2.3

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
65,580 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #10

Aug 162017

535

  • 97,000 miles
Hpfp is going bad engine light comes on long crank start

- Deltona, FL, USA

problem #9

Jan 302019

535

  • 65,000 miles
Car reduced power, shakes and will not run anymore. Is so unsafe to be driving this specially in the fwy very scary.

- Bellflower, CA, USA

problem #8

Aug 162018

535

  • 4 miles
Currently having issues with a wastegate rattle on turbos. Rough engine idle. Having multiple misfires, and stuck open fuel injectors. Causing tailpipes to excessively smoke (white color) while going into limp mode could not go past 20mph and surging. Issues happen when stationary and while driving. Had to get vehicle towed home. 'fuel injector recall 16E-A01 'hpfp recall- could not find number 'turbo recall- could not find number

- Whittier, CA, USA

problem #7

Aug 042018

535

  • 132,047 miles
Driving family down the highway around 65 mph. I loose all power in the cabin. The car starts throwing all warning lights, ABS, steering, sway control, transmition, etc. Engine still running would not shift into neutral had to use E brake to pull over then it wanted to keep going had to turn car off to stop it. Called tow truck sent family home.

- Palmdale, CA, USA

problem #6

Mar 012018

535

  • miles
Tip in as it is called, lag in the response time from when you step on the gas pedal till the car actually takes off. Also passenger side seat sensor sensing someone is there when they are not causing the fasten seat belt error to contantly go off.

- Wichita Falls, TX, USA

problem #5

Jun 062014

535

  • 98,000 miles
During highway traveling upon acceleration to change lanes the car began to lose power and stall. A engine malfunction light came/reduced power. I had to drive the car about 45 mph because it began to shake as if it was going to cut off. Dealership advised that is was not the hpfp (high pressure fuel pump). I was told that all six fuel injectors needed to be replaced. This car can be very dangerous to drive on the highway because of its unreliability!

- Rex, GA, USA

problem #4

Mar 262014

535

  • 43,750 miles
We were stopped and waiting at a red light then pressed accelerator when the light turned green. The car starts moving then suddenly loses all power within seconds while entering a very busy freeway onramp. After losing power and car is dead, a warning message appears. Warning says car is "overheated and to stop, danger of burns with hot water pump." Car had not been driven for 2 hours prior to incident. There was absolutely no warning before losing all power and control of the car. Had to have car towed to dealer. Dealer replaced the water pump and did not explain the sudden loss of power or lack of warning. The car has had multiple problems with the high pressure fuel pump. The car also has had several warnings of sudden power loss that the dealer is unable to diagnose. The sudden stop on the freeway caused us to be nearly rear-ended a few times before the police came.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #3

Jan 062014

535 6-cyl

  • 58,000 miles
While driving the 2008 BMW 535xi, there was a loud sound from the engine. A message appeared "car overheated" and the car stopped in the middle of the road. The water pump failed with absolutely no warning. The acceleration would not work at all and the car was essentially inoperable. It was a very difficult situation with vehicles approaching me from behind especially with no shoulder space available to pull the car over. I managed to turn ont he hazard lights and barely managed to escape this situation without an incident. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and I was informed that the auxiliary water pump had failed and will have to replace it, the cost of which would be at least $1,200. When I looked up on the internet regarding this issue, I have seen many individuals complaining about the water pump in less than as little as 30,000 miles. I also stumbled onto a NHTSA recall campaign (no. 11V-521: "electric auxiliary water pump") on certain 2008 BMW 5-series. I was shocked to know that my vehicle was not included in this campaign number. What type of quality checks are these pumps subjected to" I have heard of many such instances with this year, make and model. Most other vehicles have water pumps lasting over 100,000 miles and well beyond. Why hasn't BMW issued a recall"

- Marlton, NJ, USA

problem #2

Oct 102013

535 6-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
Driving on highway, panel indicates that the temperature is high, and advises to drive moderately. Pulled over one lane. Before being able to pull over completely, a new indication shows on the panel, instructing that the engine is overheated. Vehicle quickly powers down in the middle of the highway. Unable to pull off to the side before the car is traveling under 20 mph. Limped to the road side with other cars buzzing by at dangerously different speeds as compared to my own. I was finally able to pull off to the side of the highway while going less than 5 mph, causing other drivers to slam their brakes and honk profusely at me. The deceleration happened very quickly. With lots of traffic, this created a dangerous and difficult situation to manage in the middle of rush hour. The fact that a crash did not occur is a matter of luck. After pulling off to the side and letting the car cool for several minutes, I was able to restart and drive slowly, long enough to get off the highway at the next exit, about 500 feet away. Called for a tow truck. Car is now at dealer.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #1

Jun 082013

535 6-cyl Diesel

  • 102,000 miles
I just had to have my water pump and thermostat replaced on my 2008 535I. I was told that it happens so often, they keep the part on the shelf! are there really no recalls on this problem?? also, my right tail light shorted out. I asked the shop why...he said this also happens all the time. The wires fry! not cool.I really think someone needs to investigate this. When I was told they replace them all of the time, I was shocked. That cost me $1102.62 to fix. The guy who towed me said he makes several trips a week for people with the same problem.

- Mount Pleasant, SC, USA