2011 BMW M3
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 12 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 19 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 40 |
| 2003 | 54 |
| 2004 | 31 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 82 |
| 2009 | 45 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
52% of complaints: engine — 16 distinct reports on file.
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, 20230905
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, 20171117
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, 20140820
23% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20180220
19% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
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, 20121008
CLUNKING NOISE AND VIBRATION WHEN TURNING RIGHT FROM A STOP IN COOLER TEMPERATURES. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20111203
6% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 16V071000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V676000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V472000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V017000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 BMW M3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V071000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V676000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V472000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V017000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.