2009 BMW 535I
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
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
34% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 24 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE CAR SHUTS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN IT'S BEING USED BECAUSE OF THE FUEL PUMP. I THINK IT'S UNFAIR THAT THE 2008 MODELS GOT RECALLS UP TO 10 YRS AND 120,000 MILES. I FEEL LIKE THE 2009 BMW XI WAS MISSING FROM THIS RECALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180530
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WHEN I TRIED TO SWITCH LANES, THE CAR JUST MADE A BIG FUMBLE AND ALMOST STALLED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150422
MY 2009 BMW 535I XDRIVE HAS BEEN OWNED BY ME FOR 6 YEARS. IT HAS LESS THAN 90,000 MILES ON IT. SINCE I BECAME OWNER, IT HAD 2 FUEL PUMP FAILURES, ONE WATER PUMP FAILURE, AND NOW FUEL INJECTOR FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171030
30% of complaints: engine — 21 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN RECALL FOR THE E60 BMW 535I NEEDS TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY! THE CAR WILL BLOW UP. BMW NEEDS THIS PROBLEM EXPLICITLY TAKEN OFF THE STREET. YOU DONT EXPECT THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE TO EXPLODE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180326
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated violently with a message displayed to, "Check Engine â Engine Power Reducedâ. The check engine warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231201
18% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 13 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
2009 BMW 535I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE MALFUNCTION THAT CAUSED VEHICLE FIRE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TOWED, WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO UNUSUAL SERVICE HISTORY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130416
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the tailli
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Campaign 13V407000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 BMW 535I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V407000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 BMW 535I reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 BMW 535I is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 BMW 535I?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW 535I have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.