2011 Bmw M3: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
31 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
43,300 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2011 model year. Data snapshot: . 21 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 16 of 31 complaints (51.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 5 | 16.1% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 5 | 16.1% |
| Braking behavior | 4 | 12.9% |
| Steering behavior | 4 | 12.9% |
| Engine operation | 3 | 9.7% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 16 |
| Electrical System | 7 |
| Air Bags | 6 |
| Power Train | 4 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
| Steering | 1 |
Engine: 16; Electrical System: 7; Air Bags: 6; Power Train: 4; Service Brakes: 2; Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars: 2; Exterior Lighting: 1; Steering: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 4 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 9 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 6 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 9; 50,000 to 74,999: 6; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (9). 10 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 |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
2011: 1; 2012: 1; 2014: 6; 2015: 1; 2016: 3; 2017: 6; 2018: 4; 2019: 4; 2020: 2; 2021: 1; 2022: 1; 2023: 1
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 5 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 5 complaint narratives. Braking behavior 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 10438472 · 2011-12-03 (December 3, 2011)
CLUNKING NOISE AND VIBRATION WHEN TURNING RIGHT FROM A STOP IN COOLER TEMPERATURES. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 10,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10438472 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10479293 · 2012-10-08 (October 8, 2012)
THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN YOU SLOW DOWN- LIKE FOR A TURN, BUT DO NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE DCT TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO HAVE TROUBLE FIGURING OUT WHAT GEAR TO SELECT BECAUSE WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS TO ACCELERATE, THERE IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT DELAY IN THE ONSET OF POWER- UP TO 2-3 SECONDS. BY THIS TIME, THE DRIVER IS USUALLY REALLY DIGGING INTO THE THROTTLE. THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY PICKS A GEAR, WHICH RESULTS IN THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHING FORWARD, SOMETIMES INVOKING THE ANTI-SKIP CONTROL. THE DANGER IN THIS BEHAVIOR OCCURS WHEN MAKING A TU…
Owner-reported narrative. 8,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10479293 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10626663 · 2014-08-20 (August 20, 2014)
TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE GRADUALLY GOT LOUDER. OIL WARNING THAT IT WAS LOW ON OIL. ADDED OIL, STILL SAID IT WAS LOW, THEN SAID IT WAS TOO MUCH. THEN SAID IT WAS LOW (PARTICLES FROM BEARINGS WERE CLOGGED IN OIL SENSOR GIVING FALSE READING). FINALLY PARKED CAR WHEN NOISE WAS SO GREAT THAT I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP. ROD BEARS DISINTEGRATED ON CYLINDERS 2 AND 5. HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 35,150 miles reported. Look up ODI 10626663 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10626774 · 2014-08-20 (August 20, 2014)
I WAS DRIVING IN QUEENS MID TOWN TUNNEL, SUDDENLY MY ENGINE STALLED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. IT WAS A TWO LANE TUNNEL, MY CAR WAS BLOCKING ONE LANE OF TRAFFIC. CALLED NYPD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A SAFE LOCATION. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER OF PARK AVE BMW. THEY THINK ITS A ENGINE FAILURE. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 36,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10626774 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10648377 · 2014-10-17 (October 17, 2014)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONVERTIBLE TOP FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 9,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10648377 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10648386 · 2014-10-17 (October 17, 2014)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONVERTIBLE TOP FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS LATER INFORMED THAT THE WAIT FOR PARTS MIGHT BE LONGER THAN A YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC TIMEFRAME FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500.
Owner-reported narrative. 9,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10648386 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10654689 · 2014-11-13 (November 13, 2014)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW M3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT FLICKERED WHILE THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED OR UNOCCUPIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10654689 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10661151 · 2014-11-27 (November 27, 2014)
2011 BMW DCT M3 ENGINE TURNS OFF BY IT SELF WHILE DRIVING THROUGH INTERSECTION. TRANSMISSION GOES INTO NEUTRAL. "N" POPS UP ON THE CENTER COCKPIT. STEERING WHEEL LOCK. BRAKES WORK. HAD TO MAINTAIN FOOT ON BRAKES. HAVE TO PUSH "ENGINE START" BUTTON. CAR STARTS UP AGAIN. ENGINE STALLING AND SHUTTING OFF IS A SAFETY HAZARD, ESPECIALLY IF THE CAR IS IN MOTION. COULD CAUSE DEATH TO END USERS OR OTHER PEOPLE. CAN CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGES AS WELL. THIS HAS HAPPEN TWICE WITHIN A 8 WEEK PERIOD. MOST RECENTLY ON NOV 26,2014 APPROXIMATELY 430…
Owner-reported narrative. 44,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10661151 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
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 ↗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 ↗19V472000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables | Electrical System
Reported: 2019-06-19 (June 19, 2019)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Consequence: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
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 ↗