- The problem
- Brake light switch could overheat, eventually leading to melting of plastic internal parts in area of electrical contacts.
- The risk
- Consequence of defect: switch plunger could jam, rendering brake lights either inoperative or continuously illiminated, regardless of brake pedal operation.
- The fix
- Replace brake light switch with revised switch with increased electrical load capacity.
Vehicle safety record
1987 BMW 535 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1987 BMW 535 with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (2) and the steering (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in November 1986 for the switch. For comparison, the 1986 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical 535 year, for its age
#122 most complained-about 1987 vehicle
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1987 BMW 535 problems
Share of all 3 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1987 BMW 535 recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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3 complaints about the 1987 BMW 535
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Power steering hose came loose and vehicle lost power steering.
Abs pressure accumulator failure: during panic stops, brake pedal resists being pushed quickly, causes decrease in ability to quickly stop; happened at 60,000 miles, again at 120,000.*Ak
Master cylinder/power booster/brake switch/accumulator failed.
BMW 535: every year compared
All 535 years1987 BMW 535 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 BMW 535 | 3 | 1 | D | |
| 1987 BMW 325 | 16 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1987 BMW 325I | 5 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1987 BMW 528 | 1 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1987 BMW 528E | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 1987 BMW 325ISA | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1987 BMW 535
Does the 1987 BMW 535 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1987 BMW 535: switch (November 1986). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1987 BMW 535?
How many complaints has the 1987 BMW 535 had?
3 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 22, 1994 and the latest on June 2, 1997. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1987 BMW 535 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 26 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical BMW 535 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which BMW 535 years have the most complaints?
1989 (7), 1990 (4), 1987 (3). See every BMW 535 year compared.
What should I do if my 1987 BMW 535 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data