2011 BMW 535I
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.
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: engine — 37 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20200924
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, 20180212
30% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 34 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY6% of complaints: wheels — 7 distinct reports on file.
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, 20130401
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 14V176000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V832000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V746000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V067000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 BMW 535I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V176000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V832000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V746000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V067000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.