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1991 BMW 535iProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 1991 BMW 535i, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints50 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 22, 2001. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1991 BMW 535i has problems

5 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
Engine and engine cooling20
Air bags10
Electrical system10
Power train10

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

3 recalls

1991 BMW 535i 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

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system

Recall 98V-178 · Aug 4, 1998 · 340,000 vehicles

Risk. IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Brake lights: switch

Recall 96V-111 · Jul 1, 1996 · 180,000 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ON, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.

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

1991 vs. every other 535i 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 535i median. How we score

'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 535i owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

CONSUMER HAD REPLACED MOST OF ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM PARTS. EACH TIME THAT TAKES VEHICLE TO DEALER THEY WILL REPLACE A PART, AND PRESENTLY, VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE FIXED AGAIN.*AK
Complaint 883871 · Mar 22, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER A FEW TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. BUT PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. *AK
Complaint 860989 · Apr 26, 2000

Own a 1991 535i?

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