2010 BMW 535i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2010 BMW 535i ranks 3rd worst out of 10 model years for this nameplate, with a complaint index of 78 and 58 complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict. Fuel System problems, mainly high-pressure fuel pump failures, dominate at 59% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 62,500 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 78/100
- #3 of 10 535i years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 58
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2010 BMW 535i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System34 (59%)
- Engine17 (29%)
- Electrical System9 (16%)
- Airbags5 (9%)
- Seat Belts3 (5%)
- Brakes2 (3%)
- Other2 (3%)
- Structure & Body2 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (3%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Sudden loss of engine power while driving, sometimes followed by complete stalling, linked to high-pressure fuel pump failure.
- Fuel pump failures occurring repeatedly on the same low-mileage vehicle within weeks of purchase.
- Loss of power steering accompanying stalling incidents, making the car harder to control mid-drive.
- Electronic system freezes or faults causing momentary loss of control, including one incident involving a crash and fire.
- Taillight, brake light, and turn signal wiring burning out due to failed rear lamp bulb carrier contacts.
- Fog light housing melting due to electrical failure not remedied by the dealer.
2010 BMW 535i recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 13V407000Sep 11, 2013Electrical System134,100 vehicles
Exterior lighting:tail lights
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
2010 BMW 535i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2010 compared with other 535i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 BMW 535i reliable?
- Compared to other 535i model years, 2010 ranks 3rd worst out of 10 years tracked, with a complaint index of 78 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2010 BMW 535i?
- Fuel System issues account for 59% of complaints, mostly high-pressure fuel pump failures that cause sudden loss of power, with a median failure mileage of 62,500 miles.
- Does the 2010 BMW 535i have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2010 535i covering the Electrical System, where increased resistance at rear lamp bulb carrier contacts could cause taillight failure; BMW replaces the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge.
- How does the 2010 535i compare to the 2011 model?
- The 2011 535i has a higher complaint index of 100 with 112 complaints and 4 recalls, also rated Avoid, making it worse than the 2010 model, which has a complaint index of 78.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2010 BMW 535i?
- The EPA rates the 2010 535i at 20 mpg combined (17 city / 25 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,000.