BMW 535i
The 2018 BMW 535i presents a compelling, albeit data-limited, picture of reliability, earning an 'Excellent' public verdict.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2015 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | engine | Engine code | Transmission | Drivetrain | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Horsepower | Torque | Engine configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | sedan | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | Automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | — | — |
| 2016 | sedan | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium, Horsepower: 300-302 hp, Torque: 300-400 lb-ft, Engine configuration: Inline-6 | N55B30A | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | 300-302 hp | 300-400 lb-ft | Inline-6 |
| 2015 | sedan | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium, Horsepower: 300-306 hp, Torque: 300 lb-ft | — | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | 300-306 hp | 300 lb-ft | — |
| 2014 | sedan | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | — | — |
| 2013 | sedan | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | — | — |
| 2012 | sedan | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | — | — |
| 2011 | sedan | Cylinders: 6, Displacement: 3.0, Fuel type: Premium | — | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | — | — | — |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | msrp | pricing | Base price | currency | Base MSRP | MSRP range | Confidence | notes | Source | estimatedAt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | Base price: $60,900 | $60,900 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2016 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $55,850, MSRP range: $55,850 - $59,650, Confidence: 0.9, notes: Base MSRP for 535i Sedan and 535i xDrive Sedan trims., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 7/4/2026 | — | — | USD | $55,850 | $55,850 - $59,650 | 0.9 | Base MSRP for 535i Sedan and 535i xDrive Sedan trims. | llm_estimate | 7/4/2026 |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | bodyAndInterior | mechanical | Keyless ignition | Steering location | Seat rows | GVWR | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 120.7, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 120.7 | 18 | 18 |
| 2016 | 5 | 4 | 521 | 14 | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | nhtsaSafetyRatings | tpms | abs | esc | tractionControl | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | pedestrianAeb | blindSpotMonitoring | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | parkAssist | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rated vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | optional | optional | optional | optional | standard | optional | optional | standard | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2016 | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2015 BMW 535 I 4 DR RWD | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2015 BMW 535 I 4 DR RWD |
| 2014 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2014 BMW 535 I 4 DR RWD | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2014 BMW 535 I 4 DR RWD |
| 2013 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2013 BMW 535 I 4 DR RWD | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2013 BMW 535 I 4 DR RWD |
| 2012 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2012 BMW 535 I 4 DR RWD | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2012 BMW 535 I 4 DR RWD |
| 2011 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2011 BMW 535 I 4 DR AWD | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2011 BMW 535 I 4 DR AWD |
Model year reports
2018
NewestThe 2018 BMW 535i presents a compelling, albeit data-limited, picture of reliability, earning an 'Excellent' public verdict.
2017
The 2017 BMW 535i presents a mixed bag for used car buyers.
2016
The 2016 BMW 535i presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2015
The 2015 BMW 535i offers a compelling blend of performance and luxury, but potential buyers should be aware of its average reliability and prioritize thorough pre-purchase inspections, especially for the steering system.
2014
The 2014 BMW 535i offers engaging driving dynamics but demands careful consideration due to its 'Below Average' reliability rating.
2013
The 2013 BMW 535i offers engaging performance but demands careful inspection due to a high volume of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs).
2012
The 2012 BMW 535i presents a compelling luxury sedan experience, but its 'Average' reliability verdict and a significant TSB count warrant careful consideration.
2011
The 2011 BMW 535i offers engaging performance, but its 'Average' reliability verdict and high TSB count warrant caution.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the BMW 535i?
Carfocal currently has 8 published 535i reports, covering 2011 through 2018. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2018 BMW 535i presents a compelling, albeit data-limited, picture of reliability, earning an 'Excellent' public verdict.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.
Is the BMW 535i reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every BMW 535i. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2018 bmw 535i presents a compelling, albeit data-limited, picture of reliability, earning an 'excellent' public verdict. and the 2018 bmw 535i represents a potentially strong value for used car shoppers prioritizing luxury and driving dynamics, especially given its 'excellent' reliability verdict. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
8 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the BMW 535i?
Across Carfocal's published 535i guides, recurring problem areas include Cooling System Components (Water Pump, Thermostat, Expansion Tank), Ignition Coils, and Valve Cover Gasket. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Cooling System Components (Water Pump, Thermostat, Expansion Tank), Ignition Coils, and Valve Cover Gasket.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 8
- Years tracked
- 8
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints