2011 BMW 535I power train problems
17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2011 BMW 535I — 15% 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
“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.”
filed Jun 21, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and…Campaign 17V067000 · Feb 2, 2017
Power Train problems in other 535I years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 535I | 1 | 3% |
| 2013 535I | 2 | 5% |
| 2012 535I | 10 | 19% |
| 2010 535I | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 535I | 6 | 8% |
| 2008 535I | 6 | 8% |
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.