MotorDeets

2010 BMW 535I: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2010 BMW 535I: 1 recall, 58 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
58owner complaints
3mention a crash
20best combined mpg
2010 BMW 535I
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #13V407000 · 2013 · 134,100 vehicles

What's wrong: 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).

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

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Fuel & propulsion19
Fuel system14
Engine11
Electrical7
Engine & cooling5
Airbags5
Seat belts3
Exterior lights2

What owners describe

The 2010 BMW 535I has 58 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 16 535I model years for complaints (1.9× the average 535I year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 58,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (71 complaints, 1 recalls), 2011 (112 complaints, 4 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive172620Premium
3.0 L 6-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive172620Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2010 BMW 535I.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2010 BMW 535I manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2010 BMW 535I manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2010 BMW 535I manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2010 BMW 535I manual

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FAQ

Does the 2010 BMW 535I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2010 BMW 535I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2010 BMW 535I problems?

Owners have filed 58 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel & propulsion (19), fuel system (14), engine (11).

What gas mileage does the 2010 BMW 535I get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2010 BMW 535I repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other 535I years

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