Five problems related to check engine light on have been reported for the 2009 BMW 535. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving from work on a busy Friday afternoon the vehicle's check engine light comes on and the computer screen states "engine malfunction! reducing power" "high pressure fuel pump malfunction" less than a minute the engine stalled. Leaving me stranded on the bridge for hours, try to start the car but it won't start. The high pressure fuel system has been replaced with a new revision but still didn't solve the problem.
On an early cold morning, I crank my car and after it started I noticed that my check engine light came on; it stalled out and I had to restart it. This car has been in and out of the repair shop (BMW) within the last year approximately four times. The major reason was fuel problems. I had a diagnostic test done on it and the BMW repair shop stated that I needed all injectors, spark plugs and a fuel inlet valve replaced which will cost about 2200. The problem I have is that BMW published this information to correct an ongoing problem with 535i twin turbo fuel system; however at the consumers' expense. I spoke with a supervisor in customer relationship and she stated that BMW was not response for or repairing it.
In the 4 1/2 years that my 535xi has been in service, the fuel injectors have needed to be replaced 3 times (sept 2011, Jan 2013, and sept 2014). The problems have manifested themselves when driving on highways and the vehicle loses most power and begins shaking and the check engine gases light comes on. The most recent time occurred while on an interstate tollway between exits 15 miles apart making for a dangerous situation as I lost speed and any ability to accelerate. Efforts to have BMW cover the repairs (estimated at $2,200 including new plugs), were both unsuccessful and frustrating. The dealer provided zero assistance. I contacted BMW na and stated that having to replace the fuel injectors 3 times in 4 1/2 years indicates a defective design and results in dangerous situations. I was told that they would investigate and inform me whether the repairs would be covered. They said they would notify me within 3-5 business days although they would try to expedite the process since I was without a car. At the end of the 5th business day, there was no response so I called and the person I needed to speak with was in a meeting and was supposed to call me back. After another full business day and no call, I called a again and was told that there was no coverage but they did not provide any rationale. This has been a repetitive and dangerous problem.
My first incident occurred while I was traveling on I-185. My vehicle suddenly lost power and began sputtering and check engine light came on. This happened while traffic was heavy but miraculously I was able to merge over to the emergency lane and exit off the interstate. BMW dealership diagnosis it as a failed in-tank electric fuel pump and sensor. It was repaired and I paid 1254. 00. Unfortunately, a week later, I experienced another loss of engine power and check engine light came on while I was traveling on the interstate. This time BMW dealership told me they had to upgrade software and change out some injectors and that should solve my problem. I bought this car to drive it and not send it back and forth to the repair shop.
Purchased a BMW 535i x drive in April 2009. Since April 2010, the car has been in for service 4 times, most recently August 2010. All 4 times, the car's engine lights have come on - oxygen sensors have been replaced twice. A problem in the fuel area/catalyst converter was just fixed in July. Last problem was at 18,400 miles - driving on highway at 70mph out of town in another state at 10:45pm, an audible signal went off and then 2 engine lights appears in my speedometer area. Also, in the navigation area, engine malfunction reduced power error message. The car began shaking and the power was reduced down to 40mph. At that point, 225 miles from home, needed to turn back and drive 45 minutes from the city that I just left. Car was towed to a city 60 miles from there and the service manager told me immediately it was the hpfp problem. At that time, he also stated that the fuel injectors are not a problem now, but it is very likely that they will go bad within 6 months from now. Confidence has been lost in this new car and safety concerns for driving this car more than 25-30 miles out of my home city. Extremely concerned about breaking down and stranded again.