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ProblemsByVin File / 2011-BMW-135I
2011 · bmw

bmw 135i problems

0 safety recalls. 31 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.4 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

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Critical
0
Severe
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Moderate

Top trouble spots 4 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
8 reports · avg $850
severe
engine
8 reports · avg $3,100
severe
airbags
5 reports · avg $1,100
moderate
powertrain
5 reports · avg $2,500
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2011 135i · fuel system
WHEN MOVING SLOWLY AND THEN RAPIDLY ACCELERATING, SUCH AS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN ONTO A BUSY ROAD, THE CAR SEEMS TO SHUT OFF THE FUEL FOR A SOLID 2 SECONDS, SO THE CAR ACTUALLY SLOWS RATHER THAN SPEEDS UP. THE DRIVER, WHEN TRYING TO TURN IN TRAFFIC, WILL PANIC AND PRESS HARDER…
11/07/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10551409.0
2011 135i · engine
ENGINE ACCELERATION LAG. THE CAR HESITATES WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS PUSHED DOWN. THIS OCCURS WHEN IT IS MOVING AT A SLOW SPEED OF 5 TO 10 MPH AND AT A HALT. IT CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF YOU ARE MERGING WITH TRAFFIC OR TRYING TO ENTER TRAFFIC FROM A SIDE STREET. WHEN THE GAS…
11/07/2012 · NHTSA ODI #10483634.0
2011 135i · airbags
TAKATA RECALL I LIVE IN A GULF STATE, SARASOTA COUNTY. RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL IN MARCH 2016. IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED DEALER. AGAIN IN APRIL. THEY WERE TO CALL ME TO INSTALL NEW AIRBAG. OCT 24 CONTACTED DEALER AGAIN. NO RETURN CALL AS PROMISED. CALLED 10/27 AND WAS INFORMED THAT…
10/27/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10919278.0
2011 135i · engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 135I. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A WATER PUMP FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
10/19/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10783391.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Common questions

Is the 2011 BMW 135i reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 BMW 135i is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2011 BMW 135i?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 8 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my BMW 135i has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 BMW 135i?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 31 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 9 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with bmw. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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