2011 BMW 3 Series Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
25/100
#4 most-complained of 5 3 Series years
The 2011 BMW 3 Series has 1 NHTSA complaint and a complaint index of 25, ranking 4th worst out of 5 model years tracked. It has 2 recalls tied to the engine, including a VANOS bolt replacement.
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2011 BMW 3 Series problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine1 (100%)
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?
- NHTSA lists only 1 complaint for the 2011 BMW 3 Series, giving it a complaint index of 25, which ranks 4th worst among the 5 model years with data. Compared to the 2010 (complaint index 100) and 2013 (complaint index 75), the 2011 shows fewer reported problems.
- What recalls affect the 2011 BMW 3 Series?
- The 2011 3 Series has 2 recalls, both related to the engine. One covers replacement of four VANOS bolts, and the other involves installing electrical wiring to address an engine fire risk, superseding two earlier recalls.
- What is the top problem area for the 2011 3 Series?
- NHTSA data shows the Engine as the top problem area, accounting for 100% of the single complaint on file for this model year.
- Does the 2011 BMW 3 Series have a do-not-drive recall?
- No. Neither of the 2 recalls for the 2011 BMW 3 Series is marked as a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2011 3 Series compare to the 2010 and 2012 model years?
- The 2011 has a complaint index of 25, lower than the 2010's index of 100 and the 2012's index of 50, meaning fewer reported problems relative to those years.