2010 BMW 535i Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
78/100
#3 most-complained of 10 535i years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2010 BMW 535i has 58 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 78 out of 100 — #3 highest of 10 535i model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is fuel system (34 complaints, 59% of the total). Complaints report 3 crashes, 3 fires, and 2 injuries.
- Complaints
- 58
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 25 hwy
Top 2010 BMW 535i problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
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 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 BMW 535i ranks #3 of 10 among 535i model years (Complaint Index 78/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 58 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW 535i?
- The most reported problem areas are fuel system (34 complaints), engine (17 complaints), and electrical system (9 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 58,000 miles.
- Does the 2010 BMW 535i have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2010 BMW 535i, most recently reported 2013, covering electrical system.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2010 BMW 535i?
- EPA rates the 2010 BMW 535i at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,000. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.