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 ↗2011 BMW M3 electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2011 BMW M3 have filed 6 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 M3 | 9 |
| 2009 M3 | 5 |
| 2011 M3 (this page) | 6 |
1fire
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 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.
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 ↗Power Mirrors and/or Windows are Inoperative. The power windows and/or power mirrors are inoperative. The LED on the headlight switch is flashing. There is a check control message for Windows/Mirrors/ Headlights. There may also be a complaint of water in one or both headlights. One of the following fault codes may be stored: * 9CBD - Communication with stepper motor box left defective * 9CBE - Communication with stepper motor box right defective * 9CC1 - Communication with mirror driver side defective * 9CC2 - Communication with mirror passenger side defective/Right Stepper Motor Controller (SMC) signaling fault * 9CCF - Communication with LIN control defective Left and/or right headlight ho
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Erroneous CC Message "Remote control! Do not switch off the engine" is Displayed. An erroneous CC message, "Remote control!" " Do not switch off the engine" is displayed in the Central Information Display (CID). The engine can still be started, even with the CC message displayed. CAUSE: Car Access System (CAS) software error"
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW m3. The contact stated that the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 17v676000 (electrical system) was received in november of 2017. After contacting the dealer (BMW of hudson valley, 2068 south rd, poughkeepsie, ny) and the manufacturer, the contact was informed that the parts needed to remedy the defect would not be available until april of 2019. The contact…
I did some research it looks my car has the positive battery cable recall not done it's major safety issue!! Up on further information cars build from date 2008-2012 my vehicle production date is from september 2010. I still haven't received my recall later please solve issue as soon as possible thanks.
When I put the battery terminals after swapping a new battery, my FRM got damaged. No brake or head lights are working, no turn signals, no windows moving etc. It's a safety issue on the road
Had electrical trouble with your 2011 BMW M3?
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 M3?
It's a meaningful issue. 6 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 59,000 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 $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/M3.
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.