2011 BMW 535i Engine Problems
Engine problems account for 46 of 112 complaints (41%) on the 2011 BMW 535i, the highest share of any model year for this component. NHTSA recall 14V176000 covers faulty VANOS bolts, and owners also report sudden stalling, oil leaks near the exhaust manifold, and unintended acceleration, with median failure mileage of 86,009.
- Engine complaints
- 46
- 41% of 112
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 86,009 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine stalls or dies suddenly while driving at low to moderate speeds, sometimes requiring multiple restarts.
- Oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold has led to engine fires, including one while the vehicle was parked.
- Owners report delays getting the VANOS bolt recall (14V176000) repaired due to parts unavailability at dealers.
- Sudden unintended acceleration reported, including one case where the accelerator pedal became stuck with no warning light.
- Faulty plastic oil filter housing linked to an engine failure warning message during driving.
- Rattling noises and misfiring cylinders tied to loose frame bolts, spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel pump, and fuel injectors needing replacement.
When 2011 BMW 535i engine complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 19, 2013, latest Apr 20, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2011 BMW 535i
- NHTSA 14V176000Apr 10, 2014Engine156,137 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine complaints by 535i model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems on the 2011 BMW 535i?
- Engine complaints make up 46 of 112 total complaints filed for this model year, or 41%, the highest share among the 2010-2016 535i years listed.
- Is there a recall for the 2011 BMW 535i engine?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 14V176000, reported April 10, 2014, covers replacement of the four VANOS housing bolts on both intake and exhaust VANOS units.
- At what mileage do 2011 535i engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on this model year is 86,009 miles.
- Have engine problems caused fires or crashes on the 2011 535i?
- NHTSA data lists 2 fires, 2 crashes, and 3 injuries tied to engine-related complaints on the 2011 BMW 535i.