2012 BMW 535i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2012 BMW 535i has a complaint index of 56 and ranks 5th worst out of 10 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 54 complaints, 1 recall, and 2 reported fires, with engine and fuel system issues topping owner reports.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 56/100
- #5 of 10 535i years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 54
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2012 BMW 535i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the steering pulling to the right even after multiple alignments, with dealers unable to duplicate or fix the problem.
- Some vehicles caught fire while parked and unattended overnight.
- Drivers describe a delay of about half a second between pressing the accelerator and the turbo engine responding, causing near-collisions.
- Brake components reportedly corroded after weeks of inactivity, and some owners felt strong shaking through the brake pedal at highway speeds.
- Electrical system complaints include stalling during auto start/stop restarts and a steering wheel locking up while turning.
- Run-flat tires reportedly developed sidewall bubbles and blew out on the highway, sometimes after hitting potholes.
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 data gives the 2012 535i a complaint index of 56, ranking 5th worst among the 10 model years with data, and a Caution verdict relative to other 535i years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW 535i?
- Engine and fuel system issues each account for 28% of complaints, followed by electrical system problems at 24% and transmission/powertrain issues at 19%.
- Does the 2012 BMW 535i have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 535i, covering the fuel system and fuel pump module replacement, with no do-not-drive recalls.
- Which BMW 535i model years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2009, 2010, and 2011 carry Avoid verdicts with complaint indexes of 89, 78, and 100, worse than the 2012's index of 56.
- At what mileage do 2012 BMW 535i problems typically occur?
- Median mileage at failure across all complaints is 68,267 miles, though engine failures show a median of 109,000 miles and fuel system failures 93,500 miles.