2011 BMW 1 Series M

Recalls

3 recalls name the 2011 BMW 1 Series M. Newest first.

• Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

  Jan 15, 2020NHTSA 20V01700059,965 vehicles

  BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  Remedy

  BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  Full recall details →

• Power train › Driveline › Constant velocity joint

  Feb 2, 2017NHTSA 17V0670008,752 vehicles

  BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  Full recall details →

• Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

  Feb 5, 2016NHTSA 16V071000840,000 vehicles

  BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  Remedy

  BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Air bags1
2. Engine1

Latest complaints

• Jul 25, 2019IL80,000 mi
  Engine
  On june 18th,i purchased the vehicle. On june 19TH I was in route transporting my daughter to college when the vehicle began to severely smoke underneath the hood. A state trooper informed me that the vehicle could catch on fire if it was continuously driven. I had the car towed home (chicago, il).…

  On june 18th,i purchased the vehicle. On june 19TH I was in route transporting my daughter to college when the vehicle began to severely smoke underneath the hood. A state trooper informed me that the vehicle could catch on fire if it was continuously driven. I had the car towed home (chicago, il). contact was made with the dealership. The owner [xxx] had another tow truck pick the vehicle up. He assured me that the problem would be fixed. They called me 4 days later and stated that the car was ready. Within a week the car was smoking again. The dealership was notified. I was told to bring the car back in. I did so they kept the car for 2 weeks. The owner [xxx] then called me july 24,2019 stating that the mechanic says the vehicle IS repaired and why IS it that I'm bringing it back. I tried explaining to him that the car IS not fixed and that there IS proof (a video and pictures). He became upset when I told him that and blatantly told me that he wasn't fixing anything and next time not to buy a used car. With hanging up in my face. I would greatly appreciate the help if it IS possible. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr

• Sep 16, 2016AL
  Air bags

  TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 1 series m. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

  EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open
  From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…

  From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10249027The 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 discharged battery complaints.
• 10240305Spl Parts, Inc. communications index accompanying MCP uploads 23mc40464 & 23mc40471
• 10240266SPL Parts, Inc. manufacturers and distributes aftermarket lower control arms for dedicated competition vehicles and "track day" cars some of which may be used on both track and highway. SB 23-01 adresses proper installation torque of cap bolt fasteners attaching SPL's aftermarket lower control arms, recurring inspection and confirmation of torque setting and removal and replacement of damaged or under torqued fasteners to reduce risk of premature failure and accident. SB-23-01 was mailed, emailed and posted on SPL website to known resellers, race teams and users of the affected parts and is being submitted here as required by part 579.5. Vehicle Applications include: BMW series 1,2,3,& 4, 2008-2023; Chevrolet Camaro 26-2023, Cadillac ATS, CTS 2016-2019; Ford Mustang 2015-2023; Toyota Supra 2020-2023.
• 10238062With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC. The Settlement Benefits are effective and available on and after February 9, 2022. Note: This bulletin is a notice of a Class Action Settlement Service Campaign benefits that are now available.
• 10230717For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
• 10227568According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present. Or 2. ACSM fault code "930A1C - Front passenger seat occupancy detection transmitting fault(moisture)" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present.
• 10215024The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
• 10214247BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. BMW of North America, et al. The Court has granted final approval of the settlement. The Settlement Benefits are effective and available on and after February 9, 2022.
• 10214246BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. BMW of North America, et al. The Court has granted final approval of the settlement. The Settlement Benefits are effective and available on and after February 9, 2022.
• 10211851This bulletin outlines the procedure for checking the engine timing chains for wear, and should be completed in conjunction with SI B11 06 14, "N63 Customer Care Package." The N63CCP and N63 Engine Check the Timing Chain are NOT mandatory Technical Campaigns or Recalls. They should be completed only based on parts availability, workshop capacity, and the customer's schedule.
• 10200224While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience, in the short term it should not cause any drivability problems that would prevent normal day-to-day operational use of the vehicle
• 10194296Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.
• 10188954COLLECTION OF DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS: BMW intends to perform evaluations and analyses on these side air bags.
• 10181214Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 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 theignition is cycled, the engine then usually performs normally.
• 10179812CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary.
• 10179009NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. Your reports help us to detect changes in your area and keep future versions of our maps as accurate as possible. Therefore, a road map error or missing data must be reported directly to the map supplier.
• 10178991N63 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT - BATTERY SERVICE BENEFIT - RETROFITS/ REPLACEMENTS: This Service Information bulletin applies to: Class vehicles in operation on the road (Applicable N63 engine model vehicles); by Class members (Class Vehicle owners on the date this settlement became effective), And it provides diagnostic/repairs instructions, as well as, Warranty Information for performed remedies.
• 10178990N63T REAR MONITORING OXYGEN SENSORS - LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Rear Monitoring Oxygen (O2) Sensors (one shown) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date This component-specific limited warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship.
• 10175267Power 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.
• 10174032AUTOMATED ACTIVATION OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING PDI/QC1: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B65 22 14 dated October 2015. The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle is connected to the diagnostic system ISTA to perform PDI/QC1 the step to activate the navigation system (part of Delete Transport Mode) will automatically request the INITIAL NAV enabling code (VIN-specific) without pre-ordering the enabling code. This enabling code will be automatically delivered through ISTA and it then activates the navigation system.
• 10174015TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion usually after stopping such as a traffic light etc. Vehicle key trunk/tailgate button may be accidentally pressed thus opening the tailgate.
• 10172479LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSIONTO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES: This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 05 18 dated July 2019. Engine starts poorly (hard starting) rough idle and misfires. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on.
• 10167978N63 ENGINE VEHICLES: CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR ENGINE OILCONSUMPTION/BATTER. What's New: The short-term extension window of one (1) year/12,000 miles from date of the settlement has expired.
• 10167977N63: OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT DIAGNOSIS/REPAIRS (VERSION 12.0). What's New: Engine Timing Chain Guide Pre-Inspection (with Valve Stem Seal Repair) instruction added Updated N63 Replacement Engine Assembly/Part statement added Warranty Information section updated, including the current coverage and attachments.
• 10167975N63T REAR MONITORING OXYGEN SENSORS: LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. What's New: The F01 (750i xDrive Sedan) production start date has been corrected The Correction and Warranty Information sections have been updated The Parts Information section has been updated.
• 10165276While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience in the short term it should not cause any drivability problems that would prevent normal day-to-day operational use of the vehicle.
• 10165266SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS FOR CONNECTEDDRIVE. Security patches for non-safety critical vulnerabilities in BMW head units Entry Nav Entry Media NBT and NBT EVO.
• 10163026N63 ENGINE: OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR PROCEDURES. While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience in the short term it should not cause any drivability problems that would prevent normal day-to-day operational use of the vehicle.
• 10162434Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD).
• 10162431"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"
• 10162416"Power Reduction, FC 2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC 2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Faults are Stored in DME. 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. The following faults are stored in the DME: * 2A82 VANOS intake - stiff; jammed mechanically * 2A87 VANOS exhaust - stiff; jammed mechanically * 130108 VANOS intake: control fault, position not reached * 130308 VANOS exhaust: control fault, position not reached For the N54 engine, the following secondary faults may also be stored: * 120408 Charge-air pressure control, cut-out: Boost pressure accumulation blocked * 3100 Boost-pressure control, deactivation - boost-pressure buildup prohibited CAUSE The VANOS faults can be caused by an insufficient oil pressure supply to the inlet VANOS adjustment unit. To effectively move the camshafts to the target positions in the specified time and under all engine conditions, sufficient oil pressure supply to the VANOS control pistons must always be available. If engine operation requires the VANOS system to quickly advance or retard the intake or exhaust camshaft, faults may be stored if the camshaft is ""late"", or does not reach the target position. In this situation, engine power may be reduced and a check control message is displayed. The consequential fault 3100 or 120408 can also be set in the DME fault memory as well."
• 10162404"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 ""AM5102_00010".
• 10162395N55 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 input sensor: signal low 300E - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal high 300F - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal low F07, F10, F12, F13 and F25: 130104 - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 130108 - VANOS, intake: control fault, position not reached 130304 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, camshaft sticking 130308 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, position not reached 130E11 - Camshaft input sensor: signal implausible 130F11 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal implausible 164020 - Camshaft input sensor: signal high 164021 - Camshaft input sensor: signal low 164030 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal high 164031 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal low CAUSE One or both (intake and/or exhaust) of the VANOS gear assemblies have failed; the attaching bolts may have also loosened and/or broken.
• 10161555Service Information May 2019 Engine Electrical Systems B12 19 19 Technical Service. On the affected vehicles a DME software error prevents the Check Control Message (CCM) "Low Engine Oil Level" to be displayed in instrument cluster (Kombi) when the engine oil level drops below the minimum level.
• 10160329N63T - CCM "LOW OIL LEVEL" NOT DISPLAYED. Drivetrain Malfunction Warning is illuminated and DME fault code 1C4002 (Engine oil level: too low) is stored. Customer complains that Check Control Message (Low Oil level") has never been displayed. The engine oil level measurement test works correctly and shows low oil level when checked under Vehicle Status tab in CID. Instrument cluster software error.
• 10160287TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
• 10160246N63T - CCM "LOW OIL LEVEL" NOT DISPLAYED. Drivetrain Malfunction Warning is illuminated and DME fault code 1C4002 (Engine oil level: too low) is stored. Customer complains that Check Control Message (Low Oil level") has never been displayed. The engine oil level measurement test works correctly and shows low oil level when checked under Vehicle Status tab in CID. Instrument cluster software error.
• 10154816In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recalls; and get rewarded for helping us with completing repairs.
• 10153726Takata class action settlement. Customer support program. Front driver side airbag modules.
• 10153642BMW Maintenance Program: 12-Volt Battery Replacement Measure. INFORMATION This bulletin outlines a customer satisfaction measure that has been designed exclusively for the BMW vehicles listed above. It involves the replacement of the 12-volt battery as a preventive maintenance measure.

Every BMW 1 Series M model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.