2009 BMW 535I problems
Owners have filed 100 complaints about the 2009 BMW 535I with NHTSA. Fuel/propulsion system accounts for 24% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine at 21%.
Complaints100
Crashes2
Fires3
Injuries1
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Fuel/propulsion system 24.0% · 24
Engine 21.0% · 21
Fuel system, gasoline 17.0% · 17
Engine and engine cooling 7.0% · 7
Power train 6.0% · 6
Air bags 5.0% · 5
Exterior lighting 2.0% · 2
Steering 2.0% · 2
Severity
Of those complaints, 2 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 1 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the BMW 535I in this data, 2009 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2011 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 10 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 80,162 miles.
In owners' own words
The car shuts off unexpectedly when it's being used because of the fuel pump. I think it's unfair that the 2008 models got recalls up to 10 yrs and 120,000 miles. I feel like the 2009 BMW xi was missing from this recall. The same high pressure fuel pump was the problem for the recall. I'm both close to reaching my 120,000 miles or the 10 yr mark so it would be amazing to see something being done about this soon. Fuel/propulsion system · reported at 115,000 miles
Driving on the highway, engine stops. First warning "engine malfunction, reduced power. But it had already stopped. After narrowing missing traffic parked in breakdown lane. Next warning fuel pump failure. Car would not re-start for an hour until tow truck arrived. Had to be towed to BMW dealer. Dealer reports low pressure fuel pump. Engine died again at dealers Fuel/propulsion system · reported at 132,000 miles
Vehicle shutters and misfires when automatic transmission downshifts while attempting to accelerate at cruising speeds. Engine light comes on and has reduced power until vehicle is restarted. Major safety concern when attempting to merge onto highway. Fuel/propulsion system · reported at 69,887 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…