Is the 2011 BMW 328I reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 BMW 328I is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 328I?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 328I have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 BMW 328I

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2011 BMW 328I
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 576
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2011: 576 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1996	31
1997	25
1998	26
1999	98
2000	112
2001	4
2002	0
2003	0
2004	0
2005	0
2006	0
2007	399
2008	239
2009	193
2010	155
2011	576
2012	130
2013	257
2014	151
2015	125
2016	57

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

34% · 193 reports

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the vehicle was at an independent mechanic having minor body repairs completed; however, while the vehicle was being test driven, the engine caught on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-09

My son's BMW (2011 BMW 328I xdrive) spontaneously combusted on sep 4 2017 while he was driving back from work at 4 am on sunrise highway ny. Luckily he noticed sparks and smoke and pulled over and got out. The car fully burnt within 30 minutes.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-06

Also filed under Electrical system and structure

I believe my car is effected by the active bmw recall NHTSA Campaign 23V-707. I have called bmw and gave them my vin number and was rudely rushed off the phone being told my car has no active recalls.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-16

Engine and engine cooling

31% · 176 reports

Most commonly citing crankcase (pcv) and crank/camshaft position sensor.

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact was attempting to retrieve something from the trunk when her leg was burned from the exhaust pipe. The manufacturer was not made aware of the incident. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-11-02

1.) vehicle had very rough idle while idling in neutral at stop light (0 MPH). Tachometer was fluctuating rapidly between 500 and 900 RPM and the vehicle was shaking violently.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-10-06

Also filed under Power train

Electrical system

22% · 128 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and instrument cluster/panel.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Air bags

17% · 98 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

4% · 24 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2011Complaint volume 576 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2011-10-14Power train11V476000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2013-03-13Electrical system13V044000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-09-24Engine and engine cooling14V176000 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...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-18Engine and engine cooling17V683000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-29Electrical system17V676000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-03-11Air bags20V017000 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,...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-08-30Air bags24V513000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 BMW 328I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 193 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 176 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 128 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 11V476000 · Power train
Recall 13V044000 · Electrical system
Recall 14V176000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 17V683000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 17V676000 · Electrical system
Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
Recall 24V513000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 BMW 328I reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 BMW 328I is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 328I?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 328I have?: 7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.