2013 BMW 535I Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 21%of 39 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2013 BMW 535I, 21% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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 miles“2011-2013 headlight assemblies are subject to leaking and thus soon fail. This is an extensive failure as it impacts the entire headlight assembly (roughly a $2,000 part) and of course is a significant safely problem. Additionally, I have seen many posts on Bmw forums about this same problem and heard it at my repair shop as well. I recommend a safety recall based on this very significant and very expensive safety hazard. …”
NHTSA complaint #11404209, filed 2021-03, 79,500 miles“Earlier this year, water was noticed in the front left headlight. Dealer notified me that a seal was broken and the unit needed to be replaced ($2500+). 2 weeks later, the front right headlight did the exact same thing. Vehicle is approx. 4.5 years old with 55k miles. Shop foreman told me this particular model is known for this problem and Bmw is aware as well. I know multiple people with this vehicle that have the same issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11091108, filed 2018-04, 55,000 miles“The headlight housing on my model year is leaking water into it and causing electrical issues , Iv noticed majority of other models I see on the road have the same issue with one of the headlight housings having water in them, this has caused numerous codes to appear on the dash. “ Vertical headlight malfunction “ …”turn signal malfunction “ …”daytime running light malfunction “ ect… this is a safety issue because it stops my signal from working and my headlight works when it wants to. …”
NHTSA complaint #11512368, filed 2023-03“Headlight Assembly has issues with the seal and condensation can/does enter the headlight assembly rendering the functionality of the headlight as suspect. Without proper lighting and condensation in front of the headlight which greatly impacts/effects the clarity and visibility of objects in the front of the car creating a safety issue. The cost to replace/repair these assemblies is excessive and is a widespread problem across multiple BMW models/years.”
NHTSA complaint #11587192, filed 2024-05Related recalls
- 15V188000Mar 31, 2015BMW 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…Covers: BMW 535I 2013–2014, M5 2013–2014, 550I 2013–2014 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10162435Jul 12, 2019Lane Change Warning Lamps on Side View Mirrors Are Too Dark. The lane change warning lamps (small and triangle-shaped) on the exterior door mirrors are too dark. This may occur…
- 10136355Mar 1, 2018HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES HAVE VISIBLE INTERNAL MOISTURE/CONDENSATION: Water on the inside (A) or misting (B) of both headlight lenses that is visible from outside.
- 10146600Mar 1, 2017?TAILLIGHT FLICKER WHEN TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT ACTIVE . Taillight flickers when turn signal and brake light are active; see video in this link: tinyurl.com/zmr65st When the…
- 10146962Nov 1, 2016"HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES HAVE VISIBLE INTERNAL MOISTURE/CONDENSATION. Water on the inside (A) or misting (B) of both headlight lenses that is visible from outside. Water inside the…
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2013 BMW 535I
13 complaintsEngine
10 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 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