KnownCarProblems2011 BMW 1 Series Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 BMW 1 Series, most often about the air bags (46% of complaints, typically around 59,000 miles). It is the most complained-about 1 Series model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2011 BMW 1 Series problems
Air bags
15 complaints · 46%Half of these problems showed up before 59,000 miles.
Takata recall...recently had the air bag control module replaced. At a cost to me. The dealer indicated that this is not part of the recall. Is this part of the problem with takata airbags or is it separate many thanks. [] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
I just had the bolts on both the (intake and exhaust replaced) this is listed in the unspecified recall and no one notified me on this recall I drive the 2011 128i series coupe and this cost me out of pocket $1,800 dollars to replace, what I do not understand is why I was not notified of this I could have been in a…
Electrical
7 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 15,000 miles.
I own a 2011 BMW 128i. On 7/5, my wife was driving the vehicle when it suffered a total electronic failure. She was unable to see how fast she was traveling due to the fact, the speedometer failed. When she returned home, all of the warning lights were on. The car would rev without touching the gas. I spoke to d-[]…
BMW "third stop lamp" (the break light) does not fit the 1series correctly. They fall off, crack, and disappear frequently. This is a common problem with all 1 Series BMW's. As this is a brake light, it is concerning. I believe the part number for this item is (63 25 7164978). Here is a link to the part with a picture…
Fuel system
5 complaints · 15%Defective high pressure fuel pump on BMW 2011 335i after 4500 miles note: this was a 335i. Your model selection doesn't not include 3-series so I clicked 1-series.
This vehicle has the same n54 engine and same fuel pump that was covered under recall for failing fuel pumps on the 2007-2010 BMW cars. It was the only BMW vehicle that used this motor in 2011 and such was left out of the original recall. There were only about 600 of the vehicles made for the USA so I suppose that…
Engine
4 complaints · 12%The vehicle is a 2011 BMW 1m coupe. While passing another vehicle on a rural 2 lane country road outside of houston, tx, engine completely lost power in the middle of the pass, almost causing what would have been a major accident. It took almost two hours for a tow truck to pickup the car and temperatures were in the…
The car was moving at highway speed with AC running. Smoke plumed from vents and under front passenger footwell. Electrical fire stemming from blower motor final stage unit and wiring harness.
Speed control
3 complaints · 9%I own a 2011 BMW 128i. On 7/5, my wife was driving the vehicle when it suffered a total electronic failure. She was unable to see how fast she was traveling due to the fact, the speedometer failed. When she returned home, all of the warning lights were on. The car would rev without touching the gas. I spoke to d-[]…
Sometimes, the car from a stand still or low speed (below 10-15 MPH) has a delay between throttle input and actual acceleration. This delay of acceleration has caused many close calls for accidents and/or sudden braking needed because of over acceleration. Between my research on this issue and experiences with this, I…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2011 BMW 1 Series recalls
Engine
Risk: Loose or broken vanos unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the four vanos bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed december 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed june 19, 2024. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 series coupe, 1 series convertible, 3 series sedan, 3 series convertible, 2010-2011 3 series sportswagon, 3 series coupe, 5 series sedan, x3 xdrive 28i, x3 xdrive 30i, x5 xdrive30i, and z4 sdrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (vanos) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Seat belts: retractor
Risk: The insulation around the pre-tensioner could ignite.
Fix: Vehicles produced up through december 2009 will receive new front safety belt retractor units and a modification to the sound insulation near the units, while vehicles produced between january 2010 and may 2010 will receive a modification to the sound insulation near the units. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on august 23, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 1-series vehicles. In a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the front pre-tensioner and load-limiter occurs.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2011 BMW 1 Series
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 1 Series?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (15 complaints, typically around 59,000 miles); electrical (7 complaints, typically around 15,000 miles); fuel system (5 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 1 Series have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 20, 2023 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2011 a bad year for the BMW 1 Series?
- It is the most complained-about 1 Series model year since 2000, with 33 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.
Other BMW 1 Series years
- 2011