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 minutes prior to the car stopping I received a warning message that my wind shield wiper fluid was low. I was driving…
2011 BMW 335i electrical problems
severe 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 21 electrical complaints filed for the 2011 BMW 335i, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of BMW 335i we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 21.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
2011 BMW 335i three (3) recalls: 1) fire hazard, 2) takata recall and 3) vanos housing bolts - resulting in total loss of my 2011 BMW 335i vehicle as confirmed a total loss vehicle by progressive insurance claim number 17-2120735. Contrary to progressive insurance company's report, there was no collision. My 2011 BMW 335i sports model vehicle was declared a total loss by progressive insurance…
Blower motor system connectors recall. Recall incomplete remedy not yet available.
Had electrical trouble with your 2011 BMW 335i?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2011 BMW 335i?
It's a meaningful issue. 21 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 36,500 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 44,850. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,500; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/BMW/335i.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.