BMW 535i — All Years

Reviewed by the 247VehicleCheck Data Team — automotive data reviewers

We have BMW 535i specifications on file for 7 model years, 2010–2016, covering saloon/sedan trims. EPA data lists a single engine, the 3L 6-cyl turbo. Combined fuel economy runs from 24 to 29 mpg (UK) depending on year, engine and transmission. 5 of the 5 rated model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating. Select a year below for full engine, fuel economy, dimensions and safety data.

YearEngine(s)FuelMPG (UK)CO₂ g/kmNHTSARecallsComplaints
20163L 6-cyl turboPremium Gasoline28235———
20153L 6-cyl turboPremium Gasoline292345★023
20143L 6-cyl turboPremium Gasoline282355★230
20133L 6-cyl turboPremium Gasoline28–292335★138
20123L 6-cyl turboPremium Gasoline282405★166
20113L 6-cyl turboPremium Gasoline26–292305★4270
20103L 6-cyl turboPremium Gasoline24276———

Best and Worst BMW 535i Years: What the NHTSA Data Shows

Across the 5 BMW 535i model years from 2011 to 2015 that have NHTSA data, the typical year has about 38 owner complaints on file. These are the extremes:

Fewest owner complaints

  • 2015 — 23 complaints, 0 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2014 — 30 complaints, 2 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2013 — 38 complaints, 1 recall campaign, 5★ NHTSA

Most owner complaints

  • 2011 — 270 complaints, 4 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2012 — 66 complaints, 1 recall campaign, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2013 — 38 complaints, 1 recall campaign, 5★ NHTSA

Complaint counts are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and rise with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so treat them as a pointer for what to inspect, not a reliability score. Model years after 2022 are left out because they have had little time to accumulate reports. Always check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine History

Engines are those EPA lists for each model year; the MPG (UK) column shows the range across configurations where more than one exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What years is the BMW 535i covered on this site?

We have data for 7 model years of the BMW 535i, from 2010 to 2016.

What engines does the BMW 535i come with?

EPA data lists: 3L 6-cyl turbo (2010–2016).

Which BMW 535i year has the best fuel economy?

The 2015 model returns the highest combined MPG (UK) on record here, at 29 mpg on its most efficient configuration.

Does the BMW 535i have a 5-star NHTSA safety rating?

Yes — the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating on record here.

Which BMW 535i model years have the most recalls and complaints?

The 2011 model year has the most NHTSA recall campaigns on record (4), and the 2011 has the most owner complaints (270). NHTSA lists no recalls for 2015. Counts are from NHTSA as of 6 October 2026 and change over time; complaints are unverified owner reports.

What body style is the BMW 535i?

The BMW 535i is classed as a saloon/sedan on this site.

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