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ProblemsByVinFile / 2011-BMW-335INHTSA data synced 3 days ago
BMW
2011 BMW 335i problems
The 2011 BMW 335i has 2 critical safety recalls on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 145 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
The 2011 BMW 335i has 145 NHTSA owner complaints and 7 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is airbags at 43 complaints, typically surfacing around 59,286 miles (~$1,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
2
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 335i?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 5.4/10 — around the segment average
7 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2011 BMW 335 I 4 DR RWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2011 BMW 335i? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
airbags — 43 owner reports
· tends to show around 59,286 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
engine — 37 owner reports
· tends to show around 62,379 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
electrical — 21 owner reports
· tends to show around 57,058 mi · ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 11 owner reports
· tends to show around 43,583 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 59,286 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 7 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2011 335i· engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 335i. While driving 55 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle began to hesitate and seize. The vehicle was towed to fields BMW south orlando (located at 9750 s orange blossom trail, orlando, fl…
Before I start my description I need to mention that my car has been serviced for all recall notices related to the vehicle make and model!! On december 15, 2015 my 2011 BMW 335i sport model stopped while I was driving. There was no warning messages for this issue. Several…
While driving the car will automatically go into neutral. When idle too the car goes into neutral and you can't shift into drive. When driving on the highway it hits neutral and the car redlines, the car will coast down the highway until it hops back into gear
Engine seized 10 miles after oil filter housing gasket was replaced. Car has 107k miles and has been meticulously maintained. Now I'm going to have to spend from $8k-$10k for a new engine. Never received a warning light. From what I've been reading, this is not uncommon after…
Had a problem with your 2011 BMW 335i?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
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
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
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
Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Fix: 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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.4 out of 10 based on 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 BMW 335i has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2011 BMW 335i?
The 2011 BMW 335i is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 5.4/10 — around the segment average; 7 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2011 BMW 335i?
Inspect the airbags first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 43 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 59,286 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2011 BMW 335i a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 145 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is airbags. Typical failure occurs around 59,286 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 BMW 335i?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 43 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 59,286 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 59,286 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my BMW 335i 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 335i?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 145 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, 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 are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/BMW/335i.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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