BMW 535i Complaints (2009)

71 consumer complaints on file.

#11672707July 11, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I believe using the manual shift mode for normal usage of optimal shifting in certain driving situations and gentle downshifting caused a malfunction in the functionality of the transmission that led to a complete transmission failure. I don’t believe it’s a mechanical issue or result of misuse. There were no warning signs. Only that every time the manual shift option was used, it would cause an error to occur that caused an automatic shifting issue that would reset if the vehicle was shut down and restarted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11588529May 13, 2024
TIRES
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
#11557928December 1, 2023
ENGINE, 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
#11467990June 7, 2022
ENGINE
While driving I have received engine malfunction and steering becomes hard and unsafe. Have had the engine belt shred to pieces and case major issues. Same repair has been completed multiple times. Great vehicle becoming unsafe to have on the road. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine Malfunction, Battery Malfunction and Yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This put my safety at risk because I was on the expressway and the steering was hard to turn or direct. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No there were not any other messages or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. When the light came on, I pulled over in a safe place. This has happened the first time on August 20, 2019; 2nd time November 9, 2019; 3rd time March 22, 2020; 4th time January 20, 2021; 5th time June 6, 2022. This is too costly for BMW certified parts to continue to occur. As reputable as the product is and with certified technicians, there should be a recall on the continuous leaks and belt shredding causing major issues to the vehicle. 17-22-2-245-358 - (2) O-Ring 83-19-2-451-316 - BMW Non-Chlor. Brak 11-28-7-628-653 - Ribbed V-Belt. 11-42-7-573-212 - Thermostat Housing 11-42-8-637-820 - Gasket 17-22-2-245-358 – (2) O-Ring 83-19-2-451-316 - BMW Non-Chlor. Brak 11-42-7-525-334 - Oil Filter Cover 11-42-7-573-212 - Thermostat Housing 11-42-8-637-820 - Gasket 17-22-2-245-358 – (2) O-Ring 83-19-2-451-316 - BMW Non-Chlor. Brak 11-42-7-525-334 - Oil Filter Cover
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11464833May 16, 2022
ENGINE, AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535i. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for servicing, he was informed that the vehicle was leaking oil. The oil filter housing and the valve cover gaskets were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs and the coil pack needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the coil pack needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the turn signals and the horn were no longer operatives. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering column had failed. The contact also stated that the rear passenger's side and the rear driver's side windows were no longer operating as needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,600. The consumer stated there is a recall for this vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459041March 30, 2022
AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Passenger side safety restraint malfunction. Passenger airbag no longer enabled because seat occupancy sensor is faulty. Passenger is at risk as airbag no longer working. This problem was confirmed and diagnosed by an independent auto technician. BMW fault code 93c3 The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer as BMW wants $2,500 to make the repair. Warning lights on dash say Passenger Restraint System malfunction. Passenger Airbag no longer enabled. Issues started occurring two weeks ago.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11423416July 4, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car stop running completly when I was wainting at the stop light An anounsmemt came out in my dash saying that I have to repleaced the fuel pump I know that there was a recall abuot this problem but I never got any notice or letter from bmw
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11301285January 23, 2020
ENGINE, SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
BMW 2009 535 XI OWNER. OUT OF ALL OF THE TIMES TAKING THE CAR FOR SERVICE FOR VARIOUS REASONS, I DECIDED TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION REGARDING MY LATEST ISSUE. TWIN TURBO. I WAS TOLD THE REAR TURBO WAS BAD AND IT IS RECOMMENDED TO DO BOTH. I HAD THE CAR SERVICED IN OCTOBER, THEY TOLD ME THE OIL SMELL WAS DUE TO THE SPRING FROM OIL CAP MISSING. BEFORE OCT 2019 I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE OIL SMELL AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A LEAK FROM A HOSE (I NEVER SAW ANY FLUIDS ON GROUND) THIS LAST INCIDENT, I WAS ON THE ROAD WHEN I EXITED THE HIGHWAY I GOT AN ENGINE WARNING TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY. OIL WAS LOW. I TOOK IT BACK TO BMW AND I WAS TOLD THE REAR TURBO WAS BAD. THEY NOW WANT $6,900. I READ IN A FEW POSTS THAT THE TWIN TURBO ISSUE WAS EXT. TO 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES. MY CAR WAS FIRST PURCHASE IN MAY 2009. I AM ASSUMING I AM OUT OF TIME. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL. MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT COME UP WITH ANY RECALLS, EVEN THOUGH MOST OF THE ISSUES ARE THE SAME AS OTHER 2009 BMW OWNERS. MY CAR DOES NOT HAVE 120,000 MILES YET. I TOOK THE CAR TO BMW FOR VANOS SOLENOIDS IN OCT 2019. AND ANOTHER TIME IN OCT BECAUSE THE CAR OVER HEATED SUDDENLY IN LESS THAN HALF A MILE. IT WAS THE FAN. RECENTLY I LEARNED THAT SOME OF THE 2009 BMW 535 HAD A RECALL BUT I NEVER RECEIVED ANYTHING. I QUESTIONED THE DEALER BUT HE SAID HE HAD NOTHING ON FILE. FURTHER READING I FOUND OUT THAT THE COMPANY I BELIEVED CALLED VANOS WAS DOING THE RECALLS. IN OCTOBER 2019 I SPENT ABOUT $3,000 IN REPAIRS. I NOW BELIEVE I COULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY A RECALL OR EXT. WARRANTY. OVERALL ON DIFFERENT ISSUES I THINK I HAVE SPENT OVER $13,000 IN REPAIRS (INCLUDING TRANSFER CASE AND DIFFERENTIAL THAT THE WARRANTY DID NOT PAY BECAUSE THE CAR DID NOT HAVE SPECIFIED 17' TIRES: BUT I BOUGHT WITH STAGGERED 18' TIRES). I STILL OWE APPROXIMATELY $7,500 TO THE BANK. I TAKE IT TO BE SERVICED ALL THE TIME, SO I'M BAFFLED.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11242836August 9, 2019
ENGINE
AS I AM DRIVING MY BMW AFTER 5 MINUTES OF START IT. I SMELLED OIL COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. EVEN AFTER NOT DRINK THE CAR FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK THE SMELL WAS STILL THERE. I AM CONCERN THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE. EVEN ON A COOL 60 DEGREE DAY THE ENGINE IS TOO HOT TO TOUCH. I FEEL THAT THE COOLANT IN NOT GOING TO THE ENGINE SINCE AFTER PUTTING A FULL AMOUNT OF COOLANT THE COOLANT IS DEPLETE AFTER ONE HOUR.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11231717July 14, 2019
POWER TRAIN
DRIVING ON FREEWAY 65 MPH AND VEHICLE LOOSES POWER COMPLETELY POWER STEERING POWER BRAKES LOST. ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF ERRORS APPEAR SUCH AS P142E OR MALFUNCTION HOWEVER WHEN RESTARTING VEHICLE 5+MIN LATER NO ERRORS AND CODES APPEAR RESULTING IN NO FAILURES NO POSSIBILTY TO DIAGNOSE FOUND 4 INCIDENTS OCCURED 2 NEAR FATAL COLLISIONS NOTE: BMW CODE LIST HAS NO RECOMMENDATION FOR RESOLVING ONLY THAT P142E IS SHUTDOWN OF ENGINE THIS CODING OF ECU ALLOWED BY BMW IS DANGEROUS TO HUMAN LIVES
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11196472April 15, 2019
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 535I. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE MISFIRED AND IDLED ROUGHLY. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. BLAGOI'S INTERNATIONAL CAR SERVICE (1880 RIVERSIDE DR, COLUMBUS, OH 43221, (614) 486-2449) DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11181395February 20, 2019
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE WAS OPERATING ON PUBLIC HIGHWAY AT 40 MPH IN FORWARD GEAR. ELECTRONIC FUEL PUMP STOPPED CAUSING IMMEDIATE ENGINE POWER FAILURE AND LOSS OF FORWARD MOVEMENT CONTROL. IT WAS SNOWING AND THERE WAS NO SHOULDER. NO SAFE LANE OR OTHER AREA TO COAST IMMEDIATELY INOPERABLE VEHICLE INTO. HEAVY TRAFFIC REPEATEDLY NEARLY COLLIDED. NO WAY TO SECURE IMMEDIATE SAFE REMOVAL OF INOPERABLE VEHICLE OFF ROADWAY. EMERGENCY FLASHERS QUIT AFTER 30 MINUTES. WRECKER TOO 2.5 HOURS TO ARRIVE, WHILE DRIVE WAS FORCED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN UNSHELTERED FREEZING SNOW AND ICE, AND REMAINING IN VULNERABLE VEHICLE FOR TOW TRUCK TO ARRIVE. VEHICLE DISPLAYED "FUEL PUMP FAILURE" ON DIAGNOSTIC LCD SCREEN IN VEHICLE. THREE HOURS LATER, VEHICLE STARTED UP AND RAN WITHOUT INCIDENT, AFTER SITTING. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES OVER THE PAST FIFE YEARS, AND OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11155472December 2, 2018
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WITHIN 15 MIN OF ARRIVING HOME IN SAID VEHICLE, WIFE STARTED CAR IN DRIVEWAY TO GO SHOPPING. IMMEDIATELY, DENSE BLACK SMOKE BEGAN POURING FROM UNDER THE DASH. SHE TURNED THE CAR OFF, BUT LEFT KEY FOB IN COLUMN. SHE SUMMONED ME FROM INSIDE OUR HOUSE AND WHEN I ARRIVED THE SMOKE WAS STILL POURING OUT FROM UNDER CENTER TO DRIVER SIDE OF DASH. I REMOVED THE KEY FOB FROM COLUMN AND APPROX. 1 TO 2 MIN LATER THE SMOKE STOPPED - WAS GOING TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY, BUT SMOKE STOPPED BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO OPEN GARAGE AND GATHER TOOLS. NO FLAMES WERE EVER SEEN AND ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKE FROM UNDER HOOD AREA - ALL INSIDE CAR. MANY WARNING LIGHTS ARE NOW ILLUMINATED - AWD SYS, DSC, ABS, 4X4, LIGHTING SYS (CHECK DISPLAYS, TURN SIGNALS, HIGH BEAMS, HEADLAMP FLASHER AND FOG LAMPS). NONE OF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS SEEM TO FUNCTION. THIS ALL OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING AND FORTUNATELY HAPPENED WHILE STOPPED IN THE DRIVEWAY. CHECKED RECALL LOG ON NHTSA FOR VIN AND FOUND "0" RECALLS. THE VEHICLE ALSO INCLUDES "X-DRIVE" (ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11113681July 25, 2018
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AT LEAST ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK MY VEHICLE ALL OF A SUDDEN LOSE POWER THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT COME DASH. THEN ON THE IDRIVE SYSTEM IT ALWAYS SAY "FUEL PUMP" PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS UNEXPECTED AND HAS PUT ME IN DANGEROUS SITUATION ON THE HIGHWAY. I PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND PUT THE FLASHERS ON. AFTER ABOUT TEN MINUTES THE FLASHERS GO OFF AND THE CAR IS ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. LASTLY, THE PROBLEM ALWAYS HAPPEN UNEXPECTED REGARDLESS ON CITY STREET OR HIGHWAY. I CAN BE TRAVELING AT 25 TO 75MPH AND IT JUST RANDOMLY HAPPENS. MANY OCCASIONS I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE TRAVELING IN THE FAR LEFT LANE. DUE TO MOVING TO THE LEFT SHOULDER AND CARS TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11112838July 21, 2018
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, STEERING
FUEL PUMP FAILURES, CAR SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (NUMEROUS TIMES) LOST POWER STEERING WHILE GOING OVER 60 MPH. COST OVER $10,000 TO MAKE REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE BMW SAID IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11098713May 30, 2018
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE CAR SHUTS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN IT'S BEING USED BECAUSE OF THE FUEL PUMP. I THINK IT'S UNFAIR THAT THE 2008 MODELS GOT RECALLS UP TO 10 YRS AND 120,000 MILES. I FEEL LIKE THE 2009 BMW XI WAS MISSING FROM THIS RECALL. THE SAME HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WAS THE PROBLEM FOR THE RECALL. I'M BOTH CLOSE TO REACHING MY 120,000 MILES OR THE 10 YR MARK SO IT WOULD BE AMAZING TO SEE SOMETHING BEING DONE ABOUT THIS SOON.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11092705May 9, 2018
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL PUMP ERROR WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR SHUTS DOWN, WE LOSE POWER STEERING AND HAVE DONE SO ON THE HIGHWAY, AND CITY NUMEROUS TIMES.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11084658April 11, 2018
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WHERE LIGHT KEEPS COMING IN...NOT SURE IF AIRBAG OR SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS WILL HELP IN AN ACCIDENT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11084359April 10, 2018
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STOPPED IN TRAFFIC AT A RED LIGHT AFTER APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES OF DRIVING. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND UPON ACCELERATION, THE ENGINE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION.THE "FUEL PUMP" WARNING CAME UP ON MY SCREEN. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT DID NOT EXHIBIT ANY PROBLEMS, ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC THE VEHICLE RAN FINE. NONETHELESS, THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. DROVE THE CAR FOR TWO DAYS BEFORE IT BROKE DOWN AGAIN. SAME SCENARIO, STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE AND THE ENGINE STOPPED. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THREE DAYS. AWAITING TO SEE IF A NEW HPFP WILL RESOLVE THE ISSUE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11081318March 26, 2018
ENGINE
THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN RECALL FOR THE E60 BMW 535I NEEDS TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY! THE CAR WILL BLOW UP. BMW NEEDS THIS PROBLEM EXPLICITLY TAKEN OFF THE STREET. YOU DONT EXPECT THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE TO EXPLODE. IN ACCORDANCE TO A TOTAL LOSS CLAIM MY INSURANCE USAA CLAIM NUMBER 013162236000000007001 . THE ENGINE CAUGHT COMPLETE FIRE AND ENGULFED THE CAR. I WAS INSIDE THE BAVARIAN MOTOR WORKS VEHICLE. I COULD HAVE DIED. MAGNESIUM IN THE CAR MEANS IT IS THEN SUBJECT TO COMBUSTION AND ALSO TO CATCH FIRE AGAIN WHICH IT DID. IN THE MORNING THE CAR WAS A FULL BLAZE AFTER THE FIRE DEPARTMENT LEFT THE PREVIOUS NIGHT. BMW NEEDS TO COMPENSATE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR NICE CAR, LOST LOTS OF DAYS AT WORK , AND NEARLY LOST THEIR LIFE, BECAUSE OF THAT RECALL COULD HAVE THE CAR BLOW UP AT ANY TIME. MARCH 2 2018 (2009 535 BMW )
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0

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