2011 BMW 535i

Routine

Owners filed 112 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 4 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
78,000 milesMedian miles at failure

65 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2011 BMW 535i problems

35 of the 112 complaints (31%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine31
020
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system25
000
Electrical System13
031
Power Train · transmission9
000
Wheels7
000
Unknown or Other6
010
Air Bags · airbags5
104
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine4
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration3
102
Service Brakes · brakes2
200

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Driveline › Constant Velocity Joint17V067000
Filed Feb 2, 20178,752 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.

Risk. If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-inactive16V832000
Filed Nov 17, 201691 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit. These SCUs have an acceleration sensor that may have been incorrectly programmed and, as a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash.

Risk. Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump16V746000
Filed Oct 17, 2016136,188 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.

Risk. The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine14V176000
Filed Apr 10, 2014156,137 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.

Risk. If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Apr 20, 2026TX

ValveTronic motor and eccentric shaft is a very common issue that my specific car has. Affects the timing and makes a loud sound. Dangerous to drive in this condition.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 3, 2026143,000 milesNV

The contact owned a 2011 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal became stuck. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated into oncoming traffic. The contact's vehicle was crashed into by two oncoming vehicles. No warning light. The contact was taken to the local medical center, where the contact received multiple X-rays. In addition, the contact sustained bruises and pain to the left and right knees and to the middle of the chest. The contact stated that the pain in the chest was severe because of a pre-existing illness of male breast cancer. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. In addition, the vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. A police report was filed. In addition, the contact was unsure of any injuries to the other drivers. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Aug 21, 2025132,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535i. The contact stated that when pressing the accelerator pedal to drive from being idle at a red light, the driver's side air bag deployed out of the steering wheel without impact. The contact sustained burns to the left arm, right cheek, and chest area. The contact had suffered stomach issues due to inhaling the dust and fumes from the air bag. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed by AAA to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the horn module needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, where the vehicle remained for a month, and Liberty Mutual was to retrieve the vehicle and investigate the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not investigated to her knowledge, and the vehicle was returned without being repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 16, 2025DE

I purchased the BMW 535 and it continues to have drivetrain malfunction issues. This feels like a safety concern for several reasons. The first is that were not able to identify the issue, but I believe it has to do with the systems diagnostics being triggered or misfiring this is an unfortunateissue because wherever we are, we can get stuck randomly. Lastly, the car has an issue with Oberheu. Issue because wherever we are, we can get stuck randomly. Lastly, the car has a issue with overheating believe it has to do with the radial hose

Electrical System
Filed Mar 28, 2025NY

My car suddenly shut off when I came to a stop at a red light while on a busy state route. The information cluster then began to read “Fuel supply” and “Battery Discharge” My car would not turn back on and still has not turned back on since and it's been over a month now. According to the OBD results, the fuel pump and injectors were somehow seized and therefore have caused the car to become inoperable. I was forced to spend over $1000 just to get my car out of the police tow yard and towed to my home because I could not afford the cost of the repairs needed. The NHSTA website states that there is a recall on both the fuel system and the electrical system for my exact vehicle, but according to my Vin search results, there are 0 recalls. That doesn't make sense. I had just got my new inspection done maybe a month prior to my car breaking down.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 10, 2025140,000 milesGA

The contact owned a 2011 BMW 535i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was unoccupied and parked in a parking lot, it was brought to the attention of the contact that the vehicle caught on fire. The local fire department arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire. The contact stated that it was unknown if a fire report was filed. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The origin of the fire was unknown. The contact stated that the fire damaged one other parked and unoccupied vehicle that was nearby. The vehicle was towed by the insurance and was deemed a total loss. The vehicle remained in the possession of the insurance provider for further investigation. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Wheels
Filed Jan 30, 2025IL

Product Safety Alert: Jan 30, 2025 Stop using the following item because of a potential safety issue. Visit the public recall notice for more guidance. 245/45R18 100Y XL RFT PIR CINTURA P7 (M0E)(BMW/RR) 245/45R18 100Y XL RFT PIR CINTURA P7 (M0E)(BMW/RR)

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jan 17, 2025PA

From very low speed (less than 5 MPH), car would not stop with full brakes applied. Front brakes were fully locked as evidenced by skid marks, but car kept pushing forward until stopped by solid object.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 1, 2024130,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power and was running rough. The contact stated that the instrument cluster went black. The contact turned into a parking lot as the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle but after several attempts failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had an independent mechanic diagnose the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the VANOS bolts had fractured and the timing camshaft had detached. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 21, 2024CA

The vehicle is having cooling/ heat problems. Does not overheat while driving but rather driving on high temp. Cools to norm temp here and there. My best thought is electrical. Also same vehicle rattles in rear center when going 65mph.. not sure the cause is.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 24, 2024MD

BMW REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF CONSEQUENTIAL ISSUES CAUSED MY FAULTY FUEL PUMP RECALL AND IS TRYING TO CHARGE ME 21000 to fix. Engine reads maximum drivetrain output drive moderately

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 11, 2024CA

Been fixing an unknown issue due to fuel presure, loss of engine power and car gets extra hot but doesn’t over heat, I have fixed the issue more on 2 different occasions. I didn’t pass the smog text so that’s when I was told to check for any recalls, now the issues returned with same problems and probably won’t pass smog again. I have all recorded from all the years of maintenance and I’m very diligent on on time maintenance or if theirs is any kind of malfunction. I’m now addressing the situation to you as I believe that there’s something wrong that’s beyond my control. I’ve also encountered other people with same vehicle with similar issues.

Engine
Filed Apr 17, 2024CA

Hello, I received a recall notice almost 6 months ago on my car and I have been in contact with BMW Corporate and they have been completely useless (This is my first BMW and it will be my last). I haven't been able to drive my car for almost 6 months due to the VANOS engine bolt recall. My car has been experiencing the symptoms of stalling, loss of power and it has gone into Safe mode. I have called McKenna BMW in Norwalk and was told not to drive the car because it isn't safe to do so. and by the Owner of Orange Motors who is a Specialty Shop for BMW owners. I have called BMW Corporate numerous times and sent multiple emails ( i can't even get a response to my emails) and cant get any assistance in getting my car fixed. I asked BMW for assistance in getting a rental car and they said that is the responsibility of the dealership and the dealership is telling me that I need to call BMW Corporate. I spoke to a woman named Jenny at BMW corporate about 2 - 3 weeks ago and she told me to call the dealership and explain what is going on with my car and request that a special case be opened so rush my parts needed to fix my car and I still can't get any help. I have called Sterling BMW & Crevier BMW and they made it very clear they do not have the parts to fix my car, I mentioned what BMW corporate told me and they acted like they had no clue what I was talking about. I told them that my car is dead in my garage as it has been sitting for about 6 months. I just keep getting passed a

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash2 injured
Filed Feb 28, 202457,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535i. The contact stated while jump-starting another vehicle in the driveway, he reversed to park the vehicle by the side of the other vehicle; however, the vehicle surged and accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle sped into the garage, hit equipment, and hit the contact's wife. The contact stated that he then shifted into drive (D) to drive out of the garage; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle sped through the driveway, struck a stone retaining wall, and entered the roadway. The contact stated that he slightly steered the vehicle to the right and hit a utility pole to stop the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact hit his forehead against the rearview mirror and sustained a bruise. The contact's wife sustained a fractured left lower leg. The ambulance transported the contact's wife to the hospital, where she underwent surgery. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The insurance company then towed the vehicle to another tow lot, where the damage was being estimated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 27, 2023SC

The drivers headlight has developed significant condensation on its interior caused by a failed seal which in turn damaged or short-circuited the modules disabling my daytime running light, low beam, high beam, and turn signal

Electrical System
Filed Apr 22, 2023FL

Wiring in the headlight assembly is losing its insulation, allowing wires to short and headlamps to fail to operate.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 30, 2023TX

CarMax sold me a car but rolled back the odometer before I took possession. Autocheck report shows mileage of 59,964 on June 16, 2014 and 57,116 on Sep 16, 2014 when I bought it. I never saw this report until I tried to trade it in last week. Offered 1/2 of value bc of tampering. I called CarMax to correct this and they said they aren't liable bc the title says Actual Mileage even though they know it's not.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 24, 2023NY

Drivers side headlight has severe condensation and signal light headlights have malfunction.

Wheels
Filed Feb 24, 2023NY

Tire pressure monitor warned that my left rear tire was low. Next day same thing. I went to have tire patched was told that the wheel had a crack in it. That was the cause for slow leak.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 14, 2023MA

Driver side headlight has an extreme condensation issue. Especially after it rains or using a car wash. The condensation leaks into the control light module , which makes the turn signal, parking lamp and the adaptive light to all fail.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 6, 2022129,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the bolts used to secure the housing for the camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit had loosened over time, causing the vehicle to stall. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V176000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which he linked to the failure. The contact called two dealers and the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 15, 2022OR

The water pump failure recall BMW currently has for 8 and 12 cylinder engines need to include 3.0 6 cylinder engines also. My car had the identical failure as the current recall and its not covered . Why? There is just as many 6 cylinder water pump failures as 8 and 12 cylinder cars . This is not right . Extremely dangerous and needs rectified now . Please help me my email is [XXX] Phone [XXX]. My car is currently exhibiting the water pump failure . I'm afraid to take my family anywhere in the car . INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Engine
Filed Dec 8, 2021NC

My car is leaking oil from one of the rings in the engine and it’s leaking on the manifold

Electrical System
Filed Oct 11, 2021NJ

Passenger side door lock actuator has failed. Door lock actuators should not be failing on cars that are less than 10m years old. This causes a major safety issue when you are unable to open/unlock the door from the inside or outside because the lock can not be actuated (manually or with button). Given the vast amount of actuators failing, this should be addressed with BMW. This has become a common issue with BMW vehicles.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 28, 2021GA

Car failed to start due fuel pump wires malfunction.

Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Aug 16, 2021CA

Flame erupted out the top of Passenger seat, sitting cushion. Moms butted blistered, used personal health insurance for medical care. I do have pics in other phone. I will resubmit claim

Electrical System
Filed Jul 30, 2021AZ

Rear driver windows fault. check engine light came on car scanned and got fault code 030115 " Rear door power window on driver side . invalid characteristics curve- no normalization present

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 29, 2021AZ

While driving on the highway my car turned off suddenly. car was towed to home After checking possible causes we found out that even the fuel gauge in the instruments cluster was displaying a large amount of fuel ( 1/2 tank) actually it was empty. We put two gallons of gasoline then car start up again but fuel gauge still showing half of tank

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 12, 2021AZ

While driving on the highway the car turned off suddenly. Car was towed to home after checking possible causes we found out the even the THE FUEL GAUGE IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS displaying a large amount of fuel ( 1/2 tank) actually it was empty . We did put 2 gallons of gasoline than car start up again but the fuel gauge still showing half of tank.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Mar 9, 202198,000 milesCA

I HAVE A 2011 BMW 535I THAT HAS FRONT AND REAR CAMERAS AND I HAVE RECORDINGS OF THE LIVE FOOTAGE OF MY INCIDENCE. I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL STREET IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD TO MY HOUSE. I APPROACHED THE GATE ENTRANCE FOR MY COMPLEX AND STOPPED ON THE RIGHT LANE OF THE ROAD TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ACROSS THE OPPOSING TRAFFIC LANE TO APPROACH THE GATE ENTRANCE. WHEN THERE WAS NO ONGOING TRAFFIC, I ACCELERATED TO CROSS THE LANE AND ONCE I HAD CROSS THE OPPOSING LANE AND ENTERED THE DRIVEWAY TO THE MY RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX'S GATE ENTRANCE, I PUSHED ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN TO ENTER THE KEY CODE TO OPEN THE GATE. THE CAR SLOWLY DOWN AFTER I PUSHED THE BRAKES, BUT THEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED IN A HERKY JERK MANNER FOR A 5 SECOND BURST FOR NO REASON (MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE THE ENTIRE TIME AS MY CAR INITIALLY STARTED SLOWLY DOWN AFTER I MADE MY APPROACH TOWARDS THE GATE). THE CAR RAMMED THROUGH AND BROKE THE GATE AND ACCELERATED FOR A FEW SECONDS MORE BEFORE THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENTIRE TIME AND KEPT DOWN ON THE BRAKE, WHICH WAS EVIDENT AS THE CAR WAS INITIALLY SLOWLY DOWN FROM AN ACCELERATION BEFORE THE SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, AS WELL AS EVENTUALLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER THE ACCELERATION INCIDENT. MY BMW HAS BOTH FRONT AND REAR CAMERAS ON IT AND I WAS ABLE TO RECORD THE ENTIRE INCIDENT. I CAN PROVIDE THE FOOTAGE OF THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE A GREAT DRIVING RECORD AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED AN INCIDENT LIKE THIS BEFORE. MY CAR IS IN GREAT

Power Train
Filed Jan 8, 2021RI

THE BACK AND FRONT AXLES AREN'T RELIABLE AT ALL. ALL FOUR ON MY CAR ARE DAMAGED AND EVERY TIME I GO OVER A BUMP IT'S A VIOLENT SOUND AND FEELING.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 5, 202190 milesLA

MY DRIVER AIRBAG HAS A MALFUNCTION BUT NO RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A DEFORMED BAG THAT MEANS MAYBE SOMEONE HIT THE COVER / HORN WHERE THE AIRBAG IS. I'M OVER 60 YEARS OLD AND COULDN'T HIT A FLY THAT HARD.

Power Train
Filed Nov 27, 2020107,000 milesRI

A WARNING CAME ON FOR DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO CHOKE AND LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 15, 202060,345 milesNY

TRYING TO CHANGE LINE GO SEVENTH MILES CAUSES THE CAR TO GO IN LIMP MODE

EngineFire
Filed Sep 24, 2020136,000 milesTX

VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT MY WORK AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE PARKING LOT. BMW OF SAN ANTONIO SAYS OIL LEAKED FROM THE VALVE COVER TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. PROBLEM IS, EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS FAR PASSENGER SIDE. FIRE WAS TOP REAR OF THE MOTOR.

Engine
Filed Jun 30, 20205,600 milesCT

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE SENT AN OVERHEATING MESSAGE AND INSTANTLY THE POWER TO THE MOTOR WAS CUT OFF CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RAPIDLY SLOW DOWN WITH NO BRAKE SIGNAL SO THE REAR CAR ALMOST REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SIGNAL CUTTING POWER TO THE ENGINE DURING THE OVERHEAT MESSAGE, ONCE I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND STOP IT WAS FINE? I CHECKED THE COOLANT AFTER I GOT HOME AND IT WAS AT THE LEVEL REQUIRED, AFTER I WAS ABLE TO THE READ THE CODES IT SHOWED WATERPUMP ? I RECENTLY SAW RECALLS FOR 2011 BMW 5 SERIES ON WATER PUMP ISSUES, I WOULD LIKE TO AD THIS PROBLEM AND OR SAFEY ISSUE TO BE NOTICED, IF ALL THOSE VEHICLES ARE BEING REPORTED TO HAVE WATERPUMP ISSUES ,L BELIEVE MY CAR SHOULD BE ON THAT LIST OF RECALLS AS WELL , THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME WATER PUMP ,SO THAT WOULD EFFECT ALL MODELS 6 CLYINDER ,8 CYLINDER ETC,, TTHE AFTER A MONTH OF NO CODES NO ISSUES, I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY TO GET SOMETHING FROM THE HOUSE, I LEFT THE CAR RUNNING, WHEN I CAM OUT IT HAD SENT AN OVER HEAT SIGNAL AGAIN, WHEN THE CAR WASNT OVERHEATING? IT WAS JUST WEIRD, IT MIGHT BE WISE TO INCLUDE ALL VEHICLES WITH THE 2010-2011 STYLE WATER PUMP TO BE REPLACED AND LOOK INTO THE POWER CUT OFF DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE PUMPS/AND OR THEIR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS WHICH ARE BEING RECALLED , PLEASE LET KNOW IF MY CAR CAN BE ADDED TO THE RECALL SO IT COULD BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT HAS THE SAME ISSUES AS THE OTHER MODELS THAT RECALLED, HAVENT DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY SINCE, SCARED I MIGHT GET REAR ENDED, IF

Electrical System
Filed May 4, 202063,700 milesIL

LIGHTING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD DURING 1ST WEEK OF APRIL 2020. IT AFFECTED BATTERY CONSUMPTION, TURN INDICATORS, WINDOW CONTROLS, HEADLIGHT CONTROLS, LOCK/UNLOCK CONFIRMATION... THE DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED FAULTY FOOTWELL MODULE NEEDS REPLACEMENT, COST APPROX. $1323+TAX. A WARRANTY EXTENSION DOCUMENT FOUND ON THE INTERNET FOR FOOTWELL MODULE LISTS ALL MODELS EXCEPT MINE. HTTPS://BIMMERSCAN.COM/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2018/09/B012016-1.PDF

Wheels
Filed Apr 24, 2020133,500 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL WHEELS FRACTURED PREMATURELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CIRCLE BMW (500 STATE ROUTE 36, EATONTOWN, NJ, 07724, (732)-440-1200) TO BE INSPECTED DUE TO AN ABNORMAL SOUND UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR WHEELS WERE BENT. THE WHEELS WERE NOT REPAIRED NOR REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,500. *LN

Suspension
Filed Mar 29, 2020OK

CV JOINTS . CARS WAS PARKED AND THE CAR LEANED . AT TIME WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD THE VEHICLE WOULD LEAN TO ONE SIDE . ONCE YOU START DRIVING THE LEANING WOULD ADJUST AND THE CAR WOULD EVEN OUT

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 19, 202071,000 milesOH

VEHICLE HAS STOPPED RUNNING MULTIPLE TIMES. MOST TIMES IT HAS STALLED OUT WHILE IDLING AFTER A LONG DRIVE AND HAS BEEN PUT IN PARK. ONE TIME IT JUST STOP RUNNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AND INTERSECTION WITH TRAFFIC TURNING RIGHT. ANOTHER TIME I HAD A ST UDDER WHILE TURNING LEFT WHICH I LOOKED DOWN AND GOT IN A ACCIDENT. BMW HAS TOLD ME THIS IS THE BATTERY, LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WHICH HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACE; HOWEVER I AM STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.

Power Train
Filed Mar 12, 2020120,000 milesCO

2011 535I XDRIVE GT CV JOINTS ON DRIVE SHAFT FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY DESTROYING THE CAR RENDERING IT UNDRIVABLE. NO RECALLS ON THIS MODEL OR THIS VIN ALTHOUGH ALL OTHER LIKE MODELS WERE ON RECALL. CAR PURCHASED AND SERVICED AT BMW DEALERSHIP.

Power Train
Filed Feb 10, 202070,000 milesPA

THIS RECALL HAS MY POWERTRANS NOT PREFORMING AS IT SHOULD. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN 2017 AND THIS RECALL WAS NEVER DONE. I TURN MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN TAKING MY CAR FREQUENTLY TO MECHANICS FOR POWERTRANS PROBLEMS. WHEN I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TELL ME THEY DON'T SEE A FAULT FOR THE POWERTRANS IT AS SOON AS I LEAVE THE FAULT RETURNS. I PAID MONEY FOR NUMEROUS DIAGNOSTICS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND I STILL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS AFTER REACHING SPEEDS OVER 65 MPH.

Power Train
Filed Feb 6, 2020144,000 milesGA

SES LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CHECKED THE OBD2 SYSTEM FOR A CODE. P-2763 IS PRESENT. TROUBLESHOOTING FOR THE ISSUE REVEALED THE ORANGE TCC PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID IS MALFUNCTIONING. ZF WILL NOT SELL THE SOLENOID INDIVIDUALLY. THEY REQUIRE THE CONSUMER TO PURCHASE A MECHATRONIC UNIT. THE ORANGE SOLENOID IS A SCARCE PART TO FIND LOCALLY IN THE U.S. ONLINE PRICES ARE AROUND $90. ON THE GLOBAL MARKET. THESE ARE NOT NEW SOLENOIDS. THE MECHATRONIC UNIT, OVERHAULED IS $1600 PLUS A CORE CHARGE. PLUS LABOR. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT ZF WILL NOT SUPPORT THE 8HP TRANSMISSION BY SELLING THE SOLENOID INDIVIDUALLY. COSTING ME SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS WHEN A SINGLE PART AROUND $100 DOLLARS WILL REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. ZF CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMED ME THAT I SHOULD SOURCE THE PART THROUGH A USED PARTS DEALER OR LOCAL JUNK YARD. I TRIED BUT NO TRANSMISSIONS ARE AVAILABLE. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING SINCE MAY OF 2019. I TALKED TO BMW AND CHRYSLER PARTS DEPARTMENTS AT MY LOCAL DEALERS. THE TELL ME THEY CAN ONLY ORDER THE MECHATRONIC UNIT.

Engine
Filed Dec 29, 2019110,000 milesNC

DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION IS ON MAY BE DUE TO A BAD FUEL PUMP OR ENGINE COILS

Engine
Filed Dec 23, 2019132,000 milesNJ

CARE WAS IN MOTION ON LOCAL STREET CARE STARTED STALLING, DECREASE IN FUEL, SMOKE OUT OF TAIL PIPE, COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE, UNABLE TO START ON ENGINE. THERE ARE MULTIPLE FORUMS ON THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE WITH ISSUES DUE TO FUEL INJECTOR. SINCE I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL BUYER ON VEHICLE I WAS NOT AWARE AND WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY THE NEW DEALER THAT THERE WOULD BE AN ISSUE. VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT AT 126K MILES IN SEPT 2019.

Engine
Filed Dec 5, 201996,000 milesOH

2011 535XI WITH 95,000 MILES WAS SERVICED AND PASSED ALL INSPECTIONS, LESS THAN 700 MILES LATER ENGINE STARTS MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING. IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND TOWED TO DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND METALLIC SHAVINGS IN OIL FILTER. SAID ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $36,591 BUT OFFERED NO CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE.

Engine
Filed Oct 24, 2019143 milesFL

MY VEHICLE CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DRIVE TRAIN/ DRIVE SHAFT MESSAGE CAME ON WHICH MADE MY ENGINE LIGHT COME ON SHUDDERING WITH HEAVY SHAKING MAKING WEIRD NOISES WHICH ARE THE SYSTEMS OF A DEFECTED DRIVE SHAFT SAME SYMPTOMS THAT APPLY TO RECALL 17V067000 VERY SCARY MY VEHICLE WAS JUST AT BMW DEALERSHIP FOR A RECALL DUE TO AN AGGRESSIVE FUEL LEAK...,I ASKED ABOUT THE RECALL FOR THE DRIVE TRAIN I WAS ADVISED YES IT'S A RECALL BUT NOT FOR MY VEHICLE WHICH IS A 2011 535I AT THE TOP OF THE RECALL LIST THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THE 2ND TIME THIS CAR HAVE PUT MY LIFE IN DANGER HOW CAN YOU HAVE A RECALL ON THE 2011 535I AND THEN SAY NOT MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE BMW IS THE WORST I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER BMW I CANNOT BELIEVE IT THESE PARTS CANNOT BE FROM WEAR AND TEAR THIS STARTS FROM PRODUCTION OF VEHICLE

Engine
Filed Oct 23, 201999,000 milesKY

THE VEHICLE (2011 BMW 535I GT) INDICATED THAT IT WAS OVERHEATED AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT 25 MINUTES IN THE CITY AND HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SLOWED DOWN AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. FAN WAS CONTINUALLY RUNNING AFTER VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED BACK ON HOURS LATER. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO SAID IT WAS THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BMW HAS A RECALL BUT THE 535I GT IS NOT IN THE RECALL, THE 550I GT IS. THE RECALL SHOULD BE LOOKED AT FOR EXPANSION.

Engine
Filed Oct 2, 2019125,063 milesPA

CAD WAS RUNNING FINE. PARKED GOT OUT NEXT MORNING NO START. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED TIME BELT GONE. BOUGHT CAR FROM BMW MAINLINE IN MARCH 2014 CERTIFIED USED. VARIOUS ISSUES WITH CAR. JUST READ THAT THE 5 SERIES HAD TIMING CHAIN ISSUES. MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY WITH 125,063 MILES. ALWAYS MAINTAINED AND OIL CHANGES AND SERVICE. NOW THIS. AM I LEGIBLE TO HAVE MY TIMING CHAIN AND ANY DANGE IT CAUSED TO BE REPAIRED. WHY DOESN'T BMW STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS OR RECALL THEIR PROBLEM CARS. WITH THE MONEY PAID FOR THIS CAR I SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR MISTAKES. BULLETIN TSB NO. 111614. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS THAT BMW WILL NOT RECALL BUT ACT AS THOUGH THEY ARE DOING THEIR CUSTOMERS A FAVOR BY REPAIRING OR MAYBE REPAIRING THEIR OWN MISTAKES. THANK GOD IS GOT MYSELF AND INFANT SON HOME BEFORE THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE.

Engine
Filed Oct 1, 2019125,000 milesPA

CAR WAS DRIVING FINE. NO NOISE NO BACK FIRE NO RATTLING. GOT HOME PARKED CAR NEXT DAY GOT IN CAR AND WOULD NOT START. TOOK TO BMW SPECIALIST. SAYS THE CAR HAS NO COMPRESSION. HOW DOES AN ENGINE GO JUST LIKE THAT. JUST HAD OIL CHANGE ONE MONTH AGO NO PROBLEMS NOW THIS OUT OF THE BLUE.

Complaints 1-50 of 112, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20170100Routine
201612200Routine
201523000Routine
201430200Routine
201339120Routine
201254120Routine
2011 — this page112460Routine
201058130Routine
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: Feb 2, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.