2011 BMW 3 Series Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2011 BMW 3 Series has a complaint index of 11, the second-lowest among the 10 model years with data, with only 1 complaint on file. It carries 2 engine-related recalls but no do-not-drive campaigns, ranking 9th worst out of the years tracked.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 11/100
- #9 of 10 3 Series years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2011 BMW 3 Series problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine1 (100%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
2011 BMW 3 Series recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V707000Oct 20, 2023Engine157,796 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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 22V119000Mar 2, 2022Engine917,106 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
2011 compared with other 3 Series years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 BMW 3 Series reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2011 3 Series has a complaint index of 11 and only 1 complaint on record, one of the lowest totals among the 10 model years tracked, ranking 9th worst out of those years.
- What problems does the 2011 BMW 3 Series have?
- The single complaint on file is categorized under the Engine area, making up 100% of reported problems for this year. NHTSA also lists 2 engine-related recall campaigns for this model year.
- Does the 2011 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this year, both involving the engine: one for VANOS bolt replacement and one for electrical wiring related to a fire risk, neither marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2011 BMW 3 Series compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 11, the 2011 model year has far fewer reported problems than years like 2006 (complaint index 100, Avoid) or 2009 (complaint index 89, Avoid), though it has not been assigned a final verdict.