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2010 BMW 5 Series 535i

The 2010 BMW 5 Series 535i is a 300-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 with a 6-speed manual. It starts at $51,250 MSRP and is rated at 19 mpg combined.

It makes 300 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 1400 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (19 mpg combined).

The 5 Series measures 191.1 inches long on a 113.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,660 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$51,250 ($76,370 *)
Engine
Engine TypeTwin-Turbocharged 3.0L Inline-6
Displacement3 L
Horsepower300 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque300 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 24V
Bore and Stroke84 x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio10.2:1
Injection TypeEFI
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission6-Speed Manual
1st Gear4.06
2nd Gear2.4
3rd Gear1.58
4th Gear1.19
5th Gear1
6th Gear0.87
Reverse3.68
Final Drive3.08
Fuel Economy
City17 MPG
Highway26 MPG
Combined19 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium Unleaded
Tank Capacity18.5 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionDouble-Pivot, Strut-Type
Rear Suspension4-Link Integral
Turning Diameter37.4 ft
Brakes
Front Brake Disc13.7 in
Rear Brake Disc13.6 in
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17 x 7.5 in
Wheels Rear17 x 7.5 in
Tires FrontP225/50R17
Tires RearP225/50R17
Dimensions & Weight
Length191.1 in
Width72.7 in
Height57.8 in
Wheelbase113.7 in
Front Track61.3 in
Rear Track62.2 in
Cargo Volume14 ft³
Curb Weight3,660 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.1 in
Headroom Rear38.1 in
Legroom Front41.5 in
Legroom Rear36 in
Shoulder Room Front57.3 in
Shoulder Room Rear57.2 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (10.5 % risk)
Tested variant: 2010 BMW 5 Series 4-DR w/SAB (except GT)

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2010 BMW 5 SERIES. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Oct 20, 2023 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.

Consequence: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 23V707000

Mar 2, 2022 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Consequence: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 22V119000

180 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2010 BMW 5 SERIES

Owner Complaints

180 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 BMW 5 SERIES (6 mention a crash, 11 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine41
Fuel/Propulsion System37
Electrical System33
Engine And Engine Cooling23
Fuel System22
Gasoline21
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Dec 22, 2025 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure. The…”
Jul 21, 2025 · Electrical System
“insulation on wiring is deteriorated leading to possible fire and or shorting out of electrical system”
Apr 21, 2025 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated while making a left turn and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The brake and transmission warning lights…”
Mar 5, 2025 · Electrical System, Engine
“They lied to me made me buy a bad car and then didn't even give me a license plate of anything they stole my money”
Feb 28, 2025 · Fuel/Propulsion System
“Consistent fuel pump error code 2AAF”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2010 BMW 5 SERIES. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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