Research · Compact Cars
2011 BMW 335I XdriveRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 168 owner complaints for the 2011 BMW 335I Xdrive. Most complaints involve air bags (51) and engine (47). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
168
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 BMW 335I Xdrive as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
168 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2011 – Apr 2025
- Air bags51
- Engine47
- Electrical system25
- Fuel/propulsion system21
- Power train13
- Wheels9
- Engine and engine cooling7
- Vehicle speed control7
- Service brakes5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
51 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became persistent whenever the vehicle was started. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact had researched and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 10148018 - Front Passenger Air Bag Seat Occupancy Sensor (OC3) Mat (Air Bags). The contact was informed by the dealer and the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.”
Engine
47 reports
“I was in the middle of driving on the freeway and my motor started to get loss in power. Moments later a malfunction engine sign popped up. The codes I was able to pull from the vehicle were pointing towards a recall that already exists for BMW but for some reason my vehicle was not a part of the recall. The recall I am reffering to is 23V707000. It shows that there are 11 open recalls for 2011 335i including the vanos bolt recall. I called the dealer and according to my VIN, the vanos bolt recall is not covered. There are multiple reports online where the dealer is refusing to cover the recall for vehicles within a certain production date. There is clearly a safety issue going on as this has happened to plenty of people. Someone with the same motor as I could get covered for the recall due to the production date and I am in a position where BMW knows that this is an issue but will not cover it.”
Electrical system
25 reports2 fires
“Wiring harness in the engine compartment caught fire about 2 weeks after changing a water pump, battery kept being draining even after battery replacement. Locking of the trunk trunk forced usage of a BMW authorized jump start battery charger/start etc. No access to Battery when the battery is discharged.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 335i xDrive Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| 335i xDrive Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 BMW 335I Xdrive as of Oct 28, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2011 335I Xdrive questions
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 335I Xdrive have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 BMW 335I Xdrive problems?
Owners filed 168 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (51), engine (47), electrical system (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 BMW 335I Xdrive get?
The EPA rates the 2011 BMW 335I Xdrive at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026