- The problem
- Feed fuel hoses can harden and "set" over time, allowing a seepage of fuel at the connection between the hose and the engine fitting. The clamp used to hold the hose to the fitting is unable to compensate for the hardening of the feed fuel hose.
- The risk
- Fuel seepage between the feed fuel hose and the engine fitting can result in free fuel in the engine compartment, which could result in a fire when exposed to a source of ignition.
- The fix
- A redesigned feed fuel hose and hose clamp will be installed to alleviate the fuel seepage.
Vehicle safety record
1989 BMW 535 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1989 BMW 535 with NHTSA, most often about the acceleration & cruise control (3) and the electrical system (2). Those complaints describe 2 crashes. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in April 1994 for the hoses, lines / piping, and fittings. For comparison, the 1990 has 4.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 535 year, for its age
#114 most complained-about 1989 vehicle
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1989 BMW 535 problems
Share of all 7 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1989 BMW 535 recalls 2
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
- The problem
- Under certain conditions, front seat center, fold-down arm rest may contact the safety belt buckle, causing damage to the release button and preventing the belt tongue from latching when buckling up.
- The risk
- Occupant would not be properly restrained and could be injured in the event of a sudden stop or accident.
- The fix
- Replace front seat safety belt buckles with shorter version that will not contact the armrests. Note: owner notification date; 2/90 is prepared in draft form.
What owners say
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7 complaints about the 1989 BMW 535
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
COMPUTER SYSTEM FAILS. *DH
ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *SD
Throttle system failed, causing engine to surge/loss of control. *Dsh
Power door locks failed, causing doors not to open.
SUN ROOF OPENED ALL THE WAY PRIOR TO FAILING. *DSH
Horn will not blow due to electrical short or wiring failure. Repaired twice. Please describe details. Tt
VEHICLE GAS PEDAL JAMMED (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT). *TW
BMW 535: every year compared
All 535 years1989 BMW 535 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 BMW 535 | 7 | 2 | F | |
| 1989 BMW 325 | 11 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1989 BMW 325I | 8 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1989 BMW 535I | 6 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1989 BMW 525I | 4 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1989 BMW 525 | 3 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 1989 BMW 320 | 2 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1989 BMW 520IA | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 1989 BMW 325IA | 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 1989 BMW 535
Does the 1989 BMW 535 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1989 BMW 535: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (April 1994); buckle assembly (January 1990). 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 1989 BMW 535?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the acceleration & cruise control (3), electrical system (2), visibility & wipers (1).
How many complaints has the 1989 BMW 535 had?
7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 27, 1995 and the latest on May 25, 1996. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1989 BMW 535 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 7 out of 100 (grade F: far 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 1989 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