2009 BMW 535I: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 71 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel/propulsion system (29% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2013
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 manual shift option was used, it would cause an error to occur that caused an automatic shifting issue that would reset if the vehicle was shut down and restarted.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2025
“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 the repair. Warning lights on dash say Passenger Restraint System malfunction. Passenger Airbag no longer enabled. Issues started occurring two weeks ago.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2022
“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”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“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 putting a full amount of coolant the coolant is deplete after one hour.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw 535i. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle misfired and idled roughly. Also, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. Blagoi's international car service (1880 riverside dr, columbus, oh 43221, (614) 486-2449) diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2019
“At least once or twice a week my vehicle all of a sudden lose power the engine malfunction light come dash. Then on the idrive system it always say "fuel pump" problem. This problem occurs unexpected and has put me in dangerous situation on the highway. I pull over to the shoulder and put the flashers on. After about ten minutes the flashers go off and the car is able to drive again. Lastly, the problem always happen unexpected regardless on city street or highway. I can be traveling at 25 to 75mph and it just randomly happens. Many occasions I do not feel comfortable traveling in the far left lane. Due to moving to the left shoulder and cars traveling at a higher rate of speed.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2018
“Fuel pump failures, car shut down while driving on the highway (numerous times) lost power steering while going over 60 mph. Cost over $10,000 to make repairs on the vehicle because bmw said it is no longer under warranty.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2018
“The car shuts off unexpectedly when it's being used because of the fuel pump. I think it's unfair that the 2008 models got recalls up to 10 yrs and 120,000 miles. I feel like the 2009 bmw xi was missing from this recall. The same high pressure fuel pump was the problem for the recall. I'm both close to reaching my 120,000 miles or the 10 yr mark so it would be amazing to see something being done about this soon.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2018
“Fuel pump error while driving and the car shuts down, we lose power steering and have done so on the highway, and city numerous times.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2018
“Stopped in traffic at a red light after approximately 15 minutes of driving. The light turned green and upon acceleration, the engine stopped in the middle of the intersection.the "fuel pump" warning came up on my screen. The vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the repair shop where it did not exhibit any problems, according to the mechanic the vehicle ran fine. Nonetheless, the fuel pump was replaced. Drove the car for two days before it broke down again. Same scenario, stopped at a stop sign, proceeded to accelerate and the engine stopped. Vehicle had to be towed to the repair shop for the second time in three days. Awaiting to see if a new hpfp will resolve the issue.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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).
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2009 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 2009 BMW 535I reliable?
NHTSA has 71 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2009 BMW 535I. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2009 BMW 535I problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 77,717 miles or less.
Does the 2009 BMW 535I have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:tail lights. 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.