What 21 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 BMW 535i Xdrive Gt

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 ODI 11662104

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 ODI 11639776

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 ODI 11637293

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 ODI 11637165

Seatbelt light on, restraint System warning indicator on.

NHTSA ODI 11629139

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 ODI 11613529

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 ODI 11610425

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

NHTSA ODI 11605378

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 ODI 11588276

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 ODI 11573365

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 ODI 11560150

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 ODI 11510725

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 ODI 11496405

Recently purchase this vehicle from BMW of Greenwich. Drive it less than 200 miles - the odometer at the time of purchase had 55,000 miles, the engine looked perfect upon visual inspection. The fax report had a failed emissions inspection in the record and a second inspection days latter as apassed. I detected burnt smell coming from the engine, and immediately stopped driving it and called the vendor. The vendor has the car towed to their facility and it is there being (hopefully) repaired. I used my own computerized diagnostics tool, that showed error HO2S 12 Heater Control Circuit Specifics: Engine code P0141 – 02 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1- Sensor 2) Downstream What does that mean?   Heated oxygen sensors contain heating elements to help them get to operating temperature quickly in order to minimize the amount of time spent before they can provide feedback to the powertrain control module. Sensor two is downstream of the catalytic converter ensures the catalytic converter is operating efficiently by monitoring the air-fuel  This fault alters fuel burning and compromises the efficiency of the engine, compromising fuel efficiency . Now - There is no reason why a sensor this important be faulty, and therefore, it is my opinion that my new car could have gone in flames with me and my family inside. I have been reding on the internet that these sensors are prone to failure, what in my perspective could be part of planned obsolescence, which is an outright scam to swindle owners out of their money. If i am worng on the planned obsolescence perspective, I am certainly right of this being a very serious defect, that should be corrected immediately. I request that you investigate and request the manufacturer to recall these vehicles, as they present a grave risk to life and property.  

NHTSA ODI 11495474

The plastic covering over that is connected to the battery in the trunk started to slowly corrode and melt. It burned through the trunk cover and also burned into a bag and coat I had sitting in the trunk. I was on a long-distance road trip and I kept smelling something odd, but no warning lights came on. When I opened the trunk and removed my luggage, there was some smoke and then I saw the place that had burned through. There was nothing wrong with the battery itself.

NHTSA ODI 11472079

DECEMBER 29TH 2020, MY WIFE WAS TURNING LEFT WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A SHOPPING MALL WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD EVEN THOUGH SHE HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE. SHE PLOWED INTO THE CAR PARKED IN THE SPACE ON THE RIGHT AND PUSHED THAT CAR INTO THE CAR TO ITS RIGHT. THE AIR BAGS ON THE STEERING WHEEL, LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE AND DRIVER'S KNEE BAG ALL DEPLOYED. STATE FARM HAS JUST DECLARED THE CAR A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA ODI 11387251

BMW HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL WITH THE STEERING KNUCKLE (SWIVEL BEARING) AND WHEEL BEARINGS MAKING CONTACT. THIS HAS HAPPENED NOW TO BOTH MY DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AND IT IS VERY SCARY. ONCE THEY MAKE CONTACT, THEY STAY IN CONTACT UNTIL FIXED BY THE DEALER. IT SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTS THE ABILITY TO HANDLE THE VEHICLE AND MAKES THE CAR SHUTTER, AFFECTS THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND BRAKE, AND AFFECTS OVERALL DRIVING IN GENERAL. THEY SAY IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT IT FEELS ANYTHING BUT SAFE WHEN YOU DO NOT FEEL IN CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE. ALL YOU CAN HEAR WHILE DRIVING IS THE METAL-ON-METAL CONTACT OF THE TWO BEARINGS. I PAID BMW $800 TO FIX MY PASSENGER SIDE AND NOW I WILL HAVE TO PAY THAT AGAIN TO FIX THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS SHOULDN'T BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR MY SAFETY IN THIS CAR. I DON'T HAVE $800 TO FIX THIS, BUT IF I DON'T I FEEL LIKE I WILL GET SERIOUSLY INJURED AND SOMETHING WILL BREAK ON MY CAR. THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN KEEP DRIVING THE CAR LIKE THIS AND IT NOT "AFFECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE" AS BMW SAYS.

NHTSA ODI 11349996

RECENTLY, I NOTICED MY LEFT-REAR SUSPENSION HAS BEEN FAULTY AND THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING TO A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE. THE TIRE WOULD GO ALL THE WAY INTO THE BODY OF THE CAR AND WHICH MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE SINCE IT'S RUBBING AGAINST THE CAR. THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, FROM WHAT I'VE NOTICED. I'M AFRAID THAT IT WILL HAPPEN WHILE I AM ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH IN RETURN CAN CAUSE ACCIDENT

NHTSA ODI 11321886

RIGHT REAR DIFFERENTIAL BUSHING STRESS CRACKING. DEALER REP STATED THAT THIS IS COMMON ON BMW 5, 6 AND 7 SERIES CARS DUE TO WEIGHT OF CARS. FAILURE COULD MAKE CAR UNSTABLE AND AFFECT HANDLING AND CONTROL. NOTED BY DEALER DURING SERVICING.

NHTSA ODI 11282069

MY 2015 BMW 535I XDRIVE WITH LESS THAN 50K MILES HAD THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR STOP WORKING. IF YOU TRIED TO OPEN THE DOOR (ONCE THE CAR WAS IN PARK, OR TURNED OFF) AND THE LOCK BUTTON WOULD COME UP AND GO BACK DOWN BUT WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE DOOR TO UNLOCK WAS TO PUSH THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE CENTER CONSOLE. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE ON MULTIPLE VERSIONS OF BMW'S AND OVER QUITE A FEW YEARS AND HAS NEVER BEEN CORRECTED. THIS COULD BE A DEADLY ISSUE. IF SOMEONE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE DRIVER WAS INCAPACITATED AND THE PASSENGER DID KNOW WHERE THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON WAS ON THAT CAR. THEY WOULD BE STUCK. I AM NOW AT A LITTLE OVER 55K MILES AND NOT THE ACTUATOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IS NOW GOING OUT. I HAVE SEEN ON MULTIPLE BMW FORUMS PEOPLE CONTINUOUSLY TALKING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS.

NHTSA ODI 11210462

DRIVING AT 50MPH WITH ACTIVE CRUISE ACTIVATED. VEHICLE IN FRONT WAS SLOWING DOWN. I APPLIED BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BRAKES FREEZE AND LOCK UP. I HAD TO OVERPOWER THE BRAKES AND TRAVELLED A FEW HUNDRED YARDS TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER. CAR TOWED TO DEALER. THEY REPLACED THE STABILITY CONTROL MODULE AND THE DAMAGED BRAKES AND SAID THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE. I FOLLOWED UP WITH BMW HEADQUARTERS LOOKING FOR ANSWERS AS TO HOW A VEHICLE CAN HAVE BRAKE LOCK UP AS A FAIL SAFE CONDITION OF THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. NO SATISFACTORY ANSWERS.THEY TOLD ME THEY DID NOT RECEIVE THE DEFECTIVE UNIT FOR ANALYSIS OF SUCH A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I BELIEVE THIS FAILURE MODE IS LIKELY HAPPENING TO ANOTHER BMW VEHICLES AND BMW REFUSES TO PROVIDE INFO.

NHTSA ODI 11175100