1991 BMW 535I
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 5 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 2008 | 74 |
| 2009 | 71 |
| 2010 | 58 |
| 2011 | 112 |
| 2012 | 54 |
| 2013 | 38 |
| 2014 | 30 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000115
1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER A FEW TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. BUT PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000426
1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON BECAUSE OF A WIRE BURNING OUT. DEALER SAYS IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHORTLY AFTER WIRE WAS REPLACED, THE WARNING LIGHT CAME BACK ON. DEALER SAID IT WAS THE CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990817
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOCKING TAB WITH ONE OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN.
Campaign 96V110000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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
1991 BMW 535I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train 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 engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V110000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V111000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V178000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 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 1991 BMW 535I?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 BMW 535I have?
3 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.