CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 BMW 335i engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 BMW 335i have filed 37 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 51,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 335i (this page) | 37 |
| 2012 335i | 4 |
| 2013 335i | 5 |
When does it fail?
Of the 37 engine complaints filed for the 2011 BMW 335i, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Owners have filed 37 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Engine accounts for 26% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE ACTION: N54T ENGINE - INSPECT AND REPLACE INJECTOR(S). The piezo-type fuel injectors may cause a rough running at start-up or rough running while at idle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine has a loss of power; and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. One or more of the following faults may be stored. E70, E71, E82, E88, E90, E92 and E93: 2D5A - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D5B - VANOS, intake: control fault, position not reached 2D60 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D61 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, position not reached 2D9F - camshaft input sensor: signal implausible 2DA1 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal implausible 300C - Camshaft input sensor: signal high 300D - Camshaft inpu
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗N55 ENGINE: FC 28A0 OR 101F01 THROTTLE VALVE OPENING ANGLE. The engine malfunction warning is illuminated and one of the following fault codes are stored in the DME shortly after programming the vehicle or with a customer complaint.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 BMW 335i engine generates a stark pattern: VANOS bolt failures dominate, with multiple owners reporting sudden loss of power at highway speeds, engine stalls, and complete shutdown. What makes this worse is that many owners with failed VANOS bolts were excluded from recall 23V707000 despite matching the production-date window and model criteria—BMW dealers point to specific production batches outside the recall scope, leaving owners with repair bills ranging $3,700 to over $5,000. Even owners whose vehicles underwent the recall report the repair failed or wrong parts were installed.
Intermittent stalling at low speeds or during turns is the second major complaint. Owners experience unpredictable stalls every 300–500 miles, often without throwing fault codes, making dealer diagnosis nearly impossible. Loss of steering and brakes during these stalls creates obvious safety hazards. Dealers replaced coolant pumps, water pumps, high-pressure fuel pumps, and valvetronic actuators in various attempts, with mixed results.
Power loss and limp-mode engagement during acceleration—sometimes attributed to DSC intervention, sometimes to turbo or fuel pump issues—also recur. One owner paid $1,700 for PCV repair after heavy smoke filled the cabin. Rod bearing failure, water pump failure at low mileage, and charge-pipe rupture (plastic cracking under boost) round out the engine-system failures. A diesel 335D owner reported persistent exhaust/sulfur smell in the cabin that dealer service failed to resolve.
Failure modes owners describe
VANOS bolt failure (intake/exhaust)
Camshaft bolts and VANOS gear assemblies loosen, break, or fail, sometimes falling into the engine. Multiple owners report being excluded from recall 23V707000 despite meeting production date and model criteria. Some experienced recall repairs that failed or used wrong components.
When: 2,000–130,000 miles; reported in vehicles produced 2/2010–12/2010
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power at highway speeds; Engine stalls without warning; Service engine warning light; Loss of power steering and brakes during stall; Loud metallic noise from engine; Engine shuts down while driving
Codes mentioned: VANOS bolt failure codes, Service engine warning
Repairs/costs cited: Owners paid $3,700–$5,000+ for replacement; some denied coverage despite matching recall criteria; recall repair sometimes failed or wrong parts installed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V707000 issued but excludes many VINs despite matching production dates; BMW service bulletin SI B12 14 12 issued but not mandatory; some owners denied warranty coverage; dealers claim certain production batches exempt
Engine stalling (intermittent, low-speed)
Vehicle stalls randomly at low speeds or while turning, often without throwing fault codes. Owners report intermittent stalls every 300–500 miles or during stop-and-go traffic. Dealers unable to replicate issues.
When: 20,000–149,000 miles; occurs during low-speed turns or stop-and-go traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Stalls at low speeds (under 10 mph); Stalls while turning; Complete loss of engine power; Loss of power steering and power brakes during stall; Check engine light may not illuminate; Vehicle restarts after stall
Codes mentioned: No fault code in many cases, Coolant pump failure codes (some cases), Valvetronic actuator failure codes (some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced coolant pump, water pump, radiator seal, fuel pump, and high-pressure fuel pump in various cases; intermittent nature made diagnosis difficult
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V176000 issued for engine and engine cooling; not all VINs included despite failures; recall parts unavailable for extended periods; dealers unable to replicate issues prevented warranty repair
Loss of power/limp mode during acceleration
Engine power cuts out or enters reduced-power limp mode during acceleration from stop or highway merging. DSC system appears involved in some cases. Some owners attribute this to turbocharger issues.
When: Earliest reported stages; occurs during acceleration maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Power cuts out suddenly during hard acceleration; Engine enters limp mode (reduced power mode); Engine pressure reduction warning message; Power loss lasting 1–2 seconds before resuming; Hesitation and seizing sensation; Check engine warning light illumination
Codes mentioned: Engine pressure reduction code, High-pressure fuel pump fault, ASA bolt failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: High-pressure fuel pump replaced; ASA bolts replaced; some cases involved coolant pump and water pump replacement; charge pipe rupture repaired ($1,700+ in one case)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BMW service stations acknowledge anomaly but claim car is 'operating normally'; advised turning off DSC as workaround; some VINs excluded from related recalls
Rod bearing failure
Engine rod bearing breaks suddenly during normal driving, causing engine seizure. Occurs despite adequate oil levels and maintenance records.
When: 81,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking sound from engine; Complete engine seizure; Engine failure while driving at highway speed
Repairs/costs cited: Requires engine replacement (estimated $8,000–$10,000); BMW not assisting
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BMW denies coverage; acknowledges existing rod bearing recalls on same year/model but refuses assistance on this vehicle
Valvetronic system failure
Valve-tonic (intake valve control) system fails, triggering reduced power warnings and drivability issues. Some vehicles required multiple dealer visits without permanent repair.
When: 89,000–149,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine soon warning light; Low power mode warning; Engine stalling; Loss of power during driving
Codes mentioned: Valvetronic actuator failure
Repairs/costs cited: Valve-tonic system replacement required; some owners visited dealer three or more times without successful repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; repair attempts unsuccessful in multiple cases
Water pump failure
Water pump fails prematurely, stopping coolant circulation. Reported at relatively low mileage on well-maintained vehicles.
When: 40,400 miles on 5.5-year-old vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Water pump failure; Coolant circulation loss
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement during in-town driving
Smoke/PCV system failure
Large amount of smoke enters cabin from vents and hood; mechanic diagnosis points to PCV system failure. Accompanied by popping sounds and chemical smell.
When: No mileage given
Symptoms owners cite: Heavy smoke from vents and hood; Popping sounds from catalytic converter area; Chemical smell in cabin; Smoke residue on windshield; Fire risk concern
Repairs/costs cited: PCV system repair, $1,700
Engine hydro-lock
Water enters engine during driving through shallow water, causing hydro-lock and engine seizure. Occurs at low speeds through water.
When: 7,400–75,000 miles; occurs during water crossing
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls in water; Complete engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; one case 'water pumped' instead of pumped but context suggests engine failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BMW offered no assistance on reported case
Charge pipe rupture
Plastic charge pipe from turbo to engine cracks under normal boost pressure, causing sudden loss of power. Occurred during acceleration into traffic.
When: Low mileage during acceleration maneuver
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power during acceleration; Dangerous near-collision; Loss of boost pressure
Catalytic converter failure
Catalytic converter fails at 81,000 miles. Unclear whether vehicle received replacement as part of 2012 recall.
When: 81,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine soon light illumination
Codes mentioned: Catalytic converter efficiency codes (likely)
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) carbon buildup
Engine design flaw allows heavy carbon accumulation on intake valves and ports due to EGR system, causing loss of power and requiring expensive repairs.
When: Higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power; Rough running
Repairs/costs cited: Expensive repairs required; specific cost not stated
Swirl flap actuator failure
Intake manifold swirl flap motor fails, requiring intake manifold replacement.
When: Unknown
Repairs/costs cited: Intake manifold with swirl flap motor replacement
Sulfur/exhaust smell in cabin (Diesel model)
2011 BMW 335D diesel smells strongly of sulfur or exhaust inside cabin, especially during acceleration. Likely related to exhaust leak into cabin. Dealership oil leak repair did not resolve issue.
When: Soon after purchase at 18,500 miles; ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: Sulfur/exhaust smell in cabin; Smell present especially during acceleration; Smell does not dissipate; Oil leak present (separate issue)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership attempted fix for oil leak but did not resolve smell issue
Synthesized from 37 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
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 32837, (407) 956-6300) where it was diagnosed with needing the engine block replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
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 that specific job is done and the gasket starts leaking around 100k so it is necessary to address.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for repair, he was informed that the camshaft bolts were damaged and required replacement. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 335i. While driving various speeds and accelerating, the speed decreased and the message "engine pressure reduction" appeared. In addition, while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to niello BMW in elk grove, california where the high pressure fuel pump was replaced along with the asa bolts. In regards to the vehicle…
I would formally like to report a major safety concern I have regarding my new 2011 BMW 335is convertible. From a standstill without modifying any of the default configurations on the car, flooring the gas pedal, the car lurches forward (as expected) and then power completely cuts out for a second and then will continue on its way. My guess is the dsc is kicking in causing power to be reduced…
November 25, 2016 approximately 17:44 (5:44 pm est) my 2011 BMW 335d stalled while driving. "engine malfunction reduced power" alert was on screen. I was able to re-start it, and continued on my way. This is a re-occurring dangerous problem with this car. BMW needs to fix this before somebody gets killed.
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2011 BMW 335i?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 37 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 26 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 24,500 and 81,000 miles, with the median around 51,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 24,500; a quarter make it past 81,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.