2009 BMW 535I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 8%of 71 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 BMW 535I, 8% of the 71 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving on freeway 65 MPH and vehicle looses power completely power steering power brakes lost. Engine just shut off errors appear such as p142e or malfunction however when restarting vehicle 5+min later no errors and codes appear resulting in no failures no possibilty to diagnose found 4 incidents occured 2 near fatal collisions note: Bmw code list has no recommendation for resolving only that p142e is shutdown of engine this coding of ecu allowed by Bmw is dangerous to human lives”
NHTSA complaint #11231717, filed 2019-07, 110,000 miles“While traveling at approximately 30-40 MPH, and accelerating to enter the interstate, the transmission warning light illuminated and the transmission entered failsafe mode. The vehicle would not accerlerate. Attempts to use the shifter to change gears were ineffective. Once in a safe position, I pulled over and turned the car off. Upon restart, the transmission engaged normally. This has occured about six (6) times since september 2016 and prior to taking it to the dealer for service, on march 25, 2017. …”
NHTSA complaint #10971418, filed 2017-04, 111,375 miles“Fuel pump cut out unexpectedly while driving at posted speed limit of 60 MPH. Almost run over by tractor trailer while pulling car to side of the road. Car was later re-started.”
NHTSA complaint #11020347, filed 2017-08, 98,000 miles“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 don’t believe it’s 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11672707, filed 2025-07“The contact owns a 2009 Bmw 535I. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly slowed down and the engine power malfunction indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown Bmw dealer in columbia, south carolina where the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,900.”
NHTSA complaint #11074361, filed 2018-02, 118,900 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 10148034Sep 1, 2014"Intelligent Battery Sensor Diagnosis Hints. The vehicle enters the workshop with one or more of the following complaints: * Check Control Message related to battery discharge *…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 BMW 535I
42 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 BMW 535I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology