What are the worst BMW 535I years?

Q: What are the worst BMW 535I years?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints per year on the road, the worst BMW 535I year is 2011 - complaint rates far above this model's median. The years with the fewest problems relative to time on the road: 1991, 1992, 2016.

BMW 535I: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 2011

Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.

Held up best: 1991, 1992, 2016

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

2016solid year12 complaints · 2 recalls 201430 complaints · 2 recalls 201338 complaints · 1 recalls 201254 complaints · 1 recalls 2011worst year112 complaints · 4 recalls 201058 complaints · 1 recalls 200971 complaints · 1 recalls 200874 complaints · 1 recalls 1992solid year3 complaints · 3 recalls 1991solid year5 complaints · 3 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.