Tire Size 245-40-19 - Car 2015 BMW 535 x-drive During a trip from [XXX] to [XXX] the the Continental ProContact SSR MOE tires on both the drivers and passinger side front developed sidewall bubbles. The tires had less than 3500 miles on them. The tires were purchase through the local BMW Dealer, A&L Motors, in Pennsylvania. I had a bubble develop on another Continental Pro Contact MOE a year ago but I wasn't worried about that due to the tire having over 35,000 miles. In XX years of car ownership I have never had an issue with a tire bubbling other than this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2015 BMW 535I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical7
- Engine6
- Airbags3
- Lights3
- Steering3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical7
- Engine6
- Airbags3
- Lights3
- Steering3
- Suspension3
- Body2
- Driver assistance2
- Fuel system1
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
- Tires1
- Wheels1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22005
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
EA21002
Technical service bulletins for the 2015 BMW 535I 268
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- Engine will crank but not start
- Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle
- Diesel fuel injectors: ltd wty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
- The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warning light comes on while driving
- After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes...
- With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide...
- For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the...
- According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle...
2015 BMW 535I crash test ratings
Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 535 I 4 DR RWD | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| BMW 535 I GT 5 HB RWD | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| BMW 535 I Xdrive 4 DR AWD | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| BMW 535 I Xdrive GT 5 HB AWD | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
2015 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 20 | 30 | 24 |
What 2015 BMW 535I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the engine overheated. The engine temperature gauge was between 250 and 300 degrees. The contact linked the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with a water pump connector failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, a steering wheel image was displayed on the instrument panel. The computer then informed the contact to carefully drive the vehicle to a dealer for service. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the electrical steering rack system was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: The adaptive headlight system on my 2015 BMW 535i XDrive sedan has malfunctioned due to water intrusion. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer: The malfunctioning adaptive headlights have put my safety and the safety of others at risk because they fail to provide adequate illumination while driving at night. This compromised visibility can lead to an increased risk of accidents, especially on poorly lit roads and during adverse weather conditions. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer: Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center. They identified water intrusion as the cause of the adaptive headlight malfunction. Reported to BMWUSA with supporting documents/photographs 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Answer: The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Only the independent service center has inspected the adaptive headlight system. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer: Yes, there were warning lamps and messages indicating a headlight malfunction prior to the failure. The warning messages first appeared approximately two weeks before (01/15/2025) the headlights completely failed.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds or while the vehicle was parked, the message “Engine Coolant Level Low" and "Top off Soon as Possible - See Owner’s Manual” were displayed. Additionally, the message “Possible Engine Damages - Attention Scudding Hazard" was displayed. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the engine. The contact stated that coolant was added approximately every two days. Additionally, there was an abnormal burning coming from the engine, with an abnormal odor coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was leaking coolant. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 121,397.
Water pump electrical plug not properly protected from water causing short circuit and possible fire hazard. Smell wires burning at water pump plug. It’s a known issue and actual recall on other bmw models.
Seatbelt light on, restraint System warning indicator on.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed, with a message to “Drive Moderately” displayed as well. The driver started to slow down and the message to turn off the engine was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle four times and waited 15 to 20 minutes. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result of the diagnostic test was not provided. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to a local Midas where it was diagnosed that the water pump was exposed to water and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
The car that I just bought has a problem with the axle and is causing the car to pull to the right.
Compare the 2015 BMW 535I
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Questions about the 2015 BMW 535I
Is the 2015 BMW 535I reliable?
Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 2015 BMW 535I, fewer than a typical 535I model year.
What is the 2015 BMW 535I year score?
The 2015 BMW 535I scores 88 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 535I: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 BMW 535I?
Electrical system, with 7 complaints. Next is engine (6).
How many recalls does the 2015 BMW 535I have?
No recalls on record.
Is the 2015 BMW 535I safe in a crash?
In government crash tests the 2015 BMW 535I scored 5 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (4 versions tested).
What year does the BMW 535I have the most electrical problems?
The BMW 535I model years with the most electrical complaints are 2011 (17 complaints), 2008 (15 complaints) and 2013 (13 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2015 BMW 535I get?
Official estimates for the 2015 BMW 535I range from 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 20 city and 30 highway.
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