repaired · 2018 Q3
Driveline: constant velocity joint
Risk. If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
2011 BMW 535iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 112 owner complaints about the 2011 BMW 535i, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-746 the manufacturer reports only 52% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 20, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 BMW 535i has problems
112 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
37Engine2 crash/fire/injury
34Fuel/propulsion system
17Power train
17Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
7Wheels
6Vehicle speed control
5Air bags
5Exterior lighting
4Engine and engine cooling
1510 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 37 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 34 | 0 |
| Power train | 17 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 4 |
| Wheels | 7 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 2 |
| Air bags | 5 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 15 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2011 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.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints…
repaired · 2018 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
87kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 24 engine complaints. 63% were reported before 100,000 miles.
3under 30k miles15under 100k miles9100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2011 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
NHTSA crash tests
2011 BMW 535i safety ratings
2011 BMW 535 I 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What 535i owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
ValveTronic motor and eccentric shaft is a very common issue that my specific car has. Affects the timing and makes a loud sound. Dangerous to drive in this condition.
My car suddenly shut off when I came to a stop at a red light while on a busy state route. The information cluster then began to read “Fuel supply” and “Battery Discharge” My car would not turn back on and still has not turned back on since and it's been over a month now. According to the OBD…
The vehicle is having cooling/ heat problems. Does not overheat while driving but rather driving on high temp. Cools to norm temp here and there. My best thought is electrical. Also same vehicle rattles in rear center when going 65mph.. not sure the cause is.
Own a 2011 535i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.