2012 BMW 535i Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
71/100
#3 most-complained of 8 535i years
The 2012 BMW 535i has 54 complaints and a Complaint Index of 71, ranking 3rd worst of 8 model years with a "Caution" verdict. Top problem areas are Engine and Fuel System, each 28% of complaints, with one recall on file.
- Complaints
- 54
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 29 hwy
Top 2012 BMW 535i problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine15 (28%)
- Fuel System15 (28%)
- Electrical System13 (24%)
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (19%)
- Airbags6 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (11%)
- Brakes4 (7%)
- Steering4 (7%)
- Seat Belts3 (6%)
- Structure & Body3 (6%)
What owners report
- Owners describe the steering pulling to the right side even after repeated alignments and dealer visits.
- Some report the vehicle randomly catching fire while parked overnight with no prior warning.
- Drivers note a delay of about half a second between pressing the accelerator and the car responding, followed by a strong surge.
- Several owners experienced run-flat tires blowing out or developing sidewall bubbles after hitting potholes.
- Brake systems reportedly corroded after weeks of inactivity, and some owners felt heavy shaking in the brakes at highway speeds.
- Electrical issues included stalling during auto start/stop and a steering wheel that locked up while turning.
2012 BMW 535i recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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.
2012 BMW 535i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 29 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.
2012 compared with other 535i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 BMW 535i reliable?
- NHTSA lists 54 complaints for the 2012 535i, giving it a Complaint Index of 71 and a "Caution" verdict relative to other 535i model years.
- How does the 2012 535i compare to other 535i years?
- It ranks 3rd worst out of 8 model years tracked. The 2011 (Complaint Index 100) and 2010 (86) rank worse, while 2016 (14) and 2015 (29) rank much better.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW 535i?
- Engine and Fuel System issues each make up 28% of complaints, followed by Electrical System at 24% and Transmission & Powertrain at 19%.
- Does the 2012 BMW 535i have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 535i, covering the Fuel System, where BMW replaces the fuel pump module free of charge.
- Were there any fires reported for the 2012 535i?
- NHTSA complaint data shows 2 fires reported for the 2012 535i, though no crashes, injuries, or deaths were recorded.