2011 Bmw 335i problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Air Bags (24) · Engine (21) · Fuel/Propulsion System (8)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Bmw 335i model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
49 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (7)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module 2024-07-03 · campaign 24V513000 · 394,029 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module 2020-01-15 · campaign 20V017000 · 59,965 vehicles
Defect: 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
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Electrical System:wiring 2017-10-25 · campaign 17V676000 · 702,965 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Fix: 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.
Power Train:driveline:constant Velocity Joint 2017-02-02 · campaign 17V067000 · 8,752 vehicles
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
Risk: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine 2014-04-10 · campaign 14V176000 · 156,137 vehicles
Defect: 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
Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers 2013-02-07 · campaign 13V044000 · 516,791 vehicles
Defect: 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 2
Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft 2011-09-15 · campaign 11V476000 · 190 vehicles
Defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 328I XDRIVE AND 335I XDRIVE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 8, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. IF THE BOLTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, THEY MAY BECOME LOOSE.
Risk: IF THE BOLTS LOOSEN, IT COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF POWER TO THE FRONT WHEELS AND ULTIMATELY A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Service bulletins (135)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2024-01-16 · B510819 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Electrical System 2024-01-11 · B611305 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the electrical system of bmw vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. this has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. this document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle ã¢ââdischarged batteryã¢ââ complaints.
Electrical System 2022-03-01 · B610322 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the footwell module (frm) cannot be encoded after replacement.
Fuel System, Gasoline 2021-05-01 · B011321 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
class action settlement: n54/n54t/n55 electric engine coolant pump . with the court's final approval, bmw of north america, llc (bmw na) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: oliver, et al v. bmw na, et al
Fuel System, Gasoline 2021-05-01 · B011321 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
class action settlement: n54/n54t/n55 electric engine coolant pump . with the court's final approval, bmw of north america, llc (bmw na) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: oliver, et al v. bmw na, et al
Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar 2021-04-01 · B340414 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
diagnosis of compound brake system complaints in m vehicles: 1. visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees f) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.
Showing the 6 most recent of 135 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-09-23 · Engine And Engine Cooling · 130,000 mi“the contact owns a 2011 bmw 335i. while driving 50 mph, the vehicle lost power. the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into limp mode before shutting off. the vehicle was towed back to the residence. the contact connected a diagnostic scanner, which indicated an inability to read or establish engine timing. the engine cran…”
2025-11-18 · Fuel/Propulsion System“fuel sending unit has broken and began to expel fuel out upwards within the rear bottom of the back seat were the sending unit is located. the plastic that ensembles the gas sending unit itself cracks over a certain period amount of time and causes gasoline to spray in that area. gas has began to accumulate outside the gas tank right above the send…”
2025-04-02 · Engine And Engine Cooling · 200,000 mi“the contact owns a 2011 bmw 335i. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "loss of oil pressure" message displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. the vehicle made an abnormally loud clunking sound. the vehicle was towed to the residence. the contact used an obd scanner to retrieve a diagnostic trouble code for the va…”
2025-03-20 · Unknown Or Other“hard to explain. looks like my niv is ''bad''. there are 11 recalls on bmw 335xi sedan 2011 and mine has 0 (same car, but special limited edition). for now, bmw is of no help at all, they follow their procedure which do not include my niv in any way $$$. what to do next?…”
2025-02-20 · Unknown Or Other · 🔥 fire“wiring harness in the engine compartment caught fire about 2 weeks after changing a water pump, battery kept being draining even after battery replacement. locking of the trunk trunk forced usage of a bmw authorized jump start battery charger/start etc. no access to battery when the battery is discharged.…”
2025-01-07 · Engine“i was in the middle of driving on the freeway and my motor started to get loss in power. moments later a malfunction engine sign popped up. the codes i was able to pull from the vehicle were pointing towards a recall that already exists for bmw but for some reason my vehicle was not a part of the recall. the recall i am reffering to is 23v707000. i…”
2024-10-22 · Air Bags · 103,000 mi“the contact owns a 2011 bmw 335i. the contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated. the contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became persistent whenever the vehicle was started. the contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. the…”
2024-09-03 · Power Train“transmission failure, while driving 45mph the car automatically downshifted then stopped pulling rolled to a complete stop was able to put into park turn car off then when tried to restart that is when the transmission failure light and notice came on the dash and radio screen. after that the car would not go into any gear or pull in any gear. no w…”
2024-07-01 · Engine“2011 bmw 335i coupe e92 my vehicle has broken vanos bolts which caused the engine to shut off while driving. this was a terrifying experience in which i was on the freeway doing around 70mph and lost power steering and power brakes. this is a known recall with these vehicles and my vehicle fits the criteria for bmw recall 23v-707, including year,…”
2024-06-26 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger · 67,000 mi“the contact owns a 2011 bmw 335i. the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger’s side air bag sensor warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed front passenger’s side occupancy sensor. the contact was informed that the front passenger’s side occupancy sensor need…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.