2015 BMW 535I problems

TIRES:SIDEWALL

Tire Size 245-40-19 - Car 2015 BMW 535 x-drive During a trip from [XXX] to [XXX] the the Continental ProContact SSR MOE tires on both the drivers and passinger side front developed sidewall bubbles. The tires had less than 3500 miles on them. The tires were purchase through the local BMW Dealer, A&L Motors, in Pennsylvania. I had a bubble develop on another Continental Pro Contact MOE a year ago but I wasn't worried about that due to the tire having over 35,000 miles. In XX years of car ownership I have never had an issue with a tire bubbling other than this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11734928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the engine overheated. The engine temperature gauge was between 250 and 300 degrees. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with a water pump connector failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11686396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the engine overheated. The engine temperature gauge was between 250 and 300 degrees. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with a water pump connector failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11686396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, a steering wheel image was displayed on the instrument panel. The computer then informed the contact to carefully drive the vehicle to a dealer for service. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the electrical steering rack system was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA complaint #11662104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: The adaptive headlight system on my 2015 BMW 535i XDrive sedan has malfunctioned due to water intrusion. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer: The malfunctioning adaptive headlights have put my safety and the safety of others at risk because they fail to provide adequate illumination while driving at night. This compromised visibility can lead to an increased risk of accidents, especially on poorly lit roads and during adverse weather conditions. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer: Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center. They identified water intrusion as the cause of the adaptive headlight malfunction. Reported to BMWUSA with supporting documents/photographs 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Answer: The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Only the independent service center has inspected the adaptive headlight system. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer: Yes, there were warning lamps and messages indicating a headlight malfunction prior to the failure. The warning messages first appeared approximately two weeks before (01/15/2025) the headlights completely failed.

NHTSA complaint #11639776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds or while the vehicle was parked, the message “Engine Coolant Level Low" and "Top off Soon as Possible - See Owner’s Manual” were displayed. Additionally, the message “Possible Engine Damages - Attention Scudding Hazard" was displayed. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the engine. The contact stated that coolant was added approximately every two days. Additionally, there was an abnormal burning coming from the engine, with an abnormal odor coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was leaking coolant. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 121,397.

NHTSA complaint #11637293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds or while the vehicle was parked, the message “Engine Coolant Level Low" and "Top off Soon as Possible - See Owner’s Manual” were displayed. Additionally, the message “Possible Engine Damages - Attention Scudding Hazard" was displayed. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the engine. The contact stated that coolant was added approximately every two days. Additionally, there was an abnormal burning coming from the engine, with an abnormal odor coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was leaking coolant. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 121,397.

NHTSA complaint #11637293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Water pump electrical plug not properly protected from water causing short circuit and possible fire hazard. Smell wires burning at water pump plug. It’s a known issue and actual recall on other bmw models.

NHTSA complaint #11637165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEATS

Seatbelt light on, restraint System warning indicator on.

NHTSA complaint #11629139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEAT BELTS

Seatbelt light on, restraint System warning indicator on.

NHTSA complaint #11629139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

Seatbelt light on, restraint System warning indicator on.

NHTSA complaint #11629139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed, with a message to “Drive Moderately” displayed as well. The driver started to slow down and the message to turn off the engine was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle four times and waited 15 to 20 minutes. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA complaint #11613529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result of the diagnostic test was not provided. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to a local Midas where it was diagnosed that the water pump was exposed to water and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA complaint #11610425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result of the diagnostic test was not provided. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to a local Midas where it was diagnosed that the water pump was exposed to water and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA complaint #11610425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The car that I just bought has a problem with the axle and is causing the car to pull to the right.

NHTSA complaint #11605378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Here is the video about how the part fails. I uploaded this video to youtube. You can pass this video to BMW, that is your prerogative, [XXX] My cars has the angle sensor error, and calling for irregular communication with other modules. I am sure he reasons for this are in the video. Lastly I will upload error codes my scanner detected. The steering angle control fails in all BMWs 5 series over 70% of the time after 8 years. The part has been designed, defectively. The internal wire breaks because of the design of the part, as you will be able to see in the attached Youtube video, demonstrating the damaged cable and how it happens, because of bad design. A faulty part, leads to limited steering, and if this happens suddenly the driver can lose control of the car, unable to steer, and crash, hit a pedestrian, a wall and building. As small person not string, could easily end up crashing something or someone. I find this level of design for planned obsolescence fraudulent. I hope you let the hammer of the law fall hard on BMW. My steering angle controlled just failed. When I found out why it failed, it made me furious. I will take my car tomorrow for repairs. Hopefully you put the recall Monday morning. This is sufficient evidence. The You Tuber that made the video, was eloquent in his demonstration, but the internet is full of these videos, and that means many many failing parts, and likely already a few dead people. Look into it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11588276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Here is the video about how the part fails. I uploaded this video to youtube. You can pass this video to BMW, that is your prerogative, [XXX] My cars has the angle sensor error, and calling for irregular communication with other modules. I am sure he reasons for this are in the video. Lastly I will upload error codes my scanner detected. The steering angle control fails in all BMWs 5 series over 70% of the time after 8 years. The part has been designed, defectively. The internal wire breaks because of the design of the part, as you will be able to see in the attached Youtube video, demonstrating the damaged cable and how it happens, because of bad design. A faulty part, leads to limited steering, and if this happens suddenly the driver can lose control of the car, unable to steer, and crash, hit a pedestrian, a wall and building. As small person not string, could easily end up crashing something or someone. I find this level of design for planned obsolescence fraudulent. I hope you let the hammer of the law fall hard on BMW. My steering angle controlled just failed. When I found out why it failed, it made me furious. I will take my car tomorrow for repairs. Hopefully you put the recall Monday morning. This is sufficient evidence. The You Tuber that made the video, was eloquent in his demonstration, but the internet is full of these videos, and that means many many failing parts, and likely already a few dead people. Look into it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11588276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Here is the video about how the part fails. I uploaded this video to youtube. You can pass this video to BMW, that is your prerogative, [XXX] My cars has the angle sensor error, and calling for irregular communication with other modules. I am sure he reasons for this are in the video. Lastly I will upload error codes my scanner detected. The steering angle control fails in all BMWs 5 series over 70% of the time after 8 years. The part has been designed, defectively. The internal wire breaks because of the design of the part, as you will be able to see in the attached Youtube video, demonstrating the damaged cable and how it happens, because of bad design. A faulty part, leads to limited steering, and if this happens suddenly the driver can lose control of the car, unable to steer, and crash, hit a pedestrian, a wall and building. As small person not string, could easily end up crashing something or someone. I find this level of design for planned obsolescence fraudulent. I hope you let the hammer of the law fall hard on BMW. My steering angle controlled just failed. When I found out why it failed, it made me furious. I will take my car tomorrow for repairs. Hopefully you put the recall Monday morning. This is sufficient evidence. The You Tuber that made the video, was eloquent in his demonstration, but the internet is full of these videos, and that means many many failing parts, and likely already a few dead people. Look into it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11588276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Passenger Restraint Air Bag Malfunction" was displayed. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.

NHTSA complaint #11573365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Passenger Restraint Air Bag Malfunction" was displayed. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.

NHTSA complaint #11573365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Headlight started to collect condensation, not due to any damage to the headlight itself. I understand that this will eventually lead to damage of the electronic components of the headlight because the condensation collects in the bottom of the headlight. Per the advice of my mechanic, I am replacing the headlight before the water can do damage. He says it's a well-known problem.

NHTSA complaint #11560150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Myself along with thousands of other owners are having moisture build up issues inside the headlight that eventually create puddles of water that short out the headlights which is $5000 for each headlight replacement.

NHTSA complaint #11510725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Myself along with thousands of other owners are having moisture build up issues inside the headlight that eventually create puddles of water that short out the headlights which is $5000 for each headlight replacement.

NHTSA complaint #11510725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Myself along with thousands of other owners are having moisture build up issues inside the headlight that eventually create puddles of water that short out the headlights which is $5000 for each headlight replacement.

NHTSA complaint #11510725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When car comes to stop and driver or left rear passenger attempts to open the door, the door will sometimes not open. It remains locked. Right side door lever, when pulled, will unlock the door and you can open. The only way to open the door is to press the unlock button in the center console twice. This unlocks the doors and you can exit. This is of concern since the car has power locks. Should an accident occur, driver and rear passenger can be stuck in car.

NHTSA complaint #11496405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.