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2009 BMW 535I

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →
71Owner complaints

Model-year median: 5

1Recall campaigns

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0Investigations

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
74
200871
200958
2010112
201154
2012
Compare all 535I years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Fuel/propulsion System
24Engine
21Fuel System, Gasoline
17Engine And Engine Cooling
7Power Train
6
All reported categories
Air Bags
4Electrical System
2Electronic Stability Control (esc)
2Exterior Lighting
2Seat Belts
2Steering
2Suspension
2Tires
2Unknown Or Other
2Equipment
1Equipment Adaptive/mobility
1Fuel System, Other
1Service Brakes
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

61 reports with mileage · 10 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports2 fire reports1 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

4 reports
Clear category filter
115,600 miles · May 16, 2022
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535i. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for servicing, he was informed that the vehicle was leaking oil. The oil filter housing and the valve cover gaskets were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning…

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The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535i. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for servicing, he was informed that the vehicle was leaking oil. The oil filter housing and the valve cover gaskets were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs and the coil pack needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the coil pack needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the turn signals and the horn were no longer operatives. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering column had failed. The contact also stated that the rear passenger's side and the rear driver's side windows were no longer operating as needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,600. The consumer stated there is a recall for this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11464833

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2022
Air Bags

Passenger side safety restraint malfunction. Passenger airbag no longer enabled because seat occupancy sensor is faulty. Passenger is at risk as airbag no longer working. This problem was confirmed and diagnosed by an independent auto technician. BMW fault code 93c3 The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer as BMW …

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Passenger side safety restraint malfunction. Passenger airbag no longer enabled because seat occupancy sensor is faulty. Passenger is at risk as airbag no longer working. This problem was confirmed and diagnosed by an independent auto technician. BMW fault code 93c3 The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer as BMW wants $2,500 to make the repair. Warning lights on dash say Passenger Restraint System malfunction. Passenger Airbag no longer enabled. Issues started occurring two weeks ago.

NHTSA ODI #11459041

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2018
Air BagsSeat Belts

SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WHERE LIGHT KEEPS COMING IN...NOT SURE IF AIRBAG OR SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS WILL HELP IN AN ACCIDENT

NHTSA ODI #11084658

Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2012
Air BagsSeat Belts

I GOT A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION: FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER RESTRAINT PROBLEM. THIS RESULTED IN A RED AIRBAG LIGHT AND RED PASSENGER BELT TO COME ON THE DASH AND IDRIVE. THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AND BELT TENSIONER IS SAID TO BE BAD . THI…

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I GOT A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION: FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER RESTRAINT PROBLEM. THIS RESULTED IN A RED AIRBAG LIGHT AND RED PASSENGER BELT TO COME ON THE DASH AND IDRIVE. THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AND BELT TENSIONER IS SAID TO BE BAD . THIS TIME WITH A RED AIRBAG LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME, AND THE SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED LIGHT ON AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10490133

Official recalls

1

13V407000 · Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

Sep 11, 2013

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.