2011 Bmw 128I: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
50 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
87,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2011 model year. Data snapshot: . 17 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 14 of 50 complaints (28.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine operation | 6 | 12.0% |
| Braking behavior | 4 | 8.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 4 | 8.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 2.0% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 2.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 14 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 14 |
| Engine | 12 |
| Electrical System | 7 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
Air Bags: 14; Engine And Engine Cooling: 14; Engine: 12; Electrical System: 7; Unknown Or Other: 3; Exterior Lighting: 2; Power Train: 2; Service Brakes: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 5 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 2 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 3 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 7 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 7; 150,000 and above: 0
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 33 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2015: 1; 2016: 8; 2017: 7; 2018: 4; 2019: 1; 2020: 3; 2021: 2; 2022: 7; 2023: 2; 2024: 10; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10472928 · 2012-08-29 (August 29, 2012)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 128I EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN ENERGY LX4 RUN-FLAT TIRES, SIZE: P225/60R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES EXHIBITED SMALL PUNCTURES AND WOULD BECOME FLAT FREQUENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE CAUSE OF THE CONSTANT TIRE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10472928 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10514370 · 2013-05-30 (May 30, 2013)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND ENTERING A HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO TURN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED ASSISTANCE FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT A DIAGNOSTIC WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 29,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10514370 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10595117 · 2014-06-12 (June 12, 2014)
2011 BMW 128I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. AS HE APPLIED MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE TRAVELED AN ADDITIONAL THREE FEET, LEAVING HIM TO TAKE DEFENSIVE MEASURES, SUCH AS PLACING THE GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL MODE. AT THAT TIME, THE ENGINE DROPPED BACK TO ITS NORMAL STATUS. AFTER KEEPING THE VEHICLE FOR THREE AND A HALF DAYS, THEY DETERMINED THE HIGH IDLING OF THE ENGINE WAS CAUSED BY THE FLOOR MAT JAMMING T…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10595117 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10655443 · 2014-12-10 (December 10, 2014)
2011 BMW 128I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING ASSEMBLY BOLTS. *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. RECALL # 14V176000. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10655443 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10702456 · 2015-03-29 (March 29, 2015)
LED RUNNING LIGHTS IN PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHTS HAVE FAILED. FURTHER INSPECTION SHOWS THAT THE CIRCUIT BOARD THAT HOUSES THE LED TUBE LIGHTS HAS A MALFUNCTION DUE TO POORLY SOLDERED CIRCUIT BOARD. LEFT TAIL LIGHTS RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION FAILS COMPLETELY (BLINKER, AND BRAKES ARE STILL RETAINED). LED TUBES DO NOT LIGHT UP AT ALL MAKING THE CAR LESS VISIBLE AT NIGHT.
Owner-reported narrative. 38,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10702456 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10872061 · 2016-06-02 (June 2, 2016)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN FEBRUARY OF 2016. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 08/03/16*LJ
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10872061 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10874410 · 2016-06-15 (June 15, 2016)
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10874410 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10876848 · 2016-06-27 (June 27, 2016)
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10876848 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
13V044000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables | Electrical System
Reported: 2013-02-07 (February 7, 2013)
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.
Consequence: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V176000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Reported: 2014-04-10 (April 10, 2014)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V071000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2016-02-05 (February 5, 2016)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)
Reported: 2017-10-30 (October 30, 2017)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V579000 · Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2019-08-06 (August 6, 2019)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
Consequence: 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 inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V017000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 15, 2020)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V119000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)
Reported: 2022-03-02 (March 2, 2022)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗