2011 BMW 535i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2011 BMW 535i has a complaint index of 100, the worst of all 10 model years with data, and ranks #1 worst overall. It carries 112 complaints, 4 recalls, and an Avoid verdict, with Engine problems as the top issue (46 complaints, 41% share).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 10 535i years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 112
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 8
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
Top 2011 BMW 535i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine46 (41%)
- Fuel System35 (31%)
- Electrical System19 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain17 (15%)
- Other8 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (7%)
- Airbags5 (4%)
- Structure & Body4 (4%)
- Brakes3 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine oil filter housing failures trigger warning messages and can lead to engine failure.
- Oil leaking from the valve cover onto the exhaust manifold has led to engine fires, some occurring while the vehicle was parked.
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration, including surging while backing up and pedals that become stuck at speed.
- Electrical fires have started in the cabin and while vehicles sat parked in lots, requiring fire department response.
- Front brakes have locked up at low speed and failed to stop the car even with full pedal pressure.
- Run-flat tires reportedly developed sidewall bubbles repeatedly, and a pothole strike caused front-end vibration.
2011 BMW 535i recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V067000Feb 2, 2017Transmission & Powertrain8,752 vehicles
Power train:driveline:constant velocity joint
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 16V832000Nov 17, 2016Airbags91 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 16V746000Oct 17, 2016Fuel System136,188 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Risk: 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.
2011 BMW 535i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,450
- 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.
2011 compared with other 535i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 BMW 535i reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 535i has the highest complaint index (100) among all 10 model years with data, earning an Avoid verdict. It logged 112 complaints, 6 fires, and 5 crashes.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2011 BMW 535i?
- Engine issues are the top complaint area, with 46 complaints (41% of the total) and a median failure mileage of 78,000 for the model year overall, and 86,009 miles specifically for engine complaints.
- Does the 2011 BMW 535i have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2011 535i, covering the transmission/driveshaft, airbags, fuel system, and engine VANOS bolts. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- Which BMW 535i model years are better than 2011?
- NHTSA data shows 2015 and 2016 rank as Best years with complaint indexes of 22 and 11, and 2013 and 2014 rank Good with indexes of 33 and 44, all far below the 2011 index of 100.
- How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 BMW 535i?
- EPA rates the 2011 535i at 23 mpg combined (20 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,450.