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BMW 535Years to avoid, problems & recalls

NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on record for the BMW 535.

Years to avoidNoneBased on weighted complaintsBest years—Fewest complaints for their ageOwner complaints19Top: Electrical systemSafety recalls41985–1996 model years

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports. Updated daily. How we score years.

Best & worst years

BMW 535 years to avoid

Complaints by model year, colored by the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 535 median. Tap a year for its full report.

'85'86'87'89'90'91'92'93'94'96
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1996Not rated–/1001 complaint · 0 recalls1994Not rated–/1001 complaint · 0 recalls1993Not rated–/1000 complaints · 1 recall1992Not rated–/1002 complaints · 1 recall1991Not rated–/1001 complaint · 2 recalls1990Not rated–/1004 complaints · 2 recalls1989Not rated–/1007 complaints · 2 recalls1987Not rated–/1002 complaints · 1 recall1986Not rated–/1000 complaints · 1 recall1985Not rated–/1001 complaint · 0 recalls
Complaints by system

Most common BMW 535 problems

All model years combined: 19 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system40
Visibility40
Vehicle speed control32
Structure31
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Steering10
Tires10
Equipment10
Engine and engine cooling10
2 other systems21
4 recalls

BMW 535 recalls

Newest first. The ring shows the share of affected vehicles repaired, from the manufacturer's latest report to NHTSA.

–Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings94V-066 · 1989–1993 · Apr 11, 1994 · 116,300 vehicles–Vehicle speed control92V-101 · 1991 · Jul 10, 1992 · 637 vehicles–Front: buckle assembly90V-016 · 1989–1990 · Jan 30, 1990 · 62,000 vehicles–Brake lights: switch86V-151 · 1986–1987 · Nov 10, 1986 · 97,300 vehicles
7 investigations

NHTSA investigations of the 535

  1. AIR BAG WIRING FAILUREEA95013 · 1991–1993 · closed Jul 15, 1996
    Led to recall 96V-110
  2. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA92017 · 1984–1992 · closed Mar 30, 1993
    Led to recall 93V-015
  3. WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILUREPE92045 · null · closed Sep 30, 1992
    Led to recall 92V-140
  4. MSTR CYL FAILS TO RELEASEEA90002 · 1985–1987 · closed Oct 30, 1990
    No recall
  5. BRAKES DRAG & FAILPE89142 · 1985–1987 · closed Oct 12, 1989
    No recall
  6. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHEA89007 · 1985 · closed Jul 26, 1989
    No recall
  7. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILUREPE88086 · 1985 · closed Dec 23, 1988
    No recall