MYRModel Year Report

2011 BMW M3

▲ Better than typical
2011 BMW M3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:31:09.246Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
31
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2011

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

52% of complaints

Complaints per year

1988: 2 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 0 complaints 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1993 1994: 0 complaints 1995: 12 complaints 1996: 1 complaint 1997: 19 complaints 1998: 14 complaints 1998 1999: 11 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2001: 14 complaints 2002: 40 complaints 2003: 54 complaints 2003 2004: 31 complaints 2005: 12 complaints 2006: 14 complaints 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 82 complaints 2009: 45 complaints 2010: 15 complaints 2011: 31 complaints 2011 31 2012: 6 complaints 2013: 13 complaints 2014: 0 complaints 2015: 4 complaints 2016: 5 complaints 2017: 3 complaints 2018: 9 complaints 2018 2021: 3 complaints 2022: 1 complaint 2023: 1 complaint 2025: 2 complaints
1988: 2 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 0 complaints 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 0 complaints 1994 1995: 12 complaints 1996: 1 complaint 1997: 19 complaints 1997 1998: 14 complaints 1999: 11 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 14 complaints 2002: 40 complaints 2003: 54 complaints 2003 2004: 31 complaints 2005: 12 complaints 2006: 14 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 82 complaints 2009: 45 complaints 2009 2010: 15 complaints 2011: 31 complaints 2011 31 2012: 6 complaints 2013: 13 complaints 2014: 0 complaints 2015: 4 complaints 2015 2016: 5 complaints 2017: 3 complaints 2018: 9 complaints 2018 2021: 3 complaints 2022: 1 complaint 2023: 1 complaint 2023 2025: 2 complaints
1988: 2 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 0 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 0 complaints 1994 1995: 12 complaints 1996: 1 complaint 1996 1997: 19 complaints 1998: 14 complaints 1998 1999: 11 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 14 complaints 2002: 40 complaints 2002 2003: 54 complaints 2004: 31 complaints 2004 2005: 12 complaints 2006: 14 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 82 complaints 2008 2009: 45 complaints 2010: 15 complaints 2011: 31 complaints 2011 31 2012: 6 complaints 2013: 13 complaints 2014: 0 complaints 2014 2015: 4 complaints 2016: 5 complaints 2016 2017: 3 complaints 2018: 9 complaints 2018 2021: 3 complaints 2022: 1 complaint 2022 2023: 1 complaint 2025: 2 complaints 2025

2011: 31 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19882
19890
19900
19910
19920
19930
19940
199512
19961
199719
199814
199911
20000
200114
200240
200354
200431
200512
200614
20070
200882
200945
201015
201131
20126
201313
20140
20154
20165
20173
20189
20213
20221
20231
20252

Known problem areas

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

Engine

52% · 16 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Starting from a traffic light at Woodlands Parkway and Gosling Road in the Woodlands, TX - Vehicle accelerated normally during shifting from 1st to 2nd gear.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-05

Engine knocking. Connecting rod bearing and main bearing failure resulting in required engine replacement. Engine not able to be rebuilt due to cracked main bearing saddles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-17

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).

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-20

Electrical system

23% · 7 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW M3. While driving at 55 MPH, the air conditioner stopped functioning and the odor of burning plastic entered the cabin. The contact disconnected the fuses to the air conditioner to correct the failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-20

Also filed under Visibility

Air bags

19% · 6 reports

Power train

13% · 4 reports
Show complaint excerpts

The problem occurs when you slow down- like for a turn, but do not come to a complete stop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-08

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Clunking noise and vibration when turning right from a stop in cooler temperatures.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-12-03

Structure

6% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing roof and pillars.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2016-11-01Air bags16V071000 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...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. 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 →

  3. R
    2019-08-14Electrical system19V472000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. 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 →

  5. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2011 BMW M3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 16 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 16V071000 · Air bags
  • Recall 17V676000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 19V472000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 BMW M3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 BMW M3 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW M3?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW M3 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.