MYRModel Year Report

2011 BMW 535I

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2011 BMW 535I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:36:38.659Z

This year had more than double the complaints 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
112
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2011

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine

33% 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 1995 2008: 74 complaints 2009: 71 complaints 2010: 58 complaints 2011: 112 complaints 2011 112 2012: 54 complaints 2013: 39 complaints 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 2008 2009: 71 complaints 2010: 58 complaints 2011: 112 complaints 2011 112 2012: 54 complaints 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 2010: 58 complaints 2010 2011: 112 complaints 2011 112 2012: 54 complaints 2012 2013: 39 complaints 2013 2014: 30 complaints 2014 2015: 23 complaints 2015 2016: 12 complaints 2016 2017: 0 complaints 2017

2011: 112 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.

Engine

33% · 37 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle was parked at my work and the engine caught fire in the parking lot. BMW of san antonio says oil leaked from the valve cover to the exhaust manifold. Problem is, exhaust manifold is far passenger side. Fire was top rear of the motor.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-24

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 535I. While the contact's vehicle was being serviced, the independent mechanic discovered that the engine's plastic oil filter housing was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-12

Fuel/propulsion system

30% · 34 reports

Power train

15% · 17 reports

Electrical system

15% · 17 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY

Wheels

6% · 7 reports
Show complaint excerpts

While driving my 2011 BMW 535I on the interstate, on a construction zone, at 11:00 pm, I hit a pot hole with my front driver side tire. Almost immediately noticed front end vibration.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-01

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2011Complaint volume 112 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2014-09-24Engine and engine cooling14V176000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i...

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2016-12-16Air bags16V832000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2017-02-08Fuel system, gasoline16V746000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive...

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2017-04-21Power train17V067000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran...

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 BMW 535I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 37 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 34 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 14V176000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 16V832000 · Air bags
  • Recall 16V746000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 17V067000 · Power train
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years1 year

FAQ

Is the 2011 BMW 535I reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 BMW 535I is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 535I?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 535I have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.