MYRModel Year Report

2013 BMW 535I

▲ Better than typical
2013 BMW 535I
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:21:31.807Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 535I Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2013 highlighted. 1985: 0 complaints 1985 1986: 1 complaints 1987: 0 complaints 1988: 1 complaints 1988 1989: 6 complaints 1990: 2 complaints 1991: 5 complaints 1991 1992: 3 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 0 complaints 2008: 74 complaints 2009: 71 complaints 2009 2010: 58 complaints 2011: 112 complaints 2012: 54 complaints 2012 2013: 38 complaints 2013 2014: 30 complaints 2015: 23 complaints 2015 2016: 12 complaints 2017: 0 complaints 2017
2013: 38 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19850
19861
19870
19881
19896
19902
19915
19923
19930
19942
19950
200874
200971
201058
2011112
201254
201338
201430
201523
201612
20170

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 34%

34% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20251119

Back passenger door handle started smoking.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240203

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, 20140426

ENGINE 24%

24% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
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, 20251119

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 21%

21% of complaints: exterior lighting — 8 distinct reports on file.

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, 20180430

AIR BAGS 13%

13% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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, 20140426

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, 20180507

SUSPENSION 8%

8% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.

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, 20180511

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20170727 — exterior lighting

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.

Campaign 15V188000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20230127 — DP (closed 20230807)

Pedestrian alert sounds

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2013 BMW 535I — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 15V188000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2014 ● 2012 ● 2010

WORST YEARS

■ 2011 ◆ 2008 ● 2009

See all years ranked →

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 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 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.