2015 BMW 535i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2015 BMW 535i ranks as a Best year among 10 model years, with a complaint index of 22 and 23 complaints logged, no recalls, and no fires or deaths reported. Electrical system issues make up the largest share of complaints at 39%.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 22/100
- #8 of 10 535i years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 23
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 19.5 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2015 BMW 535i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System9 (39%)
- Engine6 (26%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (17%)
- Airbags3 (13%)
- Steering3 (13%)
- Structure & Body3 (13%)
- Other2 (9%)
- Brakes1 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (4%)
- Fuel System1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Door lock actuators fail so the door won't unlock from the exterior handle, requiring use of the center console unlock button.
- Headlights collect condensation and moisture buildup inside the lens, which owners say can eventually short out the electrical components.
- Rear differential bushings develop stress cracking, which can make the car feel unstable and affect handling.
- Steering knuckle and wheel bearing contact causes the vehicle to shudder and affects steering control.
- A rear tire can shift into the wheel well while the car is parked, making it unsafe to drive afterward.
- Airbag warning lights and passenger restraint airbag malfunction messages appear on the dash without a clear trigger.
2015 BMW 535i recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2015 BMW 535i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19.5 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 22.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,550
- 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.
2015 compared with other 535i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 BMW 535i reliable?
- Among 10 model years of the BMW 535i, 2015 has the second-lowest complaint index at 22 and earns a Best verdict, with 23 total complaints and no recalls.
- Does the 2015 BMW 535i have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2015 BMW 535i, compared to years like 2011 which had 4 recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 BMW 535i?
- Electrical system issues are the top complaint area at 39% of complaints, including door lock actuator failures and headlight moisture problems, followed by engine issues at 26%.
- How does the 2015 535i compare to other BMW 535i years?
- The 2015 ranks 8th worst out of the model years covered, with a complaint index of 22, well below the worst year, 2011, which scored 100.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2015 BMW 535i?
- EPA rates the 2015 BMW 535i at 22.5 mpg combined (19.5 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550.