Consumer had replaced most of engine cooling system parts. Each time that takes vehicle to dealer they will replace a part, and presently, vehicle needs to be fixed again.
The worst 1991 BMW 535I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine2
- Airbags1
- Electrical1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine2
- Airbags1
- Electrical1
- Transmission1
Recalls 3
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
- 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
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- The air bag contact ring locking tab located in the steering wheel assembly can break without warning.
- Risk
- If this happens, the contact ring wiring could eventually break. The air bag readiness indicator lamp (SRS or airbag) in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the air bag would not deploy in the event of a frontal impact vehicle collision.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the locking tab with one of a different design.
Recall number 96V110000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- 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
Technical service bulletins for the 1991 BMW 535I 3
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1991 BMW 535I fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14-15 | 20-21 | 16 |
What 1991 BMW 535I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Faulty ignition switch caused the starter to burn up, resulting in the vehicle loosing all power while driving on the highway. Nlm
While driving about 55 MPH vehicle stalled without prior warning. Consumer had taken vehicle to dealer a few times for the same problem. But problem is still there.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Airbag warning light came on because of a wire burning out. Dealer says it needed to be replaced. Shortly after wire was replaced, the warning light came back on. Dealer said it was the contact ring locking tab.
Compare the 1991 BMW 535I
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Questions about the 1991 BMW 535I
Is the 1991 BMW 535I reliable?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 1991 BMW 535I, fewer than a typical 535I model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 BMW 535I?
Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is airbags (1).
How many recalls does the 1991 BMW 535I have?
3 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, air bags and exterior lighting.
Was there a recall on the 1991 BMW 535I engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V178000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW 535I have bad engine?
The BMW 535I model years with the most engine complaints are 2011 (41 complaints), 2009 (28 complaints) and 2008 (27 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1991 BMW 535I get?
Official estimates for the 1991 BMW 535I range from 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.4L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14-15 city and 20-21 highway.
VIN decoder
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