Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 BMW 535i owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535i. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for servicing, he was informed that the vehicle was leaking oil. The oil filter housing and the valve cover gaskets were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs and the coil pack needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the coil pack needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the turn signals and the horn were no longer operatives. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering column had failed. …
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 - Engine Power Reduced". 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. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the evaporative leak detection assembly, water pump, and high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. …
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 confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No there were not any other messages or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. …
The engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan recall for the e60 BMW 535i needs to be taken seriously! The car will blow up. BMW needs this problem explicitly taken off the street. You dont expect the ultimate driving machine to explode. In accordance to a total loss claim my insurance usaa claim number 013162236000000007001 . The engine caught complete fire and engulfed the car. I was inside the bavarian motor works vehicle. I could have died. Magnesium in the car means it is then subject to combustion and also to catch fire again which it did. In the morning the car was a full blaze after the fire department left the previous night. BMW needs to compensate individuals who have lost their nice car, lost lots of days at work , and nearly lost their life, because of that recall could have the car blow up at any time. March 2 2018 (2009 535 BMW )
I was driving my vehicle northbound on the kennedy expressway (I-90) between montrose and lawrence exit here in chicago when my car stalled the middle of a very busy highway. I attempted to restart it with reduced power that allowed me to drive my vehicle to the shoulders but it was a scary experience nonetheless with high speed cars and trucks passing by you. It was determined that it was a fuel pump issue relating to an existing recall/class action lawsuit. Anyway, the car was never fully fixed; I mean I had at several instances of car stalling again and again. I repeatedly complaint to the manufacturer and the car dealer letting them know that I feel theres a systemic issue with the vehicle. Every time I brought it for repairs it was a different reason why the engine failure keeps lighting up and the car stalling. …
While driving "engine failure, reduce power" light came on, power on engine reduced but drivable. When car shut down and restarted light goes off but if stepping on the gas hard the light comes back with engine having reduced power. This was repaired twice, last by BMW on 7/29/13, they replaced vans solenoids (intake and exhaust) and reprogramed the transmission. At that time they told me if the problem returns the transmission May need to be replaced. Reading through forums and the web I came upon many complaints for the same problem in which dealers stated different root causes, many solutions proposed but often problem returns. I believe this is design flaw with this car and should be investigated.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW 535i. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and the reduce engine power warning message illuminated. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road, where it was turned off and resumed normal operation after restarting the engine. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired under a manufacturer's customer service recall; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not taken back to the dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
While driving from work on a busy Friday afternoon the vehicle's check engine light comes on and the computer screen states "engine malfunction! Reducing power" "high pressure fuel pump malfunction" less than a minute the engine stalled. Leaving me stranded on the bridge for hours, try to start the car but it won't start. The high pressure fuel system has been replaced with a new revision but still didn't solve the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW 535i. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly slowed down and the "engine power malfunction" indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown BMW dealer in columbia, south carolina where the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,900.
As I am driving my BMW after 5 minutes of start it. I smelled oil coming out of the engine. Even after not drink the car for about one week the smell was still there. I am concern that something is wrong with the engine. Even on a cool 60 degree day the engine is too hot to touch. I feel that the coolant in not going to the engine since after putting a full amount of coolant the coolant is deplete after one hour.
Engine complaints in other 535i years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 BMW 535i?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 BMW 535i, 39% of the model year's 71 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 BMW 535i engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2009 BMW 535i, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 BMW 535i engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.