Name: 2011 BMW 3 Series
Brand: BMW

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Accessory belts or pulleys

"The alternator pulley started to make grinding/whining noises at around 138000 miles. The pulley was replaced, along with the original drive belt and belt tensioner. I consider this regular maintenance for a vehicle with over 100000 miles."

Anonymous A., CA (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

Engine mounts

"There was some clunking in the engine bay. Dealer inspection showed that the engine mounts were collapsed; not surprising for a vehicle with over 130000 miles. We had the mounts replaced and the car runs and shifts smoother than ever. The car is now very quiet again... like new."

Anonymous A., CA (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

Oil leaks

"valve cover gasket and I\oil filter housing gasket"

Anonymous, PA (2011 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"have to replace gasket in engine so stop leaking oil. will cost more than $2,200."

Anonymous, OR (2011 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Oil filter housing gasket failed causing oil leak. The oil pan gasket has also failed causing an active leak."

Anonymous A., OR (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

"An oil leak from the valve cover was discovered at my annual service (i.e., it didn't result in a low engine oil level warning or cause any other symptoms that I noticed). It was significant for its repair cost, not for affecting how the car drove."

Anonymous, MD (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

"Oil leak due, for a while. Lived with it until it got bad. Brought to BMW and it was repaired under warranty, shockingly. Said it was defective valve cover and gasket."

Anonymous, NY (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

"valve cover gasket and oil pan. too expensive to fix. so i sold the car"

Anonymous A., FL (2011 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Bad gasket"

Anonymous, CA (2011 BMW 3 Series 335d 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

"Oil pan seal"

Anonymous, CO (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

"I have had leaks both in the front and back."

Anonymous, TN (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"PCV valve went bad . Valve is manufactured as part of valve cover requiring a lot of labor to remove and replace the valve cover. $1800 repair."

Anonymous A., NY (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

Fuel injection system

"Had to replace injectors."

Anonymous, TN (2011 BMW 3 Series M3 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Fuel pump

"Near complete failure when about 700 miles from home"

Anonymous A., MO (2011 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Vapor Recovery idiot light when I bought the car with a slight gas smell. Noone could find the source, tried for a year. Took it to a new mechanic, turns out the (plastic) fuel pump had small crack and was venting to the passenger compartment as fuel pump is under rear seat."

Anonymous A., WA (2011 BMW 3 Series 335i Unsure)

"I was driving and the car sounded like it was choking, I pulled over turned it off and it wouldn't restart. Towed to my repair shop who said it needed a new fuel pump"

Anonymous, CO (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

Other emissions/fuel system problem

"Slow oil leak."

Anonymous, FL (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

"check engine light came on yesterday and so it needs to be diagnosed."

Anonymous A., MB (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"Had to replace sensors."

Anonymous, TN (2011 BMW 3 Series M3 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Body control module

"I was adding an aftermarket Carplay system and was directed to disconnect the battery. During installation, I disconnected and reconnected several times. There is a known issue with the BMW FRM modules getting scrambled if low voltage or battery disconnection. Car was drivable but no windows and minimal lights. I removed the module myself and found an independent dealer to reprogram it for $50. But it was a several hour job in a cramped space. Have since had other problems with other modules and nonsense idiot lights that have cost over $1000 to resolve (by reprogramming). There really is no excuse for the modules to be so finicky."

Anonymous A., WA (2011 BMW 3 Series 335i Unsure)

Headlights

"Headlight assembly leaked and water damaged headlight requiring total assembly replacement at dealer cost of $5100. Ordered from Amazon and paid mechanic to replace for $1300 total"

Anonymous, NC (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

"About 2 months ago the passenger side low beam headlight went out (it needs the bulb changed). The headlight doesn't work every time we use the car. I purchased a new bulb from my local BMW dealer to do the installation myself (after I review YouTube videos on how to do the work)."

Anonymous, CA (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"Left and right sensors failed separately. So in the shop two different times as a result"

Anonymous, AL (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

Calipers

"The calipers on the driver's side was leaking upon inspection at the Brake Shop. The calipers on both front wheels were replaced during the brake job."

Anonymous, AZ (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

"locked"

Anonymous, NJ (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

Rotors

"The sensor for new break pads did not work, so I ended up needing to get new rotors."

Anonymous, AL (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

"The front rotors began to squeak and thump after some initial mileage each day, The rotors were replaced when the brake job was done."

Anonymous, AZ (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Refrigerant leaks

"Slow coolant leak"

Anonymous, FL (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

"A/c stopped blowing cool air, mechanics said theres a leak. He just recharged it"

Anonymous, (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i Unsure)

"Discovered poor a/c cooling as weather temperature increases thus took car for service; 1st time for low refrigerant leak ever for our 2011 328i convertible."

Anonymous, AL (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

Noises And Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"disconnected sunroof drain"

Anonymous, PA (2011 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Powertrain cooling leaks

"Engine overheating and coolant found to be low. Source of fluid loss still undetermined despite 2 attempts at repair by a qualified repair shop (not a BMW dealer who I do not trust). I still have to add approx 3 cups of water every couple of weeks to keep my rad full."

Anonymous, BC (2011 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Seals and/or weather-stripping

"Seals, battery, belts, and starter have been replaced."

Anonymous, TN (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Coil

"two ignition coils failed and needed to be replaced"

Anonymous A., OR (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

"Some of the coils went bad, causing very rough engine operation & vibrations"

Anonymous, CT (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"The phone and the car always say their connected, but its only a 50-50 shot that any phone audio will actually play in the car. Its not a settings issue that I can tell. I can usually turn off the car and restart and make it work again."

Anonymous, VA (2011 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

"ECM in driver footwell failed and replacement will not connect via Bluetooth, no other known issues. Purchased FM transmitter to connect phone to speakers"

Anonymous A., FL (2011 BMW 3 Series 335is 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Oil leak."

Anonymous, NH (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Known issue with this manual transmission but it did not appear until late in life for my car. Internal wear caused the car not to go into reverse sometimes and finally not at all."

Anonymous, ON (2011 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

What Owners Say

Overheating

"Had 6000 dollars worth of work done at the bmw dealership only to have it over heating the next month"

Anonymous, SC (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i Unsure)

Paint And Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"Molding around front windows is loose I assume its result of aging and havent done anything about it"

Anonymous, NY (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Terrible car"

Anonymous, SC (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i Unsure)

Steering And Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Power steering

"Turning the steering wheel took extra effort above normal. Making tight turns took a lot of force to turn the steering wheel. Still able to drive the car."

Anonymous, NJ (2011 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl)

BMW 3 Series

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Engine Minor

What Owners Say

Fuel System/Emissions

What Owners Say

Electrical Accessories

What Owners Say

Brakes

What Owners Say

Climate System

What Owners Say

Noises And Leaks

What Owners Say

Engine Electrical

What Owners Say

In-car Electronics

What Owners Say

Exhaust

What Owners Say

Transmission Major

What Owners Say

Engine Cooling

What Owners Say

Paint And Trim

What Owners Say

Engine Major

What Owners Say

Steering And Suspension

What Owners Say

Body Hardware

Drive System

Transmission Minor

2011 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability