2011 BMW 535i — Full Specifications
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The 2011 BMW 535i is a saloon/sedan powered by a 3L 6-cyl turbo premium gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) / 24 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 26–29 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a BMW 535i workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2010 BMW 535i: Fuel economy improves from 24 to 29 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 5★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2010 model). EPA passenger volume changes from 99 to 102 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 3L 6-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 102 cu ft (2,888 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 14 cu ft (396 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 29 combined / 24 urban / 36 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 24 combined / 20 city / 30 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 230 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,400 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2011 BMW 535i, all with the 3L 6-cyl turbo engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 22 to 24 mpg (US), or 26 to 29 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (20/30) | 230 | $3,400 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (19/28) | 251 | $3,750 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 102 cubic feet (about 2,888 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2011 BMW 535i
Running Costs: 2011 BMW 535i
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 BMW 535i at 29 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,254 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2011 BMW 535i Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 BMW 535i (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (1), Air bags (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Power train — campaign 17V067000, reported 2 February 2017. Risk: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 16V832000, reported 17 November 2016. Risk: Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints may increase the risk of injury.
- Fuel system — campaign 16V746000, reported 17 October 2016. Risk: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 14V176000, reported 10 April 2014. Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 270 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 BMW 535i. The most-reported areas are Tires (62), Engine (53), Fuel/propulsion system (42). Complaints include 7 reported crashes, 8 reported fires, 11 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 38 complaints across the 5 BMW 535i model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2011 BMW 535i
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Tyres (62 owner complaints) — Check tyre age and wear and ask about any tyre recalls.
- Engine (53 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign · 42 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign · 38 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
At 29 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 28 mpg average for BMW models in our database. Its 230 g/km CO₂ figure is 10 g/km lower than the 240 g/km BMW average.
Of the 7 BMW 535i model years we cover, the 2011 is the most economical on its best configuration (29 mpg UK combined). See every BMW 535i year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2011 BMW 535i
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 BMW 535i have?
It's fitted with a 3L 6-cyl turbo premium gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s8) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 BMW 535i?
The most efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) combined, or 24 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 26 to 29 mpg.
How much does the 2011 BMW 535i cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2011 BMW 535i have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2011 BMW 535i have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 BMW 535i (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (1), Air bags (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2011 BMW 535i?
Among the 270 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Tires (62 complaints), Engine (53 complaints), Fuel/propulsion system (42 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2011 BMW 535i have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 102 cubic feet (about 2,888 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.