Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 BMW 535i owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power and was running rough. The contact stated that the instrument cluster went black. The contact turned into a parking lot as the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle but after several attempts failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had an independent mechanic diagnose the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the VANOS bolts had fractured and the timing camshaft had detached. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the bolts used to secure the housing for the camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit had loosened over time, causing the vehicle to stall. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V176000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which he linked to the failure. The contact called two dealers and the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
My car suddenly shut off when I came to a stop at a red light while on a busy state route. The information cluster then began to read "Fuel supply" and "Battery Discharge" My car would not turn back on and still has not turned back on since and it's been over a month now. According to the OBD results, the fuel pump and injectors were somehow seized and therefore have caused the car to become inoperable. I was forced to spend over $1000 just to get my car out of the police tow yard and towed to my home because I could not afford the cost of the repairs needed. The NHSTA website states that there is a recall on both the fuel system and the electrical system for my exact vehicle, but according to my Vin search results, there are 0 recalls. That doesn't make sense. I had just got my new inspection done maybe a month prior to my car breaking down.
Been fixing an unknown issue due to fuel presure, loss of engine power and car gets extra hot but doesn't over heat, I have fixed the issue more on 2 different occasions. I didn't pass the smog text so that's when I was told to check for any recalls, now the issues returned with same problems and probably won't pass smog again. I have all recorded from all the years of maintenance and I'm very diligent on on time maintenance or if theirs is any kind of malfunction. I'm now addressing the situation to you as I believe that there's something wrong that's beyond my control. I've also encountered other people with same vehicle with similar issues.
The water pump failure recall BMW currently has for 8 and 12 cylinder engines need to include 3.0 6 cylinder engines also. My car had the identical failure as the current recall and its not covered . Why? There is just as many 6 cylinder water pump failures as 8 and 12 cylinder cars . This is not right . Extremely dangerous and needs rectified now . Please help me my email is [redacted] Phone [redacted]. My car is currently exhibiting the water pump failure . I'm afraid to take my family anywhere in the car .
While driving on the highway my car turned off suddenly. car was towed to home After checking possible causes we found out that even the fuel gauge in the instruments cluster was displaying a large amount of fuel ( 1/2 tank) actually it was empty. We put two gallons of gasoline then car start up again but fuel gauge still showing half of tank
The vehicle is having cooling/ heat problems. Does not overheat while driving but rather driving on high temp. Cools to norm temp here and there. My best thought is electrical. Also same vehicle rattles in rear center when going 65mph.. not sure the cause is.
Hello, I received a recall notice almost 6 months ago on my car and I have been in contact with BMW Corporate and they have been completely useless (This is my first BMW and it will be my last). I haven't been able to drive my car for almost 6 months due to the VANOS engine bolt recall. My car has been experiencing the symptoms of stalling, loss of power and it has gone into Safe mode. I have called McKenna BMW in Norwalk and was told not to drive the car because it isn't safe to do so. and by the Owner of Orange Motors who is a Specialty Shop for BMW owners. I have called BMW Corporate numerous times and sent multiple emails ( i can't even get a response to my emails) and cant get any assistance in getting my car fixed. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 535i. While the contact's vehicle was being serviced, the independent mechanic discovered that the engine's plastic oil filter housing was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Later, while driving, a message displayed indicating that the engine experienced a failure. The vehicle was towed to casey BMW (12861 jefferson ave, newport news, va) where it was diagnosed that the water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Soon after the repair, a burning odor was present inside the vehicle while driving. Upon inspection, it was discovered that oil had leaked from the plastic oil filter housing onto the engine pulley. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil filter housing unit and the engine pulley needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. …
Vehicle was parked at my work and the engine caught fire in the parking lot. BMW of san antonio says oil leaked from the valve cover to the exhaust manifold. Problem is, exhaust manifold is far passenger side. Fire was top rear of the motor.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge.
Engine complaints in other 535i years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 BMW 535i?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 BMW 535i, 37% of the model year's 112 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 BMW 535i engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-176 (engine, Apr 10, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 BMW 535i engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries 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.