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1992 BMW 535I problems

The most common problem on the 1992 BMW 535I is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical 535I model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
3
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
16-17mpg

The worst 1992 BMW 535I problems

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

  • Engine
    2
  • Airbags
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    2
  • Airbags
    1

Recalls 3

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

Air bags: frontalReported July 1, 1996 · 75,000 vehicles affected
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: 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 3 recalls for the 1992 BMW 535I

Technical service bulletins for the 1992 BMW 535I 3

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

1992 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‑cylRWD14-1520-2216-17

What 1992 BMW 535I owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 7, 2001 · Airbags · TX · crash · 1 injury

Consumer was involved in an accident where the front of her vehicle smashed into the right rear of another vehicle, consumers air bag deployed, causing a deep laceration to her arm, and severe discoloration to her forearm, consumer continues to undergo treatment and believes that the design of the air bag and its subsequent deployment was the cause of her injuries.

Filed Apr 12, 2000 · Engine · NJ

Bmw acknowledged defect in radiator cap on this specific vehicle saying it can cause excessive pressure to build up in system, but will not repair problems that it causes from the defective part.

Filed Sep 21, 1999 · Engine · RI

Vehicle experienced recall component failure prior to notice resulting in extensive engine cooling system repairs (98v‑178). Mjs

Compare the 1992 BMW 535I

Other model years

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Questions about the 1992 BMW 535I

Is the 1992 BMW 535I reliable?

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1992 BMW 535I, fewer than a typical 535I model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1992 BMW 535I?

Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is airbags (1).

How many recalls does the 1992 BMW 535I have?

3 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, air bags and exterior lighting.

Was there a recall on the 1992 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 1992 BMW 535I get?

Official estimates for the 1992 BMW 535I range from 16 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.4L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14-15 city and 20-22 highway.

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