*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Power train
I believe using the manual shift mode for normal usage of optimal shifting in certain driving situations and gentle downshifting caused a malfunction in the functionality of the transmission that led to a complete transmission failure. I donât believe itâs a mechanical issue or result of misuse. There were no warning signs. Only that every time the manual shift option was used, it would cause an error to occur that caused an automatic shifting issue that would reset if the vehicle was shut down and restarted.
May 16, 2025Tires
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I equipped with Mastercraft Tires, Tire Line: Stratus, Tire Size: 225/50/R17. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the passenger's side rear tire was bubbling, and the vehicle was unstable. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and the contact observed that the tread belt was broken. The tire was not the original equipment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the rear tires were replaced. The tires were replaced with the same tire brand and tire line however, the failure recurred with the driver's side rear tire. The tire was replaced with the same tire brand and tire line. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign…
Apr 29, 2024 · 177,259 milesEngine
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated violently with a message displayed to, "Check Engine â Engine Power Reducedâ. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the spark plugs and ignition coil. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the valve cover gasket and upper radiator hose. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the…
Aug 29, 2023 · 70,000 milesEngine
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…
Aug 20, 2019Engine
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…
May 16, 2021 · 115,600 milesAir 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 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.
Mar 17, 2022Fuel/propulsion system
The car stop running completly when I was wainting at the stop light An anounsmemt came out in my dash saying that I have to repleaced the fuel pump I know that there was a recall abuot this problem but I never got any notice or letter from bmw
Jul 4, 2021Engine
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…
Dec 23, 2019 · 40 miles
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.