10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
74,851 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.

2009 BMW 535 engine problems

engine problem

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2009 BMW 535 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #22

Aug 202019

535

  • miles

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

While driving I have received engine malfunction and steering becomes hard and unsafe. Have had the engine belt shred to pieces and case major issues. Same repair has been completed multiple times. Great vehicle becoming unsafe to have on the road. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request" Engine Malfunction, Battery Malfunction and Yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This put my safety at risk because I was on the expressway and the steering was hard to turn or direct. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear" No there were not any other messages or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. When the light came on, I pulled over in a safe place. This has happened the first time on August 20, 2019; 2nd time November 9, 2019; 3rd time March 22, 2020; 4th time January 20, 2021; 5th time June 6, 2022. This is too costly for BMW certified parts to continue to occur. As reputable as the product is and with certified technicians, there should be a recall on the continuous leaks and belt shredding causing major issues to the vehicle. 17-22-2-245-358 - (2) O-Ring 83-19-2-451-316 - BMW Non-Chlor. Brak 11-28-7-628-653 - Ribbed V-Belt. 11-42-7-573-212 - Thermostat Housing 11-42-8-637-820 - Gasket 17-22-2-245-358 -€" (2) O-Ring 83-19-2-451-316 - BMW Non-Chlor. Brak 11-42-7-525-334 - Oil Filter Cover 11-42-7-573-212 - Thermostat Housing 11-42-8-637-820 - Gasket 17-22-2-245-358 -€" (2) O-Ring 83-19-2-451-316 - BMW Non-Chlor. Brak 11-42-7-525-334 - Oil Filter Cover

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

problem #21

May 162021

535 6-cyl

  • 115,600 miles
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.

- Camden, NJ, USA

problem #20

Dec 232019

535

  • 40 miles
BMW 2009 535 xi owner. Out of all of the times taking the car for service for various reasons, I decided to look for information regarding my latest issue. Twin turbo. I was told the rear turbo was bad and it is recommended to do both. I had the car serviced in October, they told me the oil smell was due to the spring from oil cap missing. Before Oct 2019 I complained about the oil smell and was told it was a leak from a hose (I never saw any fluids on ground) this last incident, I was on the road when I exited the highway I got an engine warning to shut off the engine immediately. Oil was low. I took it back to BMW and I was told the rear turbo was bad. They now want $6,900. I read in a few posts that the twin turbo issue was ext. To 10 years or 120,000 miles. My car was first purchase in May 2009. I am assuming I am out of time. I was never notified of a recall. My VIN number does not come up with any recalls, even though most of the issues are the same as other 2009 BMW owners. My car does not have 120,000 miles yet. I took the car to BMW for vanos solenoids in Oct 2019. And another time in Oct because the car over heated suddenly in less than half a mile. It was the fan. Recently I learned that some of the 2009 BMW 535 had a recall but I never received anything. I questioned the dealer but he said he had nothing on file. Further reading I found out that the company I believed called vanos was doing the recalls. In October 2019 I spent about $3,000 in repairs. I now believe I could have been covered by a recall or ext. Warranty. Overall on different issues I think I have spent over $13,000 in repairs (including transfer case and differential that the warranty did not pay because the car did not have specified 17' tires: But I bought with staggered 18' tires). I still owe approximately $7,500 to the bank. I take it to be serviced all the time, so I'm baffled.

- Somerdale, NJ, USA

problem #19

Aug 012019

535

  • 140,000 miles

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

As I am driving my BMW after 5 minutes of start it. I smelled oil coming out of the engine. Even after not drink the car for about one week the smell was still there. I am concern that something is wrong with the engine. Even on a cool 60 degree day the engine is too hot to touch. I feel that the coolant in not going to the engine since after putting a full amount of coolant the coolant is deplete after one hour.

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #18

Mar 012019

535

  • 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle misfired and idled roughly. Also, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. Blagoi's international car service (1880 riverside dr, columbus, oh 43221, (614) 486-2449) diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #17

Mar 022018

535

  • 153,000 miles
The engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan recall for the E60 BMW 535I needs to be taken seriously! the car will blow up. BMW needs this problem explicitly taken off the street. You dont expect the ultimate driving machine to explode. In accordance to a total loss claim my insurance usaa claim number 013162236000000007001. The engine caught complete fire and engulfed the car. I was inside the bavarian motor works vehicle. I could have died. Magnesium in the car means it is then subject to combustion and also to catch fire again which it did. In the morning the car was a full blaze after the fire department left the previous night. BMW needs to compensate individuals who have lost their nice car, lost lots of days at work, and nearly lost their life, because of that recall could have the car blow up at any time. March 2 2018 (2009 535 BMW )

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

problem #16

Feb 152018

535 6-cyl

  • 118,900 miles

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

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I. While driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly slowed down and the "engine power malfunction" indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown BMW dealer in columbia, South Carolina where the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,900.

- Sumter, SC, USA

problem #15

Aug 272017

535

  • 98,000 miles
Fuel pump cut out unexpectedly while driving at posted speed limit of 60 mph. Almost run over by tractor trailer while pulling car to side of the road. Car was later re-started.

- Edgewater, MD, USA

problem #14

May 292017

535

  • 96,000 miles
As my wife was driving home, in an only ankle deep puddle inside of our subdivision, water was able to get into the air intake causing the vehicle to hydrolock and eventually destroy the engine. I believe such a small amount of water should not be able to disable a car in the middle of a rainstorm. I observed numerous other vehicles traveling thru just fine including a late model infiniti Q50.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #13

Jul 082016

535

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled on several occasions without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure was unable to be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

- Leigh Acres, FL, USA

problem #12

Sep 162016

535 6-cyl

  • 125,000 miles

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

While driving from work on a busy Friday afternoon the vehicle's check engine light comes on and the computer screen states "engine malfunction! reducing power" "high pressure fuel pump malfunction" less than a minute the engine stalled. Leaving me stranded on the bridge for hours, try to start the car but it won't start. The high pressure fuel system has been replaced with a new revision but still didn't solve the problem.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #11

Mar 072016

535

  • 8,100 miles
Takata recall, I bought the car back in late August, at a dealership called deluxe auto located in linden, New Jersey. The dealership offered me a warranty, 30 days free and 90 days to decide to get the warranty or not. The initial offer was about 60$ monthly, at 79K miles. After having the car for a month driving on the highway late at night the car starting shaking and turned off on the highway. Fuel pump errors. Car was towed off the highway. After a few hrs car started and ran normally. Went to the dealership, got warranty. The offer now was at 120$ a month. They did the job, car ran normally. Happened again in brooklyn, sent car back to dealer they said nothing came up on the computer, nothing they can do. After a few months same thing happened. This time in Connecticut, sent it to the nearest mechanic shop, bill came to 850, not including towing 138$. now back to my dealership, when I went to them to pay for the warranty, my father used his credit card, since then I figured it would charge it monthly automatically. That is not the case, as I found out the dealership said nothing they can do. Other problem, car started leaking oil, on oil housing unit, engine oil valve. Got them both fixed at about 500$ at a local mechanic shop. Now a week later, at 1am of March 7th of 2016 I'm starting the car, it turns on and gives an error "engine reduced power" and "engine pressure too low, shut off engine immediately ". I'm about to be 22, gonna start college soon, I have been making payments to a 20K car, on top of all the maintance problems that this dealership sold me and tricked me into. I dont know if me writing all this would help me in any way but this sucks, on top of me being trapped on a highway until a tow truck comes, in nyc, 2 times where cars fly by you I want that when dealership sell cars to be sure that the customers are safe driving them.I hope it helps.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #10

Sep 262015

535

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle decelerated and the reduce engine power warning message illuminated. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road, where it was turned off and resumed normal operation after restarting the engine. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired under a manufacturer's customer service recall; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not taken back to the dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

- Fairfield, NJ, USA

problem #9

Sep 112015

535

  • 71,892 miles
While driving "engine failure, reduce power" light came on, power on engine reduced but drivable. When car shut down and restarted light goes off but if stepping on the gas hard the light comes back with engine having reduced power. This was repaired twice, last by BMW on 7/29/13, they replaced vans solenoids (intake and exhaust) and reprogramed the transmission. At that time they told me if the problem returns the transmission may need to be replaced. Reading through forums and the web I came upon many complaints for the same problem in which dealers stated different root causes, many solutions proposed but often problem returns. I believe this is design flaw with this car and should be investigated.

- Syracuse, NY, USA

problem #8

Apr 242010

535

  • 8,632 miles
I was driving my vehicle northbound on the kennedy expressway (I-90) between montrose and lawrence exit here in Chicago when my car stalled the middle of a very busy highway. I attempted to restart it with reduced power that allowed me to drive my vehicle to the shoulders but it was a scary experience nonetheless with high speed cars and trucks passing by you. It was determined that it was a fuel pump issue relating to an existing recall/class action lawsuit. Anyway, the car was never fully fixed; I mean I had at several instances of car stalling again and again. I repeatedly complaint to the manufacturer and the car dealer letting them know that I feel theres a systemic issue with the vehicle. Every time I brought it for repairs it was a different reason why the engine failure keeps lighting up and the car stalling. In the beginning they were covering the repairs under warranty but as soon as the original warranty expired I was on the hook for hundreds sometimes thousands of dollars in repairs. I complained that there was a class action lawsuit on this vehicle and part of the settlement was to extend the engine warranty to 10 years but they never covered it under this extended warranty simply by stating that the issue was not related to whats covered by the warranty. Ive finally given up disputing with them and sold the car this month and ive disputed with my credit card the repair costs since the issue was never fixed. BMW is covering up that theres an issue with this model of their car and have been dodging warranty claims.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #7

Jan 142013

535 6-cyl

  • 55,000 miles
In the 4 1/2 years that my 535xi has been in service, the fuel injectors have needed to be replaced 3 times (Sept 2011, Jan 2013, and Sept 2014). The problems have manifested themselves when driving on highways and the vehicle loses most power and begins shaking and the check engine gases light comes on. The most recent time occurred while on an interstate tollway between exits 15 miles apart making for a dangerous situation as I lost speed and any ability to accelerate. Efforts to have BMW cover the repairs (estimated at $2,200 including new plugs), were both unsuccessful and frustrating. The dealer provided zero assistance. I contacted BMW na and stated that having to replace the fuel injectors 3 times in 4 1/2 years indicates a defective design and results in dangerous situations. I was told that they would investigate and inform me whether the repairs would be covered. They said they would notify me within 3-5 business days although they would try to expedite the process since I was without a car. At the end of the 5th business day, there was no response so I called and the person I needed to speak with was in a meeting and was supposed to call me back. After another full business day and no call, I called a again and was told that there was no coverage but they did not provide any rationale. This has been a repetitive and dangerous problem.

- Baldwinsville, NY, USA

problem #6

Aug 102014

535

  • 73,000 miles
In passing on 2 lane highway with oncoming traffic a warning of reduced engine power occurred with corresponding reduction in engine power with significantly reduced margin of safety with respect to oncoming traffic. This is happening multiple times and has been in for repair once. Reliability is unpredictable.

- Golden, CO, USA

problem #5

Mar 272013

535

  • 80,325 miles
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while traveling 25 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact mentioned that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. Also, the contact added that the battery and engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The techncian diagnosed that the tension and isle pulley needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the crank shaft belt and seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 80,325.

- Narietta, NC, USA

problem #4

Apr 022014

535 6-cyl

  • 83,000 miles
The vehicle stalled while I was driving on the freeway. The stall is related to the camshaft sensor not properly working and the fuel system not working properly. I have a 2009 BMW 528I. In April 2014 BMW did a recall related to the camshaft for 2010 - 2014 528 BMW's. I contacted my local dealer and the national BMW dealer to let them know I was having the same problem with my 2009 and to see if they were going to expand the recall to include the 2009 models. They told me no at this time they didn't have any information regarding expanding the recall. I also let them know that I had another problem with the car that could be related to the camshaft. The car's fuel system was leaking.the gas was not properly going to the engine and it was flowing back into the car and the exhaust. You could smell gas in the car and see puddles of gas when they lifted the back seat of the car. The mechanic told me I was driving a bomb. I paid $450 to have that repaired. BMW needs to expand the recall to include the 2009 cars.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #3

Apr 272014

535 6-cyl

  • 74,238 miles
Driving on a posted speed limit road of 30mph when we see this message on our screen "engine malfunction power reduced".

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

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