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2011 BMW 535i US Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 36 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 BMW 535i US, most often about the wheels and tires (56% of complaints, typically around 2,500 miles). It is the most complained-about 535i US model year since 2000.

Complaints36
Recalls0
Crashes reported0
Fires reported0
Injuries reported0

Most common 2011 BMW 535i US problems

  1. Wheels and tires

    20 complaints · 56%

    Half of these problems showed up before 2,500 miles. Parts named most often: rim.

    Good year run flat tires are very unsafe. Apparently BMW and goodyear have some kind of deal. I bought a 2011 BMW 535i with the sport package which includes the 19" goodyears. They have always leaked and get bubbles. One day if not already people will die cause of this tire. Again goodyears killing people. This needs…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 3,000 miles
    Goodyear eagle ls2 tire developed bubble after less than 2000 miles. Tire is on national backorder and is the only tire approved for this car. I see this as a safety issue for both the car and the tire since I have to either order non-recommended tires (this is the only run-flat tire in the oe size) or drive on a…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 2,000 miles

  2. Engine

    7 complaints · 19%

    Half of these problems showed up before 19,500 miles.

    The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535i. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, liquid spilled on the engine computer that was located in the trunk and caused the computer to short circuit. The vehicle decelerated from 70 MPH to 3 MPH almost instantly. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the computer was…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 15,000 miles
    Started engine, check engine light came on. This has happened about 6 times before in the last 2 years. Each time it was related to fuel cap/o2 sensor.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 24,000 miles

  3. Transmission

    3 complaints · 8%

    My BMW has about 75k miles on it. I was driving it one day after work and all of a sudden the car stalled on the highway. Car did not shut down or anything but loss of power, it's like my vehicle went into neutral gear, I stepped on the gas and the car will not move. This almost resulted in a fatal crash. 'drivetran…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 76,000 miles

  4. Electrical

    3 complaints · 8%

    Parts named most often: propulsion system.

    The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535i. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was confirmed that the remote control key failed, which caused a discharge in the battery. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The dealer then replaced the remote key…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 3,100 miles
    The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535i. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the drive train warning lamp illuminated as the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the high pressure fuel pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 12,945 miles

  5. Fuel system

    3 complaints · 8%

    Parts named most often: delivery.

    The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535i. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the drive train warning lamp illuminated as the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the high pressure fuel pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 12,945 miles
    Gas smell in interior of vehicle, service noted that there is gas leak. There is a known recall but when we call BMW and they say they are prepared to do nothing at this time and we need to wait. We have been waiting for over 9 months now.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 38,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2011 BMW 535i US recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2011 BMW 535i US

What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 535i US?
By NHTSA owner complaints: wheels and tires (20 complaints, typically around 2,500 miles); engine (7 complaints, typically around 19,500 miles); transmission (3 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 535i US have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 BMW 535i US. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2011 a bad year for the BMW 535i US?
It is the most complained-about 535i US model year since 2000, with 36 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other BMW 535i US years

BMW 535i US problems by year