MYRModel Year Report

2013 BMW 535I

▲ Better than typical
2013 BMW 535I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:41:16.206Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
39
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2013

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

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 2010 2011: 112 complaints 2012: 54 complaints 2013: 39 complaints 2013 39 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 2010 2011: 112 complaints 2012: 54 complaints 2013: 39 complaints 2013 39 2014: 30 complaints 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 2012: 54 complaints 2012 2013: 39 complaints 2013 39 2014: 30 complaints 2014 2015: 23 complaints 2015 2016: 12 complaints 2016 2017: 0 complaints 2017

2013: 39 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.

Electrical system

33% · 13 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My 2013 BMW 535i (VIN [XXX] ) caught fire spontaneously while parked, turned off, and unoccupied on 11/18/2025 in Westbury, NY. A passerby saw smoke and called 911. Nassau County Police and the Westbury Fire Department responded.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-11-19

Also filed under Engine

Back passenger door handle started smoking.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-03

Driving new 2013 535I (Heavily equipped) about 50 MPH in 55 MPH zone on a clear evening w/low traffic. Suddenly and without warning BMW collided into rear-end of illegally parked vehicle lacking any warning lights or flares.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-26

Also filed under Air bags and equipment adaptive/mobility

Engine

26% · 10 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

UKNOWN EXACT PROBLEM. 2013 BMW 535i with the same N55 motor with the [XXX] recall. Similar symptoms: Drivetrain malfunction and "camshaft stuck" code with loud metallic clanking in upper front of engine bay.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-12

Exterior lighting

21% · 8 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Earlier this year, water was noticed in the front left headlight. Dealer notified me that a seal was broken and the unit needed to be replaced ($2500+). 2 weeks later, the front right headlight did the exact same thing. Vehicle is approx.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-30

Air bags

13% · 5 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 BMW 535I. While driving 45 MPH, the contact noticed that the air bag warning indicator was illuminated, which was a safety concern. The air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-07

Suspension

8% · 3 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Air suspension. Car leaned left after sitting, but the air spring pumped up on vehicle start-up. Car was taken to the dealer, who identified a leaking left rear air suspension spring.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-11

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2017-07-27Exterior lighting15V188000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds

Buy-smart checklist

2013 BMW 535I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 15V188000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 BMW 535I reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 BMW 535I is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW 535I?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 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.