BMW 535I years to avoid
More than twice the 535I's typical complaint count for a model year.
Best BMW 535I years
Fewest owner complaints among the last 20 model years, counting only those with at least four years on the road.
BMW 535I complaints by model year
Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.
Most common BMW 535I problems
All model years combined.
- Engine160
- Fuel system146
- Electrical80
- Airbags46
- Transmission45
- Lights43
- Acceleration21
- Seat belts19
- Tires15
- Steering15
- Wheels13
- Visibility13
Most reported problems on the BMW 535I
BMW 535I problems year by year
Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.
| Year | Score | Complaints | Top problem | Typical mileage | Recalls | Crashes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 92 | 12 | Airbags | 2 | 0 | Fewest complaints | |
| 2015 | 88 | 23 | Electrical | 59,160 | 0 | 1 | Fewest complaints |
| 2014 | 79 | 30 | Engine | 36,000 | 2 | 5 | Fewest complaints |
| 2013 | 81 | 39 | Electrical | 55,000 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 75 | 54 | Fuel system | 70,000 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 44 | 112 | Engine | 78,000 | 4 | 5 | Avoid |
| 2010 | 71 | 58 | Fuel system | 58,000 | 1 | 3 | |
| 2009 | 65 | 72 | Fuel system | 80,000 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2008 | 64 | 74 | Engine | 67,000 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1994 | - | 2 | Acceleration | 1 | 1 | ||
| 1992 | - | 3 | Engine | 3 | 1 | ||
| 1991 | - | 5 | Engine | 3 | 0 | ||
| 1990 | - | 2 | Acceleration | 2 | 2 |
Recalls 12
Questions about the BMW 535I
What years of the BMW 535I should you avoid?
2011. It has more than twice the BMW 535I's typical number of owner complaints for a model year; 2011 alone has 112, mostly about engine and fuel system.
What is the best year for a used BMW 535I?
2016, 2015 and 2014 have the fewest owner complaints among model years that have been on the road for at least four years (12, 23 and 30).
What is the most common problem with the BMW 535I?
Engine, with 160 complaints across all years, followed by fuel system (146) and electrical (80).
How many recalls does the BMW 535I have?
12 recalls between 1990 and 2016. The 2011 model year has the most, with 4.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used BMW 535I?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history