1991 BMW 535I Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 3.4L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1991 BMW 535I (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1991 BMW 535I. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by air bags (1) and electrical system (1). NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling2 40%
- Air bags1 20%
- Electrical system1 20%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “Consumer had replaced most of engine cooling system parts. Each time that takes vehicle to dealer they will replace a part, and presently, vehicle needs to be fixed again.”
NHTSA complaint #883871, filed 2001-03Air bags: “Airbag warning light came on because of a wire burning out. Dealer says it needed to be replaced. Shortly after wire was replaced, the warning light came back on. Dealer said it was the contact ring locking tab.”
NHTSA complaint #845187, filed 1999-08Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1991 BMW 535I version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 535i RWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| 535i RWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 21 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 98V178000Aug 4, 1998Engine and engine cooling › Cooling systemCovers: BMW 535I 1989–1995, 735I 1988–1995, 735ILA 1988–1995 +28 more
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. If the indications of a critical…
- 96V110000Jul 1, 1996Air bags › FrontalCovers: BMW 535I 1991–1992, 525I 1991–1992, 850I 1991–1992 +9 more
The air bag contact ring locking tab located in the steering wheel assembly can break without warning.
- 96V111000Jul 1, 1996Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: BMW 535I 1990–1992, 525I 1990–1994, 325I 1992–1994 +11 more
The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "brake lights off" position or in the "brake lights on" position.
Recall details for the 1991 BMW 535I → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024Electrical system, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Other model years of the BMW 535I
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 12 | 36,000 | 2 | 5 | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 23 | 59,080 | 0 | 5 | 24 | — | Rising |
| 2014 | 30 | 35,000 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 49 · Typical | Stable |
| 2013 | 39 | 47,750 | 1 | 5 | 24 | 43 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 54 | 68,267 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 112 | 78,000 | 4 | 5 | 24 | 71 · More | Stable |
| 2010 | 58 | 58,000 | 1 | — | 20 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 71 | 75,434 | 1 | — | 20 | 74 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 74 | 67,000 | 1 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 1991 | 5 | — | 3 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 6 | 213,000 | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
All BMW 535I model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1991 BMW 535I have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1991 BMW 535I as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1991 BMW 535I is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by air bags with 1.
Has the 1991 BMW 535I been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1991 BMW 535I get?
The EPA rates the 1991 BMW 535I (535i, 3.4L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.