The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 BMW 335i electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2011 BMW 335i have filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 44,850 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 335i (this page) | 21 |
| 2013 335i | 8 |
| 2014 335i | 3 |
| 2015 335i | 3 |
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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âÂÂdischarged batteryâ complaints.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The footwell module (FRM) cannot be encoded after replacement.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled the engine then usually performs normally.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Follow the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version. In Information Search, select the "Function Structure"" tab. Select Body, Mirror, Door mirror, Driver's or passenger side, Exterior Mirror Malfunction, and then press "Start Search". Select test plan
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report the 2011 BMW 335i develops serious electrical problems that go beyond inconvenience. Engine stalls without warning while driving—one owner lost power at 35 mph in traffic with steering becoming difficult; another lost power during a passing maneuver on a highway uphill section. The vehicle's stability control and braking stability systems cut out intermittently, even at highway speeds. Headlights, windshield wipers, turn signals, and door locks all fail sporadically or permanently. One owner experienced a wiring harness fire in the engine compartment; another has smoke entering the cabin on a weekly basis.
Battery drain persists even after replacement, trunk locks fail trapping access to the battery, and the fuel pump fails (one owner experienced this twice on prior BMW models). Water pumps leak repeatedly, causing overheating that led to sudden stall and injury in one case. The footwell module—which controls critical lighting and door locks—exhibits early-stage failure but BMW refuses warranty repair until complete failure occurs.
Multiple owners cite recall 13V-044 (Power Supply System) and 17V676000 (Electrical System/Overheating Fire), but parts remain unavailable months after recall issue. Dealerships cite missing parts and refuse to inspect vehicles outside recall listings. Repair costs mount quickly; one owner paid nearly $4,000 in five months for water pump, battery, starter, and blower work with problems persisting.
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling and power loss while driving
Engine loses power and stalls mid-drive, sometimes without warning, occasionally triggering 'engine malfunction/reduced power' light. Vehicles became difficult to steer and accelerate before the stall. Recurring issue for some owners. One owner experienced this three times total (twice on previous 2008 model, once on 2011).
When: One documented case in December 2015 at 35-40 mph on city street. Another case occurred on uphill pass on multi-lane road. Recurring next day for that owner.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls mid-drive; Steering becomes hard to turn; Loss of acceleration; Engine malfunction/reduced power light; No warning before stall in some cases; Vehicle slows dramatically
Codes mentioned: Engine malfunction - reduced power light
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's fuel pump replaced (diagnosed as failed); dealer unable to confirm root cause in another case. One owner spent $4,000 on multiple repairs over 5 months including starter replacement, battery service, water pump, and blower work.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13V-044 (Power Supply System) issued addressing potential electrical system failure causing engine stalling. BMW customer service was evasive about whether fuel pump failure was the actual cause. One dealership refused to repair until part availability resolved on recall 17V676000.
Electrical system partial or complete failure
Systems lose power intermittently or completely while driving: headlights, radio, windshield wipers, turn signals, stability control, braking stability control, center console, door locks, power windows, and mirror controls. Some fail individually; others lose power simultaneously. Complete electrical system death reported, leaving vehicle with no electronics including starter function.
When: Intermittent failures occurring since purchase at 81k miles through 100k miles. One case of complete power loss on highway. Another occurred while pulling out of driveway.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of headlights at night; Windshield wipers inoperative (especially during rain); Radio cuts out; Turn signal/blinker lights inoperative; Stability control loss; Braking stability loss; Power window failure; Mirror control failure; Door lock failure; Complete electrical system shutdown; Center console dead
Codes mentioned: Loss of stability control message, Loss of stable braking message
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; issues reported as unresolved. One owner had difficulty accessing battery when discharged due to locking trunk.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V676000 (Electrical System) issued. Multiple owners reported parts unavailable for repair despite recall notification. Dealers cited missing parts and long delays (3+ months with no ETA). One owner's dealership refused inspection unless vehicle appeared on recall list.
Footwell module failure
Footwell module (integrates headlights, turn signals, door locks, power windows, mirror controls) fails or exhibits early-stage degradation. Owner reported denied warranty repair because component had not failed completely enough; described as known extended warranty item with high failure rate but no recall.
When: Early-stage failure documented; specific mileage not stated.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of headlights; Loss of turn signals; Door locking/unlocking inoperative; Power window control inoperative; Mirror movement inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Warranty repair denied by BMW despite documentation of early-stage failure. Owner stated cost unknown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known issue covered by extended warranty but no recall issued. BMW refused repair for early-stage failure, requiring component to fail completely before honoring warranty.
Air conditioning and heating system malfunction
A/C compressor or cooling system fails, blowing hot air instead of cold. Separately, heating system blows cold air instead of hot. Blower motor system connectors fail or develop issues.
When: AC issue July 2017. Heating issue November 2017. Blower not working February 2018 (recall replacement did not resolve heat issue). One case at 100,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: A/C blows hot air; Heater blows cold air; Blower motor inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replaced (owner paid). Blower motor recall replacement completed but heating still inoperative afterward. One case cite cost as part of $4,000 spending over 5 months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Blower motor system connector recall issued but remedy part not yet available in one case. Repairs performed under recall but did not resolve underlying heating issue.
Engine compartment fire and wiring harness burn
Wiring harness in engine compartment caught fire approximately 2 weeks after water pump replacement. Smoke and flames reported from engine compartment entering passenger cabin through vents in another case. Check engine light illuminated during smoking events.
When: One fire event 2 weeks post-water pump service. Another case producing smoke on weekly basis (no specific date given).
Symptoms owners cite: Wiring harness fire; Large smoke production from engine compartment; Smoke entering cabin through vents; Check engine light illuminates during smoke events
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented for the fire or smoking issues; owner reported BMW refuses inspection unless vehicle is on recall list.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V676000 (Overheating Leading to Fire) issued. Owner stated BMW acknowledged fire risk for year/make/model but refused to address it on their specific vehicle, claiming it did not qualify for repair. Dealership would not inspect vehicle without recall listing.
Battery drain and power loss
Battery drains continuously even after replacement, leaving vehicle unable to start. One case also involved trunk lock failure, preventing access to battery for service. Starter failure also occurred in same vehicle.
When: Ongoing issue; one case documented April 2018 after water pump work and coolant leak repairs.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains continuously; Vehicle will not start; Trunk unable to unlock to access battery
Repairs/costs cited: Battery tested and registered. Starter replaced. Owner cited $4,000 total repair spend over 5 months; battery/starter work was portion of that.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Door lock mechanism failure (driver's door)
Driver's door will not unlock using interior handle double-pull mechanism, requiring use of center panel lock/unlock button instead. Potential safety issue if emergency egress needed or electrical power lost.
When: Vehicle had 36k miles at time of complaint.
Symptoms owners cite: Interior door handle double-pull does not unlock door; Must use center panel button to unlock
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed issue is not a warranty or safety recall item.
Fuel pump failure
Fuel pump fails, triggering engine malfunction and stalling. One owner experienced this three times across two vehicles (twice on 2008 335IS, once on 2011 335I).
When: Recurring issue for repeat customer across multiple vehicles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls; Engine malfunction light
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replaced by dealer (BMW of Darien).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No clear response; owner unable to confirm whether fuel pump or electrical system (recall 13V-044) was actual root cause despite dealer diagnosis and two-year pursuit with customer service.
Coolant leak and water pump failure
Water pump leaks coolant, causing engine overheating. One case involved two separate water pump replacements (owner-paid first instance, then later replaced under recall work). Vehicle overheated leading to sudden stall and injury to driver in one case.
When: First documented April 2018 after earlier coolant leak repairs. Another case November 2017 (overheating). Vehicle with injury case had overheating event leading to sudden stall and vehicle declared total loss.
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leak from water pump; Engine overheating; Vehicle stalls due to overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replaced by owner out-of-pocket initially. Owner paid again for water pump replacement; spent $4,000 over 5 months on multiple repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V676000 (Overheating Leading to Fire) issued but parts not available for one complainant.
Center brake light attachment failure
Center brake light repeatedly falls out of holder and cannot be permanently reattached. Dealer applied double-sided tape as temporary fix, but tape also failed. Issue has recurred despite multiple repair attempts.
When: Specific timing not stated.
Symptoms owners cite: Center brake light falls out of holder; Reattachment fails repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Double-sided tape applied; failed. Multiple re-attachment attempts by dealer staff unsuccessful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Suspension component failure (tie rod/control arm bolts)
Front driver-side tie rod broke off while vehicle was on highway. Bolts were missing on both driver and passenger side suspension components.
When: Friday night on Interstate 91 in 2017.
Symptoms owners cite: Front tie rod breaks off; Missing bolts on suspension
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid for wheel and tire repair/replacement; submitted receipts to BMW dealership requesting reimbursement but was never reimbursed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused to honor or reimburse submitted receipts.
Transmission sports mode engagement failure
Sports mode does not engage when activated; no response when driving. Separate electrical malfunction indicated by airbag warning light on dashboard.
When: Specific mileage/date not provided.
Symptoms owners cite: Sports mode will not engage; No transmission response when shifted to sports mode; Airbag malfunction warning light
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Passenger airbag occupancy detection failure
Passenger seat does not detect occupancy, preventing proper airbag deployment logic.
When: Specific timing not provided.
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger seat occupancy not detected
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 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.