2009 BMW 535i recalls and problems

The 2009 BMW 535i has 1 safety recall and 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

2 / 2

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 BMW 535i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 BMW 535i recalls

Recall 13V-407: Exterior Lighting

Reported Sep 11, 2013 · 134,100 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).

Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

2009 BMW 535i problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Fuel/Propulsion System	24
Engine	21
Fuel System, Gasoline	17
Engine and Engine Cooling	7
Power Train	6
Air Bags	5
Electrical System	3
Tires	2
Suspension	2
Steering	2
Seat Belts	2
Exterior Lighting	2

Most reported parts

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 4
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 1
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2009 BMW 535i complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 192,000 miles · reported Nov 4, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I. The contact researched and discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 86,000, and it was later discovered via www.iaai.com that the mileage was 117,006 in May 2024 and 192,000 in February 2021.

Power Train · reported Jul 11, 2025

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 donât believe itâs 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.

Tires · at 177,259 miles · reported May 13, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I equipped with Mastercraft Tires, Tire Line: Stratus, Tire Size: 225/50/R17. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the passenger's side rear tire was bubbling, and the vehicle was unstable. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and the contact observed that the tread belt was broken. The tire was not the original equipment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the rear tires were replaced. The tires were replaced with the same tire brand and tire line however, the failure recurred with the driver's side rear tire. The…

Engine · at 70,000 miles · reported Dec 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated violently with a message displayed to, "Check Engine â Engine Power Reducedâ. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the spark plugs and ignition coil. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the valve cover gasket and upper radiator hose. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred.…

Engine · reported Jun 7, 2022

While driving I have received engine malfunction and steering becomes hard and unsafe. Have had the engine belt shred to pieces and case major issues. Same repair has been completed multiple times. Great vehicle becoming unsafe to have on the road. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine Malfunction, Battery Malfunction and Yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This put my safety at risk because I was on the expressway and the steering was hard to turn or direct. Has the problem been reproduced or…

Other BMW 535i years

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 201020092008

Compare all BMW 535i years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 BMW 535i have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2009 BMW 535i: 13V-407 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW 535i?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (24 reports), followed by engine (21). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.