2013 BMW 535i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2013 BMW 535i has 38 complaints and a complaint index of 33, ranking 7th of 10 model years and earning a Good verdict. Electrical System issues make up 47% of complaints, but this year fares better than most other 535i years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 33/100
- #7 of 10 535i years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 38
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 20 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2013 BMW 535i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System18 (47%)
- Engine11 (29%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (16%)
- Airbags5 (13%)
- Other4 (11%)
- Fuel System3 (8%)
- Structure & Body3 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (5%)
- Seat Belts1 (3%)
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 engine losing power on the freeway with the check engine light and drivetrain malfunction warnings while the car shakes and sputters.
- Some describe the engine stalling suddenly at low speeds, including one case where steering also failed while braking downhill.
- One owner reported an engine fire that started spontaneously while the car was parked and turned off.
- Suspension complaints describe tire sidewalls bubbling with no impact damage, sometimes requiring replacement at low mileage.
- One owner reported the panoramic sunroof glass shattering outward while driving, scattering glass across the interior and trunk area.
2013 BMW 535i recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 15V188000Mar 31, 2015Electrical System13,443 vehicles
Exterior lighting
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2013 BMW 535i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,300
- 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.
2013 compared with other 535i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 BMW 535i reliable?
- NHTSA lists 38 complaints for the 2013 535i with a complaint index of 33, which ranks 7th out of 10 model years and earns a Good verdict relative to other 535i years.
- What problems does the 2013 BMW 535i have?
- The top problem area is the Electrical System at 47% of complaints, followed by Engine issues at 29% and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 16%, with a median mileage at failure of 47,750 for the year overall.
- Does the 2013 BMW 535i have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 15V188000, for rear reflex reflectors that may not reflect enough light. This is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2013 535i compare to other years?
- The 2013 has a complaint index of 33, better than 2008 through 2012, but worse than 2014 (44... wait, 2014 is higher), 2015 (22), and 2016 (11), which rank Good or Best.