VehicleVerdict

2011 BMW 535i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 156 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 31.2 times the median 535i year — the 2011 model ranks #1 of 21 535i years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 41 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

156

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2011 compare to other 535i years?

See all 535i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 BMW 535i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4126%
Fuel System3522%
Electrical System1711%
Transmission1711%
Tires & Wheels106%
Other85%
Speed Control64%
Airbags53%
Lighting53%
Brakes32%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Seats21%
Body & Structure21%
Suspension11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2011 BMW 535i have recalls?

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

17V067000TransmissionFebruary 2, 2017 · 8,752 units

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.

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.

16V832000AirbagsNovember 17, 2016 · 91 units

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.

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.

16V746000Fuel SystemOctober 17, 2016 · 136,188 units

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.

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.

14V176000EngineApril 10, 2014 · 156,137 units

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.

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 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

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.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 21, 2020 · fire

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 26, 2021

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 17, 2011 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V176000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 15, 2014

6 TIRES IN LESS THAN A 3 YEAR PERIOD HAVE FAILED. SOME HAVE BUBBLED. TWO HAVE GONE FLAT. ONE FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PARTICULAR PROBLEM WITH THE GOODYEAR RUNFLAT TIRES ON THE 19 INCH RIMS ON THIS VEHICLE. SMALL POTHOLES ARE UNAVOIDABLE ON MASSACHUSETTS ROADWAYS. SOME OF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 15, 2012

2011 BMW 535i — common questions

Is the 2011 BMW 535i reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 156 complaints put the 2011 model at #1 of 21 535i years. It is one of the 535i years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 535i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (41 complaints), fuel system (35 complaints), transmission (17 complaints).

Does the 2011 BMW 535i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 BMW 535i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 535i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 535i years to avoid are 2011, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. The cleanest record among 535i years belongs to 1995.

How safe is the 2011 BMW 535i?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2011 BMW 535i earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.