NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls and 861 owner complaints for the 2011 BMW 3 Series. Most complaints involve engine (276) and engine and engine cooling (192). The EPA rates it 20–22 mpg combined.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each 3 Series model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 45 |
| 1997 | 6 |
| 1998 | 56 |
| 1999 | 241 |
| 2000 | 647 |
| 2001 | 457 |
| 2011 | 861 |
| 2012 | 172 |
| 2013 | 344 |
| 2014 | 378 |
| 2015 | 196 |
| 2020 | 110 |
| 2021 | 44 |
| 2022 | 15 |
“Dealership performed VANOS bolt replacement recall on 2011 BMW 328i. Vehicle has 63K miles and is otherwise in excellent condition. Post recall, vehicle experiences unstable idle with rpm dipping low when stopped in gear during initial engine warm up period. Issue stabilizes somewhat but not completely gone once engine is at operating temperature. This is a safety issue with engine surging, hesitating, and potentially stalling when stopped at stoplight or intersections.”
“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode before shutting off. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The contact connected a diagnostic scanner, which indicated an inability to read or establish engine timing. The engine cranked and turned over for 10 seconds but shut off immediately afterwards. The contact believed that the issue was related to a timing failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.”
“VIN [XXX] 2011 BMW 328i 4dr. Disabled widow, and on [XXX] while driving with my 3 minor children in vehicle, vehicle attempted to stall/loss of complete electrical power, smoke from trunk/rear seat. After stopping, got the trunk opened and discovered that the Battery Safety Terminal (BST) box and Battery Distribution Box in my trunk was on fire. After researching, it came to my attention that this incident matches NHTSA Recall 13V-044 (positive battery cable to fuse box stall/loss) and 2012 battery cable fire recall (1.3M BMW 5/6/3 series - BMW stated "can result in electrical malfunction, failure to start and, in some cases, to charring or fire") re-expanded 2019. Obviously, I contacted BMW, and to say I was surprised at the complete lack of support, respect and help with this incredibly important and serious matter, would be an understatement. BMW NA rep 'Eddie' closed my case on Oct 21 (after telling me 2 days, yet waiting over a week, mind you) citing salvage/total loss, absolutely refused inspection and then with attitude, REFUSES to give me a supervisors info, told me he’s not allowed to give me any info in order to speak to anyone higher up, that he can…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 328ci Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| 328ci Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| 328i Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| 328i Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| 335ci Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| 335ci Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| 328ci Convertible Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| 328i Sports Wagon Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| 328ci Convertible Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| 328ci xDrive Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| 328ci xDrive Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| 328i Sports Wagon Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
13 safety recalls as of Nov 4, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 861 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (276), engine and engine cooling (192), electrical system (189). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2011 BMW 3 Series at 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).