The BMW 530xi is a mid-size/executive car that had its roots in the BMW 5 Series, a line of cars started by the manufacturer in 1972. The 530xi is part of the fifth generation of the series-an award-winning lineup that is considered as the heart of the BMW brand. The in 530xi comes from internal BMW-speak. It means xDrive, a BMW technology that combines an all-wheel drive with a variable torque distribution. This system redistributes power to the wheels with the maximum traction as needed during a specific driving situation, potentially reducing loss of control. With all the advanced features of the 530xi, however, it still has some common problems that the manufacturer needs to address.
Front passenger airbags
Small cracks in the sensor mat of the 530xi can lead to a malfunction of another component-the activation of the front passenger airbags may be affected. Frequent entry and exit can cause cracks to eventually develop in the mat, causing the front passenger airbags to be deactivated and the air bag warning lamp to be illuminated. The passenger airbag switch will also be lit. BMW recalled several 530xi's with this flaw starting in 2006.
Brake pad wear sensor
The brake pad wear sensor of an older 530xi causes the brakes to squeal. BMW replaced the brake pad wear sensors in 2006 and colored them green to mark the difference between the new redesigned sensors and the old ones. The noise from the brake pad sensor can be removed by going to a large open parking lot, going fast in reverse, and hitting the brakes hard. This removes the brake dust from a rarely used portion of the rotors, which causes the squeak.
Battery cable connection
The positive battery cable connection in the trunk of the 530xi has been observed to overheat. The bolt securing the insulated battery cable connector at the trunk floor panel loosens very easily, causing electrical resistance to shoot up and overheat to happen. A number of mid-size cars were recalled by BMW in 2012. Dealers secured the battery bold cable connection without charge.