MYRModel Year Report

1990 BMW 535I

○ Not enough data
1990 BMW 535I
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:45:48.613Z

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 535I Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1990 highlighted. 1985: 0 complaints 1985 1986: 1 complaints 1987: 0 complaints 1988: 1 complaints 1988 1989: 6 complaints 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 5 complaints 1991 1992: 3 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 0 complaints 2008: 74 complaints 2009: 71 complaints 2009 2010: 58 complaints 2011: 112 complaints 2012: 54 complaints 2012 2013: 38 complaints 2014: 30 complaints 2015: 23 complaints 2015 2016: 12 complaints 2017: 0 complaints 2017
1990: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19850
19861
19870
19881
19896
19902
19915
19923
19930
19942
19950
200874
200971
201058
2011112
201254
201338
201430
201523
201612
20170

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 2 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

THERE WAS A RECALL IN 1997 OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE SIMILAR, BMW 525I. NHTSA # 97V131000 CONCERNING RADIATOR CAP. ALSO, SUUDEN ACCELERATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20000106

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 2 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

THERE WAS A RECALL IN 1997 OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE SIMILAR, BMW 525I. NHTSA # 97V131000 CONCERNING RADIATOR CAP. ALSO, SUUDEN ACCELERATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20000106

AIR BAGS

1 of 2 total reports mentions: air bags.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 3 MPH STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE, AND DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20000531

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19960930 — exterior lighting

THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.

Campaign 96V111000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19990331 — engine and engine cooling

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERAT

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.

Campaign 98V178000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1990 BMW 535I — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 96V111000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 98V178000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2014 ▲ 2013 ● 2012

WORST YEARS

■ 2011 ◆ 2008 ● 2009

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1990 BMW 535I reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1990 BMW 535I?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 BMW 535I have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.