2012 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
- 54
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Fuel/propulsion system
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
22% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 54 complaints
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 | 39 |
| 2014 | 30 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Fuel/propulsion system
22% · 12 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Car stalled suddenly while in motion on a city street near a parking lot. Unable to restart blocking the roadway. Transmission locked in park mode and override to neutral gear was not available. Waited for tow truck while cars were blocked off.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-09
Engine
20% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Confirmed by a Certified BMW repair center. Failure of Vanos Camshaft Gear Bolts. Recall has been issued for all 5 series models (and beyond) up to 2011, but does not include 2012 (5 series,) as it should.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-30
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 BMW 535I. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-21
Power train
19% · 10 reportsElectrical system
17% · 9 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The car was parked overnight. In the morning around dusk , it spontaneously caught fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-03-22
Air bags
15% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification.
Show complaint excerpts
The seat mat sensor (Airbag) has failed on my vehicle. The item is a known problem and has been recalled on several other years, however it has not been recalled on the 2012 yet.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-27
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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.
-
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2012 BMW 535I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel/propulsion system: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V746000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 BMW 535I reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 BMW 535I is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW 535I?
- The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 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.