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Electrical systemPart report

2013 BMW 535I Electrical system Problems

Complaints
13about this part
Share
33%of 39 total for the year
Median mileage
11,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 BMW 535I, 33% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.

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.

“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 miles

“At the time of purchase I was told that the first tune up would be due at 10,000 miles. Therefore I schedule an appointment for service, hover when I brought it in the first time at 10,000 miles I was told there was no need for tune up that the computer would display a message telling me when to service it. One week later it was displaying that it needed oil, so I brought it in. One quart of oil was added on the spot. After 11,000 it was telling me to service the car in 1200 miles so at 12200 I brought it in. Once aging I was told it was not time. …”

NHTSA complaint #10575561, filed 2014-03, 10,000 miles

“Drive shaft is hitting the transmission and the tire sensors keep popping up and sweat belt is malfunctioning. The vehicle was in motion when these things occurred.”

NHTSA complaint #11317434, filed 2020-03, 140,000 miles

“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 miles

“Seat belt my driver restraint light has come on on my car there is a known safety recall on BMW takeda airbags second issue my horn has suddenly stopped working is this related to my airbag as they are in the same area of components basically I don't know if my airbag will work in a collision and I am no longer able to honk my horn”

NHTSA complaint #11429530, filed 2021-08

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2015730%
2014827%
20131333%
2012917%
20111715%
2010712%
200923%
20081520%
1991120%

Other parts of the 2013 BMW 535I

Engine
10 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 BMW 535I

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology