2011 BMW 535I

112 complaints on file, page 1 of 6.

1. Filed Apr 20, 2026Failure Mar 19, 2026Pasadena, TXEngine, Power train

   ValveTronic motor and eccentric shaft is a very common issue that my specific car has. Affects the timing and makes a loud sound. Dangerous to drive in this condition.

   NHTSA complaint 11732394
2. Filed Mar 3, 2026Failure Feb 18, 2026143,000 milesLas Vegas, NVAccelerator pedalCrash1 injured

   The contact owned a 2011 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal became stuck. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated into oncoming traffic. The contact's vehicle was crashed into by two oncoming vehicles. No warning light. The contact was taken to the local medical center, where the contact received multiple X-rays. In addition, the contact sustained bruises and pain to the left and right knees and to the middle of the chest. The contact stated that the pain in the chest was severe because of a pre-existing illness of male breast cancer. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. In addition, the vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. A police report was filed. In addition, the contact was unsure of any injuries to the other drivers. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000

   NHTSA complaint 11721737
3. Filed Aug 21, 2025Failure Jun 5, 2025132,000 milesBoston, MAAir bags1 injured

   The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535i. The contact stated that when pressing the accelerator pedal to drive from being idle at a red light, the driver's side air bag deployed out of the steering wheel without impact. The contact sustained burns to the left arm, right cheek, and chest area. The contact had suffered stomach issues due to inhaling the dust and fumes from the air bag. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed by AAA to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the horn module needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, where the vehicle remained for a month, and Liberty Mutual was to retrieve the vehicle and investigate the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not investigated to her knowledge, and the vehicle was returned without being repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11682140
4. Filed Jun 16, 2025Failure Feb 1, 2025Melbourne, DEUnknown or other

   I purchased the BMW 535 and it continues to have drivetrain malfunction issues. This feels like a safety concern for several reasons. The first is that were not able to identify the issue, but I believe it has to do with the systems diagnostics being triggered or misfiring this is an unfortunateissue because wherever we are, we can get stuck randomly. Lastly, the car has an issue with Oberheu. Issue because wherever we are, we can get stuck randomly. Lastly, the car has a issue with overheating believe it has to do with the radial hose

   NHTSA complaint 11667152
5. Filed Mar 28, 2025Failure Feb 24, 2025Schenectady, NYElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

   My car suddenly shut off when I came to a stop at a red light while on a busy state route. The information cluster then began to read “Fuel supply” and “Battery Discharge” My car would not turn back on and still has not turned back on since and it's been over a month now. According to the OBD results, the fuel pump and injectors were somehow seized and therefore have caused the car to become inoperable. I was forced to spend over $1000 just to get my car out of the police tow yard and towed to my home because I could not afford the cost of the repairs needed. The NHSTA website states that there is a recall on both the fuel system and the electrical system for my exact vehicle, but according to my Vin search results, there are 0 recalls. That doesn't make sense. I had just got my new inspection done maybe a month prior to my car breaking down.

   NHTSA complaint 11651226
6. Filed Feb 10, 2025Failure Feb 4, 2025140,000 milesFayetteville, GAElectrical systemFire

   The contact owned a 2011 BMW 535i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was unoccupied and parked in a parking lot, it was brought to the attention of the contact that the vehicle caught on fire. The local fire department arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire. The contact stated that it was unknown if a fire report was filed. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The origin of the fire was unknown. The contact stated that the fire damaged one other parked and unoccupied vehicle that was nearby. The vehicle was towed by the insurance and was deemed a total loss. The vehicle remained in the possession of the insurance provider for further investigation. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11641786
7. Filed Jan 30, 2025Failure Jan 30, 2025Oak Lawn, ILWheels

   Product Safety Alert: Jan 30, 2025 Stop using the following item because of a potential safety issue. Visit the public recall notice for more guidance. 245/45R18 100Y XL RFT PIR CINTURA P7 (M0E)(BMW/RR) 245/45R18 100Y XL RFT PIR CINTURA P7 (M0E)(BMW/RR)

   NHTSA complaint 11639756
8. Filed Jan 17, 2025Failure Jan 16, 2025Valley View, PAService brakesCrash

   From very low speed (less than 5 MPH), car would not stop with full brakes applied. Front brakes were fully locked as evidenced by skid marks, but car kept pushing forward until stopped by solid object.

   NHTSA complaint 11636479
9. Filed Aug 1, 2024Failure Nov 3, 2023130,000 milesSanta Rosa, CAEngine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power and was running rough. The contact stated that the instrument cluster went black. The contact turned into a parking lot as the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle but after several attempts failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had an independent mechanic diagnose the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the VANOS bolts had fractured and the timing camshaft had detached. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11605862
10. Filed Jun 21, 2024Failure Jun 16, 2024Napa, CAElectrical system, Engine, Power train

    The vehicle is having cooling/ heat problems. Does not overheat while driving but rather driving on high temp. Cools to norm temp here and there. My best thought is electrical. Also same vehicle rattles in rear center when going 65mph.. not sure the cause is.

    NHTSA complaint 11595837
11. Filed May 24, 2024Failure May 24, 2024Accokeek, MDEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    BMW REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF CONSEQUENTIAL ISSUES CAUSED MY FAULTY FUEL PUMP RECALL AND IS TRYING TO CHARGE ME 21000 to fix. Engine reads maximum drivetrain output drive moderately

    NHTSA complaint 11590623
12. Filed May 11, 2024Failure Jan 1, 2022San Francisco, CAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11588254
13. Filed Apr 17, 2024Failure Nov 9, 2023Orange, CAEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11583446
14. Filed Feb 28, 2024Failure Feb 24, 202457,000 milesBelmont, CAService brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed controlCrash2 injured

    The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535i. The contact stated while jump-starting another vehicle in the driveway, he reversed to park the vehicle by the side of the other vehicle; however, the vehicle surged and accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle sped into the garage, hit equipment, and hit the contact's wife. The contact stated that he then shifted into drive (D) to drive out of the garage; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle sped through the driveway, struck a stone retaining wall, and entered the roadway. The contact stated that he slightly steered the vehicle to the right and hit a utility pole to stop the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact hit his forehead against the rearview mirror and sustained a bruise. The contact's wife sustained a fractured left lower leg. The ambulance transported the contact's wife to the hospital, where she underwent surgery. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The insurance company then towed the vehicle to another tow lot, where the damage was being estimated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11574402
15. Filed May 27, 2023Failure Mar 22, 2023Moore, SCElectrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper

    The drivers headlight has developed significant condensation on its interior caused by a failed seal which in turn damaged or short-circuited the modules disabling my daytime running light, low beam, high beam, and turn signal

    NHTSA complaint 11524113
16. Filed Apr 22, 2023Failure Apr 3, 2023Weston, FLElectrical system

    Wiring in the headlight assembly is losing its insulation, allowing wires to short and headlamps to fail to operate.

    NHTSA complaint 11518457
17. Filed Mar 30, 2023Failure Mar 25, 2023Bedford, TXUnknown or other

    CarMax sold me a car but rolled back the odometer before I took possession. Autocheck report shows mileage of 59,964 on June 16, 2014 and 57,116 on Sep 16, 2014 when I bought it. I never saw this report until I tried to trade it in last week. Offered 1/2 of value bc of tampering. I called CarMax to correct this and they said they aren't liable bc the title says Actual Mileage even though they know it's not.

    NHTSA complaint 11514651
18. Filed Feb 24, 2023Failure Feb 23, 2023Bronx, NYWheels

    Tire pressure monitor warned that my left rear tire was low. Next day same thing. I went to have tire patched was told that the wheel had a crack in it. That was the cause for slow leak.

    NHTSA complaint 11508850
19. Filed Feb 24, 2023Failure Feb 24, 2023Bronx, NYExterior lighting

    Drivers side headlight has severe condensation and signal light headlights have malfunction.

    NHTSA complaint 11508848
20. Filed Feb 14, 2023Failure Feb 14, 2023North Dartmouth, MAElectrical system, Exterior lighting

    Driver side headlight has an extreme condensation issue. Especially after it rains or using a car wash. The condensation leaks into the control light module , which makes the turn signal, parking lamp and the adaptive light to all fail.

    NHTSA complaint 11507275