2016 BMW 535I: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 12 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Passenger restraint system malfunction, available for inspection. Passenger side air bag will not work if in an accident Problem has been confirmed by dealer Warning lamp appeared approximately 4-5 weeks ago, prior to that no symptoms. Just happened all of a sudden.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2024
“The contact owns a 2016 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was left overnight in a hotel parking lot. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump, plug connector, and head gasket had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2024
“1 .Panoramic sunroof curtain has been repaired twice at the dealer and now it broke for the third time 2. the controls to the panoramic sunroof do not work at all 3.Passenger restrain system malfunction”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2024
Show 4 more owner reports
“The driver's side supplemental restraint warning light has come on and stays on. I have an appointment with my service center.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2023
“The head unit or the car stopped working. As a result, rear view camera, all warning systems or the car including warnings for low tire pressure, warnings for distance from objects in front, side and rear all stopped working. This is a safety issue with all safety features of the car were disabled. This is the second time head unit has stopped working on the same car and the second time when the head unit needed a replacement. Seems like a systemic issue and should be investigated with bmws.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Dec 2020
“Tires are coming apart and unserviceable at 19000 miles of normal driving conditions. The tire shop tells me they are clearly defective”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2018
“Takata recall. I have received a notice on 7/31/2017 of a class action lawsuit regarding my vehicle and takata air bags.; however bmw has not issued a recall to fix the air bag problem. Is bmw obligated to fix the air bag problem regardless if I join the suit or not?”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2017
Recalls - 2 campaigns
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535d xDrive, M5, 550i, 550i xDrive, and 535d sedans. The affected vehicles have an inboard lower anchor for child restraints on the left rear seat that may have been bent downwards, preventing the child seat from fully engaging both lower anchors. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the inboard lower anchor on the left rear seat, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2016 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 2016 BMW 535I reliable?
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2016 BMW 535I. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2016 BMW 535I have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seats:mid/rear assembly. 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.