2009 Bmw 535i problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Fuel/Propulsion System (22) · Fuel System, Gasoline (13) · Engine (13)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Bmw 535i model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
61 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (1)
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights 2013-09-11 · campaign 13V407000 · 134,100 vehicles
Defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Service bulletins (70)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls 2024-01-16 · B510819 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Electrical System 2024-01-11 · B611305 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the electrical system of bmw vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. this has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. this document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle ã¢ââdischarged batteryã¢ââ complaints.
Fuel System, Gasoline 2023-12-20 · B160623 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
engine will crank but not start. there is no communication with the integrated fuel module (tfe) whendiagnosing with ista. the following two fault codes will be stored in the dme: 032b43 - low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low cda594 - message (- 0x33e) missing, rec
Equipment 2023-11-22 · B653423 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
customers may state that the alarm system (dwa) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. depending on the vehicleã¢ââs equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. additionally, the red anti-theft alarm led in
Fuel System, Gasoline 2021-05-01 · B011321 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
class action settlement: n54/n54t/n55 electric engine coolant pump . with the court's final approval, bmw of north america, llc (bmw na) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: oliver, et al v. bmw na, et al
Fuel System, Gasoline 2021-05-01 · B011321 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
class action settlement: n54/n54t/n55 electric engine coolant pump . with the court's final approval, bmw of north america, llc (bmw na) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: oliver, et al v. bmw na, et al
Showing the 6 most recent of 70 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-07-11 · Power Train“i believe using the manual shift mode for normal usage of optimal shifting in certain driving situations and gentle downshifting caused a malfunction in the functionality of the transmission that led to a complete transmission failure. i don’t believe it’s a mechanical issue or result of misuse. there were no warning signs. only that every time the…”
2024-05-13 · Tires · 177,259 mi“the contact owns a 2009 bmw 535i equipped with mastercraft tires, tire line: stratus, tire size: 225/50/r17. the contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the passenger's side rear tire was bubbling, and the vehicle was unstable. the vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and the contact observed that the tread belt was broken. the ti…”
2023-12-01 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump · 70,000 mi“the contact owns a 2009 bmw 535i. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated violently with a message displayed to, "check engine – engine power reduced”. the check engine warning light was illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the spark plugs and ignition…”
2022-06-07 · Engine“while driving i have received engine malfunction and steering becomes hard and unsafe. have had the engine belt shred to pieces and case major issues. same repair has been completed multiple times. great vehicle becoming unsafe to have on the road. what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? e…”
2022-05-16 · Engine · 115,600 mi“the contact owns a 2009 bmw 535i. the contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for servicing, he was informed that the vehicle was leaking oil. the oil filter housing and the valve cover gaskets were replaced. additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. …”
2022-03-30 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger“passenger side safety restraint malfunction. passenger airbag no longer enabled because seat occupancy sensor is faulty. passenger is at risk as airbag no longer working. this problem was confirmed and diagnosed by an independent auto technician. bmw fault code 93c3 the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer as bmw wants $2,500 to make…”
2021-07-04 · Fuel/Propulsion System“the car stop running completly when i was wainting at the stop light an anounsmemt came out in my dash saying that i have to repleaced the fuel pump i know that there was a recall abuot this problem but i never got any notice or letter from bmw …”
2020-01-23 · Unknown Or Other · 40 mi“bmw 2009 535 xi owner. out of all of the times taking the car for service for various reasons, i decided to look for information regarding my latest issue. twin turbo. i was told the rear turbo was bad and it is recommended to do both. i had the car serviced in october, they told me the oil smell was due to the spring from oil cap missing. before o…”
2019-08-09 · Engine · 140,000 mi“as i am driving my bmw after 5 minutes of start it. i smelled oil coming out of the engine. even after not drink the car for about one week the smell was still there. i am concern that something is wrong with the engine. even on a cool 60 degree day the engine is too hot to touch. i feel that the coolant in not going to the engine since after putti…”
2019-07-14 · Power Train · 110,000 mi“driving on freeway 65 mph and vehicle looses power completely power steering power brakes lost. engine just shut off errors appear such as p142e or malfunction however when restarting vehicle 5+min later no errors and codes appear resulting in no failures no possibilty to diagnose found 4 incidents occured 2 near fatal collisions note: bmw code li…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.