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2011 Bmw 328XI: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

67 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

79,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2011 model year. Data snapshot: . 47 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 24 of 67 complaints (35.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues1116.4%
Fuel system concerns710.4%
Engine operation57.5%
Braking behavior46.0%
Steering behavior34.5%

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.

Engine
24
Electrical System
17
Air Bags
12
Engine And Engine Cooling
9
Fuel/Propulsion System
7
Vehicle Speed Control
6
Unknown Or Other
5
Power Train
4
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine24
Electrical System17
Air Bags12
Engine And Engine Cooling9
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Vehicle Speed Control6
Unknown Or Other5
Power Train4

Engine: 24; Electrical System: 17; Air Bags: 12; Engine And Engine Cooling: 9; Fuel/Propulsion System: 7; Vehicle Speed Control: 6; Unknown Or Other: 5; Power Train: 4

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
4
25,000 to 49,999
5
50,000 to 74,999
10
75,000 to 99,999
9
100,000 to 149,999
19
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0004
25,000 to 49,9995
50,000 to 74,99910
75,000 to 99,9999
100,000 to 149,99919
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 10; 75,000 to 99,999: 9; 100,000 to 149,999: 19; 150,000 and above: 0

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (19). 20 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.

2012
2
2013
1
2014
6
2015
3
2016
6
2017
9
2018
19
2019
6
2020
2
2021
3
2022
3
2024
7
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20122
20131
20146
20153
20166
20179
201819
20196
20202
20213
20223
20247

2012: 2; 2013: 1; 2014: 6; 2015: 3; 2016: 6; 2017: 9; 2018: 19; 2019: 6; 2020: 2; 2021: 3; 2022: 3; 2024: 7

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 11 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 7 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 5 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 10472452 · 2012-08-25 (August 25, 2012)

I WAS BACKING MY CAR INTO A GARAGE - CAR WAS IN REVERSE - I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MY FOOT WENT TO THE FLOOR - THE CAR LUNGED BACKWARD AT TOP SPEED AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR WALL OF GARAGE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 9,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10472452 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10478108 · 2012-10-01 (October 1, 2012)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING INTO THE DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE DAMAGES AND THE OTHER VEHICLE ALSO HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO THE REAR. THE VEHICLES WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DECIDED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 22,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10478108 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10513181 · 2013-05-22 (May 22, 2013)

2011 BMW 328I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FAULTY AIRBAGS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE HIS WIFE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 40 MPH, AFTER THAT VEHICLE RAN A STOP. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE ENTIRE FRONT BUMPER, PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, PANEL AND HOOD. THE REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD RECEIVED DAMAGE WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND IT REQUIRED THE MOTOR TO REMOVED AND RE-MOUNTED. THE COST OF THE DAMAGE WAS ESTIMATED OVER $15,000.UPDATED 12/09/15 *BF *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10513181 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10563275 · 2014-02-06 (February 6, 2014)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO SOME STONE/BRICK STAIRS, UPON ENETERING A SHORT DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED BUT THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BRUISE TO THE RIBS AND FACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. UPDATED 04/04/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT …

Owner-reported narrative. 20,743 miles reported. Look up ODI 10563275 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10610309 · 2014-07-14 (July 14, 2014)

DRIVING DOWN A MAIN ROAD AT APPROX 35 MPH WHEN AN ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED ON VEHICLE DASH THAT STATED THERE IS A DEFAULT WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT THAT MAY AFFECT DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 36,960 miles reported. Look up ODI 10610309 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10610928 · 2014-07-16 (July 16, 2014)

DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON MONDAY 07/14/14 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30PM AND SUDDENLY MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. I COULD HEAR THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THANKFULLY I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW IN JUNE 2014 STATING THEY WOULD BE RECALLING MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE DUE TO ENGINE PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED THEM AS SOON AS I RECEIVED THE LETTER BUT WAS TOLD THE PARTS HAD NOT COME IN YET AND I SHOULD RECEIVE A 2ND NOTICE SH…

Owner-reported narrative. 76,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10610928 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10616027 · 2014-07-24 (July 24, 2014)

AT TEMPERATURE ABOVE 87 DEGREES F (AFTER A FULL DAY IN OPEN PARKING LOT UNDER SUN) AS INDICATED ON THE CAR'S DASHBOARD, THE SEAT BELT SENSOR OF THE CAR MALFUNCTIONED. EVEN THOUGH I HAD MY SEAT BELT FIRMLY CLASPED BUT THE CAR KEPT ON BEEPING SEATBELT WARNING FOR ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES UNTIL THE TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE CAR DROPPED TO LESS THAN 87 DEGREES F. THE SEATBELT WARNING WENT AWAY AFTER I OPENED THE WINDOW AND LET THE CAR COOL DOWN OR SWITCHED ON AC IN THE CAR. THIS IS A REPEATABLE PROBLEM AND CAN BE REPRODUCED IF MY CAR IS KEPT IN DIRECT SUMM…

Owner-reported narrative. 53,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10616027 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10619284 · 2014-08-06 (August 6, 2014)

A LETTER FROM BMW CAME IN JUNE 2014 STATING THAT MY VEHICLE IS EFFECTED FOR IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL AND THAT I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE RECALL WAS FOR VANOS ASSEMBLY BOLTS. THE LETTER STATES THAT I MAY HEAR INCREASED NOISE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MAY COME ON LEADING TO REDUCED POWER LEADING TO ENGINE STALL. I NOTICED ON THIS WEBSITE MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND LEADING TO STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK AND ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WHICH CAN LEAD TO INJURY AND DEATH OF ANYONE ON THE ROADS. I HAVE CALLE…

Owner-reported narrative. 23,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10619284 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

17V676000 · Electrical System:Wiring

Reported: 2017-10-25 (October 25, 2017)

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.

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 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 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 ↗
24V513000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module | Air Bags:Frontal

Reported: 2024-07-03 (July 3, 2024)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗