Let's dive into the details of the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo. This car, a unique blend of luxury, versatility, and performance, made a splash when it was first introduced. It's not your typical sedan or wagon; it's something in between, offering a distinctive driving experience. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about its specifications, performance, features and more, providing you with a comprehensive overview. If you are in the market for a used car that stands out from the crowd or simply curious about what this model has to offer, keep reading to get all the details.

Overview of the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo

The 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo is a fascinating vehicle that combines the elegance of a luxury sedan with the practicality of a hatchback. At its heart is a 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that delivers smooth and responsive power. The Gran Turismo, or GT as it’s often called, was designed to offer a more spacious and comfortable alternative to traditional sedans, making it an excellent choice for long trips and family use. Its distinctive styling, characterized by a sloping roofline and a dual-access tailgate, sets it apart from other cars in its class. The tailgate can be opened in two ways: either as a conventional trunk or as a full hatchback, providing unparalleled versatility for cargo loading. Inside, the cabin is adorned with high-quality materials and advanced technology, ensuring a premium driving experience. Features like the iDrive infotainment system, comfortable seating, and a range of driver assistance systems further enhance its appeal. Safety is also paramount, with a suite of features designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Overall, the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo offers a unique blend of style, comfort, and practicality that few other vehicles can match. Whether you're looking for a luxurious daily driver or a versatile family car, the GT is worth considering. Its combination of performance, space, and advanced features makes it a standout choice in the used car market.

Detailed Specifications

When we talk about the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo , understanding its detailed specifications is crucial for truly appreciating what this car has to offer. Under the hood, you'll find a 3.0-liter inline-6 engine , which is the heart and soul of this vehicle. This engine isn't just any engine; it's a twin-turbocharged powerplant that delivers an impressive 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. What does this mean for you? It means that the car accelerates with authority, providing a thrilling driving experience whether you're merging onto the highway or cruising down city streets. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which ensures smooth and efficient gear changes. This transmission not only enhances the car's performance but also contributes to its fuel efficiency. Speaking of fuel efficiency, the 2011 535i Gran Turismo achieves decent mileage for its class, with EPA estimates of around 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. These figures make it a practical choice for both daily commutes and long road trips. Dimensions-wise, the Gran Turismo is larger than a typical sedan, offering generous interior space. It has a length of approximately 196 inches, a width of 74.8 inches, and a height of 61.4 inches. This substantial size translates into ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The cargo capacity is also noteworthy, with around 15.9 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, expanding to a generous 63.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This makes it incredibly versatile for carrying luggage, groceries, or even larger items. The car's curb weight is around 4,475 pounds, which is relatively heavy, but the powerful engine and advanced suspension system ensure that it handles well and feels planted on the road. The suspension system, featuring a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, provides a comfortable and controlled ride. It absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road, delivering a smooth and refined driving experience. In summary, the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo's specifications highlight its blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. From its powerful engine to its spacious interior and advanced suspension system, every aspect of this car is designed to provide a premium driving experience.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo , performance and handling are where this car truly shines. The heart of its performance is the 3.0-liter inline-6 twin-turbocharged engine , which delivers a robust 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides the Gran Turismo with impressive acceleration, allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.2 seconds. The engine's responsiveness is one of its standout features. The twin-turbocharger setup ensures that power is available across a wide range of engine speeds, making it easy to accelerate and overtake other vehicles on the road. Whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city traffic, the engine delivers smooth and consistent power. The eight-speed automatic transmission further enhances the car's performance. This transmission shifts gears quickly and smoothly, optimizing both acceleration and fuel efficiency. It also features a manual mode, allowing you to take control of gear changes for a more engaging driving experience. The handling of the 2011 535i Gran Turismo is equally impressive. The car's suspension system, which includes a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, provides a comfortable and controlled ride. It absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road, delivering a smooth and refined driving experience. The car also features BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, which helps to maintain stability and control in challenging driving conditions. DSC monitors the car's speed, steering angle, and yaw rate, and it can selectively apply the brakes to individual wheels to prevent skidding and maintain stability. The steering of the 2011 535i Gran Turismo is precise and responsive, providing you with a good feel for the road. The car's weight is well-distributed, which contributes to its balanced handling. Whether you're driving on winding roads or making quick maneuvers in traffic, the car feels confident and composed. The brakes are also strong and reliable, providing ample stopping power when needed. The car features four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), which helps to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. Overall, the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo offers a compelling blend of performance and handling. Its powerful engine, smooth transmission, and advanced suspension system make it a joy to drive, while its stability control system and strong brakes provide added safety and confidence.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo , you're immediately greeted by a luxurious and comfortable interior. The design focuses on providing a premium experience for both the driver and passengers. The cabin is spacious, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. This is especially beneficial for long journeys, ensuring that everyone can travel in comfort. The seats are designed with ergonomics in mind, offering excellent support and cushioning. They are typically upholstered in high-quality leather, adding to the sense of luxury. Many models also come with multi-adjustable seats, allowing you to customize the seating position to your liking. The dashboard and center console are well-organized and easy to use. The iDrive infotainment system is a central feature, controlling various functions such as navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. While some may find the iDrive system a bit complex at first, it becomes intuitive with use. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, with soft-touch surfaces and elegant trim. The attention to detail is evident in the stitching, the fit and finish, and the overall design. The ambient lighting adds a touch of sophistication, creating a pleasant atmosphere inside the car. The 2011 535i Gran Turismo also comes with a range of convenience features. These include automatic climate control, which allows you to set the desired temperature and maintain it automatically. A premium sound system delivers crisp and clear audio, enhancing the entertainment experience. Other features such as power windows, power door locks, and keyless entry add to the convenience. The rear seats are particularly noteworthy in the Gran Turismo. They offer generous legroom and headroom, making them comfortable for adults even on long trips. The rear seats also recline, allowing passengers to adjust their seating position for added comfort. The dual-access tailgate is another unique feature of the Gran Turismo. It allows you to open either the entire tailgate or just the lower section, providing flexibility when loading and unloading cargo. Overall, the interior of the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo is designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable experience. From the spacious cabin and supportive seats to the high-quality materials and advanced features, every aspect of the interior is crafted with the comfort and convenience of the occupants in mind.

Technology and Features

Exploring the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo reveals a wealth of technology and features designed to enhance the driving experience. The car is equipped with BMW's iDrive infotainment system, which serves as the central hub for controlling various functions. This system includes a high-resolution display screen, typically around 10.2 inches in size, and a rotary controller located on the center console. The iDrive system allows you to access navigation, audio, communication, and vehicle settings. It also supports features like Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair your smartphone for hands-free calling and audio streaming. The navigation system provides turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates, helping you to reach your destination efficiently. The audio system is designed to deliver high-quality sound, with options for premium sound systems from brands like Harman Kardon. These systems typically include multiple speakers and amplifiers, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. In terms of safety technology, the 2011 535i Gran Turismo comes with a range of features designed to protect occupants. These include anti-lock brakes (ABS), which prevent wheel lockup during hard braking, and dynamic stability control (DSC), which helps to maintain stability and control in challenging driving conditions. The car also features a comprehensive airbag system, including front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags. Other safety features include a tire pressure monitoring system, which alerts you when tire pressure is low, and a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind the car when backing up. The 2011 535i Gran Turismo also offers a range of convenience features. These include automatic climate control, which allows you to set the desired temperature and maintain it automatically. Adaptive headlights adjust their beam pattern based on driving conditions, improving visibility at night. Rain-sensing wipers automatically adjust their speed based on the amount of rainfall, keeping the windshield clear. Many models also come with a panoramic sunroof, which provides a large opening to the sky and adds to the sense of spaciousness inside the cabin. Overall, the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo is packed with technology and features designed to enhance the driving experience. From the iDrive infotainment system to the advanced safety features and convenience options, every aspect of the car is designed to provide a premium and enjoyable driving experience.

Common Issues and Maintenance

Like any vehicle, the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo has its share of common issues and maintenance requirements. Being aware of these can help you keep the car running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. One of the most common issues with this model is related to the cooling system. The water pump and thermostat are known to fail prematurely, which can lead to overheating. It's important to monitor the car's temperature gauge and address any cooling system issues promptly to prevent engine damage. Another common issue is related to the fuel injectors. The fuel injectors can become clogged over time, which can cause rough running, poor fuel economy, and even misfires. Cleaning or replacing the fuel injectors can resolve this issue. The turbochargers on the 3.0-liter engine can also be a source of problems. The turbochargers can develop leaks or fail over time, which can result in reduced power and performance. Regular oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil can help to prolong the life of the turbochargers. The electrical system can also experience issues. Problems with the battery, alternator, and sensors are not uncommon. It's important to have the electrical system checked regularly to ensure that everything is functioning properly. In terms of maintenance, the 2011 535i Gran Turismo requires regular servicing to keep it in good condition. This includes oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections. The car's service intervals are typically determined by the car's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, which monitors various parameters and alerts you when service is needed. It's important to follow the recommended service intervals to ensure that the car is properly maintained. The suspension system may also require attention over time. The shocks, struts, and bushings can wear out, which can affect the car's handling and ride quality. Replacing worn suspension components can restore the car's original handling characteristics. The brakes should also be inspected regularly and replaced as needed. The brake pads, rotors, and fluid should be checked and replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Overall, the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo requires regular maintenance and attention to address common issues. By staying on top of maintenance and addressing issues promptly, you can keep the car running smoothly and enjoy its performance and luxury for years to come.

Is the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo a Good Choice?

So, is the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo a good choice? This is a question that many potential buyers ask themselves. The answer, as with most things, depends on your individual needs and preferences. The 2011 535i Gran Turismo has a lot to offer. It combines the luxury of a BMW sedan with the versatility of a hatchback, making it a unique and practical choice. Its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and advanced features make it well-suited for long trips and family use. The powerful 3.0-liter inline-6 engine provides ample performance, while the eight-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and efficient gear changes. The car also offers a range of technology and safety features, enhancing the driving experience and providing peace of mind. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. The 2011 535i Gran Turismo can be more expensive to maintain than some other cars. Common issues such as cooling system problems, fuel injector issues, and turbocharger problems can lead to costly repairs. The car's fuel economy is also not the best in its class, although it is decent for a vehicle of its size and performance. Another factor to consider is the car's age. As a 2011 model, it is now over a decade old, which means that some components may be nearing the end of their lifespan. It's important to have the car thoroughly inspected before purchasing it to identify any potential issues. Overall, the 2011 BMW 535i Gran Turismo can be a good choice if you're looking for a luxurious and versatile vehicle with a unique design. Its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and advanced features make it well-suited for long trips and family use. However, it's important to be aware of the potential maintenance costs and to have the car thoroughly inspected before purchasing it. If you're willing to invest in regular maintenance and address any issues that arise, the 2011 535i Gran Turismo can provide years of enjoyable driving.