2010 BMW 535I: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 58 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel/propulsion system (28% 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 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2010 bmw 535i. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-25 mph, the vehicle loss motive power. The contact coasted and manually steered the vehicle to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that the fuel pump warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to rallye bmw (1 brush hollow rd, westbury, ny 11590, (516) 226-7947) who had replaced an unknown part however, approximately a week later the failure recurred with the same warning light illuminated. The contact returned the vehicle to the same dealer and the fuel pump was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2021
“When staring up, extended crank/slow startup . Contacted bmw 'fuel pump issue'. Not covered on current recalls because of year of car. All other 5 series have an open recall for the same problem”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2020
“Was driving down the road and was passing a vehicle and as I was getting past other driver my onboard dash popped up saying car needed to get serviced. Description of fault was fuel pump. All power was lost and was barely able to get past other motorist to get to the shoulder. Once I sat for about 20 min was able to restart vehicle and get to my destination 8 miles down the road. This made me feel very u safe and could have caused an accident with the other motorist. I was on a 2 lanes state road when this happened. There was also another vehicle behind the motorist I was passing to over take. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving steadily on the interstate (i494 in bloomington, mn) with traffic at roughly 65mph, I received a message on the dash of fuel pump failure, drive slowly. Car proceeded to go into 'limp mode' with reduced power and then stalled out'gave me just enough time to navigate to a relatively safer spot on the shoulder of the interstate. Tried to restart car, but it would struggle and then fail each time.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2020
“When attempting to bring vehicle up to speed on the on-ramp of the highway, the "fuel pump warning" will display on screen. This is then followed by a loss of power in the engine until the engine stops and the vehicle no longer runs. Vehicle has been towed and diagnosed as the high pressure fuel pump be technician. Technician advised me that bmw has recalled "certain" models for this problem.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2020
“My bmw 2010 5 series gt ( campaign 10v446000 ) has had issues pertaining too a check valve of the break vacuum pump that leaks a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this has contaminated my brake booster, and also there has been issues with the power assit braking performance that has led too loss of power assist braking which I've done research and that could potentially increase a risk of an accident. My fuel guage has also displayed a larger amount of fuel than was actually in the tank, which could also increase my vehicle too stall and increase a chance of me being in a accident.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2019
“Fuel pump randomly causes engine failure during normal driving conditions causing it to malfunction, stall engine, and endanger the cars occupants saftey in normal to heavy traffic conditions. The fuel pump will reset itself after 5-10 minutes and the car will start again allowing it to then safely exit the roadway.. This issue is random in occurance. It could happen twice in one day, or it could happen only twice in one month.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2019
“The car lunges/jerks at random times during startup. It does this whether the car is cold, hot and at random times during the day or evening. The vehicle is stationary when this occurs. Engine mounts have been replaced and transmission mount if in good working order. The dealer cannot identity the problem. At times the jerk is barely noticeable but other times the jerk is harsh and I fear the the car will move forward while parked.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2019
“High pressure fuel pump failed. This part has been highly publicized as faulty. Including recalls and extended warrantees. The failure at high speeds caused stalling and was very dangerous. Bmw failed to replace for free the high pressure fuel pump and charged me full price. Failure to honor recall/warranty. It has been noted 150,000 plus vehicles are affected. This needs to be a mandatory recall and paid in full by bmw. Seeking investigation and reimbursement. I have the invoice if needed.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2019
“All the bmw have recall about airbag and seat belt ,why my 535i bmw 2010 its not under recall,.I have my light on and I'm scared driving it looks like I'm not safe,I was driving th car in city and I stopped to drop off my wife she take out seat belt and she stand the light coming on ,it said restrained system munfluction .”Owner report · Seats · Apr 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - 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 2010 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 2010 BMW 535I reliable?
NHTSA has 58 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2010 BMW 535I. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2010 BMW 535I problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 61,000 miles or less.
Does the 2010 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.