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 ↗2011 BMW 335i powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 BMW 335i have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 335i (this page) | 11 |
| 2013 335i | 7 |
| 2014 335i | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 11 powertrain 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
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 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 powertrain 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.
DCT Transmission: Oil Leakage Diagnosis. INFORMATION Incorrect diagnosis of DCT (Double-clutch Transmission) oil leaks may lead to unnecessary part replacements and repeat customer repair visits. When diagnosing complaints related to DCT fluid leaks, please use the attached diagnostic procedure. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable. ATTACHMENTS View PDF attachment B280114_DCT_Oil_Leak_Diagnosis. [ Copyright (c)2014 BMW of North America, Inc. ] https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/16672.2.B28011... 12/24/2014
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Intelligent Battery Sensor Diagnosis Hints. The vehicle enters the workshop with one or more of the following complaints: * Check Control Message related to battery discharge * No-start condition * Consumer power reduction (reduced blower speed, heated seats operation, etc.) * The following fault codes may be stored in the DME a. 2E8B - Intelligent battery sensor, signal b. 2E8C - Intelligent battery sensor, function c. 2E8D - Intelligent battery sensor, signal transmission d. 2E8E - Intelligent battery sensor, communication CAUSE A faulty battery or IBS sensor (not both) The power management system and IBS in the vehicle cannot determine if the battery needs to be replaced. This is normal
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GM6 - 6L45R: Diagnostic Procedure for Shudder or Vibration Issues. A shudder or vibration can be felt under light acceleration or when driving at constant suburban speeds. This can be most noticeable in the 1700 - 2200 engine rpm range while in 3rd through 6th gears. No faults are stored in the EGS module. CAUSE Changes in the frictional properties of the automatic transmission fluid over time can lead to momentary slipping of the torque convertor lock-up clutch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗N55: Engine Difficult to Start at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The complaint may include any of the following symptoms: * The engine stalls immediately after a cold start before driving away * The engine may run roughly or misfire after a cold start * The engine does not start cold or may take several attempts * To assist starting when cold, the accelerator may need to be depressed slightly and the idle speed raised for a few seconds so the engine does not stall This can occur most frequently at outside ambient temperatures between -15°C and + 15°C. It is possible that the Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on with misfire fault(s) stored, but it is equally possible that there will be no faults
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of this 2011 335i report a range of powertrain failures that go beyond normal wear. The most documented is a rear driveshaft CV joint that fatigues and breaks—BMW issued recall 17V067000 in April 2017 covering this defect, but one owner hit a snag when dealers couldn't source replacement parts months after recall launch. One owner experienced catastrophic failure at 60,000 miles: violent shaking, smoke in the cabin, airbag deployment, and driveshaft breakage that took out the transmission and left the vehicle unrepairable.
Stalling problems show up in multiple reports. One owner stalled at an intersection with no warning, then the car wouldn't crank for several minutes. After a dealer repair attempt, it stalled four more times in a short drive, then the issue reappeared. Another 335D at the same dealership had identical stalling issues.
Transmission gremlins include unexpected shifts into neutral while driving—the engine redlines and the car coasts until the trans re-engages—and a dangerous 1-2 second delay in throttle response after slowing to a stop, which owners say forces them to hesitate before merging into traffic. One owner lost all power during an intersection maneuver and had to wait several seconds for the car to respond. Another saw a complete transmission failure at 45 mph with no prior warning: sudden downshift, engine kill, and the car locked in a state where no gear would engage.
Failure modes owners describe
Rear driveshaft CV joint fatigue and failure
The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint fatigues and breaks due to manufacturing defect, causing sudden loss of propulsion and catastrophic drivetrain damage.
When: 60,000 miles reported in one case; condition applies to affected 2011-2012 model year vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking and noise while driving at highway speeds; Smoke filling the interior; Loss of propulsion; Airbag deployment from violent shaking; Center console and shifter displaced upward; Transmission damage secondary to driveshaft failure
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer stated vehicle could not be repaired due to driveshaft failure causing significant transmission damage. Recall remedy involves inspection and replacement of rear driveshaft CV joint by production date, free of charge.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall Campaign 17V067000 (issued April 21, 2017); BMW notifies owners and dealers replace CV joint free of charge based on production date. Parts availability was an issue for at least one owner during recall execution.
Engine stalling and no-crank condition
Engine stalls unexpectedly during acceleration and driving, with extended periods where vehicle will not crank or start, creating hazardous traffic situations.
When: No specific mileage provided; pattern suggests recurring issue post-repair
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling while accelerating through intersection; Loss of cranking ability for several minutes; Multiple stall events during short driving distance (4+ times); Problem recurs after dealer service attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership attempted repair; however, stalling issue returned. At least one other 335D was reported with same stalling issues at the same dealership.
Delayed throttle engagement after deceleration
DCT transmission exhibits 1-2 second delay between pressing accelerator and actual throttle engagement when accelerating from a stopped or slow-rolling position, creating safety concerns in traffic merging situations.
When: No mileage specified
Symptoms owners cite: 1-2 second delay in engine response after pressing accelerator from stop; Occurs when slowing to a complete stop then accelerating to merge; Workaround: engaging Sport mode plus S-mode eliminates the delay
Transmission shifting to neutral while driving
Transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral while the vehicle is in motion or at idle, forcing the driver to coast or wait for transmission to re-engage, with engine redline occurring in some instances.
When: No mileage specified
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic shift to neutral while driving; Neutral engagement at idle with inability to shift into Drive; Engine redlines while coasting in neutral on highway; Delay before transmission re-engages
Loss of power and delayed gear engagement
Vehicle loses power when downshifting is expected, particularly during turns and intersections, causing loss of propulsion for several seconds before re-engaging.
When: No specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of all power when going through intersection; Delayed re-engagement after several seconds; Loss of power while turning and accelerating; Lights up (transmission warning) during turns and acceleration
Transmission failure and loss of all gears
Transmission completely fails during normal driving, losing the ability to engage any gear after an initial hard downshift and power loss event.
When: At 45 mph during normal driving; no prior warning signs
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic harsh downshift followed by complete stop; Transmission failure light illuminates on dash; Vehicle will not go into any gear; No pulling power in any gear after failure
Codes mentioned: Transmission failure light
Catalytic converter failure
Catalytic converter fails and requires replacement early in vehicle life.
When: 22,161 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Catalytic converter failure detected during inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Identified during inspection; vehicle was not repaired per owner report.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure; no remedy mentioned
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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
Loss of power failure, it lights up several times when turning corners and then accelerating.
BMW 335d automatic with approx 60k miles. While driving on the highway at approx 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly began to make noise, shake violently and fill with smoke. The passenger side curtain airbags went off from the violent shaking. My husband piloted it across 2 lanes of traffic to the shoulder. The center console and shifter were lifted up several inches. We were shocked that we did not…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2011 BMW 335i?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 43,583 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.