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2011 BMW 328I

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most 328I years

Owner complaints for the 2011 BMW 328I are substantially higher than the model-year median of 98.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

268 reports with mileage · 309 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 194 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 175 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 129 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports25 fire reports15 injury reports

Engine complaints

194 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2023
Engine

I own a 2011 BMW 328i xDrive with a known issue of Vanos bolts being sheered off, which is what just happened to my vehicle. There is only a recall on some of the vehicles and not all. My car is not covered through VIN which is ridiculous because it is a known issue. Upon contacting BMW here in El Paso, TX all they could tell me…

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I own a 2011 BMW 328i xDrive with a known issue of Vanos bolts being sheered off, which is what just happened to my vehicle. There is only a recall on some of the vehicles and not all. My car is not covered through VIN which is ridiculous because it is a known issue. Upon contacting BMW here in El Paso, TX all they could tell me was my VIN was not covered. Since this issue affects far too many like models from the same time frame, BMW should be held responsible. Now I have to spend $1500 with an indy car shop and I hope we get reimbursed.

NHTSA ODI #11525204

Mileage unknown · May 9, 2023
Engine

I've had my car for less than a year, and started having issues with my engine around cold weather season. I would constantly get a light signal on the dashboard indicating that my engine needs coolant due to it overheating, although my car remained up-kept with coolant and fluids. there were times where I had to stop my car on …

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I've had my car for less than a year, and started having issues with my engine around cold weather season. I would constantly get a light signal on the dashboard indicating that my engine needs coolant due to it overheating, although my car remained up-kept with coolant and fluids. there were times where I had to stop my car on the road due to an extensive amount of smoke and burning odor coming from the engine compartment, after being serviced a numerous amount of times, the only issue found was in regards to my engine overheating, and supposedly fixed by adding more and more coolant. eventually my engine gave out after taking a short 30 minute trip to my parents home on thanksgiving day. Now that a recall has been placed on my vehicle, I have an understanding that a PCV valve heater malfunction can cause an engine to overheat, and when not repaired, it can cause unrepairable damage to an engine. I also have an understanding that a valve heater malfunction can cause coolant to leak out, resulting in the engine overheating regardless of how much coolant is put in it. I have an understanding that a bad PCV valve heater can result in a rough idle, engine stuttering, and a drop in fuel efficiency, all of which I've dealt with. I've reached out to my local BMW shop in regards to this recall, and they refuse to even take in my car to look at it being that my engine is already no good, although the reason for my engine going out is most likely due to this recall. my car is sitting with a faulty PCV valve heater and the damage that its done to my engine, and the BMW shop of macon is telling me that this recall has nothing to do with my car without even looking at it, when I know for a fact the issues I've had with my car relates to the recall.

NHTSA ODI #11521215

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2023
Engine

Vehicle was idling rough. Would periodically accelerate without pressing the gas pedal. It would then go into limp mode. And display Services engine soon light. I took the valve cover off to inspect the camshafts and found the camshaft adjuster gear bolts were all loose. 5 of the 8 bolts were snapped off. 2 of the 5 missing b…

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Vehicle was idling rough. Would periodically accelerate without pressing the gas pedal. It would then go into limp mode. And display Services engine soon light. I took the valve cover off to inspect the camshafts and found the camshaft adjuster gear bolts were all loose. 5 of the 8 bolts were snapped off. 2 of the 5 missing bolt heads were found in the head of the engine 3 were found in the oil pan. If I did not discover the bolts were broken the timing chain could have slipped off causing an accident.

NHTSA ODI #11518860

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

The engine made noise and then turned off. Would not restart. BMW dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed exhaust camshaft Vanos unit. BMW refuses to repair it even though it the engine, model and year fit the Vanos recall. This is the second BMW vehicle I have owned that failed for this reason, but was outside the covered cla…

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The engine made noise and then turned off. Would not restart. BMW dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed exhaust camshaft Vanos unit. BMW refuses to repair it even though it the engine, model and year fit the Vanos recall. This is the second BMW vehicle I have owned that failed for this reason, but was outside the covered claimed VIN numbers. I am requesting that you investigate this as wider range of vehicles, fitting the recall description exactly, but not covered, are failing...this vehicle is a 2011 with only 62,000 miles. I would also like a list of the VIN numbers currently affected.

NHTSA ODI #11517685

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2023
Engine

I buy the car in December 02 2022 and the same day a few hours the car engine it's star a sound in the engine. I go to my mechanic and he said don't run the car have problem with the timing belt. I go to de dealer and they said don't worry I pick up and our mechanic check the car but I pay the car but I don't have my car yet. I…

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I buy the car in December 02 2022 and the same day a few hours the car engine it's star a sound in the engine. I go to my mechanic and he said don't run the car have problem with the timing belt. I go to de dealer and they said don't worry I pick up and our mechanic check the car but I pay the car but I don't have my car yet. I pay my loan 5 month but I don't have my car back and they don't say nothing.

NHTSA ODI #11517662

119,000 miles · Apr 5, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a rattling sound coming from under the hood. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that the bolts were missing from the exhaust VANOS camshaft unit side and the oth…

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The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a rattling sound coming from under the hood. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that the bolts were missing from the exhaust VANOS camshaft unit side and the other bolts had backed out on the intake side and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that no recall existed for VANOS bolts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ODI #11515665

Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2023
Engine

Due to this recall other parts of my vehicle are failing and it is frustrating that my vehicle overheats regularly especially when it is hot outside. The recall has been for a year but BMW has not come up with a remedy for this problem. We had to pay $951.67 in 2022 to get our vehicle inspected but they said if the recall was f…

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Due to this recall other parts of my vehicle are failing and it is frustrating that my vehicle overheats regularly especially when it is hot outside. The recall has been for a year but BMW has not come up with a remedy for this problem. We had to pay $951.67 in 2022 to get our vehicle inspected but they said if the recall was fixed I would not have had the issue I had. Please push BMW to fix this issue.

NHTSA ODI #11514219

Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2023
Engine

The camshaft gear bolts on my car broke causing it to stall in a roadway. Upon further investigation BMW did issue a recall for this very well known problem to them however they decided to EXCLUDE the station wagon models. All of these cars have the exact same engine whether its the coupe, sedan, or convertible. All the same …

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The camshaft gear bolts on my car broke causing it to stall in a roadway. Upon further investigation BMW did issue a recall for this very well known problem to them however they decided to EXCLUDE the station wagon models. All of these cars have the exact same engine whether its the coupe, sedan, or convertible. All the same exact engine. My car is a station wagon which was excluded. This is a major issue for all owners of these cars. BMW used aluminum bolts in this location and they end up shearing off causing major engine damage. BMW needs to remedy this issue by adding the station wagon cars to the recall. This problem should have been fixed years ago.

NHTSA ODI #11507984

Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

My Vehicle has been on Recall since March 2, 2022. There are increasing problems and an occasional smoke and burning smell. This is effecting me getting an inspection and registering my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11501387

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2023
Engine

BMW has Recall: #22V-119:407 - POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER still open with no remedy in sight. It has been months if not a year already (or longer) and I am waiting, together with thousands of BMW owners to get this issue fixed. It is totally unacceptable that a company as BMW leaves their customers hanging…

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BMW has Recall: #22V-119:407 - POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER still open with no remedy in sight. It has been months if not a year already (or longer) and I am waiting, together with thousands of BMW owners to get this issue fixed. It is totally unacceptable that a company as BMW leaves their customers hanging and allowing them to drive unsafe cars due to their laziness to fix this. What is NHTSA going to do about this? Thanks. Happy New Year!

NHTSA ODI #11499727

Official recalls

7

24V513000 · Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jul 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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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.

Air Bags:frontal

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.

20V017000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jan 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 & remedy

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.

17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Oct 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 & remedy

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.

17V676000 · Electrical System:wiring

Oct 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 & remedy

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.

14V176000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Apr 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 & remedy

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.

13V044000 · Electrical System; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Feb 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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

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.

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

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.

Electrical System

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.

11V476000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Sep 15, 2011

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.