2011 BMW 328i Electrical System Problems
Owners filed 131 electrical system complaints for the 2011 BMW 328i, 23% of all complaints for the year, including 11 fires and 2 injuries. Two related recalls (17V676000 and 13V044000) cover wiring, electrical connectors, and battery cable issues, with median failure mileage at 92,000.
- Electrical System complaints
- 131
- 23% of 577
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 11
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 92,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report smoke or fire starting under the dash near the glove box, sometimes with a burning odor before any warning light appears.
- Several complaints describe the blower motor overheating or shorting out, leading to melted dashboard components and burnt carpet or door panels.
- Some owners say the fire happened while the car was parked and turned off, pointing to a wiring fault that stayed energized.
- Owners report the passenger door handle with comfort access shorting out, blowing a fuse and producing smoke.
- Multiple contacts state they received recall notices (17V676000 and 17V683000) but could not get parts or a dealer appointment before the electrical fault caused smoke or fire.
When 2011 BMW 328i electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 6, 2011, latest Aug 31, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2011 BMW 328i
- NHTSA 17V676000Oct 25, 2017Electrical System702,965 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 13V044000Feb 7, 2013Electrical System516,791 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Electrical System complaints by 328i model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the electrical system a common problem on the 2011 BMW 328i?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 131 electrical system complaints for the 2011 328i, which is 23% of all 577 complaints filed for that model year.
- Does the 2011 BMW 328i have an electrical system recall?
- Yes, two: campaign 17V676000 covering wiring and electrical connectors, and campaign 13V044000 covering the positive battery cable connector.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2011 328i?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 92,000 miles at the time of failure for electrical system complaints.
- Have electrical issues on the 2011 328i caused fires?
- NHTSA records 11 fires and 2 injuries tied to electrical system complaints for this model year.