How common are fuel system problems on the 2011 BMW 535i?

NHTSA lists 35 Fuel System complaints for the 2011 535i, which is 31% of the 112 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2011 BMW 535i fuel system?

Yes. Recall 16V746000, reported in 2016, covers replacement of the fuel pump module. BMW dealers perform the repair free of charge.

At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 78,000 miles.

Did the fuel pump recall involve immediate danger?

NHTSA's recall record does not flag it as a do-not-drive or park-outside recall, though some owner complaints describe stalling and fuel leaking while driving or fueling.

Did owners have trouble getting the recall fixed?

Several complaints describe parts being unavailable for the fuel pump recall repair, with owners reporting they exceeded a reasonable amount of time waiting for the fix.

2011 BMW 535i Fuel System Problems

Fuel System complaints make up 35 of 112 total complaints (31%) for the 2011 BMW 535i, with a median failure mileage of 78,000. A related recall, 16V746000, covers fuel pump module replacement.

Fuel System complaints: 35; 31% of 112
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 78,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loss of engine power and complete stalling while driving at highway speeds, sometimes requiring the car to coast to the shoulder.
Several complaints describe engine stalling at a stop or traffic light followed by inability to restart, in some cases needing a tow.
Fuel pouring out from underneath the car while fueling was reported, with a dealer finding a hole in the fuel pump and melted wiring harness.
Multiple owners describe high and low pressure fuel sensors/pumps failing or causing extended cranking before the vehicle would start.
A recurring complaint pattern involves owners being notified of recall 16V746000 for the fuel system but told that replacement parts were unavailable for extended periods.
Drivetrain malfunction warnings paired with a sudden loss of acceleration were reported during highway driving.

When 2011 BMW 535i fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 12, 2015, latest Mar 28, 2025.

35 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2015 to Mar 2025; peak May 2017 (3).

Fuel System recalls for the 2011 BMW 535i

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.

Fuel System complaints by 535i model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201034 (59%)
201135 (31%)
201215 (28%)
20133 (8%)
20141 (3%)
20151 (4%)
20160 (0%)
20170 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are fuel system problems on the 2011 BMW 535i?: NHTSA lists 35 Fuel System complaints for the 2011 535i, which is 31% of the 112 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 BMW 535i fuel system?: Yes. Recall 16V746000, reported in 2016, covers replacement of the fuel pump module. BMW dealers perform the repair free of charge.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 78,000 miles.
Did the fuel pump recall involve immediate danger?: NHTSA's recall record does not flag it as a do-not-drive or park-outside recall, though some owner complaints describe stalling and fuel leaking while driving or fueling.
Did owners have trouble getting the recall fixed?: Several complaints describe parts being unavailable for the fuel pump recall repair, with owners reporting they exceeded a reasonable amount of time waiting for the fix.