Is the 2011 BMW 535XI reliable?

The 2011 has the highest complaint index (100) and complaint count (35) of any year covered, with Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues making up 43% of those complaints at a median mileage of just 5,967.

What is the most common problem area for the BMW 535XI?

Across all model years, Suspension, Wheels & Tires is the top problem area, accounting for 27 of 72 total complaints (38%), followed by Fuel System at 19%.

Does the BMW 535XI have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign across the 2010-2014 535XI, with individual recall counts of 1 shown for both 2013 and 2014.

Which BMW 535XI year has the fewest reported problems?

The 2014 model shows 0 complaints and a complaint index of 0, while 2013 has 4 complaints and an index of 25, the lowest among years with reported data.

BMW 535XI Best and Worst Years (2010–2014)

The 2010 and 2011 BMW 535XI are the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 75 and 100 versus a low of 25 in 2013. The 2012 model is a caution year with an index of 50; no year in this range is rated Best.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2011

Model years: 5; 2010–2014
NHTSA complaints: 72
Recall campaigns: 1
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Suspension, Wheels & Tires

535XI Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

BMW 535XI problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	75	15	0	2	0	Fuel System	—	—
2011	Avoid	100	35	0	0	0	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	—	—
2012	Caution	50	18	0	0	0	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	—	—
2013	No verdict	25	4	1	0	1	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	—	—
2014	No verdict	0	0	0	0	1	—	—	—

535XI years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 BMW 535XI Index 100 · 35 complaints · 0 recalls

NHTSA lists 35 complaints for the 2011 535XI, the highest volume in the lineup, with a complaint index of 100, the worst of any year covered. Suspension, Wheels & Tires problems dominate at 43% of complaints, with a low median mileage of 5,967, centered on run-flat tire blowouts and sidewall bubbling. Engine complaints (20%, median mileage 82,000) and Transmission & Powertrain complaints (20%, median mileage 44,000) include reports of acceleration lag and a drivetrain warning that cut power to 30 mph. Two injuries were reported.

2011 suspension, wheels & tires problems →

2010 BMW 535XI Index 75 · 15 complaints · 0 recalls

NHTSA lists 15 complaints for the 2010 535XI, with a complaint index of 75. Fuel System issues make up 47% of complaints, at a median mileage of 51,700, including reports of stalling at speed traced to high-pressure fuel pump or fuel sensor failures. Electrical System complaints account for 33%, with median mileage of 60,000, including a blower motor short that produced smoke through the vents. Two fires were reported for this model year.

Most common BMW 535XI problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires27 (38%)
Fuel System14 (19%)
Engine12 (17%)
Transmission & Powertrain10 (14%)
Electrical System7 (10%)
Structure & Body5 (7%)
Airbags4 (6%)
Other4 (6%)
Brakes3 (4%)
Steering2 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What BMW 535XI years should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, 2010 and 2011 are the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 75 and 100. The 2012 model is a caution year at an index of 50.
Is the 2011 BMW 535XI reliable?: The 2011 has the highest complaint index (100) and complaint count (35) of any year covered, with Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues making up 43% of those complaints at a median mileage of just 5,967.
What is the most common problem area for the BMW 535XI?: Across all model years, Suspension, Wheels & Tires is the top problem area, accounting for 27 of 72 total complaints (38%), followed by Fuel System at 19%.
Does the BMW 535XI have any recalls?: NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign across the 2010-2014 535XI, with individual recall counts of 1 shown for both 2013 and 2014.
Which BMW 535XI year has the fewest reported problems?: The 2014 model shows 0 complaints and a complaint index of 0, while 2013 has 4 complaints and an index of 25, the lowest among years with reported data.