Most common 2010 BMW 535xi problems
Share of the 15 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 535xi complaints by model year
Best 535xi years: 2010, 2012. Years to avoid: 2008, 2011. Compare all years →
What 2010 BMW 535xi owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
2010 BMW 535xi, caught fire in engine compartment resulting in total loss of vehicle. Vehicle has only been maintained at BMW dealership, and current on all inspections, repairs, and maintenance. Fire occurred in duncan doughnuts drive through, slight smell of smoke while at drive through line. While receiving food at window less than a minute or two later, and while in park. Flames shot through hood at middle of engine compartment by windshield and rear 1/3 of the middle of the hood with intense smoke. Immediatel reaction was to put in drive and moved foreword to get away from building to get out of door as engine died, we scrambled out of vehicle. 2 employees immediately assisted with fire extinguishers, but engine compartment quickly engulfed 1st in the middle hood then left hood and eventually through the wheelwell. …
While traveling in the midst of traffic on busy roadway the fuel pump stopped operating(on-board computer display). I received a message indicating the vehicle would continue to operate but should be checked. I managed to steer the vehicle from the main roadway before the power steering ceased to operate. This is the third incident in which the fuel pump failure occurred. A previous repost was made to the NHTSA #(10938620). A safety recall was activated for several vehicle with the same high pressure fuel pump, but my VIN is not listed in the database. I fear for my life and for the lives of others that could be linked to the potential tragedy that May occur. Today my vehicle was towed to a BMW service center for assessment. Of course the warranty has expired and I am waiting for an outcome and feel vulnerable. …
Electrical system
Blower motor shorted and caused widespread electrical problems affecting headlights and their control. A large amount of smoke blew out of the vents as well. The vehicle was being moved from the garage to the parking lot at a 3rd party service provider.
2010 BMW 535xi, caught fire in engine compartment resulting in total loss of vehicle. Vehicle has only been maintained at BMW dealership, and current on all inspections, repairs, and maintenance. Fire occurred in duncan doughnuts drive through, slight smell of smoke while at drive through line. While receiving food at window less than a minute or two later, and while in park. Flames shot through hood at middle of engine compartment by windshield and rear 1/3 of the middle of the hood with intense smoke. Immediatel reaction was to put in drive and moved foreword to get away from building to get out of door as engine died, we scrambled out of vehicle. 2 employees immediately assisted with fire extinguishers, but engine compartment quickly engulfed 1st in the middle hood then left hood and eventually through the wheelwell. …
Engine & cooling
Two times in the past five days my 2010 BMW 535xi has shut down. Each time it has malfunctioned(12/24/16 and 12/29/16), the automatic downshift activated). Once while traveling up a hill at approximately 35 miles per hour and once while traveling in excess of 55 miles per hour on a very busy highway. I was not able to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle tolled to a local garage. Shortly after arriving the tow operator started the vehicle. It started without hesitation a second time. I left the vehicle at the repair shop and picked it up four days later. It has started and operated as before until day five when I was traveling uphill and it initiated a downshift and stopped operating. Each time the fuel pump failure indicator came on. It is a scary feeling, especially since each time I was in the midst of other vehicles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 BMW 535xi. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH the vehicle lost power as the check engine warning indicator and turn the vehicle off illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed it with an engine loss. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who informed her that the cam shaft in the engine broke. The vehicle was not repaired.the manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 BMW 535xi a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 535xi rates better than average: 54% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 535xi at the same age. It is one of the best 535xi years by this measure. 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 535xi?
The fuel & propulsion system — 7 complaints, 47% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery › fuel pump. Next are the electrical system (4) and engine & cooling (4).
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW 535xi have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2010 BMW 535xi. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 535xi?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008 and 2011. See the full BMW 535xi years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 BMW 535xi problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 59,000 miles; 21% 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.