All vehicle manufacturers work hard to produce the most reliable and safest vehicles, and BMW is absolutely no exception. However, unavoidable problems can arise whenever a company mass-produces a product. Unfortunately, some of those issues don’t rear their head right away.
In that instance, automakers may issue a recall.
Did BMW recall any recent 535is?
Yes, some 2011-2014 models were affected. Here are some details:
- Incorrectly programmed sensor, which could stop airbags from deploying on the 2011 535i.
- Insufficient crimped in-tank fuel pump wire contacts on the 2012 535i.
- Rear reflex reflector lights not bright enough
Thankfully, in this article, we’ll look at each of these BMW 535i recalls in detail. We’ll then explain the steps you can take to get them resolved free of charge.
Incorrectly Programmed Sensor
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V832000
Any BMW 535i built between 2010 and 2011 may have had an incorrectly programmed sensor unit installed during a service visit. The sensor might not accurately deploy the safety features during a crash. Some of these include the airbags not deploying and the safety belt pretensioners not working.
Failing to address the issue could result in severe injury of all passengers in the event of an accident.
The fix? An authorized BMW dealer will replace the Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) with a correctly programmed SCU.
Insufficient Crimped In-Tank Fuel Wire Contacts
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V746000
Some 2012 BMW 535is may have wire contacts that are not crimped correctly on the in-tank fuel pump.
BMW responded to the potential problem by issuing a recall in February of 2017 for all affected vehicles.
Fuel leaks can occur if the improperly crimped wires cause the connector to melt. Additionally, the engine could stall if the fuel pump stops working altogether.
Upon discovery of this issue, BMW dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to the owner.
Rear Reflectors Don’t Reflect Enough Light
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V188000
The rear reflectors are designed to reflect a sufficient amount of light so that other drivers can see your car (especially at night). The rear reflex reflectors on some 2013 and 2014 BMW 535is (with or without xDrive) may not reflect enough light.
To address the problem, BMW issued a recall in July of 2017.
If your rear reflectors do not reflect enough light, you are running a greater risk of being involved in an accident.
Rather than take that chance, it’s best to play it safe and have them replaced at no charge at an authorized BMW dealership.
How Do You Handle a Recall on a BMW 535i?
The first step is to check if your 535i has an open recall. You can do so on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website (NHTSA) website by either entering the VIN number or the year, make, and model.
If you do find an open recall, you can contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417, and they will let you know what steps you need to take next.
You can also visit the BMW open safety and emissions recall website. Then, just enter the VIN number and the ZIP Code where you would like your BMW repaired.
