1991 BMW 535I: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 5 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1998
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2000
“Faulty ignition switch caused the starter to burn up, resulting in the vehicle loosing all power while driving on the highway. Nlm”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2000
Show 1 more owner reports
“Airbag warning light came on because of a wire burning out. Dealer says it needed to be replaced. Shortly after wire was replaced, the warning light came back on. Dealer said it was the contact ring locking tab. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags
Recalls - 3 campaigns
THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOCKING TAB WITH ONE OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN.
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1991 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 535I by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 BMW 535I reliable?
NHTSA has 5 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 BMW 535I. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1991 BMW 535I have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.