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 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
22% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 12 distinct reports on file.
Show 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, 20180709
20% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.
Show 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, 20240130
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, 20180821
19% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.
17% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
The car was parked overnight. In the morning around dusk , it spontaneously caught fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250322
9% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 BMW 535I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V746000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.