BMW 535i Complaints
536 consumer complaints on file.
- #11588529May 13, 2024TIRES
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I equipped with Mastercraft Tires, Tire Line: Stratus, Tire Size: 225/50/R17. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the passenger's side rear tire was bubbling, and the vehicle was unstable. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and the contact observed that the tread belt was broken. The tire was not the original equipment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the rear tires were replaced. The tires were replaced with the same tire brand and tire line however, the failure recurred with the driver's side rear tire. The tire was replaced with the same tire brand and tire line. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19T024000 (Tires), however, the DOT number was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was 177,259. The tire failure mileage was unknown.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11588254May 11, 2024FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
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.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11588276May 11, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Here is the video about how the part fails. I uploaded this video to youtube. You can pass this video to BMW, that is your prerogative, [XXX] My cars has the angle sensor error, and calling for irregular communication with other modules. I am sure he reasons for this are in the video. Lastly I will upload error codes my scanner detected. The steering angle control fails in all BMWs 5 series over 70% of the time after 8 years. The part has been designed, defectively. The internal wire breaks because of the design of the part, as you will be able to see in the attached Youtube video, demonstrating the damaged cable and how it happens, because of bad design. A faulty part, leads to limited steering, and if this happens suddenly the driver can lose control of the car, unable to steer, and crash, hit a pedestrian, a wall and building. As small person not string, could easily end up crashing something or someone. I find this level of design for planned obsolescence fraudulent. I hope you let the hammer of the law fall hard on BMW. My steering angle controlled just failed. When I found out why it failed, it made me furious. I will take my car tomorrow for repairs. Hopefully you put the recall Monday morning. This is sufficient evidence. The You Tuber that made the video, was eloquent in his demonstration, but the internet is full of these videos, and that means many many failing parts, and likely already a few dead people. Look into it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11587192May 6, 2024EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlight Assembly has issues with the seal and condensation can/does enter the headlight assembly rendering the functionality of the headlight as suspect. Without proper lighting and condensation in front of the headlight which greatly impacts/effects the clarity and visibility of objects in the front of the car creating a safety issue. The cost to replace/repair these assemblies is excessive and is a widespread problem across multiple BMW models/years.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11586040April 30, 2024ELECTRICAL 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
- #11583446April 17, 2024ENGINE
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.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11582125April 10, 2024SEAT BELTS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 .Panoramic sunroof curtain has been repaired twice at the dealer and now it broke for the third time 2. the controls to the panoramic sunroof do not work at all 3.Passenger restrain system malfunction
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11582126April 10, 2024AIR BAGS
PASSENGER RESTRAIN MALFUNCTION
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11574402February 28, 2024VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 2
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11573365February 22, 2024AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Passenger Restraint Air Bag Malfunction" was displayed. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11570431February 6, 2024AIR BAGS
The passenger air bag signal flashes on and off even when someone is seating on the passenger seat.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11569707February 3, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Back passenger door handle started smoking.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11569571February 2, 2024AIR BAGS
Air Bag warning light stays on.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11568781January 30, 2024ENGINE
Confirmed by a Certified BMW repair center. Failure of Vanos Camshaft Gear Bolts. Recall has been issued for all 5 series models (and beyond) up to 2011, but does not include 2012 (5 series,) as it should. The Recall needs to be extended to include 2012 - 5 series models as failure of these bolts will cause immediate engine failure and could result in catastrophic crash, especially if driving at high speeds. I have contacted BMW of North America and they will not extend the recall until formal complaints, such as this, are received. My Issue with the Vanos Camshaft Bolts is currently being repaired (out of pocket) and I will share my invoice once received.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11564639January 10, 2024ENGINE
Front drive shaft detached and went into oil pan causing oils to splash out everywhere.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11560150December 14, 2023EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlight started to collect condensation, not due to any damage to the headlight itself. I understand that this will eventually lead to damage of the electronic components of the headlight because the condensation collects in the bottom of the headlight. Per the advice of my mechanic, I am replacing the headlight before the water can do damage. He says it's a well-known problem.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11557928December 1, 2023ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated violently with a message displayed to, "Check Engine – Engine Power Reduced”. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the spark plugs and ignition coil. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the valve cover gasket and upper radiator hose. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the evaporative leak detection assembly, water pump, and high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 70,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11540136August 22, 2023ENGINE
Water pump failure with @32,900 miles on odometer. Cost to replace $2,800
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11529871July 1, 2023UNKNOWN OR OTHER
here is wisdom; traffic circles; eliminate collisions 98% cut pollution fossil fuels & signal electricity 98%; cut manhour prevailing wages 98% employee med sick vac and retirement 98% and equipment maintenance 98% yes 98% of wasted taxpayer revenue allotted to traffic signal intersections can begin to be wasted elsewhere for polititians hold fast to unearned income , a revelation uncle sams ears might be pricked or at least itch !!!! almighty saved the best for last MOTHER NATURE yes BLUE EARTH even GODS FOOTSTOOL and HEAVEN above will rejoice with all the beasts and things of the 12 stars on the womans' crown that is the ZODIAC;begin @ spring equinox 12 day n night MARCH 21-APRIL 20 aries RAM 1st. then 4-21 to may 20 taurus BULL 5-21 to june 20 gemini TWINS/summer solstice that is 15 day 9 nite 6-21 to july 20 cancer CRAB//7-21 to august 20 leo LION 8-21 to sept 20 virgo VIRGIN/autumn equinox 12 night and day 9-21 to oct 20 libra SCALES 10-21 to nov20 scorpio SCORPION 11-21 to dec 20 saggitarius ARCHER /winter solstice 9 day 15 nite12-21 to jan 20 capricorn GOAT 1-21 to feb 20 aquarius WATER 2-21 to march 20 pisces FISHES. the end!@#$%^&*() I DIGRESSED sorry
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11529362June 28, 2023SEAT BELTS
I got a notice from the car that the restraint system was malfunctioning. It said to go ahead and wear my seatbelt and go to the nearest repair shop. This is distressing and should not have happened. I’m afraid to drive it. I have no other means of transportation. My life was destroyed by a near fatal car accident in 1994 as I was enrolling in medical school. An 18-wheeler pulled out on narrow 2-lane Hwy with no shoulder. It ran through a very dense pine forest in east Texas. The trailer had only a bicycle sized reflector, and it was caked with mud. He was invisible. I couldn’t see him until my headlights shone upon the trailer. What is that? A distance of 50-60 feet, at most? Brights weren’t on. It was drizzling and little wisps of road mist were floating above the road here and there. I slammed as hard as I could apparently. As I swerved into the oncoming lane, the driver behind me watched in horror as my headlights swept across the entire length of the trailer. There was nowhere to go. I slid under the trailer and hit the axle going 45 mph. No time to stop. The driver directly behind me was an off duty police officer. He got out and ran over to the truck to tell the driver to stop. He didn’t know he’d caused an accident. The off duty policeman checked my car to see if there were any survivors. He peered into the dark through my window and found me alive and conscious. The seatbelt was still wrapped around me but the force of impact caused it to pop out of its socket. My head snapped forward on impact. It hit the airbag with such force, it ruptured fully on one side. I have a brain injury, was in a light coma for over four years. My life was so thoroughly destroyed, I had not one thing left but my 2 dogs and a Bible. My house, car, job, the ability to live independently, my future, and my personality—the person I was for the first 24 years of my life—all gone. Family abandoned me. I couldn’t function. Seatbelts must do their job. And truck drivers can go to hell.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0