How common are engine problems on the 2011 BMW 335i?

NHTSA lists 36 Engine complaints for this model year, which is 37% of all 98 complaints filed, making engine the largest single complaint category for the 2011 335i.

Is there a recall for engine problems on the 2011 BMW 335i?

Yes. Recall 14V176000 covers the VANOS units, and the remedy is dealer replacement of the four VANOS housing bolts for both the intake and exhaust units.

At what mileage do 2011 BMW 335i engine problems usually appear?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 48,100 at the time of failure for engine complaints on this model year.

Did the 2011 BMW 335i engine issues cause crashes or fires?

NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 0 fires associated with the Engine complaints filed for the 2011 335i.

2011 BMW 335i Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 36 Engine complaints for the 2011 BMW 335i, 37% of its 98 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 48,100. A related recall (14V176000) covers the VANOS unit camshaft bolts.

Engine complaints: 36; 37% of 98
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 48,100 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe sudden power loss or engine cut-out during acceleration from a standstill, sometimes with the car lurching before losing power.
Some report the engine stalling or losing power at low speed while turning, in one case twice within a short distance driven.
Several owners describe the car slowing abruptly at highway speed, dropping from over 70 mph to around 40 mph with an 'engine malfunction' warning telling them to drive to the dealership.
Owners report rough idling, shaking, and reduced-power warnings on startup, with the check engine light cycling on and off.
One owner reported the engine stalling after driving through standing water, which the dealer attributed to hydro lock requiring engine replacement.
Multiple owners who received recall notice 14V176000 for the VANOS camshaft bolts said the dealer had no repair parts available, delaying the fix.

When 2011 BMW 335i engine complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 26, 2011, latest Sep 23, 2026.

36 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2011 to Sep 2026; peak Aug 2014 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2011 BMW 335i

NHTSA 14V176000Apr 10, 2014Engine156,137 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine complaints by 335i model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20109 (22%)
201136 (37%)
20124 (18%)
201315 (35%)
20145 (25%)
20153 (30%)
20161 (50%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2011 BMW 335i?: NHTSA lists 36 Engine complaints for this model year, which is 37% of all 98 complaints filed, making engine the largest single complaint category for the 2011 335i.
Is there a recall for engine problems on the 2011 BMW 335i?: Yes. Recall 14V176000 covers the VANOS units, and the remedy is dealer replacement of the four VANOS housing bolts for both the intake and exhaust units.
At what mileage do 2011 BMW 335i engine problems usually appear?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 48,100 at the time of failure for engine complaints on this model year.
Did the 2011 BMW 335i engine issues cause crashes or fires?: NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 0 fires associated with the Engine complaints filed for the 2011 335i.