Post
Research the Car Logo

2010 BMW 535i

Posted
By Research the Car 4 min read

Here is a comprehensive list of common issues and complaints for the 2010 BMW 535i, categorized by component, engine, and transmission options.

The 2010 BMW 535i is a mid-size luxury sedan that offered a blend of performance and comfort. It was praised for its sporty handling, powerful engines, and luxurious interior. However, it also had its share of reliability issues. The 2010 535i was available with two engine options: a 3.0L naturally aspirated inline-6 (528i) and a 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 (535i). The 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (N54) produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Common complaints about the 2010 535i often include higher maintenance costs and potential for expensive repairs compared to some of its competitors.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (N54)

  • High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Long crank times, rough idling, hesitation upon acceleration, and eventually a complete failure to start. Check engine light may illuminate.
    • Solution: Replacement of the HPFP. BMW issued a recall for this issue on some vehicles.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200+
    • Recalls: See Recall list under “General”
  • Fuel Injector Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, fuel smell, and decreased fuel economy.
    • Solution: Replacement of faulty fuel injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$600+ per injector, depending on labor
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Wastegate Rattle (Turbochargers)
    • Description/Symptoms: A metallic rattling noise, especially during cold starts or low RPMs, due to excessive play in the turbocharger wastegates.
    • Solution: Replacement of the turbochargers (often both, to ensure even performance) or wastegate actuator adjustment.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+ for turbocharger replacement (parts and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Housing Gasket)
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gasket(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ depending on the gasket and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Water Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks, and the engine temperature gauge climbing into the red zone.
    • Solution: Replacement of the electric water pump and thermostat.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

  • Mechatronic Unit Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, slipping, harsh engagement of gears, and transmission malfunction warning lights.
    • Solution: Replacement or rebuilding of the Mechatronic unit (valve body) within the transmission. Fluid change is recommended at the same time.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially over bumps, and vague steering.
    • Solution: Replacement of the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven for a few days.
    • Solution: Diagnosis to find the parasitic drain (often caused by a faulty module or sensor) and repair or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$1000+, depending on the source of the drain.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Idrive Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: System freezing, reboots, or failure to display information.
    • Solution: Software update, replacement of the CCC unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the fix.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Headlights fail to adjust properly, error messages on the dashboard, or complete headlight failure.
    • Solution: Replacement of the headlight motor or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per headlight
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, making excessive noise, or leaking water.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, track, or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

General

  • Recalls:
    • Recall Number: 10V494000 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP *NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V494000 *Component: Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump *Potential Number of Units Affected: 130263 *Summary: BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 vehicles. Due to a potential defect in the high-pressure fuel pump, the engine may experience a fuel starvation condition.
    • Recall Number: 11V264000 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP *NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V264000 *Component: Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump *Potential Number of Units Affected: 40000 *Summary: BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 vehicles. Due to a potential defect in the high-pressure fuel pump, the engine may experience a fuel starvation condition.
    • Recall Number: 14V286000 - POWER STEERING *NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 *Component: Power Steering *Potential Number of Units Affected: 232000 *Summary: BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 vehicles. The bolts that secure the power steering pump pulley to the power steering pump may loosen and fracture.
    • Recall Number: 17V684000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING *NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V684000 *Component: Electrical System:Wiring *Potential Number of Units Affected: 5560 *Summary: BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 vehicles. The positive battery cable connector to the fuse block may corrode, which could result in a high resistance connection and potential electrical system failure.

Summary

The 2010 BMW 535i, while a desirable car, presents a number of potential issues. The N54 engine, while powerful, is known for HPFP failures, injector problems, wastegate rattle, and oil leaks. Transmission problems with the 6-speed automatic can be costly. Suspension and electrical issues add to the ownership costs. Many of these issues can be expensive to repair, making thorough inspection and maintenance records essential before purchasing a used 2010 535i.

BMW, 535i
BMW 535i 2010
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.