How common are engine problems on the 2011 BMW M3?

NHTSA lists 17 engine complaints for the 2011 M3, which is 55% of the 31 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2011 BMW M3 engine?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area.

At what mileage do 2011 BMW M3 engines typically fail?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 44,000 miles.

What is the main engine failure pattern on the 2011 BMW M3?

Owners most often report rod bearing and main bearing failures, sometimes with the engine knocking, stalling, or shutting off while driving.

2011 BMW M3 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 17 engine complaints for the 2011 BMW M3, 55% of all 31 complaints filed for the year. The median mileage at failure was 44,000 miles. No related recalls are listed for this engine issue.

Engine complaints: 17; 55% of 31
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 44,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report rod bearing and main bearing failure, sometimes throwing a rod through the block, often preceded by a ticking or knocking noise from the engine.
Some describe the engine suddenly stalling and shutting off while driving, with the transmission dropping into neutral and the steering wheel locking momentarily.
Others report the S65 engine failing outright while driving, diagnosed by dealers as bearing failure.
One owner reported the engine air intake filling with water and hydro-locking the engine after driving through standing water.
A few describe a tinging or scraping noise from the engine accompanied by shaking, along with repeated O2 sensor and throttle body actuator failures that triggered limp mode.

When 2011 BMW M3 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 8, 2012, latest Sep 5, 2023.

17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2012 to Sep 2023; peak Aug 2014 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2011 BMW M3

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by M3 model year

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

20104 (27%)
201117 (55%)
20122 (33%)
20134 (31%)
20140 (0%)
20151 (25%)
20163 (60%)
20170 (0%)
20182 (22%)
20210 (0%)
20220 (0%)
20230 (0%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2011 BMW M3?: NHTSA lists 17 engine complaints for the 2011 M3, which is 55% of the 31 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 BMW M3 engine?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area.
At what mileage do 2011 BMW M3 engines typically fail?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 44,000 miles.
What is the main engine failure pattern on the 2011 BMW M3?: Owners most often report rod bearing and main bearing failures, sometimes with the engine knocking, stalling, or shutting off while driving.