Is the 2011 BMW 335XI reliable?

The 2011 335XI has the worst complaint index (100) of all covered years, with 23 total complaints, 3 recall campaigns, and 2 reported fires. Airbags were the top problem area, affecting owners at a median mileage of 52,000.

What is the best year for the BMW 335XI?

No year in the 2010-2015 range is labeled Best, but 2010 and 2015 have the lowest complaint index scores, at 40 and 20 respectively, making them comparatively stronger choices among the years covered.

Does the BMW 335XI have engine problems?

Engine complaints are the top overall problem area across all years, accounting for 15 of 54 total complaints (28%). The 2013 model year shows the most engine-related reports, at 33% of that year's complaints with a median failure mileage of just 2,993.

Are there airbag recalls on the BMW 335XI?

Yes. The 2011 335XI is covered by recall campaign 24V513000 for airbag module inspection and replacement and 20V017000 for driver air bag replacement. Airbags were also the top complaint area for the 2011 model year.

BMW 335XI Best and Worst Years (2010–2015)

Avoid the 2011 and 2013 BMW 335XI. The 2011 has the highest complaint index (100) with 23 complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 fires, while 2013 has a complaint index of 80 with 9 complaints and 2 crashes. The 2010 and 2015 model years show much lower complaint index scores (40 and 20).

Avoid 2011 Avoid 2013

Model years: 6; 2010–2015
NHTSA complaints: 54
Recall campaigns: 5
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 3
Top problem area: Engine

335XI 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 335XI problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Good	40	11	0	0	3	Fuel System	—	—
2011	Avoid	100	23	0	2	3	Airbags	—	—
2012	No verdict	0	2	0	0	1	Airbags	—	—
2013	Avoid	80	9	2	0	1	Engine	—	—
2014	Caution	60	7	2	1	2	Engine	—	—
2015	No verdict	20	2	0	0	1	Brakes	—	—

335XI years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 BMW 335XI Index 100 · 23 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2011 335XI has the highest complaint index (100) among all years, with 23 complaints and 3 recalls, including two reported fires and one injury. Airbags were the top problem area, making up 22% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 52,000. Owners also reported engine issues (median mileage 61,500) and fuel system problems (median mileage 75,000). One owner described smoke and a fire inside the cabin tied to a wiring recall (17V676). Another reported engine RPM surges while braking, and a third described the engine randomly shutting down along with loss of power steering and reduced braking.

2013 BMW 335XI Index 80 · 9 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2013 335XI carries a complaint index of 80, with 9 complaints, 1 recall, and 2 crashes reported. Engine problems were most common, accounting for 33% of complaints at a low median failure mileage of 2,993. Airbag and brake complaints followed, each at 22% of complaints with median mileages of 45,000 and 22,502 respectively. Sample complaints describe airbags failing to deploy in a rear-end crash, a sudden unintended acceleration during a turn, and repeated auto start-stop failures that forced drivers to restart the engine manually.

Most common BMW 335XI problems (all years)

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

Engine15 (28%)
Fuel System14 (26%)
Airbags11 (20%)
Brakes8 (15%)
Structure & Body5 (9%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (9%)
Other4 (7%)
Electrical System3 (6%)
Transmission & Powertrain3 (6%)
Steering2 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What year BMW 335XI should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2011 and 2013 BMW 335XI. The 2011 model has the highest complaint index (100) with 23 complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 fires, and the 2013 model has a complaint index of 80 with 2 crashes reported.
Is the 2011 BMW 335XI reliable?: The 2011 335XI has the worst complaint index (100) of all covered years, with 23 total complaints, 3 recall campaigns, and 2 reported fires. Airbags were the top problem area, affecting owners at a median mileage of 52,000.
What is the best year for the BMW 335XI?: No year in the 2010-2015 range is labeled Best, but 2010 and 2015 have the lowest complaint index scores, at 40 and 20 respectively, making them comparatively stronger choices among the years covered.
Does the BMW 335XI have engine problems?: Engine complaints are the top overall problem area across all years, accounting for 15 of 54 total complaints (28%). The 2013 model year shows the most engine-related reports, at 33% of that year's complaints with a median failure mileage of just 2,993.
Are there airbag recalls on the BMW 335XI?: Yes. The 2011 335XI is covered by recall campaign 24V513000 for airbag module inspection and replacement and 20V017000 for driver air bag replacement. Airbags were also the top complaint area for the 2011 model year.