2010 BMW 535i

Routine

Owners filed 58 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel and propulsion system. It has been recalled 1 time.

Not among the BMW 535i years to avoid. Which BMW 535i years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
58,000 milesMedian miles at failure

49 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2010 BMW 535i problems

14 of the 58 complaints (24%) are about the fuel and propulsion system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system14
100
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system10
000
Engine7
000
Electrical System4
212
Air Bags · airbags4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine3
000
Exterior Lighting · headlights2
020
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine2
000
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly1
000
Visibility/Wiper · wipers1
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights13V407000
Filed Sep 11, 2013134,100 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).

Risk. Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 28, 2025SC

Consistent fuel pump error code 2AAF

Fuel/Propulsion SystemCrash
Filed Jun 15, 202271,835 milesNY

I was told by BMW that the high pressure fuel pump for these vehicles are under warranty for 100,000 miles or 10 years. I just purchased the vehicle to not only drive from new jersey to New York and shut down. Since then it caused an accident and the used dealer is just ignoring everything. I was also told there’s an electric water pump class action suit and also something with the trunk leaking. Now I do know that a vehicle is not supposed to be sold without recalls being stated and fixed. I’m already paid 10k for the car and then 1k for a starter . The vehicle is in the body shop having body repair due to the engine shutting down. If the engine shuts down it displays fuel pump malfunction and within 20-30 mins will start again. The BMW 535i has 96,000 miles on it and I don’t think it’s fair that I should be penalized for someone not following thru with repairs let alone having an accident on my insurance now. I’m asking please just help get the vehicle running again and all future service will absolutely be done through BMW. That’s how I handled my Mercedes’ and plan so with this vehicle. I’m a single father that just took a severe beating financially and had to sell the Mercedes’ and thought buying a BMW was a good choice being I had a similar issue with Mercedes’ and they honored the repair due to the amount of time owned and still being in the mileage range of the defective part. Please help . Email-[XXX] Cell- [XXX] [XXX] Thank you in advance INFORMATION Redacted PURSUA

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 26, 2021120,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER. THE CONTACT COASTED AND MANUALLY STEERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO RALLYE BMW (1 BRUSH HOLLOW RD, WESTBURY, NY 11590, (516) 226-7947) WHO HAD REPLACED AN UNKNOWN PART HOWEVER, APPROXIMATELY A WEEK LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE SAME WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALER AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 7, 2021128,000 milesPA

SEVERAL TIMES I WAS PLACED IN PERIL WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED THEN THE CAR STALLS ON US HIGHWAY 95. THERE WERE ALSO TIMES WHEN THE CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 35MPH. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I HAVE NO REAL CONTROL TO STEER THE WHEEL, NO PRIOR WARNING OR ISSUES WITH THE CAR TO INDICATE IT WOULD STALL. IT IS EXTREMELY TRAUMATIZING. TRAUMATIZING! MESSAGE OF "FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION. MODERATE DRIVING POSSIBLE". CAR STALLS WHILE IN MOTION WHETHER IT IS 20MPH OR 65MPH. INITIAL MALFUNCTION IN JULY WAS AFTER 1HR OF DRIVING THEN SEVERAL TIMES AFTER THAT PERIODICALLY AS THE CAR ISN'T DRIVEN OFTEN DUE TO STAY AT HOME RESTRICTIONS. THE ISSUE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AT TWO AUTO MECHANIC SHOPS, IN FACT BY THE TIME THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED, THE CAR STARTED AND WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN ONTO THE TRUCK. THERE IS NO PATTERN OF DRIVING BEHAVIOR OR MESSAGES BETWEEN FAILURE / STALL AND AS MONTHS WENT ON, THE TIME BETWEEN STALL AND INABILITY TO START THE CAR SHORTENED FROM DRIVING1HR TO DRIVING 10 MINUTES. BMW OF THE MAIN LINE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, FUEL FILTER AND STALL AND ERROR ISSUE REMAINS. WIRING TO FUEL PUMP ISSUE POSSIBLE. THERE ARE SEVERAL OPEN COMPLAINTS ON THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. MODEL YEAR 2010 SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR 535I XDRIVE HTTPS://WWW.NHTSA.GOV/VEHICLE/2010/BMW/5%252520 SERIES/4%252520DR/RWD%25252F4WD#COMPLAINTS HTTPS://WWW.NHTSA.GOV/VEHICLE/2010/BMW/5%252520SERIES/4%252520DR/RWD%25252F4WD#COMPLAINTS WIRING ISSUE DETECTED AND MAY BE PART OF THE RECALL NHTSA RECA

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 23, 2020150,000 milesCA

RECEIVING P0087 LOW PRESSURE FUEL, CAR GOES INTO DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION. FIX IS REPLACING HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 2, 202070,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BATTERY DISCHARGING MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVE BELTS, BATTERY, INTELLIGENT BATTERY SENSOR (IBS) SYSTEM, BOLTS, HOSE AND ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V176000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.*DT

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 2, 2020TX

WHEN STARING UP, EXTENDED CRANK/SLOW STARTUP . CONTACTED BMW 'FUEL PUMP ISSUE'. NOT COVERED ON CURRENT RECALLS BECAUSE OF YEAR OF CAR. ALL OTHER 5 SERIES HAVE AN OPEN RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM

Engine
Filed Jun 27, 2020145,000 milesNY

I HAD THE CAR SERVICED BY A MECHANIC BECAUSE I HAD CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FAULTS. WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. SPARK PLUGS AND COPS WERE REPLACED. SOME OF THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE ALSO REPLACED. MECHANIC ASKED ME TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR 100 MILES TO SEE IF ANY CHECK ENGINE ISSUES WILL REAPPEAR. THE VEHICLE FIRST BEGAN STATING IT HAD LOW OIL PRESSURE AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO CHECK THE OIL LEVEL, IT WOULD CONTINUE TO JUST STOP AT 15%. I THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE INDICATOR WENT AWAY FOR THE LOW OIL PRESSURE. I DROVE ABOUT 10 MORE MILES AND DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION APPEARED AND I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. ENGINE WAS SEIZED. WHAT WAS FOUND IN THE ENGINE WAS "SHARDS OF METAL". MANY PEOPLE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE 5 SERIES BMW ENGINES. I THINK THAT BMW IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE ENGINE FAILURES. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 24, 2020145,250 milesIN

WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WAS PASSING A VEHICLE AND AS I WAS GETTING PAST OTHER DRIVER MY ONBOARD DASH POPPED UP SAYING CAR NEEDED TO GET SERVICED. DESCRIPTION OF FAULT WAS FUEL PUMP. ALL POWER WAS LOST AND WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET PAST OTHER MOTORIST TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. ONCE I SAT FOR ABOUT 20 MIN WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE AND GET TO MY DESTINATION 8 MILES DOWN THE ROAD. THIS MADE ME FEEL VERY U SAFE AND COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH THE OTHER MOTORIST. I WAS ON A 2 LANES STATE ROAD WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THERE WAS ALSO ANOTHER VEHICLE BEHIND THE MOTORIST I WAS PASSING TO OVER TAKE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 18, 202088,924 milesAZ

MY BMW 2010 5 SERIES GT ( CAMPAIGN 10V446000 ) HAS HAD ISSUES PERTAINING TOO A CHECK VALVE OF THE BREAK VACUUM PUMP THAT LEAKS A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS HAS CONTAMINATED MY BRAKE BOOSTER, AND ALSO THERE HAS BEEN ISSUES WITH THE POWER ASSIT BRAKING PERFORMANCE THAT HAS LED TOO LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING WHICH I'VE DONE RESEARCH AND THAT COULD POTENTIALLY INCREASE A RISK OF AN ACCIDENT. MY FUEL GUAGE HAS ALSO DISPLAYED A LARGER AMOUNT OF FUEL THAN WAS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK, WHICH COULD ALSO INCREASE MY VEHICLE TOO STALL AND INCREASE A CHANCE OF ME BEING IN A ACCIDENT.

Engine
Filed Feb 10, 2020115,000 milesNY

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRING VEHICLE UP TO SPEED ON THE ON-RAMP OF THE HIGHWAY, THE "FUEL PUMP WARNING" WILL DISPLAY ON SCREEN. THIS IS THEN FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF POWER IN THE ENGINE UNTIL THE ENGINE STOPS AND THE VEHICLE NO LONGER RUNS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED AND DIAGNOSED AS THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP BE TECHNICIAN. TECHNICIAN ADVISED ME THAT BMW HAS RECALLED "CERTAIN" MODELS FOR THIS PROBLEM.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 5, 202080,298 milesMN

WHILE DRIVING STEADILY ON THE INTERSTATE (I494 IN BLOOMINGTON, MN) WITH TRAFFIC AT ROUGHLY 65MPH, I RECEIVED A MESSAGE ON THE DASH OF FUEL PUMP FAILURE, DRIVE SLOWLY. CAR PROCEEDED TO GO INTO 'LIMP MODE' WITH REDUCED POWER AND THEN STALLED OUT'GAVE ME JUST ENOUGH TIME TO NAVIGATE TO A RELATIVELY SAFER SPOT ON THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE. TRIED TO RESTART CAR, BUT IT WOULD STRUGGLE AND THEN FAIL EACH TIME.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Oct 9, 2019GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE SUN ROOF. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED, SHUT OFF, AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. FURTHERMORE, THE CONTACT'S WIFE SMELLED A FUEL ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BMW OF MACON (4785 RIVERSIDE DR, MACON, GA 31210, 478-757-7000). THE DEALER PROVIDED A COST ESTIMATE OF $6,000 TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, WHICH DID NOT INCLUDE THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BY MAIL WHEN THE CONTACT SENT A COPY OF THE RECALL NOTICE HE RECEIVED. THE MANUFACTURER SENT THE RECALL LETTER BACK TO THE CONTACT AND STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT INFORMATION THEY REQUESTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 17, 201990,000 milesGA

THE BMW 535I THAT I HAVE HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. ALL PUMPS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND STILL THE CAR WILL STOP RUNNING AT ANY TIME. IT HAS HAPPENED AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND HAS CAUSED ME TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND GET THE CAR TOWED. I HAVE SPENT SO FAR OVER 6,000 DOLLARS ON PUMPS . NOW THE CAR IS BACK IN THE SHOP AND I AM TOLD THAT I AM STARING AT ANOTHER BIG BILL. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF. BMW HAS GIVEN ME ONE EXCUSE AFTER THE OTHER. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME IN TRAFFIC AT SPEED. BEEN LUCKY NOT TO CRASH THE CAR.

Power Train
Filed Aug 24, 201993,500 milesCA

THE CAR LUNGES/JERKS AT RANDOM TIMES DURING STARTUP. IT DOES THIS WHETHER THE CAR IS COLD, HOT AND AT RANDOM TIMES DURING THE DAY OR EVENING. THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY WHEN THIS OCCURS. ENGINE MOUNTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND TRANSMISSION MOUNT IF IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. THE DEALER CANNOT IDENTITY THE PROBLEM. AT TIMES THE JERK IS BARELY NOTICEABLE BUT OTHER TIMES THE JERK IS HARSH AND I FEAR THE THE CAR WILL MOVE FORWARD WHILE PARKED.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 8, 2019130,000 milesID

FUEL PUMP RANDOMLY CAUSES ENGINE FAILURE DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS CAUSING IT TO MALFUNCTION, STALL ENGINE, AND ENDANGER THE CARS OCCUPANTS SAFTEY IN NORMAL TO HEAVY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. THE FUEL PUMP WILL RESET ITSELF AFTER 5-10 MINUTES AND THE CAR WILL START AGAIN ALLOWING IT TO THEN SAFELY EXIT THE ROADWAY.. THIS ISSUE IS RANDOM IN OCCURANCE. IT COULD HAPPEN TWICE IN ONE DAY, OR IT COULD HAPPEN ONLY TWICE IN ONE MONTH.

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed May 13, 2019110,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHILE IN TRAFFIC BUT IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED CLOSER TO THE ROAD AND WAS DRAGGING WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT DID NOT NOTICE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC DETACHED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NALLEY BMW OF DECATUR DEALER, LOCATED AT 1606 CHURCH ST, DECATUR, GA 30033, (404) 994-4329, FOR THE STALLING FAILURE AND IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 8, 2019118,000 milesPA

HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THIS PART HAS BEEN HIGHLY PUBLICIZED AS FAULTY. INCLUDING RECALLS AND EXTENDED WARRANTEES. THE FAILURE AT HIGH SPEEDS CAUSED STALLING AND WAS VERY DANGEROUS. BMW FAILED TO REPLACE FOR FREE THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND CHARGED ME FULL PRICE. FAILURE TO HONOR RECALL/WARRANTY. IT HAS BEEN NOTED 150,000 PLUS VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED. THIS NEEDS TO BE A MANDATORY RECALL AND PAID IN FULL BY BMW. SEEKING INVESTIGATION AND REIMBURSEMENT. I HAVE THE INVOICE IF NEEDED.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 27, 201956,000 milesNV

ALL THE BMW HAVE RECALL ABOUT AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT ,WHY MY 535I BMW 2010 ITS NOT UNDER RECALL,.I HAVE MY LIGHT ON AND I'M SCARED DRIVING IT LOOKS LIKE I'M NOT SAFE,I WAS DRIVING TH CAR IN CITY AND I STOPPED TO DROP OFF MY WIFE SHE TAKE OUT SEAT BELT AND SHE STAND THE LIGHT COMING ON ,IT SAID RESTRAINED SYSTEM MUNFLUCTION .

Electrical System
Filed Dec 13, 201815 milesLA

MY CAR SMELLS LIKE GAS. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO TWO BMW SHOPS AND IT'S THE SAME THING EVERY TIME. THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING. PLUS, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS IN ALL THE TIME. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THE SAME THING THAT CAN'T FINE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, MY HEADLIGHTS HAS A MALFUNCTION PROBLEM, IT WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO WORK.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 11, 201870,000 milesTX

BMW EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 10 YEARS FOR THE INJECTORS. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INJECTOR PROBLEMS SEVERELY IMPACTING ACCELERATION AND FAILING TEXAS EMISSIONS TESTING. BMW THEN DENIED REIMBURSEMENT. THIS ISSUE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM AND A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED.

Engine
Filed Nov 7, 201775,000 milesTX

ENGINE VALVE COVERS CRACKED, LEADING TO ACCUMULATED OIL LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 20, 2017CO

TAKATA INFLATORS- SHOWS ON MY SCREEN THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY RESTRAINT SAFETY SYSTEM.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 4, 201735,000 milesWA

MANY TIMES DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOES NOT UNLOCK WHEN THE LEVER WAS PULLED TWICE. IT ONLY UNLOCKS WHEN THE ELECTRIC UNLOCK BUTTON IS PUSHED. IT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS DURING AN ACCIDENT IF POWER IS LOST AND I COULD NOT UNLOCK THE DOOR. THIS PROBLEM HAS STARTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR TOO.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 21, 2016100,000 milesCT

SAFETY NOTE WARNING COMES ON DASHBOARD, EVERY TIME CAR IS STARTED AND STAYS ON, STATING THE AIR BAG ON HEAD RESTRAINT MAY EXPLODE AND RELEASE METAL FRAGMENTS THAT WOULD CAUSE INJURY.

Engine
Filed Jul 24, 201680,000 milesTX

ENGINE OIL LEAKING FROM COMMON VALVE COVER LEAK. CAUSES SUDDEN POWER LOSS WHILE DRIVING.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 6, 201667,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL CABLE LOOSENED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 16, 2016KY

CAR STARTED SPUTTERING AND STALLED AFTER TAKING OFF FROM A RED LIGHT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 12, 201673,000 milesCA

YELLOW ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WAS TESTED AND NOTHING WAS FOUND. IT STARTED USING MORE GAS THAN USUAL AND LONG-CRANKS STARTING THE ENGINE AND SHAKING AFTER THE ENGINE STARTED. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS ALL 6 FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED REPLACEMENT AS THEY WERE LEAKING GASOLINE, THEY ALL FAILED AT 73,000 MILES.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Nov 25, 201460,000 milesOH

THE PASSENGER MIRROR WILL MOVE OUT OF POSITION ON ITS OWN WITHOUT TOUCHING ANY CONTROLS. THIS WILL ALSO OCCUR WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. AFTER REVIEWING VARIOUS INTERNET POSTINGS OTHER BMW OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS IT CAN ADVERSELY IMPACT THE DRIVER'S REAR VISION. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 25, 201462,500 milesFL

MY 3 KIDS AND I HAD LEFT THE BMW DEALER AFTER I HAD PARTS SERVICED/PARTS REPLACED, AND JUMPED ON THE INTERSTATE. I WAS CRUISING AROUND 70MPH WHEN I FELT THE CAR SLOW DOWN AND THE MSG "ENGINE MALFUNCTION, REDUCE SPEED" APPEARED. I VEERED TO THE RIGHT A LITTLE,BUT I QUICKLY FOUND AND EXIT AND PULLED OVER. FORTUNATELY, THE TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE WAS LITE AND AN ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED, BUT IT DID GET MY HEART RACING. THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS A "COMMON" TYPE OF MSG, BUT I'M WEARY. I TRIED TELLING THEM ABOUT THE FUEL PUMP ISSUE, BUT THEY SAID MY CAR WAS NOT AFFECTED. THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC FEE AND I JUST PAID TO HAVE MY CAR SERVICED AND DIAGNOSED! THEY ALSO SUGGESTED I CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT UNTIL THE ISSUE FORCES ME TO HAVE TO BRING IT IN - BASICALLY UNTIL SOMETHING BREAKS. I WOULD HAVE THE DEALER WOULD HAVE STARTED WITH REPLACING THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND MOVING ON FROM THERE SINCE IT IS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM. WE'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS. *TR

Engine
Filed Feb 9, 201462,000 milesFL

I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2010 BMW 535I ON 12/31/2013. THE NEXT DAY (NEW YEAR'S DAY), AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR INDICATION, THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY SHUT DOWN, COMING TO A ROLLING STOP. AS SOON AS THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN, THE DASHBOARD SHOWED A "FUEL PUMP" WARNING, WHICH ALSO NOTED THAT "CONTINUED DRIVING IS POSSIBLE." HOWEVER, SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RE-START WERE NOT SUCCESSFUL, AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUSHED TO A SAFE LOCATION. PRIOR TO THE ENGINE FAILURE, I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 35 MPH ON A 2-LANE DIVIDE ROADWAY, WHERE CONSTRUCTION BARRICADES REPLACED THE SHOULDER. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED JUST AROUND MIDNIGHT, AND THERE WAS VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC, SO WE WERE SPARED CERTAIN CATASTROPHE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MY HOME, AND ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON, WE WERE ABLE TO DRIVE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FROM THERE. FOR THE NEXT 30+ DAYS, VARIOUS FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS WERE SERVICED AND/OR REPLACED INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACED; LOW-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACED; FUEL INJECTORS FLUSHED, IGNITION COILS AND SPARK PLUGS REPLACED. AFTER EACH OF THOSE "FIXES", THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO US, AND SHUT DOWN AGAIN ON THE ROAD AND IN TRAFFIC WITHIN 2 DAYS. FINALLY, THE INJECTION PUMP CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED, AND THE VEHICLE UNDERWENT A COMPLETE SOFTWARE SYSTEM UPDATE. WE PICKED UP THE VEHICLE FOR THE 4TH TIME ON 2/3/2014, AND IT APPEARS THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED AND OUR SAFETY RESTORED.... *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 30, 201458,000 milesTX

IGNITION COIL MALFUNCTION RECURS AFTER DEALERSHIP REPAIRS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. CAUSES ENGINE SPEED TO VARY AND BE OUTSIDE THE DRIVERS CONTROL. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 23, 201454,000 milesAZ

DESCRIPTION: THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR ACTUATOR WENT BAD. AS A RESULT, DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK WHEN HANDLE IS DOUBLE-PULLED. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS, THE DOOR IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT, IT CANNOT BE UNLOCKED MANUALLY BY PULLING THE LOCK STUD UP... THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR IS TO PULL THE HANDLE TWICE. THEREFORE, WHEN THE ACTUATOR MALFUNCTIONS, THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR AND GET OUT OF THE CAR IS BY PRESSING THE UNLOCK BUTTON WHICH IS ON THE MAIN CONTROL PANEL. RISK: IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, SHE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND GET OUT OF THE CAR. IF THE PASSENGER IS A CHILD OR SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO OPERATE THE UNLOCK BUTTON IN THE MAIN CONTROL PANEL, IT MIGHT GET VERY SERIOUS. FREQUENCY: ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR ACTUATOR WENT BAD, AND WAS REPLACED UNDER MY WARRANTY (UNDER 50K). BUT, I HAD TO PUT UP A FIGHT TO GET IT COVERED BY WARRANTY. NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE ACTUATOR IS GONE. AND BMW REFUSES TO FIX IT UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. BROWSING ONLINE, I FOUND QUITE A FEW PEOPLE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. HERE IS A DISCUSSION THREAD I OPENED, AND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE: HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=674994 ALSO, MANY MENTIONED THIS ARTICLE BELOW, WHICH MIGHT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE SAME ISSUE: HTTP://GUARDIANLV.COM/2013/09/14-YEAR-OLD-GIRL-DIED-TRAPPED-INSIDE-LOCKED-CAR-VIDEO/ CONCLUSION: THIS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE IN THE SAME CAR. THIS HAPPENED TO

Exterior LightingFire
Filed Nov 20, 201350,100 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE FOG LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE AND THE HOUSING FOR THE LIGHT HAD BECOME MELTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEFECT WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,100.

Exterior LightingFire
Filed Feb 12, 2013MD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND REAR TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE WIRES FOR THE BRAKES LIGHTS AND REAR TURN SIGNALS BURNED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 15, 201332,007 milesCA

ON JANUARY 12, 2013, WHILE DRIVING WITH MY FAMILY ON A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OF ROUGHLY 70 MPH, OUR 2010 BMW 535I SEDAN, SUDDENLY LOST POWER, STALLED, COULD NOT ACCELERATE, AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AS I CROSSED 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC; SURPRISINGLY GUIDED THE VEHICLE SAFELY TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, A WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT DISPLAYED, "ENGINE MALFUNCTION-REDUCED POWER." AS A RESULT, IT REQUIRED A TOW SERVICE TO A LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP. *TR

Air Bags › Alleged Counterfeit Air Bag
Filed Oct 11, 2012AL

TL* (COUNTERFEIT AIRBAG CONCERN) THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE SUSPECTED THAT HER VEHICLE POSSESSED A COUNTERFEIT AIRBAG. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000. UPDATED 10/19/12 *CN UPDATED 10/23/2012 *JS

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 11, 201253,300 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY THEN THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S DESTINATION AND WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THREE OF THE SIX THE FUEL INJECTORS HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 53,300.

Child Seat
Filed Sep 19, 2012CA

THE KEYFIT 30 BASE DOES NOT STAY SECURED TO THE BACKSEAT. THE LOCK APPEARS SPRUNG PER THE INSTALLER'S OPINION. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME I'VE HAD THEM OUT TO TIGHTEN THE BASE AND FINALLY RESORTING TO USE A LOCKING CLIP. THIS IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND I CAN PROVIDE PICTURES IF REQUESTED. *TR

Electrical SystemCrashFire2 injured
Filed Sep 4, 201227,271 milesCA

WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THIS CAR, I EXPERIENCED A SERIES OF FAULTS IN THE SYSTEM WHERE THE CAR FROZE UP AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE CAR HAS EXPERIENCED A VARIETY OF MALFUNCTIONS IN THE ELECTRONIC WARNING SYSTEM. ON 5/22/12, UPON LEAVING MY RESIDENCE, I LOST MOMENTARY CONTROL OF THE CAR. THE CAR STOPPED, JERKED AND THEN I HIT A CURB AND WHEN I RIGHTED THE CAR, I PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE CAR ACCELLERATED TO A HIGH SPEED. I TRAVELLED APPROXIMATELY 100' TO WHERE THERE WERE THREE CARS AND ONE MOTORCYCLE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND HIT THE DRIVER OF THE MOTOR CYCLE AT A HIGH SPEED. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED WITH NEARLY $25,000 IN DAMAGE. THE FOLLOWING MORNING AFTER I HAD RECEIVED THE CAR, AND DURING A COLD START, THE CAR DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. IT "JERKED" THE WHEEL TURNED AND THIS TIME I RIGHTED THE CAR. OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS, THE CAR DID IT AGAIN SEVERAL TIMES. ONE WEEK LATER WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT (AGAIN A COLD START AND WITHIN 1/2 MILE OF MY HOME GARAGE), THE CAR DID THE "JERKING" MOVEMENT AND I TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND CALLED BMW TO REPORT THE SITUATION AND HAVE THE CAR TOWED. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A FAULT IN THE CAR'S SOFTWARE SYSTEM. BMW HAD THE CAR AT ITS SHOP FOR 10 DAYS, RETURNED IT TO ME AND I'VE NOT EXPERIENCED THE MALFUNCTION SINCE.

Tires
Filed May 9, 20117,800 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 535I (NA) EQUIPPED WITH GOOD YEAR EAGLE LS-2 TIRES, TIRE SIZE 245/45/18. THE CONTACT NOTICED A BUBBLE ON THE SIDE WALL OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,800. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 29, 2010VA

I WAS ACCELERATING UP A HILL ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY CAR JUST LOST POWER. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 14, 20108,614 milesCA

ACCELERATION FOR THE VEHICLE WAS REDUCED BY MORE THAN 50%. 0-60 MPH WAS APPROXIMATELY 15 SECONDS. AT LEAST THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVABLE. NO WARNING, NO INDICATOR. THE WARNING MESSAGE DID SHOW UP THE NEXT DAY. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 19, 20101,370 milesCA

HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE ON 2010 BMW 535XI THE FUEL PUMP HAS FAILED TWICE, AND HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. ENGINE LOSES POWER - UNSAFE TO OPERATE. FIRST FAILURE IN OCTOBER OF 2009, SECOND FAILURE ON JUNE 22, 2010. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 11, 20106,600 milesNC

RECURRENT ENGINE FAILURE SECONDARY TO HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IN BRAND NEW BMW 535I. FIRST FAILURE AT 3000 MILES; SECOND FAILURE AFTER REPAIR AROUND 6600 MILES. BOTH FAILURES WITHOUT WARNING AND SEVERE LOSS OF POWER IN HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 31, 201011,000 milesCA

THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHOWS AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION ALERT AND THEN THE POWER IMMEDIATELY SLOWS DOWN AND THEN I HAD A MINUTE TO TRY AND GET OFF TO THE RIGHT ON THE FREEWAY BEFORE THE ENGINE TURNED ITSELF OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE HIGH POWERED FUEL PUMP. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET WITH THE SAME EXPERIENCE. I AM SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT AND AM GRATEFUL THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Aug 27, 20109,900 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 535I . THE CONTACT RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW STATING THAT IF THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE WITH THE FUEL PUMP THEY WOULD REPLACE IT AT THE MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE CONTACT HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED BUT WHEN HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO THE LETTER, THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE IT TO HIM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,900.

Steering
Filed Aug 24, 201025 milesTX

CAR HAS STEERED TO RIGHT SINCE IT WAS DELIVERED. BMW HAS CONTENDED THAT THIS WAS A SOFTWARE ISSUE FROM THE BEGINNING. AS OF 8/24/10 I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE SOFTWARE FIX WAS DELIVERED TO BMW NA BUT THE FIX DOES NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. SO THE CAR STILL PULLS STRONGLY TO THE RIGHT, IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY BMW! *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 25, 20103,000 milesNY

AT AROUND 3000 MILES (2010 535XI), WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE ONTO HIGHWAY ENGINE POWER DIED - ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND CAR EVENTUALLY STALLED. LUCKILY WAS IN RIGHT LANE AT TIME SO MANAGED TO PULL OVER. TRIED TO START CAR SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO LUCK. WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES AND CAR DID START BUT CONTINUED HAVING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND HAD FUEL PUMP REPLACED. TOLD IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 58, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20170100Routine
201612200Routine
201523000Routine
201430200Routine
201339120Routine
201254120Routine
2011112460Routine
2010 — this page58130Routine
200971120Routine
200874140Routine
19950100Routine
19942100Routine
19930100Routine
19923300Routine
19915300Routine
19902200Routine

Compare every 535i year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 11, 2013. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.