10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
45,526 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 BMW 535 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2011 BMW 535 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #31

Jun 162024

535

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle is having cooling/ heat problems. Does not overheat while driving but rather driving on high temp. Cools to norm temp here and there. My best thought is electrical. Also same vehicle rattles in rear center when going 65mph.. not sure the cause is.

- Napa, CA, USA

problem #30

Aug 012020

535

  • 0 miles
The back and front axles aren't reliable at all. All four on my car are damaged and every time I go over a bump it's a violent sound and feeling.

- Cranston, RI, USA

problem #29

Nov 272020

535

  • 107,000 miles
A warning came on for drivetrain malfunction and the engine started to choke and lose power while driving.

- Cranston, RI, USA

problem #28

Mar 192020

535 6-cyl

  • 5,600 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving on the highway and vehicle sent an overheating message and instantly the power to the motor was cut off causing the vehicle to rapidly slow down with no brake signal so the rear car almost rear ended the vehicle due to the signal cutting power to the engine during the overheat message, once I was able to pull over and stop it was fine" I checked the coolant after I got home and it was at the level required, after I was able to the read the codes it showed waterpump ? I recently saw recalls for 2011 BMW 5 series on water pump issues, I would like to ad this problem and or safey issue to be noticed, if all those vehicles are being reported to have waterpump issues, L believe my car should be on that list of recalls as well, they all have the same water pump, so that would effect all models 6 clyinder,8 cylinder etc, , tthe after a month of no codes no issues, I pulled into my driveway to get something from the house, I left the car running, when I cam out it had sent an over heat signal again, when the car wasnt overheating" it was just weird, it might be wise to include all vehicles with the 2010-2011 style water pump to be replaced and look into the power cut off due to the failure of the pumps/and or their electrical systems which are being recalled, please let know if my car can be added to the recall so it could be replaced because it has the same issues as the other models that recalled, havent driven on the highway since, scared I might get rear ended, if the power cuts off to slow the vehicle brake lights should go on or some indicator to let vehicles following behind know the vehicle is slowing down, live and learn I geuss,

- Seymour, CT, USA

problem #27

Feb 242020

535

  • 120,000 miles
2011 535I xdrive GT cv joints on drive shaft failed while driving on highway destroying the car rendering it undrivable. No recalls on this model or this VIN although all other like models were on recall. Car purchased and serviced at BMW dealership.

- Castle Pines North, CO, USA

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problem #26

Jun 202018

535

  • 70,000 miles
This recall has my powertrans not preforming as it should. I brought the car in 2017 and this recall was never done. I turn my car in to the dealership and since then I have been taking my car frequently to mechanics for powertrans problems. When I take it to the dealership they tell me they don't see a fault for the powertrans it as soon as I leave the fault returns. I paid money for numerous diagnostics for this problem and I still have the same issue. This problem occurs after reaching speeds over 65 mph.

- Folcroft, PA, USA

problem #25

May 252019

535

  • 144,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ses light illuminated. Checked the obd2 system for a code. P-2763 is present. Troubleshooting for the issue revealed the orange tcc pressure control solenoid is malfunctioning. Zf will not sell the solenoid individually. They require the consumer to purchase a mechatronic unit. The orange solenoid is a scarce part to find locally in the U.S. online prices are around $90. On the global market. These are not new solenoids. The mechatronic unit, overhauled is $1600 plus a core charge. Plus labor. My complaint is that zf will not support the 8hp transmission by selling the solenoid individually. Costing me several thousand dollars when a single part around $100 dollars will repair the transmission. Zf customer service informed me that I should source the part through a used parts dealer or local junk yard. I tried but no transmissions are available. I have been looking since may of 2019. I talked to BMW and Chrysler parts departments at my local dealers. The tell me they can only order the mechatronic unit.

- Suwanee, GA, USA

problem #24

Dec 012019

535

  • 110,000 miles
Drivetrain malfunction is on may be due to a bad fuel pump or engine coils

- Bessemer City, NC, USA

problem #23

Oct 232019

535

  • 143 miles
My vehicle cut off while driving drive train/ drive shaft message came on which made my engine light come on shuddering with heavy shaking making weird noises which are the systems of a defected drive shaft same symptoms that apply to recall 17V067000 very scary my vehicle was just at BMW dealership for a recall due to an aggressive fuel leak...,I asked about the recall for the drive train I was advised yes it's a recall but not for my vehicle which is a 2011 535I at the top of the recall list this is very dangerous and the 2nd time this car have put my life in danger how can you have a recall on the 2011 535I and then say not my specific vehicle BMW is the worst I will never purchase another BMW I cannot believe it these parts cannot be from wear and tear this starts from production of vehicle

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #22

Dec 262018

535

  • 100,000 miles
Drivetrain malfunction -driving on hwy when error was displayed and car shutdown in on me and would not start back up -dealership stated they replaced the fuel pump -issue happened again -while driving - under 3000 miles later - same error codes of low pressure - car hesitant to crank and studdering on low speeds- towed to dealer was told no issue found and they reprogrammed the fuel pump -same issue again - fuel line and sensor replaced -ran fine for another 1000 miles or so -while driving the car jerked really hard and gave the same drivetran malfunction error --was able to make it to the dealership however car would not drive at full speed- same codes seen stored -- BMW do not know whats causing the issue however replacing parts hoping it will fix the issue and charging me for their trial and error. -since 2 more parts replaced car now with new error and of course BMW has no clue but want to charge me another 1000 to replace another part.

- East Durham, NC, USA

problem #21

Dec 282017

535

  • 89,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While make turns while driving the vehicle axel makes popping noise and steering wheel jerks violently. Took to shop they said nothing found wrong with car. Cv axel replaced on both sides problem still persists.also not even 10K miles the car went thru 2 belt tensioner causing the drive belt to snap/tear.

- Elkhart, IN, USA

problem #20

Sep 292018

535

  • 3 miles
After bringing my car to BMW of buena park to take care of a couple of recalls, a couple of miles after I get on the freeway at about 60 mph the car lost power and I heard the emergency sound on my dashboard, the emergency light came on and a message on my screen saying ' drive moderately, maximum drive train output not available' the car did not stop but lost lots of power

- Garden Grove, CA, USA

problem #19

Sep 272018

535

  • 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535I. While driving 65 mph, the contact heard a loud popping sound from the center of the vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle over and noticed oil dripping from the oil pan. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the drive shaft and oil pan needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the cv joint fractured, which caused the damage to the oil pan. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V067000 (power train) and that there would be no assistance with having the vehicle repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

- El Dorado Hill, CA, USA

problem #18

Aug 062018

535

  • 76,521 miles
I was driving my family and my enging cut off on and the car would not start nor go into any gear took it to my mechanic and was told that my car might be on a recall list because it jas reach over 70000mi now I don't know what to

- Richmondhill, NY, USA

problem #17

May 102018

535

  • 68,000 miles
Took my 2011 BMW 535I xdrive with 68K miles in to get state inspection at the BMW dealership. I was told it failed inspection because cv boot was torn and that thrust rod bushing, axle and cv boot need to be replaced. There is a safety recall that only affect 8700 cars for same or similar problem. I think the safety recall needs to be expanded. The cv boots and cv joints are a known problem by the dealers and a very expensive repair. BMW is happy with the service revenue... as long as it falls outside the warranty. Talking a very expensive repair for something BMW knows about... oh and yeah "if the cv joint breaks the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash" (safety bulletin 17V067000.

- Villanova, PA, USA

problem #16

Sep 042017

535

  • 73,000 miles
While driving drive train light comes on, made appointment and was informed that the left cv joint boot was torn and leaking. Had it fixed on October 2016, paid over $1700. In September 2017 drive train light comes on again, was informed that the left and the right cv joint boots were torn/leaking had it repaired and this time it cost $4094. Noticed that there was a recall for the rear cv joint and want to know if the front should be included in the recall.

- Galloway, NJ, USA

problem #15

Jan 312014

535

  • 55,000 miles
It has acceleration issues all of the time. Does not accelerate as it should, instead it jerks. When at a stop sign or light and looking to accelerate it would jerk making it unsafe. I have almost hit multiple vehicle ecause of this.

- Hartford, CT, USA

problem #14

Jan 312014

535

  • 55,000 miles
Drive train malfunction, engine over heats and does not function the same. The vehicle slows down, sputters and does not have power. It has died out on the highway while going 65mph and had to pull over suddenly through 3 lanes of traffic.

- Hartford, CT, USA

problem #13

Dec 152016

535

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535I. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V067000 (power train) and NHTSA campaign number: 16V746000 (fuel system, gasoline). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that there were no parts available until the end of June. The dealer also stated that the parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Richmond, MN, USA

problem #12

Sep 142015

535

  • 117,000 miles
Drive train malfunction light comes on from time to time. Message: "dirvetrain malfunction; maximum output not available." Loss of power. Told by dealer service department (otto's BMW) to stop car and turn it on again. It runs just fine after this is done. But intermittent loss of power while driving on the highway is very very dangerous. I called the state trooper the first time this happened (in 2012 when the car was practically new, having less than 20,000 miles) to provide cover.

- Chadds Ford, PA, USA

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