Most common 2010 BMW 535i problems
Share of the 58 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 535i complaints by model year
Best 535i years: 2016, 2015, 2014. Years to avoid: 2011, 2008, 2009. Compare all years →
2010 BMW 535i recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
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…
Remedy: 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.
What 2010 BMW 535i owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 34 →
I was told by BMW that the high pressure fuel pump for these vehicles are under warranty for 100,000 miles or 10 years. I just purchased the vehicle to not only drive from new jersey to New York and shut down. Since then it caused an accident and the used dealer is just ignoring everything. I was also told there's an electric water pump class action suit and also something with the trunk leaking. Now I do know that a vehicle is not supposed to be sold without recalls being stated and fixed. I'm already paid 10k for the car and then 1k for a starter . The vehicle is in the body shop having body repair due to the engine shutting down. If the engine shuts down it displays fuel pump malfunction and within 20-30 mins will start again. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 BMW 535i. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle while in traffic but it failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. On another occasion, the contact stated that the passenger rear side of the vehicle dropped closer to the road and was dragging while driving. The contact coasted over to the side of the road but did not notice what caused the failure. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic detached and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to nalley BMW of decatur dealer, located at 1606 church st, decatur, ga 30033, [phone], for the stalling failure and it was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. …
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 BMW 535i. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle while in traffic but it failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. On another occasion, the contact stated that the passenger rear side of the vehicle dropped closer to the road and was dragging while driving. The contact coasted over to the side of the road but did not notice what caused the failure. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic detached and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to nalley BMW of decatur dealer, located at 1606 church st, decatur, ga 30033, [phone], for the stalling failure and it was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. …
I had the car serviced by a mechanic because I had check engine light faults. Water pump and thermostat was replaced. Spark plugs and cops were replaced. Some of the fuel injectors were also replaced. Mechanic asked me to drive the car for 100 miles to see if any check engine issues will reappear. The vehicle first began stating it had low oil pressure and would not allow me to check the oil level, it would continue to just stop at 15%. I then restarted the vehicle and the indicator went away for the low oil pressure. I drove about 10 more miles and drive train malfunction appeared and I pulled over immediately. The vehicle was towed to the mechanic. Engine was seized. What was found in the engine was "shards of metal". Many people had the same issue with the 5 series BMW engines. I think that BMW is responsible for these engine failures.
Electrical system
I was told by BMW that the high pressure fuel pump for these vehicles are under warranty for 100,000 miles or 10 years. I just purchased the vehicle to not only drive from new jersey to New York and shut down. Since then it caused an accident and the used dealer is just ignoring everything. I was also told there's an electric water pump class action suit and also something with the trunk leaking. Now I do know that a vehicle is not supposed to be sold without recalls being stated and fixed. I'm already paid 10k for the car and then 1k for a starter . The vehicle is in the body shop having body repair due to the engine shutting down. If the engine shuts down it displays fuel pump malfunction and within 20-30 mins will start again. …
Within two weeks of taking ownership of this car, I experienced a series of faults in the system where the car froze up and had to be towed to the dealer for repair. Over the past two years, the car has experienced a variety of malfunctions in the electronic warning system. On 5/22/12, upon leaving my residence, I lost momentary control of the car. The car stopped, jerked and then I hit a curb and when I righted the car, I pressed down on the brake pedal, but the car accellerated to a high speed. I travelled approximately 100' to where there were three cars and one motorcycle stopped at a red light. I was unable to stop the car and hit the driver of the motor cycle at a high speed. The car was repaired with nearly $25,000 in damage. The following morning after I had received the car, and during a cold start, the car did the same thing again. …
2010 BMW 535i engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 BMW 535i a good car?
Based on 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 535i rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the 535i at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 BMW 535i?
The fuel & propulsion system — 34 complaints, 59% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery › fuel pump. Next are the engine & cooling (16) and electrical system (7).
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW 535i have?
There is 1 recall for the 2010 BMW 535i, the most recent from September 11, 2013 (tail lights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 535i?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2015 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2008 and 2009. See the full BMW 535i years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 BMW 535i problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 58,000 miles; 41% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.