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1987 BMW 535Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1987 BMW 535, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Service brakes, hydraulic

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 2, 1997. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1987 BMW 535 has problems

2 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
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Steering10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1987 BMW 535 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Brake lights: switch

Recall 86V-151 · Nov 10, 1986 · 97,300 vehicles

Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SWITCH PLUNGER COULD JAM, RENDERING BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER INOPERATIVE OR CONTINUOUSLY ILLIMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

1987 vs. every other 535 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 535 median. How we score

'85'86'87'89'90'91'92'93'94'96
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1987 BMW 535, and the recalls they led to.

  1. MSTR CYL FAILS TO RELEASEEA90002 · closed Oct 30, 1990
    No recall
  2. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA92017 · closed Mar 30, 1993
    Led to recall 93V-015
  3. BRAKES DRAG & FAILPE89142 · closed Oct 12, 1989
    No recall
In owners' words

What 535 owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

ABS PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR FAILURE: DURING PANIC STOPS, BRAKE PEDAL RESISTS BEING PUSHED QUICKLY, CAUSES DECREASE IN ABILITY TO QUICKLY STOP; HAPPENED AT 60,000 MILES, AGAIN AT 120,000.*AK
Complaint 801783 · Sep 24, 1996

Own a 1987 535?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.