BMW 535i Complaints (2014)

30 consumer complaints on file.

#11721523March 2, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is a known and unaddressed issue. BMW headlight seals fail allowing condensation to build and erode electronics. Replacement costs exceed $15K and only OEM parts and BMW servicing are options. Many BMW repair shops refuse to do this work as it is overly complicated and expensive. This issue is well known and document and warrants compensation and/or recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712401January 21, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
The BMW, while turning at low speed into a parking space, suddenly accelerated and the braking system failed. Airbags deployed after multiple impacts with other vehicles and a fixed object, causing serious personal injury for the driver. The incident occurred on 01/16/2026. The vehicle is a total loss, has not yet been inspected, and is in storage. No warning lamps, messages or other issues were displayed or known prior to the failure. The vehicle was regularly maintained. The incident did not occur as a result of driver error or a medical issue.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11710365January 12, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 535i. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, she depressed the brake pedal, however crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front of her. The contact stated that all three air bags deployed; however, the front driver-side air bag failed to deploy properly. The contact stated that smoke came out from the air bag and failed to fully inflate, not protect the contact. Neither the contact nor the driver of the other vehicle sustained any injuries. A police report was filed. Due to the accident, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the damage to the vehicle from the accident was repaired, and all air bags were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647235March 9, 2025
ENGINE
2014 BMW 535i Oil housing filter started leaking oil into serpentine belt causing the belt to shred and snap then was sucked into the crankshaft causing the motor to seize. Car was towed to bmw dealership and was diagnosed with catastrophic engine failure resulting in $28,000 estimate for engine replacement. Then vehicle was towed to licensed BMW repair facility and was repaired for $15,000 engine replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627692November 27, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 535I. The contact stated that the engine cooling fan was running at abnormal high speed upon starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently, and the vehicle hesitated to respond while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with defective water pump and water pump electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an undisclosed recall. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11586040April 30, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LEFT LIGHT IS NOT WORKING. I HAVE TO USE MY BRIGHT LIGHTS TO HAVE LIGHTS AT NIGHT. I HAVE NOTICE THIS ON SEVERAL OTHER BMW'S IN THIS YEAR RANGE 2013-2014. SOMETHING ELECTRICAL IS WRONG WITH THIS LIGHT.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11528217June 21, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Driver-side headlight started getting condensation last winter. Brought the car to the dealer to see if they can replace the gasket but was told that it needs to be replaced and it could cost as much as $7,000 if the module needs to be replaced as well. That is ridiculous that it needs to be replaced at such ab absurd cost. Lights can stop working if it burns out and dangerous if it occurs at night and lose your headlights. Since it is summer now, condensation has not occurred until it starts raining.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11511699March 14, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Exploding sunroof. While driving on a normal day no rain or bad weather on open highway I here what was like a gun shot and see glass explode upwards and out of vehicle then I hear pebbles falling on my sunroof visor. My back sunroof window exploded for no reason.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11488539October 9, 2022
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Possible PCV malfunction. Intense plastic burning smell, smoke coming from front ac vents. Dealer unable to replicate issue, valve cover replaced under warranty. Issue persists. 2 Vehicle inspections at same bmw dealer, were unable to identify burnt battery PCM as well. Occasional check engine light, gone after vehicle restart. Under hard acceleration burning plastic smell intensifies.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11470380June 22, 2022
ENGINE
Ken Cook <[email protected]> Sun, Jun 19, 4:10 PM (3 days ago) to nhtsa.webmaster i found car online cr gurus and it was certified and car fax no problems, i used my savings of 5000 for down payment closed the deal and was coming down on weekend to get vehicle. coworker came and is witness. we get to Wilkins and the salesman who i talked to is nowhere to be found another person closes deal and brings up oil leak. i'm mad but here. i ask for them to subtract cost of oil leak from down payment, they said no.they said a warranty on car i took ti bmw they told me engine might lock up. i called dealership no help and warranty was only for tires and windshield. im livid. i called all politicians and government. and my car is locked up and i still pay 400 a month to finance company and car does not work can’t afford to purchase engine or car. i need your help making them replace engine. i have a witness witness . i was taken advantage pf im a honorable veteran and i was swindled. i just want the car fix and driving like it is supposed to by dealer this oil leak i have taken in 5 different times and only driven the car 5 months anhd i stay current on maitenamnce and this last trip the engine locked up at 70k miles. i bought at 60k miles and each dealership has told me to contact wilkins hyundai in illinios and report because this is wrong and i have but they have ignored me. i contacted Bmw and they have also tried to avoid my situaation. i am without a working vehicle and i am still financing this vehicle. my family is broken i am on the verge of losing my job i am getting counseling for mental health at the VA medical center now and i am an honorable Veteran this has caused me to become homeless. they are obligated to repair this vehicle and if a lawsuit must occur or legal action i am 100 with this because this was deceptive and fraudulent! please help
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11465966May 24, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 535i. The contact stated that after receiving the vehicle back from the dealer after a collision repair, the steering wheel seized while driving. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a faulty oil gasket damaged the serpentine belt, causing an oil leak. The dealer informed the contact that the serpentine belt and drive belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11436645October 13, 2021
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SUSPENSION
you have serious construction going on at 21425 spring street at the veteran shelter where i stay. well the crew dug up sections of the road and cut it where it is a Sharpe dip to go up and down. i went over one at 1am on my way to work and it hit my undercarriage the following morning my car was leaking oil and now the ignition and battery are out ! i ask my insurance but it is not and accident it is damage to my vehicle that i cant afford and i need to get to work. now im in a hotel room trying to save the couple grand it will take to fix. i was told that you would help or even fix this because of the construction damage and so i am reaching out to you for your help? that is union grove wisconsin
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422153June 24, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 of my headlights is currently displaying an adaptative headlamp malfunction warning error. I took my vehicle to the dealer and the resolution offered seemed more trial and error. The dealer offered to dry out my headlight assembly which was holding condensation but could not guarantee this will resolve the issue. If the dry out method did not work the only other option was to replace the entire head light assembly at a cost of several thousand dollars each. In the mean time additional lighting modules could be at risk of failure due to the potential moisture buildup. I took my vehicle for a 2nd opinion and the mechanic stated the electrical in the both Head light assemblies are at risk for failure or worst due to exposure to moisture.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11352505September 1, 2020
ENGINE
RECALL COOLANT LEAK WITHIN ERG. MY ENGINE HAS DEVELOPED A STRANGE TICKING SOUND.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11288006December 9, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE VEHICLE IN PARK, ALL OTHER DOORS DO. EVEN WITH A DOUBLE PULL IT WILL NOT OPEN. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN IT IS USING THE CENTER DASH MOUNTED UNLOCK BUTTON. A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD IF YOU NEED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11283060November 30, 2019
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PASSENGER FRONT DOOR ACTUATOR FAILURE CAUSING INABILITY TO UNLOCK AND OPEN THE DOOR. NORMALLY WITH DOOR LOCKED YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO A 'DOUBLE PULL' WITH DOOR LATCH TO OPEN THE DOOR SUCH AS IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU CAN NOT OPEN THE DOOR.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11156118December 5, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN TURNING ON THE MAX/AC BLOWER FAN THE FAN BECOMES INTERMITTENT/SPORADIC. THE FAN RUNS ON HIGH AND THEN SHUTS DOWN THEN RUNS ON HIGH AND SHUTS DOWN. ETC. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND ON CITY STREETS WITH NORMAL STRAIT AWAY DRIVING. IT HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE AND APPEARS TO HAPPEN EACH TIME THAT I TRY THE MAX/AC FAN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11043975November 6, 2017
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK USING THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE, EFFECTIVELY TRAPPING THE DRIVER INSIDE. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM OCCURS WHILE STATIONARY AFTER ENGINE IS STOPPED AND VEHICLE IN PARK. TOOK TO DEALER AND IT HAPPENED IN FRONT OF SERVICE ADVISER, THEY INFORMED ME NOTHING IS WRONG.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11025052September 22, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHY THE VEHICLES IN OFF POSITION THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN ONCE YOU COMPLETE THE DOUBLE PULL ON THE DOOR HANDLE TRAPPING YOU IN THE VEHICLE THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IS TO ACTUALLY HIT THE DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON IN THE CENTER RASH. I FIND THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF I NEED TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE QUICKLY I WILL BE TRAPPED UNLESS I CAN ACTUALLY REACH THE DOOR BUTTON TO UNLOCK ALL THE DOORS THERE IS A VIDEO THAT I AM FORWARDING AS WELL ON YOUTUBE SHOWING THIS ACTUAL PROBLEM MANY OTHER CONSUMERS WHO HAVE PURCHASED IF YOUR VEHICLE IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11015418August 15, 2017
VISIBILITY/WIPER
ON 12-JUL-2017 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30AM DRIVING WEST ON I-580 AT APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH LESS THAN 1 MILE EAST OF THE CASTRO VALLEY BLVD EXIT, IN DAILY COMMUTER TRAFFIC ON OPEN ROAD (NO OVERPASS OR OTHER STRUCTURES HANGING OVER THE ROAD) I HEARD A TREMENDOUSLY LOUD BANG, AND LOOKED AROUND TO SEE IF SOMETHING HAD HIT ME. I THEN HEARD THE SOUND OF BROKEN GLASS ABOVE ME IN THE SUNROOF "COMPARTMENT"; THE INTERIOR SHADE OF THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME. AFTER REGAINING MY COMPOSURE I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY EXIT THE FREEWAY, INSPECTED THE SUNROOF AND EXTERIOR OF THE CAR AND DID NOT NOTICE ANY DAMAGE OTHER THAN THE BROKEN SUNROOF GLASS. I RETURNED HOME, TOOK SOME PICTURES, INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FURTHER. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY DAMAGE TO ANY BODY PANELS OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE (INDENTATION) OF ANYTHING STRIKING THE GLASS AND DENTING THE INTERIOR SHADE/SHIELD OF THE SUNROOF.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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