The vehicle dossier US · 2011

2011 BMW
535IProblems & recalls

112 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Engine appears in 41 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 112 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Engine41 reports
Fuel system35 reports
Other components28 reports
Electrical system17 reports
Transmission & drivetrain17 reports
Air bags5 reports
Visibility3 reports
Brakes3 reports
Body & structure2 reports
Suspension1 reports
See original component labels
ENGINE37
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM34
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
POWER TRAIN17
UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
WHEELS7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
AIR BAGS5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
TIRES3
STRUCTURE:BODY2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
SERVICE BRAKES2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
SUSPENSION1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER1
SEATS1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 14 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Apr 20, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

78,000 miles is the median among 65 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 62,000–117,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

4 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Feb 2, 2017 Safety recallPOWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINTCampaign 17V067000

Reported concern

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.

Manufacturer’s stated response

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Read campaign 17V067000 at NHTSA
Nov 17, 2016 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVECampaign 16V832000

Reported concern

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit. These SCUs have an acceleration sensor that may have been incorrectly programmed and, as a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash.

Manufacturer’s stated response

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Read campaign 16V832000 at NHTSA
Oct 17, 2016 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPCampaign 16V746000

Reported concern

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.

Manufacturer’s stated response

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Read campaign 16V746000 at NHTSA
Apr 10, 2014 Safety recallENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINECampaign 14V176000

Reported concern

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.

Manufacturer’s stated response

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Read campaign 14V176000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

354 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jan 16, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB510819The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.NHTSA ID 10249437

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10249437 at NHTSA
Jan 11, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB611305The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the…NHTSA ID 10249027

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10249027 at NHTSA
Dec 20, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB160623Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fue…NHTSA ID 10247567

Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10247567 at NHTSA
Nov 22, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB653423Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking con…NHTSA ID 10245422

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10245422 at NHTSA
Jun 1, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB340914The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warning light comes on while driving. The following DSC fault codes for the wheel speed sensors are stored: 480712 and/or 480715 and/or 480718 and/or 48071B They cannot be cleared, even thoug…NHTSA ID 10239605

The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warning light comes on while driving. The following DSC fault codes for the wheel speed sensors are stored: 480712 and/or 480715 and/or 480718 and/or 48071B They cannot be cleared, even though the wheel speed sensors work correctly and no problem can be found with the wiring harness.

Components: WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10239605 at NHTSA
May 1, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB651523After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.NHTSA ID 10238090

After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10238090 at NHTSA
Dec 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB010919For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.NHTSA ID 10230717

For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.

Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10230717 at NHTSA
Dec 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB010122With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BM…NHTSA ID 10230716

With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC.

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10230716 at NHTSA
Oct 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB650414According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored.…NHTSA ID 10227568

According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present. Or 2. ACSM fault code "930A1C - Front passenger seat occupancy detection transmitting fault(moisture)" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present.

Components: AIR BAGS · BACK OVER PREVENTION · LANE DEPARTURE · SEATS:BARRIERS · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10227568 at NHTSA
May 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSIB011918Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determi…NHTSA ID 10215746

Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle original in-service date.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10215746 at NHTSA
May 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSIB651312The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), …NHTSA ID 10214990

The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 4 (HU-H4, also called MGU21) superseded the MGU starting with certain MY2021 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional. This uses map North America JOY. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and was introduced in certain MY2018 vehicles. This uses map North America WAY.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10214990 at NHTSA
Mar 1, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsB111614This bulletin outlines the procedure for checking the engine timing chains for wear, and should be completed in conjunction with SI B11 06 14, "N63 Customer Care Package." The N63CCP and N63 Engine Check the Timing Chain are NO…NHTSA ID 10211851

This bulletin outlines the procedure for checking the engine timing chains for wear, and should be completed in conjunction with SI B11 06 14, "N63 Customer Care Package." The N63CCP and N63 Engine Check the Timing Chain are NOT mandatory Technical Campaigns or Recalls. They should be completed only based on parts availability, workshop capacity, and the customer's schedule.

Components: ENGINE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10211851 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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