Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: running costs are the problem rather than the car itself.
Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 BMW 535i, and it carries 2 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6 | 20% |
| Electrical system | 4 | 13% |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 7% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 3% |
| Air bags | 1 | 3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 1 | 3% |
| Power train | 1 | 3% |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
This is a known and unaddressed issue. BMW headlight seals fail allowing condensation to build and erode electronics. Replacement costs exceed $15K and only OEM parts and BMW servicing are options. Many BMW repair shop
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 inju
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 535i. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, she depressed the brake pedal, however crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front of her. The contact stated that all thr
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
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 diagnos
NHTSA complaint: Engine
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 occur
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
LEFT LIGHT IS NOT WORKING. I HAVE TO USE MY BRIGHT LIGHTS TO HAVE LIGHTS AT NIGHT. I HAVE NOTICE THIS ON SEVERAL OTHER BMW'S IN THIS YEAR RANGE 2013-2014. SOMETHING ELECTRICAL IS WRONG WITH THIS LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Driver-side headlight started getting condensation last winter. Brought the car to the dealer to see if they can replace the gasket but was told that it needs to be replaced and it could cost as much as $7,000 if the mo
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
Exploding sunroof. While driving on a normal day no rain or bad weather on open highway I here what was like a gun shot and see glass explode upwards and out of vehicle then I hear pebbles falling on my sunroof visor. My
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2014 BMW 535i. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Sa
Risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo,
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Fix: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
| Reliability raw | 82 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 74 | good |
| Maintenance | 52 | average |
| Depreciation | 65 | good |
| Performance | 67 | good |
| Efficiency | 40 | below average |
| Safety | 100 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 6 of them (20%). There are 2 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 82/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 74/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2014 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: skip unless cheap, because running costs are the problem rather than the car itself. Its overall ownership score is 69/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.