive for all that money in 2010. Sorry to disppoint. I know C&D makes it seem like BMWs are engineered with magic but at the end of the day all of the top sports sedans and coupes are designed and built to perform in the same way.

"It doesn't matter which. It isn't BMW, or BMW fans (like me) that obsesses over the other car companies, but the other way around. "

Um no, you are confusing BMW the brand with BMW the manufacturer. While some luxury brands (not MB or Lexus) may spend time trying to equal BMWs reputation as a brand there are plenty of auto companies that manage to sell far more cars than BMW. Even in the US market, BMW (including Mini) isn't even in the running when talking about the top volume manufacturers. In fact, they aren't even the top luxury brand in the US. BMW is great at marketing and has the US auto press wrapped around their fingers even though the writers that praise the brand and justify its prices generally cannot afford new BMW models.

"I've driven both the F10 535i and the 550i. Both cars are supremely refined, quiet, comfortable, and loaded with tech. "

As expected for any cars in the $50k-$80k price range. Nothing new there except the 8 speeds and the respectable mileage.

"But I don't get the obsession with worthless garbage like ipod connectors, leather, moonroofs, etc. Sorry. Just doesn't make sense to me. I don't think the measure of a car is in the standard equipment. It if were Acura would be the king of the near luxury makes."

Newsflash: 95% of luxury car buyers don't give a damn about the stuff you and other so called enthusiasts talk about so the notion that BMWs should be expensive because they offer great steering feel is nonsense. Since most luxury car customers primarily care about features, prestiage and dealer service common sense tells us that an expensive car should have more equipment than a cheaper car. People who dont care about having more car and more kit than lesser people wouldnt even bother to buy a BMW in most cases. If BMW owners cared only about handling and not luxury content they would all be driving STis and Minis and Civic Si's. A luxury car without leather, moonroof, heated seats, all the power goodies, high end stereo, large wheels, and all the latest gadgets isnt a luxury cars- its a base model Camry.

Re: 1487

"Classic BMW fanboy excuse making."

This BMW fanboy is actually in the process of leasing a Subie for company car. So much for fanboy-ism.

"1. USB ports are used by more than Ipods so save your anti Apple rants for someone else.
I never endorsed the ipod nor Apple, nor Saint Steve so you can relax"

Did I also tell you I don't care for any form of music player, or the in-car stereo for that matter? As long as the stereo is good enough for traffic report on the radio, that's good enough for me. The music I like comes from under the hood. Everything else is extraneous.

"2. Not having expected standard features would be OK if the price reflected that. BMW charges more and gives you less and THAT my friend is the issue at hand"

Even a stripper 528 gives you the silky inline 6 and chassis dynamics (unfortunately negated by the electric steering... you can thank the greenies) that Infiniti always aims for and is getting close, but not there yet. As long as the SS is not forcing you to buy the BMW, why do you care?

"3. Offering 2 million build combinations for a luxury car is stupid and inefficient"

GM and Chrysler were bankrupt and nationalized. Toyota went through hell. BMW suffered neither. Who is the stupid one here?

"Sorry, but a "luxury" car is supposed to have more stuff than a cheaper car. It's been that way since luxury cars came about."

Perhaps, and that's why there are Infinitis and Acuras. Those who want to customize can always have our Audi, BMW, and Merc. Just because you prefer one way doesn't make the other "stupid".

"4. A $55k 535 will not be well equipped by the standards of most luxury car buyers. Sure, you can get a purist special with vinyl seats and a sports package for $55k but you and I both know it will be a cold day in hell when you can find numerous $55k 535s on a dealer lot. People paying this much for a car don't want a stripper version. A "base" CTS-V at $62k is nearly loaded and is as well equipped as a $60k 5 series with 256 less hp."

A $55k 535i will have leather, SatNav, and other goodies and is by no means stripper--see the online configurator for yourself. It may not have night vision or radar cruise control but I'd gladly pay more to not have those things. More stuff to have means more stuff to break some time down the road. And in case you do not realize, 535 and CTS-V have rather different target audience.

"This BMW fanboy is actually in the process of leasing a Subie for company car. So much for fanboy-ism."

Ditto, I'm looking at a CPO Cayman S to replace the MS3.

You people are arguing over nothing. BMW can afford to make M3s and M5s and abortions like the X6M2340U%^ because your podiatrist buys this car. Bimmerjay: 1487 (and several other posters) are right. BMWs are not a good deal, and offer less equipment for more money. It's just fact. You don't have to try to defend it. Do you think the kid with the 328i down the road with a USC sticker on it gives a damn about anything but the logo in the vehicle? Your last post was so childish, stop being a turd.

Meh.... E-class or jag is way better.

I soooo wanted to like this car. but I after a test drive i'll have to wait. The interior is much better than the previous but IMO AUDI/Jag is better.
the handling/steering feels heavy to me. Just not nimble as i recall. And from a design prespective its nearly identical to the 7. Lets hope the m version is better.

"This BMW fanboy is actually in the process of leasing a Subie for company car. So much for fanboy-ism."

Never said you only owned and drove BMWs.

"Did I also tell you I don't care for any form of music player, or the in-car stereo for that matter? As long as the stereo is good enough for traffic report on the radio, that's good enough for me. The music I like comes from under the hood. Everything else is extraneous."

what does this have to do with the typical luxury car buyer? nothing. There are people who would PREFER cars with manual windows but they arent coming back. People shelling out 60 grand for a car expect more than basic features. I don't know what else to tell you.

"GM and Chrysler were bankrupt and nationalized. Toyota went through hell. BMW suffered neither. Who is the stupid one here?:"

I assure you its not me. BMW has higher margins than the top manufacturers because of the prices they charge. If the average GM product cost as much as a Cadillac or the average Toyota cost as much as a Lexus neither company would've ever lost money. The point is far more people buy a GM, Ford or Toyota product each year than buy BMW products. BMW isnt even #1 in Germany.

Considering the 535 costs over 70 grand fully loaded we can rest assured that a $55k model (not that you will ever find one) will be missing LOTs of kit. The V and the 535i are both RWD sports sedans. Not sure how different the target audiences really are. The only reason to chose the 5 series is if you want better miileage and more rear seat space if you're not willing to go all out and get a $70k model with all the luxo features.

@wrinklebump,

Um, I think you're confusing me with someone else's post.

"1. USB ports are used by more than Ipods so save your anti Apple rants for someone else.
I never endorsed the ipod nor Apple, nor Saint Steve so you can relax"

A USB jack is included with all F10's that have nav/HDD. It is used for transferring music or files onto the hard drive. The $400 iPod/USB option is for a second USB jack that can control external music players or directly access and play music from a flash drive without loading it to the HDD. If you don't have the need for an external music player or drive then you don't need this option.

"3. Offering 2 million build combinations for a luxury car is stupid and inefficient which is why Japanese and American luxury cars can't be built in nearly unlimited combinations. "

BMW remains small, independent, private, and very profitable. Yeah, they must be really stupid and inefficient to be so successful and give a slice of the market what they want.

I'm thinking my GS400 can take this thing. :)

"A USB jack is included with all F10's that have nav/HDD. It is used for transferring music or files onto the hard drive. The $400 iPod/USB option is for a second USB jack that can control external music players or directly access and play music from a flash drive without loading it to the HDD. If you don't have the need for an external music player or drive then you don't need this option."

Good to know. Either way a USB port for CONTROLLING an mp3 player should be standard. How many people are going to constantly load all their music onto the HD? Why are two USBs even necessary for this? Arent there cars that feature one port for data transfer AND ipod connectivity?

"BMW remains small, independent, private, and very profitable. Yeah, they must be really stupid and inefficient to be so successful and give a slice of the market what they want."

No automaker is VERY profitable in 2010, not even BMW. BMW was able to stay marginally profitable while some automakers faced losses. I've never figured out what "independent" has to do with the cars. Aren't most large automakers independent? Profitibility doesn't prove efficiency. BMWs margins are higher than average because luxury cars are far more profitable than Corollas. BMW can afford to be inefficient because ot how much they charge for cars. The Japanese had to get efficient to make money on the low margin small cars they used to make back in the day. BMW doesn't have such issues so they can maintain practices like allowing cars to be built one of 2 million different ways. Back in the day all cars were available with dozens of options but most in the industry have moved away from that to streamline the building of cars.

"BMW remains small, independent, private, and very profitable. "

Wrong again bimmerjay; BMW is barely making a profit and 5er sales are dead in the water:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-03/bmw-second-quarter-net-income-surges-sixfold-beating-analysts-estimates.html

A couple of quotes from the article:

"Second-quarter net income attributable to shareholders gained more than sixfold to 831 million euros ($1.09 billion) from 119 million euros a year earlier..."

"Record sales in China, the world’s biggest auto market, and a rebound in the U.S. have prompted BMW and rival Daimler AG to lift their 2010 forecasts. BMW has sold 25,000 of the new 5 Series since the sedan went on sale in Europe in March"

When are you going to start listening to the REAL BMW "experts"???
;)

@1487

"A luxury car without leather, moonroof, heated seats, all the power goodies, high end stereo, large wheels, and all the latest gadgets isnt a luxury cars- its a base model Camry."

Right. Even though I never compared my BMW to a Ford Fusion, I did test-drive a base-model Camry. But, the BMW still won me over, even though it really was the "lesser" car.

If you, 1487, honestly think BMW is nothing more than just an overpriced base Camry and BMW is a brand that can not even sell in high numbers in the U.S. and sells it's meager volume only because it must bribe Car buff rags' editors, why do you insist on commenting negatively on EVERY BMW article at Edmunds?

You're going to an awful lot of trouble just to cry about a brand you say is mediocre, at best. Why throw stones at such a pitiful car company? Who are you trying to convince? Yourself? BMW owners? What would be the point in either case?

The truth is: You say bad things about BMW because you know BMW is the one all the other car companies want to be when the grow up. Nobody takes shots at the midddle-of-the-pack or bottom-dwellers in the car market. It would be like shooting fish in a barrel, as the cliche goes. Rather, they take shots at the best.

The BMW fanboys, as you call them, don't go whining to fans of the other makes, claiming the others made a bad choice because all they wanted was the badge or all they wanted was the cheapest BMW-wannabe. It's the so-called fanboys of other makes that come here. Why? Everyone hates a winner. And they want you to knowt this: They're not happy you're winning.

That's the only reason you're here. To take a (cheap) shot at the top.

Don't worry, your precious Lexus, MB, Audi, Acura, Volvo, Saab or whatever-makes-your-heart-flutter will come in first place every once in while (These are the small, temporary victories every other manufacturer must cherish, and make last.) After all, the car reviewers take bribes from all-comers, and then puts the one that wrote the largest check right on top. (That is how these test results are really decided, right?)

Remember, inside every [whatever your favorite car company is] fan, there's a BMW fan trying to get out.
Remember, inside every [fill in your favorite car company here], there's a BMW executive trying to get out.

I'm sorry you can't feel good about your personal car-buying decision. But, knocking the car you actually wanted won't make it any better.

Enjoy what you have, for now. I like what I have. (I can't believe I actually like my Camry clone. I pinch myself everyday.) Someday, you can have that feeling, too. BMW will be here when you're ready to buy again.

@ mpowerf1 and boxermike...
When I mentioned the boost varying wildly in the skidpad comments, I was actually referring to the turbo--although the steering was alien-feeling as well. And now that I see the dyno graph (link below), I can see why: Between 3-4K on the tachometer (as I was circling the skidpad), the 535i's torque is all over the place.

http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2010/08/2011-bmw-535i-the-dyno-results.html

Chris Walton

"the 535i's torque is all over the place."

Gee, just like my MS3...

WOW even after Dynamic Handling Package ($2,700); Sport Package ($2,200) this car has so much roll-- the car is so much tilted on skidpad towards one side-- seems like you're driving a lexus man.... see one of these track videos on previous E60 model from insideline (on this site or youtube) and you'll know what' i'm talking about. I'm so not impressed with F10.

I had previous 5 with sports package that on corners felt you're driving a car on rail track -- so less roll in body -- it felt amazing on corners...

Since when Bimmer became more like lexus/ Merc kinda car??? I'm so not happy with this model. and What's up with M Package only on 5 xDrive ??? why not on iDrive???

WOW even after Dynamic Handling Package ($2,700); Sport Package ($2,200) this car has so much roll-- the car is so much tilted on skidpad towards one side-- seems like you're driving a lexus man.... see one of these track videos on previous E60 model from insideline (on this site or youtube) and you'll know what' i'm talking about. I'm so not impressed with F10.

I had previous 5 with sports package that on corners felt you're driving a car on rail track -- so less roll in body -- it felt amazing on corners...

Since when Bimmer became more like lexus/ Merc kinda car??? I'm so not happy with this model. and What's up with M Package only on 5 xDrive ??? why not on iDrive???

"When are you going to start listening to the REAL BMW "experts"???"

Thank you for setting me straight, roadburner.

Hey, we ignorant BMW fanboys have to stick together...

hummm, not to sure if its me but i expected a bit more from this new 5 ... on the track maybe its just me....?