*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Engine
UKNOWN EXACT PROBLEM. 2013 BMW 535i with the same N55 motor with the [XXX] recall. Similar symptoms: Drivetrain malfunction and "camshaft stuck" code with loud metallic clanking in upper front of engine bay. Incident happened at rough 5-10mph pulling out of a parking lot just at 160,000 miles. Oil spilling everywhere and car was losing power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Oct 6, 2026EngineFire
My 2013 BMW 535i (VIN [XXX] ) caught fire spontaneously while parked, turned off, and unoccupied on 11/18/2025 in Westbury, NY. A passerby saw smoke and called 911. Nassau County Police and the Westbury Fire Department responded. Firefighters informed me at the scene that the fire was mechanical in origin. The vehicle was completely off and had been parked for about 20 minutes. I was not in or near the car. The fire originated under the hood. This matches known fire patterns in BMW 5-series models from this generation involving electrical/engine components, even though my VIN shows no open recalls. The previous owner did not register the car, so any recall notices may not have reached them.…
Nov 18, 2025Air bags
Heard a clicking noise behind the steering wheel for a few days then Iâll the sudden the horn stopped working and all the controls on the steering wheel stopped working. Iâm a mechanic so I took apart the clock spring stealing wheel compartment to find all of the wire broken and very very brittle. Cause for concern due to airbag malfunction and is no longer connected properly!!!Iâve been hearing a clicking noise behind the steering wheel for a few days. Then, suddenly, the horn stopped working, and all the controls on the steering wheel stopped working as well. Since Iâm a mechanic, I disassembled the clock spring and the steering wheel compartment to find that all the wires were…
Nov 4, 2023Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine was overheating. Additionally, the contact noticed an abnormal burning odor while driving, with smoke coming from underneath the hood while at a complete stop. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
May 10, 2025 · 200,000 milesElectrical system
After the replacement of all 02 sensors and fuses, the fault code returns and was traced back to the integrated supply module/IVm
Feb 18, 2025Exterior lighting
Headlight Assembly has issues with the seal and condensation can/does enter the headlight assembly rendering the functionality of the headlight as suspect. Without proper lighting and condensation in front of the headlight which greatly impacts/effects the clarity and visibility of objects in the front of the car creating a safety issue. The cost to replace/repair these assemblies is excessive and is a widespread problem across multiple BMW models/years.
Mar 8, 2023Electrical systemFire
Back passenger door handle started smoking.
Feb 3, 2024Engine
Front drive shaft detached and went into oil pan causing oils to splash out everywhere.
Dec 22, 2023
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
