2012 BMW 535I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 BMW 535I: 1 recall, 54 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #16V746000 · 2016 · 136,188 vehicles
What's wrong: 0si, x5 4.8i, x5 m, x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 xdrive48i and x5 xdrive50i, 2008-2011 x6 x drive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6 m, 2010-2011 x6 activehybrid, 535i xdrive gran turismo, 535i gran turismo, 550i xdrive gran turismo and 550i gran turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xdrive, 550i and 550i xdrive and 2012 535i activehybrid, 640i convertible, 650i convertible, 650i xdrive convertible, 650i coupe and 650i coupe…
Why it matters: The loose wires May cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump May stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel & propulsion (12): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (9), warning light on (6).
- Engine (11): the most common themes are warning light on (4), noise or vibration (3), electrical failure (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (10): the most common themes are warning light on (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Electrical (9): the most common themes are door / lock issues (3), electrical failure (2), stalls / loses power (2).
The 2012 BMW 535I has 54 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 16 535I model years for complaints (1.8× the average 535I year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 68,267 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (112 complaints, 4 recalls), 2013 (38 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 23 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Premium |
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 2012 BMW 535I.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2012 BMW 535I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2012 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 2012 BMW 535I problems?
Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel & propulsion (12), engine (11), transmission & drivetrain (10).
What gas mileage does the 2012 BMW 535I get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 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.