Used 2012 BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) Consumer Reviews
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Ultimate Driving Machine, Not Ultimate Warranty
tkg12, Land O Lakes, FL, 05/16/2015
updated 11/21/2016
BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
40 of 40 people found this review helpful
My recent dealer experience was good as always. The background experience with BMW Corporate was unacceptable. My 2012 5 Series with EDC emits a crunching, groaning metal-on-metal sound that the dealer did a good job of diagnosing, but BMW would not authorize warranty repair for the reason that it is "characteristic." Exploding airbags that spray shrapnel, deadly ignition system failures, and self-accelerating cars are "characteristic" of other brands, so this does not give me comfort. It seems the ultimate driving machine is not backed up by the ultimate warranty. Since the defect is characteristic, I will find a class-action lawyer, who have their own unfortunate characteristics.
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My Second
zct888, Saint Paul, MN, 05/18/2015
BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
My first BMW was a 328i which I got new back in 2007. I really liked that car in many ways. This time around I was looking for something bigger and faster that could handle a mid west winter and the crappy roads that such winters leave behind. I looked at various choices and settled on a CPO 2012 535xi with sport package, tech, premium, cold weather, sound. Although I've only had it a short time, I've been hugely impressed thus far. There's a lot of power on tap, but at the same time it gets great MPG. The ride is also spectacular, absorbing all but the most obnoxious of road imperfections.
The car is impressive, but the technology is not
PG from NJ, Bernardsville, NJ, 12/12/2018
updated 12/17/2020
BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
What you should know is this car is economical to drive - but a bear on the wallet to maintain. It's good on gas, but the oil changes and regular maint. are a killer. The car itself is a pleasure to drive - love the feel and the handling. The pick up is terrific - and the power is there when you need it - and it is a powerful car. the 535 x-drive is also quiet and responsive. All that said, there are some improvements which I hope have been made since 2012. The voice recognition is probably the worst I've ever used. Even my cell phone is better at recognizing simple commands. The most challenging thing is the visibility. My old BMW had excellent vision around all sides. That's important because I'm only 5'3" - and, unlike my old BMW, seeing over the front of the car - and front sides in this 2012 BMW is an issue for me. Also, the view from the rear window is partially blocked by, what I can only determine, is a non-functional decorative feature on the rear interior of the car. It doesn't help that the mirrors are so small that I am never really certain I'm seeing all there is to see -- thus I need to turn my head to ensure I'm clear to pass or change lanes. Now, about the technology....specifically, the Bluetooth. My old droid had no problem with Bluetooth connectivity but when i upgraded to a Galaxy S9, all that ended. Suddenly, I no longer have the ability to stream music via Pandora through the car's audio system --- but worse than that, I can no longer make or receive a hands-free phone call. In spite of their claims, BMW has not upgraded their bluetooth software to allow their older model cars to accommodate newer phones, including S9 and higher, and Apple 10 models. This lack of a simple software modification presents many owners with significant challenges while driving. The most vexing thing is BMW engineers are well aware of the problem, yet they have not offered a solution. I would urge any reader with a similar problem to contact BMW directly to register your complaint. Perhaps if enough of us complain, they might just DO something to fix this safety issue. UPDATE: 12/2020 - still no fix on the phone - though I have tried suggestions on the BMW forum - but nothing has worked. My Husband's new i- phone pairs very well. My Samsung Galaxy 9 is obviously the issue. SO, my take-away from this is - try your cell phone in the car before you buy it.
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Horrible
Jeff, East Peoria, IL, 08/09/2018
BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Very bad. Reverse gear went out. Called towing they could not tow it. To put the car on nutral you need to go under the car. Finally went under and put the car in nutral still car did not moved. We had to forse the damn thing to go on towing with locked wheels. Nightmare cars. Interior cant touch the vents cause they break. Overall car sucks. Now they telling me i need a new transmission and car just hit 100K miles. Its like this is programmed to fail at 100K. I would stay away from this cars.
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WOW
suny66, Brick, NJ, 02/14/2012
BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
Not sure what happened to BMW. Car has so much lag when you press gas that Donot know if it will move before the car from behind will hit me at red light when it turn green. It is my BMW no 3. Interior is better but BMW seem to lack lot of other luxury items. There are no indicator lights on mirrors . MIRRORs are small with mimited view. Rear view camera hold view after you set to drive, this didnot happen with my Lexus truck. Honestly I will drive it for some time and if continue like that I will think radical and go for some other luxury car. Fast line it do perform excellent along with nice brakes you rely upon. Will Try winter drive with x drive and post it later.
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