2011 BMW 535I engine problems
37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2011 BMW 535I — 33% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“ValveTronic motor and eccentric shaft is a very common issue that my specific car has. Affects the timing and makes a loud sound. Dangerous to drive in this condition.”
filed Apr 20, 2026
“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…”
filed Mar 28, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft…Campaign 14V176000 · Apr 10, 2014
Related service bulletins
Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as…
SIB011918 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2022
Engine problems in other 535I years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 535I | 2 | 9% |
| 2014 535I | 10 | 33% |
| 2013 535I | 9 | 24% |
| 2012 535I | 11 | 20% |
| 2010 535I | 11 | 19% |
| 2009 535I | 21 | 30% |
| 2008 535I | 27 | 36% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2011 BMW 535I
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.