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2012 BMW

535i xDrive Gran Turismo

Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo

BMW 535i: best and worst years
2012 BMW 535i xDrive Gran Turismo (photo 1 of 3)

Photo of a related trim of this model; you're viewing the 2012.

PhotoTTTNISPublic domainWikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Large CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
PremiumEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

HP
300
Power to weight
0.071 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.08
Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
27 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
18 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
21 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,650EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
193 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Width
73 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Height
57 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Wheelbase
117 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Curb Weight
4,233 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Pass. Vol
112 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Cargo Vol
10 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
Optional
Recalls
1
Owner complaints
64

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ENGINE14%
  • POWER TRAIN13%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9%
  • AIR BAGS7%
  • TIRES6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 97 total.

BMW 535i: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Pedestrian alert sounds

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

264 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Jan 16, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB510819

    The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

  • Jan 11, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB611305

    The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

  • Dec 20, 2023FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEB160623

    Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE

  • Nov 22, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB653423

    Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.

  • Jun 1, 2023WHEELSB340914

    The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warning light comes on while driving. The following DSC fault codes for the wheel speed sensors are stored: 480712 and/or 480715 and/or 480718 and/or 48071B They cannot be cleared, even though the wheel speed sensors work correctly and no problem can be found with the wiring harness.

  • May 1, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB651523

    After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.

  • Dec 1, 2022FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEB010919

    For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.

  • Dec 1, 2022EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUALB010122

    With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC.

  • and 256 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr
Maintenance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.