What year BMW 135i should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2011 BMW 135i is the year to avoid, with a complaint index of 100, the highest of the four model years, plus 6 recall campaigns and 2 reported fires.

What is the best year for the BMW 135i?

The 2013 BMW 135i is the best based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 0, only 12 complaints, and just 2 recall campaigns.

Is the 2012 BMW 135i reliable?

The 2012 BMW 135i is rated Caution based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, with a complaint index of 67 and engine issues as the top problem area.

What are the most common problems with the BMW 135i?

Across all years, engine issues account for 36% of complaints, followed by airbags at 26% and fuel system problems at 23%, out of 73 total complaints.

Does the BMW 135i have engine recalls?

The 2011 model year had recalls covering airbag inflators, blower-regulator wiring, and rear driveshaft CV joints, though engine complaints themselves were the top reported issue rather than a specific engine recall.

BMW 135i Best and Worst Years (2010–2013)

The 2011 BMW 135i is the year to avoid, with a complaint index of 100, 27 complaints, and 6 recalls including two fires. The 2013 model is the best, with a complaint index of 0 and just 12 complaints. The 2012 deserves caution.

Avoid 2011 Best 2013

Model years: 4; 2010–2013
NHTSA complaints: 73
Recall campaigns: 6
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 3
Top problem area: Engine

135i Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

BMW 135i problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Good	33	15	1	0	4	Fuel System	20	—
2011	Avoid	100	27	1	2	6	Engine	21	—
2012	Caution	67	19	0	0	6	Engine	21	—
2013	Best	0	12	0	1	2	Airbags	21	—

135i years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 BMW 135i Index 100 · 27 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2011 135i has the highest complaint index of the lineup at 100, with 27 complaints and 6 recall campaigns. Engine problems dominate, making up 41% of complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 30,000 miles; owners describe hesitation and delayed throttle response. Electrical system issues account for 26%, tied to overheating blower-regulator wiring at a median of 75,000 miles, and airbag problems make up 22%. NHTSA also logged 2 fires and 1 crash for this year. Recalls cover airbag inflators, blower-regulator wiring harnesses, and rear driveshaft CV joints.

Most common BMW 135i problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine26 (36%)
Airbags19 (26%)
Fuel System17 (23%)
Electrical System12 (16%)
Transmission & Powertrain12 (16%)
Other6 (8%)
Brakes2 (3%)
HVAC1 (1%)
Steering1 (1%)
Structure & Body1 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

What year BMW 135i should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2011 BMW 135i is the year to avoid, with a complaint index of 100, the highest of the four model years, plus 6 recall campaigns and 2 reported fires.
What is the best year for the BMW 135i?: The 2013 BMW 135i is the best based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 0, only 12 complaints, and just 2 recall campaigns.
Is the 2012 BMW 135i reliable?: The 2012 BMW 135i is rated Caution based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, with a complaint index of 67 and engine issues as the top problem area.
What are the most common problems with the BMW 135i?: Across all years, engine issues account for 36% of complaints, followed by airbags at 26% and fuel system problems at 23%, out of 73 total complaints.
Does the BMW 135i have engine recalls?: The 2011 model year had recalls covering airbag inflators, blower-regulator wiring, and rear driveshaft CV joints, though engine complaints themselves were the top reported issue rather than a specific engine recall.