- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. If the indications of a critical overheating condition is not noticed by the driver, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.
- The risk
- If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
Vehicle safety record
1990 BMW 535I Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1990 BMW 535I with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (1) and the airbags (1). Those complaints describe 2 crashes and 1 injury. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in August 1998 for the cooling system. For comparison, the 1989 has 6 and the 1991 has 5.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 535I year, for its age
#190 most complained-about 1990 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1990 BMW 535I problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1990 BMW 535I 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
- The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "brake lights off" position or in the "brake lights on" position.
- The risk
- If this happens, the brake lights either will not operate or will be continuously on, regardless of brake pedal position. Following drivers would not be able to determine whether the vehicle is stopping, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the existing brake light switch with a newly designed switch.
What owners say
Be the first 535I owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
2 complaints about the 1990 BMW 535I
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
While driving about 3 mph struck another vehicle on the passenger's side, and driver's air bag did not deploy.*Ak
There was a recall in 1997 of the same problem on the similar, bmw 525i. Nhtsa # 97v131000 concerning radiator cap. Also, suuden acceleration. *Ak
BMW 535I: every year compared
All 535I years1990 BMW 535I vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 BMW 535I | 2 | 2 | F | |
| 1990 BMW 325I | 12 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1990 BMW 525I | 11 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1990 BMW 525 | 7 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1990 BMW 535 | 4 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1990 BMW 318 | 1 | 1 | 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 1990 BMW 535I
Does the 1990 BMW 535I have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1990 BMW 535I: cooling system (August 1998); switch (July 1996). 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 1990 BMW 535I?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (1), airbags (1), acceleration & cruise control (1).
How many complaints has the 1990 BMW 535I had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 6, 2000 and the latest on May 31, 2000. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 1990 BMW 535I a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 9 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical BMW 535I 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 535I years have the most complaints?
1989 (6), 1991 (5), 1990 (2). See every BMW 535I year compared.
What should I do if my 1990 BMW 535I 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