bmw 535i 2010 Complaints

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

recurrent sudden stalling of vehicle multiple times, leading to loss of steering control, on a brand new bmw 535 xdrive with 3000 miles. the problem was fixed by changing the high pressure fuel pump, by the bmw dealership. i am not sure if this is widespread problem with bmw vehicles with dual turbo engines.

Reported in: NEW HARTFORD NY || Crash: N || VIN #:

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

fuel pump on bmw 535i-2010 has failed twice in 60 days on low mileage car. safety issue occurs because car immediately loses power with no warning. the first time it happened we were in a shopping center garage so we were going slowly. second time it happened we were on the 101 heading east at high speed on an incline. lost power and luckily were able to move over to the shoulder with no incident. we were informed by dealer that this has been a continuing problem with this model. they have replaced it twice. the service manager said they have redesigned the fuel pump and hopefully this time it will work. i googled similar problems and found that there were a number of people reporting the "safety" issue of losing power rapidly.

Reported in: LOS ANGELES CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C57AC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

tl*the contact owns a 2010 bmw 535i. the contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, it had to be taken to the dealership at least once a month. the vehicle lost power intermittently. the dealer rebooted the computer and reprogrammed faulty codes at least six times. the vehicle also would not start at times. the contact refused to drive the vehicle and it was parked at his home at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage was 2,299. the current mileage was approximately 14,000.

Reported in: PALM SPRINGS CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C52AC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

our 2010 bmw 535 xi experienced a failed fuel pump. the car is was purchased new 4 month prior to the failure. the car had a total ~3100 miles when the failure occurred. when the failure occurred, the car lost all power including the power steering which caused a very serious safety issue as the car was in motion with little ability to steer it to safety. the car was towed to the closest dealership where the fuel pump was replaced with a new unit.

Reported in: KATY TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPT7C54AC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

i experienced a failure of my pdc(parking distance control) system. the system failed to operate and i scraped a wooden pole as a result of this failure. i was looking behind me, as i was backing up, the system is designed to go on when reverse gear is on, but it failed to employ. my vehicle is a bmw 2010 528i. this is my fifth bmw 5 series and since the i-drive there have been various problems with the car ;however the pdc system in my previous bmw 2007 operated consistently as intended every time. the system in my current vehicle operated consistently until march 30th , when it failed to employ and i had the small accident. fortunately it was just a wooden pole and not a dog or small child that was hit. the reason i pay for this system is because it improves the line of vision of the driver by showing items out of mirror and sightline therefore improving safety. however, bmw (although they agreed to pay for my repair) claims that the system is just fine. for days after the incident i watched the screen each time i put the car in reverse and sometimes the bmw logo would sit on the screen for 2 to 3 minutes, sometimes the accept gear screen would come on, sometime the pdc (which is the only one that should come on). there are anecdotal stories on line of other drivers having the same failure of this system. bmw insists that the inconsistency in performance is the way the pdc operates depending on what the last computer function was when you shut off the car. this is absurd. i believe an investigation is necessary into the malfunction of this system to prevent more serious injury accidents. since the repair the pdc now once again comes up immediately when i go into reverse yet the claim not to have adjusted anything on the computer. the model 528 i is not on your list so i must mark 535i which is the closest model you have listed but not the same.

Reported in: MALIBU CA || Crash: Y || VIN #: WBANU5C50AC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

high pressure fuel pump malfunction/failure.

Reported in: NEW ORLEANS LA || Crash: N || VIN #:

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

brand new bmw 535i with less than 4000 miles. engine malfunction without warning in middle of busy traffic. all power, steering, everything went dead without warning. i was lucky enough to barely get to middle lane to avoid accident. updated 6/21/10 *cn the dealer identified the problem as an acute failure of the high pressure fuel pump. updated 06/24/10.*jb

Reported in: DURHAM NC || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C58AC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

brand new bmw 535i with less than 4000 miles. engine malfunction without warning in middle of busy traffic. all power, steering, everything went dead without warning. i was lucky enough to barely get to middle lane to avoid accident. updated 6/21/10 *cn the dealer identified the problem as an acute failure of the high pressure fuel pump. updated 06/24/10.*jb

Reported in: DURHAM NC || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C58AC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

upon delivery of vehicle leaking oil, turns out to be the heat transferer until. part replaced from mfg, then fuel pump caused the car to stop dead with 5000 miles on it, noise on car from delivery in for service more than 3 times required a new transmission. wanting to lemon law the vehicle.

Reported in: CORTEZ FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C59AC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

at around 3000 miles (2010 535xi), while attempting to accelerate onto highway engine power died - engine light came on, and car eventually stalled. luckily was in right lane at time so managed to pull over. tried to start car several times with no luck. waited several minutes and car did start but continued having acceleration problems. took it to dealer and had fuel pump replaced. told it was a common problem.

Reported in: LARCHMONT NY || Crash: N || VIN #:

STEERING

car has steered to right since it was delivered. bmw has contended that this was a software issue from the beginning. as of 8/24/10 i have been told that the software fix was delivered to bmw na but the fix does not correct the problem. so the car still pulls strongly to the right, is unsafe to drive and should be recalled by bmw!

Reported in: HOUSTON TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR7C5XBC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

tl* the contact owns a 2010 bmw 535i . the contact received a letter from bmw stating that if the vehicle experienced a failure with the fuel pump they would replace it at the manufacturer's expense. the contact had experienced the failure while driving 45 mph. the contact had the fuel pump replaced but when he called the manufacturer to obtain additional information in regards to the letter, they would not provide it to him. the failure mileage was 9,900.

Reported in: SANTA YNEZ CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPT7C57AC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

the vehicle suddenly shows an engine malfunction alert and then the power immediately slows down and then i had a minute to try and get off to the right on the freeway before the engine turned itself off. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was told that it was the high powered fuel pump. there are numerous other people on the internet with the same experience. i am seven months pregnant and am grateful that i was able to get to the right side of the freeway.

Reported in: LAGUNA BEACH CA || Crash: N || VIN #:

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

recurrent engine failure secondary to high pressure fuel pump in brand new bmw 535i. first failure at 3000 miles; second failure after repair around 6600 miles. both failures without warning and severe loss of power in high speed traffic.

Reported in: DURHAM NC || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C58AC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

high pressure fuel pump failure on 2010 bmw 535xi the fuel pump has failed twice, and has been replaced twice. engine loses power - unsafe to operate. first failure in october of 2009, second failure on june 22, 2010.

Reported in: FOSTER CITY CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPT7C57AC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

acceleration for the vehicle was reduced by more than 50%. 0-60 mph was approximately 15 seconds. at least the vehicle was drivable. no warning, no indicator. the warning message did show up the next day.

Reported in: WEST HILLS CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C51AC

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

i was accelerating up a hill on the highway and my car just lost power.

Reported in: MCLEAN VA || Crash: N || VIN #:

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

i was accelerating up a hill on the highway and my car just lost power.

Reported in: MCLEAN VA || Crash: N || VIN #:

TIRES

tl*the contact owns a 2011 bmw 535i (na) equipped with good year eagle ls-2 tires, tire size 245/45/18. the contact noticed a bubble on the side wall of the front passenger's side tire. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the tire was replaced. the manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. the failure mileage was 7,800. the dot number was unknown.

Reported in: ENCINO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR7C53BC

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

within two weeks of taking ownership of this car, i experienced a series of faults in the system where the car froze up and had to be towed to the dealer for repair. over the past two years, the car has experienced a variety of malfunctions in the electronic warning system. on 5/22/12, upon leaving my residence, i lost momentary control of the car. the car stopped, jerked and then i hit a curb and when i righted the car, i pressed down on the brake pedal, but the car accellerated to a high speed. i travelled approximately 100' to where there were three cars and one motorcycle stopped at a red light. i was unable to stop the car and hit the driver of the motor cycle at a high speed. the car was repaired with nearly $25,000 in damage. the following morning after i had received the car, and during a cold start, the car did the same thing again. it "jerked" the wheel turned and this time i righted the car. over the next few days, the car did it again several times. one week later when i was driving it (again a cold start and within 1/2 mile of my home garage), the car did the "jerking" movement and i temporarily lost control of the car. i immediately pulled over and called bmw to report the situation and have the car towed. i was told that it was a fault in the car's software system. bmw had the car at its shop for 10 days, returned it to me and i've not experienced the malfunction since.

Reported in: SAN DIEGO CA || Crash: Y || VIN #: WBANW1C55AC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

within two weeks of taking ownership of this car, i experienced a series of faults in the system where the car froze up and had to be towed to the dealer for repair. over the past two years, the car has experienced a variety of malfunctions in the electronic warning system. on 5/22/12, upon leaving my residence, i lost momentary control of the car. the car stopped, jerked and then i hit a curb and when i righted the car, i pressed down on the brake pedal, but the car accellerated to a high speed. i travelled approximately 100' to where there were three cars and one motorcycle stopped at a red light. i was unable to stop the car and hit the driver of the motor cycle at a high speed. the car was repaired with nearly $25,000 in damage. the following morning after i had received the car, and during a cold start, the car did the same thing again. it "jerked" the wheel turned and this time i righted the car. over the next few days, the car did it again several times. one week later when i was driving it (again a cold start and within 1/2 mile of my home garage), the car did the "jerking" movement and i temporarily lost control of the car. i immediately pulled over and called bmw to report the situation and have the car towed. i was told that it was a fault in the car's software system. bmw had the car at its shop for 10 days, returned it to me and i've not experienced the malfunction since.

Reported in: SAN DIEGO CA || Crash: Y || VIN #: WBANW1C55AC

CHILD SEAT

the keyfit 30 base does not stay secured to the backseat. the lock appears sprung per the installer's opinion. this is the third time i've had them out to tighten the base and finally resorting to use a locking clip. this is highly dangerous and i can provide pictures if requested.

Reported in: LOS ANGELES CA || Crash: N || VIN #:

AIR BAG: ALLEGED COUNTERFEIT AIR BAG

tl* (counterfeit airbag concern) the contact owns a 2010 bmw 535i. the contact stated that she suspected that her vehicle possessed a counterfeit airbag. the manufacturer was not contacted about the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure. the current mileage was 53,000. updated 10/19/12 *cn updated 10/23/2012 *js

Reported in: BIRMINGHAM AL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPT7C57AC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

tl* the contact owns a 2010 bmw 535i. the contact stated that while traveling 20 mph, the vehicle began to shake violently then the check engine warning light illuminated. the vehicle was driven to the contact's destination and was later taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that three of the six the fuel injectors had failed. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileages was 53,300.

Reported in: FRESH MEADOWS NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANV9C55AC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

on january 12, 2013, while driving with my family on a southern california highway at speeds of roughly 70 mph, our 2010 bmw 535i sedan, suddenly lost power, stalled, could not accelerate, and became difficult to control as i crossed 3 lanes of traffic; surprisingly guided the vehicle safely to the right shoulder. at the time the vehicle lost power, a warning indicator light displayed, "engine malfunction-reduced power." as a result, it required a tow service to a local bmw dealership.

Reported in: LONG BEACH CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C52AC

ENGINE

on january 12, 2013, while driving with my family on a southern california highway at speeds of roughly 70 mph, our 2010 bmw 535i sedan, suddenly lost power, stalled, could not accelerate, and became difficult to control as i crossed 3 lanes of traffic; surprisingly guided the vehicle safely to the right shoulder. at the time the vehicle lost power, a warning indicator light displayed, "engine malfunction-reduced power." as a result, it required a tow service to a local bmw dealership.

Reported in: LONG BEACH CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C52AC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

tl* the contact owns a 2010 bmw 535i. the contact stated that the brake lights and rear turn signals failed. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was told that the wires for the brakes lights and rear turn signals burned out. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 70,000.

Reported in: GERMANTOWN MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

tl* the contact owns a 2010 bmw 535i. the contact stated that the front passenger's side fog light would not illuminate and the housing for the light had become melted. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer but the defect was not remedied. the contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not recalled. the failure mileage was 50,100.

Reported in: WILDORMAR CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C50AC

STRUCTURE:BODY

description: the front passenger side door actuator went bad. as a result, door will not unlock when handle is double-pulled. the main problem is, the door is designed such that, it cannot be unlocked manually by pulling the lock stud up... the only way to unlock the door is to pull the handle twice. therefore, when the actuator malfunctions, the only way to unlock the door and get out of the car is by pressing the unlock button which is on the main control panel. risk: if i am in an accident with a passenger sitting in the front passenger seat, she will not be able to open the door and get out of the car. if the passenger is a child or someone who does not know how to operate the unlock button in the main control panel, it might get very serious. frequency: about six months ago, my driver side door actuator went bad, and was replaced under my warranty (under 50k). but, i had to put up a fight to get it covered by warranty. now the passenger side actuator is gone. and bmw refuses to fix it under the extended warranty. browsing online, i found quite a few people having similar issues. here is a discussion thread i opened, and several other people complained about the same issue: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=674994 also, many mentioned this article below, which might have been caused by the same issue: http://guardianlv.com/2013/09/14-year-old-girl-died-trapped-inside-locked-car-video/ conclusion: this happened to me twice in the same car. this happened to a lot other people. this is, in my opinion, a manufacturer defect and definitely poses grave security risk. bmw should take responsibility of the costs and get the faulty actuators replaced at no cost to the consumers.

Reported in: CHANDLER AZ || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C54AC

ENGINE

ignition coil malfunction recurs after dealership repairs of the same problem. causes engine speed to vary and be outside the drivers control.

Reported in: HOUSTON TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C5XAC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ignition coil malfunction recurs after dealership repairs of the same problem. causes engine speed to vary and be outside the drivers control.

Reported in: HOUSTON TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C5XAC

ENGINE

i purchased a pre-owned 2010 bmw 535i on 12/31/2013. the next day (new year's day), and without any warning or indication, the vehicle spontaneously shut down, coming to a rolling stop. as soon as the engine shut down, the dashboard showed a "fuel pump" warning, which also noted that "continued driving is possible." however, several attempts to re-start were not successful, and the vehicle had to be pushed to a safe location. prior to the engine failure, i was driving at about 35 mph on a 2-lane divide roadway, where construction barricades replaced the shoulder. the incident occurred just around midnight, and there was very little traffic, so we were spared certain catastrophe. the vehicle was towed to my home, and although the engine light stayed on, we were able to drive it back to the dealership from there. for the next 30+ days, various fuel injection system components were serviced and/or replaced including the following: high-pressure fuel pump replaced; low-pressure fuel pump replaced; fuel injectors flushed, ignition coils and spark plugs replaced. after each of those "fixes", the vehicle was returned to us, and shut down again on the road and in traffic within 2 days. finally, the injection pump control module was replaced, and the vehicle underwent a complete software system update. we picked up the vehicle for the 4th time on 2/3/2014, and it appears that the problem has been corrected and our safety restored....

Reported in: SUNRISE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C50AC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

i purchased a pre-owned 2010 bmw 535i on 12/31/2013. the next day (new year's day), and without any warning or indication, the vehicle spontaneously shut down, coming to a rolling stop. as soon as the engine shut down, the dashboard showed a "fuel pump" warning, which also noted that "continued driving is possible." however, several attempts to re-start were not successful, and the vehicle had to be pushed to a safe location. prior to the engine failure, i was driving at about 35 mph on a 2-lane divide roadway, where construction barricades replaced the shoulder. the incident occurred just around midnight, and there was very little traffic, so we were spared certain catastrophe. the vehicle was towed to my home, and although the engine light stayed on, we were able to drive it back to the dealership from there. for the next 30+ days, various fuel injection system components were serviced and/or replaced including the following: high-pressure fuel pump replaced; low-pressure fuel pump replaced; fuel injectors flushed, ignition coils and spark plugs replaced. after each of those "fixes", the vehicle was returned to us, and shut down again on the road and in traffic within 2 days. finally, the injection pump control module was replaced, and the vehicle underwent a complete software system update. we picked up the vehicle for the 4th time on 2/3/2014, and it appears that the problem has been corrected and our safety restored....

Reported in: SUNRISE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C50AC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

my 3 kids and i had left the bwm dealer after i had parts serviced/parts replaced, and jumped on the interstate. i was cruising around 70mph when i felt the car slow down and the msg "engine malfunction, reduce speed" appeared. i veered to the right a little,but i quickly found and exit and pulled over. fortunately, the traffic on the interstate was lite and an accident was avoided, but it did get my heart racing. the dealer said this was a "common" type of msg, but i'm weary. i tried telling them about the fuel pump issue, but they said my car was not affected. they wanted to charge me another diagnostic fee and i just paid to have my car serviced and diagnosed! they also suggested i continue to drive it until the issue forces me to have to bring it in - basically until something breaks. i would have the dealer would have started with replacing the high pressure fuel pump and moving on from there since it is a documented problem. we'll see what happens.

Reported in: RIVERVIEW FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C58AC

ENGINE

my 3 kids and i had left the bwm dealer after i had parts serviced/parts replaced, and jumped on the interstate. i was cruising around 70mph when i felt the car slow down and the msg "engine malfunction, reduce speed" appeared. i veered to the right a little,but i quickly found and exit and pulled over. fortunately, the traffic on the interstate was lite and an accident was avoided, but it did get my heart racing. the dealer said this was a "common" type of msg, but i'm weary. i tried telling them about the fuel pump issue, but they said my car was not affected. they wanted to charge me another diagnostic fee and i just paid to have my car serviced and diagnosed! they also suggested i continue to drive it until the issue forces me to have to bring it in - basically until something breaks. i would have the dealer would have started with replacing the high pressure fuel pump and moving on from there since it is a documented problem. we'll see what happens.

Reported in: RIVERVIEW FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANW1C58AC