BMW 535i
Test Drive

BMW 535i

The sixth-generation BMW 5 Series has gotten some modern family moves, as many on the roads have mistaken it for a seven, yet dynamic. Take a look at the hood, which bends up to four times and eventually merges with the traditional twin kidney mask that forces you to come to the fore.

Of course, there are very nice daytime running lights, as they are recognizable all over the world, you will also notice the end of the marine fin on the roof and the two ends of the exhaust system, and it seems interesting that the side turn signals are not in the traditional place at the rear of the front fenders. ...

The doors, bonnet and fronts are lighter in favor of aluminum, while LEDs at the front and rear provide superior illumination with low energy consumption. When braking hard, the brake lights start flashing, and in extreme cases, all four direction indicators turn on automatically. Dangerous traffic jams on the track are known to everyone, especially the Germans, who are among the record holders for the number of tracks.

While spending time with the new BMW, I met at least a dozen people who were interested in a new representative in Munich. And everyone, without exception, openly admitted to me that they envy my business. However, with a friendly affection and a smile, I kept thinking that I would have to return the car in a few days, that I would rather have my own, and above all that I had no idea what to write in the test.

I wrote and praised the column for 15 minutes. Twenty seconds to praise and a good 14 minutes to scold. The BMW 535i is such a perfect example of a modern vehicle that it is already intimidating.

As expected, he got an A, but we know from experience that the cars will be even better in the future. But now, at the moment, this is such a cool car that it is almost on the verge of perfection. Boring perfection. Therefore, the minuses are quite a bit forcibly removed from the sleeve.

Price (especially additional equipment) and fuel consumption are most alarming, everything else is quietly forgiven or perceived as a pleasant drawback. We understand each other, Cindy Crawford also has a beauty over her lip, and Avril Lavigne is very small, but we wouldn't protect them, would we?

And what drives this enthusiasm? Form, mechanics, electronics? All of the above. We are not going to discuss design, this is more a discussion in an inn than serious speculation about the vision and message of the design department of BMW AG. A true technological delight is the three-litre petrol engine and the new eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine could easily (again) be declared engine of the year. The inline six-cylinder engine now has a single turbocharger (with Twin-Scroll technology or two exhaust ports - it used to have two turbines), direct fuel injection and variable valve control (Valvetronic).

Thanks to its modest weight and dual scroll technology, the turbocharger responds quickly and does not fail even at high revs. Up to four thousand revolutions, the engine is completely quiet, smooth and gentle, and above the middle on the tachometer it becomes pleasant to growl, yes, one might say, sports peace of mind.

The engine speedometer at full throttle suddenly jumps into the red field and shows eight times seven thousand revolutions. ... HM. ... prison in our country and one of the fastest cars on German highways. The engine is even so harsh that you have to be very careful when starting with the accelerator pedal, as even a slight inattention to the right foot makes all passengers' neck tense.

Otherwise, please do not buy the Five with a manual transmission. If you have more than 50k per car, save that 2.400 euros for the aforementioned automatic transmission, as it is a true gem of technology.

With very smooth engine acceleration, you will not hear, let alone feel, the operation of the gearbox; at moderate acceleration, you will only hear the sound of the engine for a moment, as the automatic changes several gears quickly, but you will not feel it; you won't feel it at full throttle either - you'll only hear a very short pause from the roaring engine.

Gear shifting is so smooth and gentle that buying a manual transmission (which, in all honesty, is not a gem for a BMW) would be a sin. And, not to confess, I pour you pure wine in one sentence: with a combination of a 300 horsepower engine (let's not be banal, six up or down) and the gearbox mentioned, you can't miss It.

In fact, even more: not that you can't miss it, but dive right into the “peak” of the current technological marvel called the modern automobile. Then we add 19-inch wheels with high-quality Goodyear tires (with Run on Flat or RSC technology, which we would call idle), top-of-the-line (electrically controlled!) Power steering for the business sedan and a chassis that impresses with its convenient location on the highway. and predictable behavior on winding mountain roads.

Of course the chassis (double wishbone front and aluminum alloy multi-link rear) is a compromise, and as such not the best solution for any road, let alone different driving modes. But at BMW they have a solution called Dynamic Damper Control that the test car didn't have.

So don't be surprised that during the photo shoot, 'our' 535i bent over as we 'squeezed' it through the curves (hey, we sacrificed ourselves for a good photo again), and rarely, but very rarely, shook live content. a bit on a bumpy road. Soundproofing is top notch, as is the six speaker radio.

The driving position is provided by an adjustable seat in all directions, an adjustable steering wheel and an accelerator pedal attached to the heel. ... hmmm, if we say fantastic, we won't miss.

It only lacked cooling and massage, and everything else (adjustable seat, wide backrest adjustment, side supports, active cushions) was supposed to be a nightmare for the participants. White skin is very sensitive to dirt and every step on dark carpets is immediately recognizable. Of course, at BMW, we cannot miss the main interface called iDrive.

Several years ago we criticized that you need to be at least a computer guru to deal with complex selectors in modern cars, with new ones these problems no longer exist. The developers have made the interface simple, transparent and designed for angry customers (especially the elderly, who are usually the main buyers of these business limousines). ... yes, also nice. For ease of operation, seven additional buttons (labels) were attached to it, but at the expense of one, the center console was freed from many buttons in all directions of the movable arm.

And to make the reading of prestige complete, let me draw your attention to a large and high-quality 10-inch screen (2 cm diagonal!), Which is almost larger than the screen in my home office. It's not sensitive to touch, but thanks to the easy-to-use iDrive lever, we don't even miss it.

Of course, well-stocked cars usually have a lot of buttons, and the test BMW 535i was no exception. On the leather sports steering wheel, we find several buttons for radio, telephone and cruise control, and on the left under the steering wheel we have installed the activation of gadgets that make the driver's life even easier.

The BMW tested had Active Cruise Control, which adjusts the set distance to the vehicle in front, so it accelerates to the set speed and also brakes in crowds, adjustable headlights, blind spot warning and unexpected lane change warning. If the driver changes lanes without warning, the system detects lane markings on the road and warns the driver of the maneuver by gently shaking the steering wheel.

While active cruise control, adaptive headlights and blind spot warning aren't just recommended devices, we're a bit skeptical about sudden lane change warning. Maybe this is especially welcomed by those businessmen who really drive a lot, otherwise Slovenia is too small for this. However, active cruise control and lane change warning are real pedagogical aids, as they warn most Slovenian drivers of wrong driving.

Active cruise control requires a certain distance from the vehicle in front so that the vehicle can actually slow down in the event of a decrease in speed. Although a safe distance can be set for the system, it is still (appropriately!) Long, which other drivers take advantage of and "jump" into the hole in front of you. And cruise control slows down the car every time another enters it. This is why it often happens that you are always in line on our roads, because not all drivers have an idea of ​​the safe distance, so the system cannot work properly.

The same is with an unplanned lane change: our turn signals are more for decoration, so such a system will always warn you of danger, since he “does not understand” that we do not use turn signals when changing lanes. Sorry we are talking. But don't assume that Petica can't pay extra for even more hardware.

In the test, for example, there was no projection on the windshield (Head-Up Display), night vision assistance (Night Vision), camera assistance (Surround View, we only had the last one), automatic side parking system, already mentioned active chassis damping control ). ...

But he had a lot of expensive, even unnecessary, accessories. Look at the list and be surprised: for $ 400, I have been a member of the local library my whole life, so I could easily give up the reading lamps above the back bench; or just under $ 600 for an electric opening and closing of the trunk (which could be faster); or a similar amount for a skylight, which, for a great air conditioner, is more of a distraction than a help. ...

In the new Petica, we also have to note the excellent safety (55 percent higher stiffness due to the use of high-strength steel, four airbags and curtain airbags, switchable ESP or BMW DSC, as well as the already mentioned active airbags, excellent headlights, cruise control.) , economy (EfficientDynamics means that the car has adjustable air dampers for better aerodynamics, has a relatively economical engine for smooth driving, efficient transmission, lighter weight thanks to aluminum, electric power steering, and regeneration when accelerating or braking.!) and prestige ...

It is currently only taller than the 550i, and the M5 is likely to be unveiled soon, but honestly, I see no reason not to be content with this modern XNUMX-liter forced injection engine. According to locals, they will say that it flies like a rocket, or spoils it like a presidential limousine, that it can be incredibly fast or smoothly inaudible! Only the driver should know how to get him out and what he gets for it. But despite the many electronic devices in the underbody of the car, it happened to me that a friendly driver on the road warned me to drive with the hood closed.

Of course, the curious in our company forgot to completely close the engine home, and the instrument panel, with its many lights and warnings, knew nothing about it. Here's why it's true: The BMW 535i is a first-class car with a good, calculating driver. Then he will be able to use the full potential offered to him on a tray by machinists and BMW electronics. Including the DSC stabilization system, which convincingly tames 400 Nm and 300 sparks at the rear wheels. With us, ESP BMW was undoubtedly the work of the week, since we did not spare him. Well, except for the rare twists and turns where we gave him a break and used his skills.

Face to face: Dusan Lukic

These Beamvies are mostly just annoying. Of course, for the competition. Again, they have managed to create a car that is interesting in terms of design (at least opinions differ on its shape), which borders on mechanically or technically perfection. The turbocharged petrol embodies the qualities that a sports sedan engine should have, the transmission is superb, the steering borders on telepathy, the chassis is the perfect blend of sportiness and comfort. And I sit behind the wheel much more comfortably than in the previous generation. Best in class is this thigh? In my opinion, no doubt.

How much does the test car accessory cost?

Metallic paint - 1.028 euros.

Leather Dakota - 2.109 euros

8-speed automatic transmission - 2.409 euros

Leather sports steering wheel - 147 euros

19-inch alloy wheels with tires - 2.623 euros

Automatic opening and closing of the trunk lid - 588 euros

Rear view camera - 441 euros

Glass roof - 577 euros

Comfort front seats with electric adjustment - 2.371 euros

Ski bag – 105 euros

System for transporting longer items – 525 EUR

Heated front seats - 399 euros

Fineline wood interior – 556 euros

BMW Individual rear reading lights – 420 EUR

Diffused light function - 294 euros

Headlight washer - 283 euros

Parking assistance front and rear - 850 euros

Xenon headlights - 976 euros

Adjustable headlights - 472 euros

Automatic switching on and off of high beam – 157 EUR

Warning in case of unintentional lane change – 546 EUR

Lane change assistance – 651 euros

Active cruise control - 1.626 euros

Navigation system Professional - 2.634 euros

Bluetooth car phone preparation – 672 EUR

HiFi speaker system – 619 euros

USB interface - 315 euros

BMW Individual polished tint – 546 EUR

Alyosha Mrak, photo: Aleш Pavleti.

BMW 535i

Basic data

Sales: BMW GROUP Slovenia
Base model price: 52.300 €
Test model cost: 78.635 €
Power:225kW (306


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 6,1 with
Maximum speed: 250 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 12,5l / 100km
Guarantee: 2-year general warranty, 5-year mobile warranty, 3-year varnish warranty, 12-year rust warranty.

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Regular services, works, materials: included in the car price €
Fuel: 14.925 €
Tires (1) 2.133 €
Compulsory insurance: 5.020 €
CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO +6.390


(
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Buy up € 54.322 0,54 (km cost: XNUMX


€)

Technical information

engine: 6-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbo petrol - longitudinally mounted in front - bore and stroke 89,6 × 84 mm - displacement 2.979 cm? – compression 10,2:1 – maximum power 225 kW (306 hp) at 5.800 rpm – average piston speed at maximum power 16,2 m/s – specific power 75,5 kW/l (102,7 hp / l) - Maximum torque 400 Nm at 1.200-5.000 rpm - 2 camshafts in the head (chain) - 4 valves per cylinder - Common rail fuel injection - Exhaust turbocharger - Charge air cooler.
Energy transfer: the engine drives the rear wheels - automatic transmission 8-speed - gear ratio I. 4,714; II. 3,143 hours; III. 2,106 hours; IV. 1,667 hours; v. 1,285; VI. 1,000; VII. 0,839; VIII. 0,667 - differential 2,813 - rims 8 J × 19 - tires front 245/40 R 19, rear 275/35 R19, rolling circumference 2,04 m.
Capacity: 250 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6,1 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 11,8/6,6/8,5 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 199 g/km.
Transportation and suspension: sedan - 4 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, leaf springs, three-spoke cross rails, stabilizer - rear multi-link axle, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear discs (forced cooling ), ABS, power steering, power steering, rear wheel steering (hydraulic), power steering,


2,9 twists between the extreme points.
Mass: empty vehicle 1.775 kg - permissible total weight 2.310 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake: 2.000 kg, without brake: 750 kg - permissible roof load: 100 kg.
External dimensions: vehicle width 1.860 mm, front track 1.600 mm, rear track 1.627 mm, ground clearance 11,9 m.
Inner dimensions: width front 1.520 mm, rear 1.550 mm - seat length front seat 500-560 mm, rear seat 540 mm - steering wheel diameter 390 mm - fuel tank 70 l.
Box: Trunk volume measured with AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (278,5 L total): 5 places: 1 suitcase (36 L), 1 suitcase (85,5 L), 2 suitcases (68,5 L), 1 backpack (20 l). l).

Our measurements

T = 10 ° C / p = 1.190 mbar / rel. vl. = 35% / Tires: Goodyear Excellence front 245/40 / R 19 Y, rear 275/35 / R 19 Y / Mileage status: 2.109 km
Acceleration 0-100km:6,1s
402m from the city: 14,3 years (


161 km / h)
Maximum speed: 250km / h


(VI., VII. B VIII.)
Minimum consumption: 11,3l / 100km
Maximum consumption: 14,2l / 100km
test consumption: 12,5 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h: 70,2m
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 39,0m
AM table: 39m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear52dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear50dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear48dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear62dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear60dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear58dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear56dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear66dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear65dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear64dB
Idling noise: 34dB
Test errors: unmistakable

Overall rating (363/420)

  • An excellent car that proves in practice what modern mechanics (engine, transmission) and electronics (especially security systems) are capable of. Unfortunately, it costs money, especially when looking at the accessories.

  • Exterior (14/15)

    For some, it is also like a XNUMX, but otherwise elegant and dynamic.

  • Interior (112/140)

    In terms of roominess, he lost several points (so they have GT), excellent ergonomics and manufacturing precision. Even the size of the trunk is not disappointing.

  • Engine, transmission (62


    / 40)

    The engine can be safely called the engine of the year, as well as the automatic transmission. The chassis, however, presents a good compromise between comfort and pleasure when cornering.

  • Driving performance (64


    / 95)

    Excellent pedals and gear lever, an enviable position on the road. Massiveness is felt during dynamic driving!

  • Performance (33/35)

    We can't blame him for anything, he just has a 550i and - someday - an M5.

  • Security (36/45)

    There is a lot of equipment, and in the list of accessories you can get more.

  • Economy

    Average fuel consumption (300 sparks still need to be refueled), relatively high price of components and average warranty.

We praise and reproach

engine (performance, smooth running)

Transmission

responsiveness of the power steering

Equipment

rear drive

big screen and iDrive

seats, driving position

comfort

electronic operating instructions and animations

price

fuel consumption

bright seats

weight in dynamically steered bends

more modest rear seat space for such a large car

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