The 2008 BMW 535i is a really exceptional car, offering a great driving experience and an impressive array of electronics in the cabin. From its shifter to its live traffic system, it has innovative features that should make any techie drool.
For 2008, BMW puts its twin turbocharged 3-liter engine in the 5-series. This car is also loaded with most of BMW's latest technology, from HD radio to live traffic reporting.
This powerplant, launched in the 3-series last year, lets BMW compete with the plethora of 3.5-liter V-6 cars. It's a straight six cylinder 3-liter engine with twin-turbochargers, giving it 300 horsepower.
The pronounced line along the side of the trunk lid, extending down below the tail-lights, makes an odd wedge shape, as if the back had been cut off, then hastily glued back on.
Controls on the three-spoke wheel let you change radio stations or CD tracks, lower and raise the volume, choose modes, and activate voice command. We never could figure out what the diamond-shaped button does.
An HD radio tuner is a $500 option. In our experience, it adds slightly better quality to radio broadcasts. Note the HD symbol at the bottom of the screen.
