What BMW 535i years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 and 2011 BMW 535i are the years to avoid, ranking worst and second-worst out of the 8 model years covered, with complaint indexes of 100 and 86.

What is the best year for the BMW 535i?

The 2016 BMW 535i is the best year based on NHTSA data, with only 12 complaints and the lowest complaint index of 14 among all years covered.

What is the main problem area for the BMW 535i overall?

Across all model years, Engine complaints are the largest category at 107 complaints (33% share), followed by Fuel System at 89 complaints (27%) and Electrical System at 78 complaints (24%).

Are the 2012 and 2014 BMW 535i good choices?

They are rated Caution years, with complaint indexes of 71 and 57 respectively, better than the 2010-2011 Avoid years but not as strong as the Good-rated 2013 (43) or 2015 (29) model years.

BMW 535i Best and Worst Years (2010–2017)

The BMW 535i years to avoid are 2010 and 2011, with complaint indexes of 86 and 100 and rank_worst_first positions 1 and 2 out of 8 model years. 2011 had 112 complaints, 4 recalls, 6 fires, and 8 injuries, while 2010 had 58 complaints centered on fuel system failures. The 2016 model, with only 12 complaints and a complaint index of 14, is the best year.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2011 Best 2016

Model years: 8; 2010–2017
NHTSA complaints: 327
Recall campaigns: 9
Crashes reported: 15
Fires reported: 13
Top problem area: Engine

535i Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

BMW 535i problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	86	58	3	3	1	Fuel System	20	—
2011	Avoid	100	112	5	6	4	Engine	23	5★
2012	Caution	71	54	0	2	1	Engine	23	5★
2013	Good	43	38	1	2	1	Electrical System	24	5★
2014	Caution	57	30	5	0	2	Engine	23	5★
2015	Good	29	23	1	0	0	Electrical System	22.5	5★
2016	Best	14	12	0	0	2	Airbags	22.5	—
2017	No verdict	0	0	0	0	1	—	21.5	—

535i years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 BMW 535i Index 100 · 112 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2011 535i is the worst-ranked year, with 112 complaints and the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100. Engine problems account for 41% of complaints at a median mileage of 86,009, including reports of engine failure warnings and oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold leading to fires. Fuel System issues follow at 31% share (median mileage 78,000), and Electrical System complaints at 17% (median mileage 82,500). This year carries 4 recalls, covering the rear driveshaft CV joint, airbag SCU replacement, and fuel pump module. NHTSA also lists 5 crashes, 6 fires, and 8 injuries for 2011, more than any other year.

2011 engine problems →2011 fuel system problems →2011 electrical system problems →

2010 BMW 535i Index 86 · 58 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2010 535i logged 58 complaints and a complaint index of 86, ranking 2nd worst of the 8 years covered. Fuel System issues made up 59% of complaints for this year, with a median failure mileage of 62,500 miles; owners describe sudden stalling and loss of power, in some cases tied to high pressure fuel pump failures. Engine complaints (29% share, median mileage 66,250) and Electrical System complaints (16% share, median mileage 42,550) also appear, including reports of rear lamp wiring burning out. One recall (13V407000) covers taillight electrical contacts. There were 3 crashes and 3 fires reported for this year, with 2 injuries.

2010 fuel system problems →2010 engine problems →

Most common BMW 535i problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine107 (33%)
Fuel System89 (27%)
Electrical System78 (24%)
Airbags32 (10%)
Transmission & Powertrain32 (10%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires30 (9%)
Other24 (7%)
Structure & Body19 (6%)
Brakes13 (4%)
Visibility & Wipers12 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What BMW 535i years should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 and 2011 BMW 535i are the years to avoid, ranking worst and second-worst out of the 8 model years covered, with complaint indexes of 100 and 86.
What is the best year for the BMW 535i?: The 2016 BMW 535i is the best year based on NHTSA data, with only 12 complaints and the lowest complaint index of 14 among all years covered.
Does the 2011 BMW 535i have recalls?: Yes, the 2011 BMW 535i has 4 recall campaigns, covering the rear driveshaft CV joint, airbag SCU replacement, and fuel pump module, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
What is the main problem area for the BMW 535i overall?: Across all model years, Engine complaints are the largest category at 107 complaints (33% share), followed by Fuel System at 89 complaints (27%) and Electrical System at 78 complaints (24%).
Are the 2012 and 2014 BMW 535i good choices?: They are rated Caution years, with complaint indexes of 71 and 57 respectively, better than the 2010-2011 Avoid years but not as strong as the Good-rated 2013 (43) or 2015 (29) model years.