2010 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
33% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I was told by BMW that the high pressure fuel pump for these vehicles are under warranty for 100,000 miles or 10 years. I just purchased the vehicle to not only drive from new jersey to New York and shut down.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220615
Consistent fuel pump error code 2AAF
NHTSA ODI report, 20250228
21% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 12 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
FUEL PUMP ON BMW 535I-2010 HAS FAILED TWICE IN 60 DAYS ON LOW MILEAGE CAR. SAFETY ISSUE OCCURS BECAUSE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOSES POWER WITH NO WARNING. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WE WERE IN A SHOPPING CENTER GARAGE SO WE WERE GOING SLOWLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100303
RECURRENT SUDDEN STALLING OF VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES, LEADING TO LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, ON A BRAND NEW BMW 535 XDRIVE WITH 3000 MILES. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED BY CHANGING THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, BY THE BMW DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100219
19% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE VALVE COVERS CRACKED, LEADING TO ACCUMULATED OIL LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171107
10% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was told by BMW that the high pressure fuel pump for these vehicles are under warranty for 100,000 miles or 10 years. I just purchased the vehicle to not only drive from new jersey to New York and shut down.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220615
WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THIS CAR, I EXPERIENCED A SERIES OF FAULTS IN THE SYSTEM WHERE THE CAR FROZE UP AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120904
I EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF MY PDC(PARKING DISTANCE CONTROL) SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE AND I SCRAPED A WOODEN POLE AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100429
7% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.
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
2010 BMW 535I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (11 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 2010 BMW 535I reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 BMW 535I is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW 535I?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 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.