MYRModel Year Report

2009 BMW 535I

● Typical for this model
2009 BMW 535I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:49:34.244Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
71
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2009

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Fuel/propulsion system

34% of complaints

Complaints per year

1986: 1 complaint 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1988: 1 complaint 1989: 6 complaints 1989 1990: 2 complaints 1991: 5 complaints 1992: 3 complaints 1992 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 2 complaints 1995: 0 complaints 2008: 74 complaints 2009: 71 complaints 2009 71 2010: 58 complaints 2011: 112 complaints 2012: 54 complaints 2013: 39 complaints 2013 2014: 30 complaints 2015: 23 complaints 2016: 12 complaints 2016 2017: 0 complaints
1986: 1 complaint 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1988: 1 complaint 1988 1989: 6 complaints 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 5 complaints 1992: 3 complaints 1992 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 0 complaints 2008: 74 complaints 2009: 71 complaints 2009 71 2010: 58 complaints 2011: 112 complaints 2012: 54 complaints 2012 2013: 39 complaints 2014: 30 complaints 2014 2015: 23 complaints 2016: 12 complaints 2016 2017: 0 complaints
1986: 1 complaint 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 1 complaint 1988 1989: 6 complaints 1989 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 5 complaints 1991 1992: 3 complaints 1992 1993: 0 complaints 1993 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 0 complaints 1995 2008: 74 complaints 2008 2009: 71 complaints 2009 71 2010: 58 complaints 2010 2011: 112 complaints 2011 2012: 54 complaints 2012 2013: 39 complaints 2013 2014: 30 complaints 2014 2015: 23 complaints 2015 2016: 12 complaints 2016 2017: 0 complaints 2017

2009: 71 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19850
19861
19870
19881
19896
19902
19915
19923
19930
19942
19950
200874
200971
201058
2011112
201254
201339
201430
201523
201612
20170

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Fuel/propulsion system

34% · 24 reports
CRASH
Show 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, 2018-05-30

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, 2015-04-22

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, 2017-10-30

Engine

30% · 21 reports
FIREINJURY
Show 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, 2018-03-26

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 – Engine Power Reduced”. The check engine warning light was illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-01

Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline

Fuel system, gasoline

24% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump.

FIRE
Show 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, 2013-04-16

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

2009 BMW 535I: while accelerating, a sudden near-stall/loss of power occurred while attempting to enter into an intersection, nearly causing an accident. A warning was alerted through the idrive system ("Engine malfunction - reduced power").

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-09-18

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Engine and engine cooling

10% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing engine.

FIRE

Power train

8% · 6 reports

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2014-01-02Exterior lighting13V407000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 BMW 535I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Fuel/propulsion system: 24 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 21 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V407000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.