FaultScore

2014 BMW 535I engine problems

11 of the 46 complaints about the 2014 BMW 535I are about the engine — 24% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 19,250 miles.

F

11

Complaints

2

Crashes

0

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Engine 10 90.9%
Engine AND Engine Cooling 1 9.1%

Engine & Cooling across every BMW 535I year

2008 27 18.4%
2009 28 19.0%
2010 16 10.9%
2011 41 27.9%
2012 14 9.5%
2013 10 6.8%
2014 11 7.5%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Bensalem, PA Crash 1 injured

ENGINE

The BMW, while turning at low speed into a parking space, suddenly accelerated and the braking system failed. Airbags deployed after multiple impacts with other vehicles and a fixed object, causing serious personal injury for the driver. The incident occurred on 01/16/2026. The vehicle is a total loss, has not yet been inspected, and is in storage. No warning lamps, messages or other issues were displayed or known prior to the failure. The vehicle was regularly maintained. The incident did not occur as a result of driver error or a medical issue.

NHTSA complaint #11712401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The Dalles, OR

ENGINE

2014 BMW 535i Oil housing filter started leaking oil into serpentine belt causing the belt to shred and snap then was sucked into the crankshaft causing the motor to seize. Car was towed to bmw dealership and was diagnosed with catastrophic engine failure resulting in $28,000 estimate for engine replacement. Then vehicle was towed to licensed BMW repair facility and was repaired for $15,000 engine replacement.

NHTSA complaint #11647235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 135,000 miles Stockbridge, GA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2014 BMW 535I. The contact stated that the engine cooling fan was running at abnormal high speed upon starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently, and the vehicle hesitated to respond while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with defective water pump and water pump electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an undisclosed recall. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

NHTSA complaint #11627692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colorado Springs, CO

ENGINE

Possible PCV malfunction. Intense plastic burning smell, smoke coming from front ac vents. Dealer unable to replicate issue, valve cover replaced under warranty. Issue persists. 2 Vehicle inspections at same bmw dealer, were unable to identify burnt battery PCM as well. Occasional check engine light, gone after vehicle restart. Under hard acceleration burning plastic smell intensifies.

NHTSA complaint #11488539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Milwaukee, WI

ENGINE

Ken Cook <kenecee2021@gmail.com> Sun, Jun 19, 4:10 PM (3 days ago) to nhtsa.webmaster i found car online cr gurus and it was certified and car fax no problems, i used my savings of 5000 for down payment closed the deal and was coming down on weekend to get vehicle. coworker came and is witness. we get to Wilkins and the salesman who i talked to is nowhere to be found another person closes deal and brings up oil leak. i'm mad but here. i ask for them to subtract cost of oil leak from down payment, they said no.they said a warranty on car i took ti bmw they told me engine might lock up. i called dealership no help and warranty was only for tires and windshield. im livid. i called all politicians and government. and my car is locked up and i still pay 400 a month to finance company and car does not work can’t afford to purchase engine or car. i need your help making them replace engine. i have a witness witness . i was taken advantage pf im a honorable veteran and i was swindled. i just want the car fix and driving like it is supposed to by dealer this oil leak i have taken in 5 different times and only driven the car 5 months anhd i stay current on maitenamnce and this last trip the engine locked up at 70k miles. i bought at 60k miles and each dealership has told me to contact wilkins hyundai in illinios and report because this is wrong and i have but they have ignored me. i contacted Bmw and they have also tried to avoid my situaation. i am without a working vehicle and i am still financing this vehicle. my family is broken i am on the verge of losing my job i am getting counseling for mental health at the VA medical center now and i am an honorable Veteran this has caused me to become homeless. they are obligated to repair this vehicle and if a lawsuit must occur or legal action i am 100 with this because this was deceptive and fraudulent! please help

NHTSA complaint #11470380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 179,000 miles Baltimore, MD

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2014 BMW 535i. The contact stated that after receiving the vehicle back from the dealer after a collision repair, the steering wheel seized while driving. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a faulty oil gasket damaged the serpentine belt, causing an oil leak. The dealer informed the contact that the serpentine belt and drive belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

NHTSA complaint #11465966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Union Grove, WI

ENGINE

you have serious construction going on at 21425 spring street at the veteran shelter where i stay. well the crew dug up sections of the road and cut it where it is a Sharpe dip to go up and down. i went over one at 1am on my way to work and it hit my undercarriage the following morning my car was leaking oil and now the ignition and battery are out ! i ask my insurance but it is not and accident it is damage to my vehicle that i cant afford and i need to get to work. now im in a hotel room trying to save the couple grand it will take to fix. i was told that you would help or even fix this because of the construction damage and so i am reaching out to you for your help? that is union grove wisconsin

NHTSA complaint #11436645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 15 miles Williamston, NC

ENGINE

RECALL COOLANT LEAK WITHIN ERG. MY ENGINE HAS DEVELOPED A STRANGE TICKING SOUND.

NHTSA complaint #11352505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 38,000 miles Raleigh, NC

ENGINE

DRIVING 70MPH ON HIGHWAY 85 SOUTH. VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING SHUT OFF. ALL POWER LOST. POWER STEERING LOST. WARNING DISPLAY INDICATED DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY INOPERABLE. VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AFTER SHUTTING DOWN ON HIGHWAY AND HAD TO BE PUSHED TO SAFETY AND THEN TOWED.

NHTSA complaint #10863900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180 miles Taunton, MA Crash

ENGINE

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR BECAME UNDRIVABLE . IT WAS TAKEN AT THE DEALERVFACILITY -NEW CAR , WITH 180 MILES ON IT - FOR THE ENGINE ISSUE AND STATE EMISSION STICKER. THE CAR WAS NEVER RETURNED, DUE TO ENGINE VALVE FAILURE - LOSE PIPES AT THE FINAL ASSY OF THE ENGINE COMPONENTS .

NHTSA complaint #10626307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 500 miles Taunton, MA

ENGINE

ENGINE VALVE FAILURE , DIAGNOSED AT BMW -GALLERY ,NORWOOD, MA , FACILITY . THE ENGINE VALVE REQUIRED FULL REPLACEMENT . THE CAR HAD BEEN QUALIFIED AS " LEMON CAR " . COULD NOT PASS THE STATE EMISSION TEST .

NHTSA complaint #10606223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

← Full 2014 BMW 535I report