Problems · by component
2011 BMW 535I Xdrive engine problems
53 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 BMW 535I Xdrive cite engine, 20% of all 268 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
53
20% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“BMW REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF CONSEQUENTIAL ISSUES CAUSED MY FAULTY FUEL PUMP RECALL AND IS TRYING TO CHARGE ME 21000 to fix. Engine reads maximum drivetrain output drive moderately”
“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.”
“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. I asked BMW for assistance in getting a rental car and they said that is the responsibility of the dealership and the dealership is telling me that I need to call BMW Corporate. I spoke to a woman named Jenny at BMW corporate about 2 - 3 weeks ago and she told me to call the dealership and explain what is going on with my car and request that a special case be opened so rush my parts needed to fix my car and I still can't get any help. I have…”
Showing 6 of 53 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.