2011 BMW 3 Series Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown
Quick Facts · 2011 BMW 3 Series
- The system most likely to surface first: cooling system (major severity).
- Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan.
- Scores 6 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2012 BMW 3 Series earns a 78.
Is the 2011 BMW 3 Series Worth Buying?
The 2011 BMW 3 Series, specifically the E90/E92 generation, is an emotionally rewarding driver's car that requires an informed and proactive owner. While it offers a superb driving experience and premium interior, expect higher-than-average running costs and a need for diligent maintenance to mitigate common component failures.
Biggest Strengths
- Exceptional driving dynamics and handling balance
- High-quality interior materials and comfortable ergonomics
- Strong engine performance (especially 335i variants)
What Tends to Fail First on the 2011 BMW 3 Series
The systems that break first on the 2011 BMW 3 Series. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
2011 BMW 3 Series Recall History
3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
What breaks on the 2011 BMW 3 Series?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Other BMW 3 Series Years to Consider
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the BMW 3 Series. Click any year for its full report.
2011 BMW 3 Series Alternatives
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2011 BMW 3 Series
Parts and accessories matched to your 2011 BMW 3 Series
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Frequently Asked Questions
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