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1985-1996 · 9 model years

BMW 535 Problems by year

Owners have filed 17 complaints about the BMW 535 across 9 model years, and it has 4 recalls. The 1989 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (7), while 1985 has far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the electrical system, followed by the brakes.

Most complaints for its age19897 complaints · 2 recallsSee the 1989
Complaints
17
Recalls
4
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

535 complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
19961010Body, doors & structureC
19930100-C
19920100-C
19911200Engine & coolingF
19904200Electrical systemF
19897220Acceleration & cruise controlF
19873100BrakesD
19860100-C
19851000Wheels & tiresA

Most common 535 problems

BMW 535 recalls 4

Latest 535 complaints

1985 BMW 535Wheels & tires

One of a matched set of bf goodrich p20560r14 touring t/a tr4 began to separate with approx. 1/2 Tread life left. Less than 1000 miles later, another of the set began to separate to the point of exposing belts and throwing tread. Luckily the speed was less than 50 mph and the vehicle was brought safely to a halt without a collision. *Jb

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 10021197
1996 BMW 535Body, doors & structureCrash

While at a stop another car rear ended consumer's vehicle at about 80 mph, and frame broke.*Ak

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 879991
1991 BMW 535Engine & cooling

Vehicle was under recall 98178000. But owner was not notified. Vehicle broke down.Towed to dealer, and was informed by mechanic that coolant system radiator cap was at fault. This had caused the problems with the water pump. Consumer was unhappy for not receiving a recall notice. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 844618
1990 BMW 535Brakes

While driving vehicle about 60 mph on the highway when the consumer steps on the brakes, the computer shows the brakes lights are not working. *Ak

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 821708
1987 BMW 535Steering

Power steering hose came loose and vehicle lost power steering.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 517720

Questions about the BMW 535

Which BMW 535 years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 1989 (7), 1990 (4), 1987 (3). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 1989 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which BMW 535 years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 1985 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other 535 years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common BMW 535 problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the electrical system (4), brakes (3), acceleration & cruise control (3) most often.

How many recalls does the BMW 535 have?

NHTSA lists 4 recalls across all BMW 535 model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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