UKNOWN EXACT PROBLEM. 2013 BMW 535i with the same N55 motor with the [XXX] recall. Similar symptoms: Drivetrain malfunction and "camshaft stuck" code with loud metallic clanking in upper front of engine bay. Incident happened at rough 5-10mph pulling out of a parking lot just at 160,000 miles. Oil spilling everywhere and car was losing power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
BMW 535I loss of power problems
54 of the 486 owner complaints about the BMW 535I describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2009 model year.
- owner complaints
- 54
- worst model year
- 2009
- typical mileage
- 71,892
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Fuel pump 25Stalling 12Check engine light 11Engine failure 4Overheating 3Won't start 2
What owners say
Been fixing an unknown issue due to fuel presure, loss of engine power and car gets extra hot but doesn’t over heat, I have fixed the issue more on 2 different occasions. I didn’t pass the smog text so that’s when I was told to check for any recalls, now the issues returned with same problems and probably won’t pass smog again. I have all recorded from all the years of maintenance and I’m very diligent on on time maintenance or if theirs is any kind of malfunction. I’m now addressing the situation to you as I believe that there’s something wrong that’s beyond my control. I’ve also encountered other people with same vehicle with similar issues.
Hello, I received a recall notice almost 6 months ago on my car and I have been in contact with BMW Corporate and they have been completely useless (This is my first BMW and it will be my last). I haven't been able to drive my car for almost 6 months due to the VANOS engine bolt recall. My car has been experiencing the symptoms of stalling, loss of power and it has gone into Safe mode. I have called McKenna BMW in Norwalk and was told not to drive the car because it isn't safe to do so. and by the Owner of Orange Motors who is a Specialty Shop for BMW owners. I have called BMW Corporate numerous times and sent multiple emails ( i can't even get a response to my emails) and cant get any assistance in getting my car fixed. I asked BMW for assistance in getting a rental car and they said that is the responsibility of the dealership and the dealership is telling me that I need to call BMW Corporate. I spoke to a woman named Jenny at BMW corporate about 2 - 3 weeks ago and she told me to call the dealership and explain what is going on with my car and request that a special case be opened so rush my parts needed to fix my car and I still can't get any help. I have called Sterling BMW & Crevier BMW and they made it very clear they do not have the parts to fix my car, I mentioned what BMW corporate told me and they acted like they had no clue what I was talking about. I told them that my car is dead in my garage as it has been sitting for about 6 months. I just keep getting passed around and all I am trying to do is get my car fixed so I can drive it. I have had a rental car for 6 months now because I can't drive my own car as it is unsafe. I would just like my car fixed please assist me in getting help from BMW because they keep brushing me off. Can I pay to have the car fixed and get reimbursed? This is their product/brand and they should offer better assistance in getting it fixed. It's ridiculous that it's been 6 months and still no repair options. What a joke.
A warning came on for drivetrain malfunction and the engine started to choke and lose power while driving.
On october 10th, 2020 at approximately 830am, I was driving westbound on the 118 fwy, my 2012 bmw 535i suddenly lost power. I tried to give it more gas but it would not go faster. It immediately gave me an error pointing to the fuel system. I was able to exit the freeway safely. After being inspected by a certified mechanic, it was determined that both of my fuel pumps need to be replaced. There is a recall for fuel pumps for the 2012 bmw 535i but my specific VIN number does not fall under the recall. It's obvious I have the same issue as other 2012 bmw 535i.
I was driving home stopped at a red light , then turned green went to accelerate car took off and lost all power would not move pressing accelerator and 2 semi trucks coming real fast from cross traffic almost killed me light turned red for me and green for semi trailers with no time to exit car.
My bmw 2010 5 series gt ( campaign 10v446000 ) has had issues pertaining too a check valve of the break vacuum pump that leaks a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this has contaminated my brake booster, and also there has been issues with the power assit braking performance that has LED too loss of power assist braking which I've done research and that could potentially increase a risk of an accident. My fuel guage has also displayed a larger amount of fuel than was actually in the tank, which could also increase my vehicle too stall and increase a chance of me being in a accident.
When attempting to bring vehicle up to speed on the on-ramp of the highway, the "fuel pump warning" will display on screen. This is then followed by a loss of power in the engine until the engine stops and the vehicle no longer runs. Vehicle has been towed and diagnosed as the high pressure fuel pump be technician. Technician advised me that bmw has recalled "certain" models for this problem.
While driving steadily on the interstate (i494 in bloomington, mn) with traffic at roughly 65mph, I received a message on the dash of fuel pump failure, drive slowly. Car proceeded to go into 'limp mode' with reduced power and then stalled out'gave me just enough time to navigate to a relatively safer spot on the shoulder of the interstate. Tried to restart car, but it would struggle and then fail each time.
Car reduced power, shakes and will not run anymore. Is so unsafe to be driving this specially in the fwy very scary.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
- Risk
- If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 14V176000 · Recall details
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
Questions about the BMW 535I loss of power
Which BMW 535I years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2009 (20 complaints), 2008 (14 complaints) and 2010 (10 complaints).
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