2011 BMW 535I — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
153
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
9
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2011 BMW 535I
The 2011 BMW 535I has received a total of 153 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE. 9 technical service bulletins have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (36 complaints), Fuelpropulsion System (34 complaints), and Electrical System (17 complaints).
Recalls for the 2011 BMW 535I
NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2011 BMW 535I, potentially affecting up to 301,168 vehicles.
Recall 17V067000 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
| 8,752 vehicles affected
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...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 16V746000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
| 136,188 vehicles affected
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,...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 16V832000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
| 91 vehicles affected
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...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 14V176000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
| 156,137 vehicles affected
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...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2011 BMW 535I
153 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 BMW 535I. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 36 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 34 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 17 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Safety Rating for the 2011 BMW 535I
The 2011 BMW 535I received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2011 BMW 535I
BMW of North America, LLC has issued 9 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2011 BMW 535I. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
B341019 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER DISCUSSIONS REGARDING MOTORSPORT VEHICLE BRAKES: INFORMATION Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty dynamic driving styles. As a side effect of the highest possible brake performance...
B111115 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
?SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT What's New: ? Part number and quantity of coolant has been updated. Refer to the Warranty section for details. . The Service Engine Soon light is on with corresponding fault codes in the DME for the engine thermostat.
B510416 — EQUIPMENT
SUBJECT Groaning Noise When Adjusting Steering Column. A groaning noise can be heard when the steering column is retracted and moves into the lower position. CAUSE Friction between gap trim and the lower trim cover
511714 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Rattling Noise from Mid-range Speaker in Front Door Panel. The customer complains of a rattle noise in either the left or right front door only when the speakers are in use. The inside door lock rod is making contact with the inside panel when the speakers are in use at...
641510 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fault Code for Ionizer Short to Ground Is Stored in the IHKA. INFORMATION Not applicable.
121313 — ENGINE
N55 Engine Does Not Start on First Attempt when Cold. The engine turns over but does not start on the first attempt. It will normally start on the second or third attempt, and no faults are stored in the DME. This occurs sporadically, usually at low ambient temperatures and when...
650113 — EQUIPMENT
Airbag Warning Lamp Illuminated; Shorted Wire in Front Seat Harness. The airbag warning lamp (AWL) is illuminated. One or more of the following faults will be stored in the ACSM (Advanced Crash Safety Module) as displayed in ISTA: 930979: Side airbag, driver: short-circuit to negative 930955: CAK, driver: short-circuit to...
650113 — SEAT BELTS
Airbag Warning Lamp Illuminated; Shorted Wire in Front Seat Harness. The airbag warning lamp (AWL) is illuminated. One or more of the following faults will be stored in the ACSM (Advanced Crash Safety Module) as displayed in ISTA: 930979: Side airbag, driver: short-circuit to negative 930955: CAK, driver: short-circuit to...
651612 — EQUIPMENT
"Headunit-High: Navigation System Cannot Be Activated. The navigation system cannot be activated when entering the 20-digit INITIAL enabling code manually. This occurs after the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) for the vehicle was already performed and finished. The wrong 20-digit ""enabling code"" was entered during the first attempt; the Headunit-High locks up...
NHTSA Investigations for the 2011 BMW 535I
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the BMW 535I
- 2008 BMW 535I — 116 complaints
- 2009 BMW 535I — 100 complaints
- 2010 BMW 535I — 81 complaints
- 2011 BMW 535I (current)
- 2012 BMW 535I — 86 complaints
- 2013 BMW 535I — 59 complaints
- 2014 BMW 535I — 44 complaints
- 2015 BMW 535I — 36 complaints
- 2016 BMW 535I — 15 complaints