The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07) 535i Steptronic, produced from 2009 to 2012, represented BMW’s attempt to blend the luxury and driving dynamics of the 5 Series sedan with the practicality and space of a crossover. Positioned as a premium grand tourer, the F07 aimed to offer a unique alternative within the executive car segment. This particular variant, the 535i, utilized a naturally aspirated inline-six engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a balance between performance and comfort. It sat towards the higher end of the Gran Turismo lineup, offering more power than the 528i but falling short of the range-topping 550i models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 5 Series |
| Generation | 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07) |
| Type (Engine) | 535i (306 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Grand Tourer |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 12.3 l/100 km (19.1 US mpg, 23 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg, 31.7 UK mpg, 11.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 209 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.3 kg/Hp, 157.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.9 kg/Nm, 206.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 306 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 102.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1200-5000 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1200-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | N55B30A |
| Engine displacement | 2979 cm3 (181.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89.6 mm (3.53 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-power turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.6 l (11.2 US qt | 9.33 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1940 kg (4276.97 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2570 kg (5665.88 lbs.) |
| Max load | 630 kg (1388.91 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 440 l (15.54 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1700 l (60.03 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4998 mm (196.77 in.) |
| Width | 1901 mm (74.84 in.) |
| Height | 1559 mm (61.38 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3070 mm (120.87 in.) |
| Front track | 1611 mm (63.43 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1654 mm (65.12 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.2 m (40.03 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Steptronic |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/50 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 535i Gran Turismo is the N55B30A, a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine. This engine is a member of BMW’s highly regarded N55 family, known for its smooth power delivery and responsiveness. It utilizes direct fuel injection, ensuring precise fuel metering and contributing to both performance and efficiency. The N55 also features BMW’s Valvetronic technology, which allows for stepless control of valve lift, optimizing engine breathing across the rev range. Turbocharging, via a twin-scroll turbocharger, provides a significant boost in power and torque. The engine produces 306 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque available from a low 1200 rpm all the way to 5000 rpm. This broad torque curve contributes to strong acceleration in real-world driving conditions. The engine is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, offering smooth and quick shifts. This transmission features adaptive learning, adjusting shift points based on driving style.
Driving Characteristics
The 535i Steptronic delivers a refined and comfortable driving experience. The combination of the inline-six engine and the eight-speed automatic provides ample power for effortless cruising and confident overtaking. While not as overtly sporty as some of its rivals, the 535i offers a good balance between performance and comfort. The automatic transmission is well-programmed, providing smooth shifts and responsive downshifts when needed. Compared to the 528i Gran Turismo, the 535i offers a noticeable increase in power and acceleration. However, it doesn’t quite match the outright performance of the 550i models, which boast a V8 engine. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver. The Gran Turismo’s longer wheelbase and sophisticated suspension contribute to a comfortable ride, even on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 535i Gran Turismo came well-equipped as standard. Typical features included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, a premium sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. Optional extras included features such as a head-up display, active steering, adaptive cruise control, and a panoramic sunroof. Interior trim options varied, allowing buyers to personalize the cabin to their preferences. The Gran Turismo’s rear seats offered generous legroom and headroom, making it a comfortable choice for passengers. The power-operated tailgate and folding rear seats added to the vehicle’s practicality.
Chassis & Braking
The F07 Gran Turismo utilizes a double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension is tuned to prioritize comfort, but still offers good handling characteristics. The 535i is equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) are standard features, enhancing safety. The Gran Turismo’s chassis is reinforced to handle the increased weight and dimensions compared to the standard 5 Series sedan.
Market Reception & Comparison
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo was a somewhat polarizing vehicle. Critics praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engines, but some questioned its styling and overall concept. The 535i variant was generally well-received, offering a good balance between performance and fuel economy. Compared to other vehicles in the luxury segment, such as the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS, the Gran Turismo offered a unique blend of practicality and luxury. Fuel economy figures were respectable for a vehicle of its size and performance, averaging around 26.4 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability reports suggest that the N55 engine is generally reliable, but preventative maintenance is crucial to avoid potential issues.
Legacy
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, while not a commercial success on the same scale as the 5 Series sedan, remains a unique and interesting vehicle. The N55 engine in the 535i variant has proven to be a durable and capable powerplant. On the used car market, the F07 535i represents a relatively affordable entry point into the BMW luxury segment. However, potential buyers should be aware of the importance of regular maintenance and address any potential issues promptly. The Gran Turismo’s spacious interior and comfortable ride continue to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile and luxurious grand tourer.
