VehicleVerdict

1991 BMW 535 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1991 BMW 535 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other 535 years?

535 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted11 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 1 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 11 complaints1990: 4 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 2 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 1 complaints1996: 1 complaints
535 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 535 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 BMW 535 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1100%

Does the 1991 BMW 535 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

94V066000Fuel SystemApril 11, 1994 · 116,300 units

Defect

FEED FUEL HOSES CAN HARDEN AND "SET" OVER TIME, ALLOWING A SEEPAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING. THE CLAMP USED TO HOLD THE HOSE TO THE FITTING IS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE HARDENING OF THE FEED FUEL HOSE.

Consequence

FUEL SEEPAGE BETWEEN THE FEED FUEL HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING CAN RESULT IN FREE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy

A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.

92V101000Speed ControlJuly 10, 1992 · 637 units

Defect

SOME OF THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A THROTTLE HOUSING ON WHICH THE THROTTLE VALVE SHAFT RETAINING NUT WAS NOT SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.

Consequence

IF THE NUT WERE TO LOOSEN, MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE VALVECOULD BE IMPAIRED, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE BEING UNABLE TO DECELERATE WHEN THEGAS PEDAL IS RELEASED.

Remedy

THOSE THROTTLE HOUSINGS WITH SUSPECT MANUFACTURING CODES WILL HAVE THE THROTTLE VALVE SHIFT RETAINING NUT TORQUE TESTED, AND THOSE WITH INSUFFICIENT NUT TORQUE WILL BE REPLACED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL 98178000. BUT OWNER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. VEHICLE BROKE DOWN.TOWED TO DEALER, AND WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC THAT COOLANT SYSTEM RADIATOR CAP WAS AT FAULT. THIS HAD CAUSED THE PROBLEMS WITH THE WATER PUMP. CONSUMER WAS UNHAPPY FOR NOT RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 2, 1999

1991 BMW 535 — common questions

Is the 1991 BMW 535 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1991 BMW 535 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 BMW 535. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 BMW 535 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.