2013 BMW 535I Problems
Compared with other BMW 535I years
Typical for this model
43/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× that of a typical BMW 535I year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 12 of its 39 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported part: Electrical system (13 complaints, median 11,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 39filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 47,750miles, 22 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl RWD · 20 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 BMW 535I (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 2013 BMW 535I. The part named most often is electrical system, with 13 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine (10) and exterior lighting (8). 22 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 47,750 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 399 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 108 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 69 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 6 BMW 535I model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 43 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
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.
- Electrical system13 33%
- Engine10 26%
- Exterior lighting8 21%
- Air bags5 13%
- Fuel system3 7.7%
- Other or unknown3 7.7%
- Suspension3 7.7%
- Body and structure2 5.1%
- Tires2 5.1%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Steering (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “As I was leaving the stop sign and entering the busy intersection, my engine suddenly died. The second incident happened a few days later. I was driving about 15 MPH, again the engine suddenly died.we took the car to Bmw encinitas for its first maintainance check and we did mention these two scary incidents.they re-assured us that everything was fine. The latest incident happened two days ago, feb 23 ,2015. My husband was driving at about 15 MPH, and again the engine suddenly died and the transmission went into neutral.”
NHTSA complaint #10690684, filed 2015-02, 6,000 milesEngine: “While driving on the free way my brand new 535I had a drivetrain malfunction and the check engine light came on while losing power and slowing down all while shaking. Pushing the accelerator the car would not gain speed. When I called Bmw they said to stop at the nearest Bmw dealership which I did. After exiting the car would not shift out of first gear and refused to go faster than 20 miles an hour shaking the whole way to the dealer. They had my car for a week before saying they needed to replace the high pressure fuel pump then run more tests and that was 2 weeks ago. …”
NHTSA complaint #10496937, filed 2013-02, 3,200 milesExterior lighting: “Water and moisture is accumulating in both headlights when it rains causing them not to function properly. This has been happening for a couple of years. I've contacted the manufacture and was advised that they would not take action as the vehicles is no longer under warranty. I have two other cars that much older and never had similar problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11319153, filed 2020-03, 60,000 milesAir bags: “Driving new 2013 535I (heavily equipped) about 50 MPH in 55 MPH zone on a clear evening w/low traffic. Suddenly and without warning Bmw collided into rear-end of illegally parked vehicle lacking any warning lights or flares. Bmw rammed adverse parked vehicle approx. 16' before pull apart. Air bags deployed on steering wheel and knee. Steering wheel airbag caused significant damage to left arm etc.. Both legs in similar trauma post-crash at knee to foot equally. Front windshield cracked inwards (not outward) above steering wheel. Force of impact to rt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10585071, filed 2014-04, 10,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
50% of the 22 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 6,000 and 70,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 BMW 535I. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 535I · sedan RWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.3% risk |
| 535I GT · sedan RWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.3% risk |
| 535I Xdrive · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.3% risk |
| 535I Xdrive GT · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.3% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2013 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating; 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 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 | 3.0L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 30 | 24 | $3,400 |
| 535i RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,550 |
| 535i Gran Turismo RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 30 | 24 | $3,400 |
| 535i xDrive AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 21 | 29 | 24 | $3,400 |
| 535i xDrive Gran Turismo AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
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
- 15V188000Mar 31, 2015Exterior lightingCovers: BMW 535I 2013–2014, M5 2013–2014, 550I 2013–2014 +6 more
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the…
Recall details for the 2013 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. 399 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Electrical system. The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024Electrical system. The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers…
- 10247567Dec 20, 2023Fuel system, Engine cooling. Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel…
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Equipment, Electrical system. Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation…
- 10239605Jun 1, 2023Wheels. The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warning light comes on while driving. The following DSC fault codes for the wheel speed sensors are stored: 480712 and/or 480715 and/or 480718 and/or 48071B They…
- 10238090May 1, 2023Electrical system. After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.
- 10230717Dec 1, 2022Fuel system. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original…
- 10230716Dec 1, 2022Equipment. With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren…
- 10227568Oct 1, 2022Air bags, Other or unknown, Seats, Back-over prevention…. According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front…
- 10215746May 1, 2022Equipment, Engine cooling. Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10…
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 2013 BMW 535I have?
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 2013 BMW 535I as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 BMW 535I is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 13 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine with 10.
Has the 2013 BMW 535I been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2013 BMW 535I do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 BMW 535I 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2013 BMW 535I get?
The EPA rates the 2013 BMW 535I (535i, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 20 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 BMW 535I reported?
Among the 22 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 47,750 miles and the middle half falls between 6,000 and 70,000 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.