This page covers 2 recalls, 12 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 BMW 535i.
23 mpg combined
10.2 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
Complaints for the 2016 BMW 535i cluster heavily around the restraint system, specifically the airbag side of it. Multiple owners report a dashboard warning indicating a passenger restraint system malfunction, and several describe the passenger airbag as non-functional or unreliable, in some cases confirmed by a dealer. A few owners also note the passenger airbag indicator light flashing intermittently even with someone seated in the passenger seat, suggesting the passenger seat sensor may be misreading occupancy. Outside the restraint system, complaints are thin: one owner reports repeated overheating warnings appearing while driving, and another describes a panoramic sunroof curtain failing multiple times after dealer repairs. The restraint system warning light appearing without any prior symptoms is a pattern worth noting if you're shopping this model year.
12
Total Complaints
By System
The 2016 BMW 535i has 2 recalls, the more serious being a child seat anchor on the left rear seat that may be bent downward, preventing a child safety seat from locking in properly and raising the risk of injury in a crash.
The second recall involves the seat-mounted side airbags: a faulty inflator initiator can fail to ignite, meaning the airbag does not deploy in a crash and leaves the occupant without that protection.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat-mounted side airbag inflator initiators may fail to ignite in a crash, preventing the airbag from deploying.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected airbag modules at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The inboard lower anchor for child seats on the left rear seat may be bent downward, preventing a child seat from connecting to both anchors properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the inboard lower anchor on the left rear seat and repair it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
