2011 BMW 535xi problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 44 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median 535xi year — the 2011 model ranks #2 of 7 535xi years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Tires & Wheels leads the complaint categories with 16 reports (36% of the total).
44
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2011 compare to other 535xi years?
What are the most common 2011 BMW 535xi problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 16 | 36% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 7 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 6 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 5 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 3 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“2011 BMW 535XI WITH M SPORT PACKAGE DEVELOPED BUBBLE ON FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE TIRE IS A GOODYEAR LS-2 RUN FLAT TIRE. VEHICLE HAS 1830 MILES ON IT. SERVICE CENTER AGREED TO REPLACE TIRE HOWEVER THEY HAVE BEEN ON NATIONAL BACKORDER SINCE JULY (10 WEEKS BACKORDER). THERE IS NO OTHER ALL SEASON…”
“AFTER BRINGING MY CAR TO BMW OF BUENA PARK TO TAKE CARE OF A COUPLE OF RECALLS, A COUPLE OF MILES AFTER I GET ON THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 60 MPH THE CAR LOST POWER AND I HEARD THE EMERGENCY SOUND ON MY DASHBOARD, THE EMERGENCY LIGHT CAME ON AND A MESSAGE ON MY SCREEN SAYING ' DRIVE MODERATELY, MAXIMUM…”
“MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP, RESULTED IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. INDICATING A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION AND MY CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND I ALMOST GOT IN A REAR END CRASH. I HAD TO BE TOWED TO A SHOP AND THEY…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 535XI. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE FUEL PUMP WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE),…”
“THE MEMORY POWER SEAT IN MY CAR MALFUNCTIONED AND WENT BACK WITHOUT STOPPING CAUSING A FRACTURE TO MY 2 1/2 YEAR OLD SON'S LEG WHO WAS SITTING IN THE CAR SEAT DIRECTLY BEHIND ME. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. *TR”
2011 BMW 535xi — common questions
Is the 2011 BMW 535xi reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 44 complaints put the 2011 model at #2 of 7 535xi years. It is one of the 535xi years to avoid.
What are the most common 2011 535xi problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (16 complaints), transmission (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints).
Does the 2011 BMW 535xi have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 BMW 535xi.
Which BMW 535xi years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 535xi years to avoid are 2008, 2011, 2014. The cleanest record among 535xi years belongs to 2007.
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.