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1990 BMW 535I problems

The most common problem on the 1990 BMW 535I is acceleration and speed control. It has fewer complaints than a typical 535I model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
3
Worst area
Acceleration
Fuel economy
16mpg

The worst 1990 BMW 535I problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Engine
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Engine
    1

Recalls 2

Engine and engine cooling: cooling systemReported August 4, 1998 · 340,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. If the indications of a critical overheating condition is not noticed by the driver, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.
Risk
If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.

Recall number 98V178000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported July 1, 1996 · 180,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "brake lights off" position or in the "brake lights on" position.
Risk
If this happens, the brake lights either will not operate or will be continuously on, regardless of brake pedal position. Following drivers would not be able to determine whether the vehicle is stopping, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the existing brake light switch with a newly designed switch.

Recall number 96V111000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1990 BMW 535I

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 BMW 535I 3

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1990 BMW 535I fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.4L 6‑cylRWD1420-2116

What 1990 BMW 535I owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 31, 2000 · Airbags · ID · crash · 1 injury

While driving about 3 MPH struck another vehicle on the passenger's side, and driver's air bag did not deploy.

Filed Jan 6, 2000 · Acceleration, Engine · DC · crash

There was a recall in 1997 of the same problem on the similar, bmw 525i. The federal safety agency # 97v131000 concerning radiator cap. Also, suuden acceleration.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1990 BMW 535I before you buy

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Questions about the 1990 BMW 535I

Is the 1990 BMW 535I reliable?

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1990 BMW 535I, fewer than a typical 535I model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 BMW 535I?

Acceleration and speed control, with 1 complaint. Next is airbags (1).

How many recalls does the 1990 BMW 535I have?

2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 1990 BMW 535I get?

Official estimates for the 1990 BMW 535I range from 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.4L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 20-21 highway.

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