2011 BMW M3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2011 BMW M3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
4 recalls name the 2011 BMW M3. Newest first.
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…
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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…
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.
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.
Starting from a traffic light at Woodlands Parkway and Gosling Road in the Woodlands, TX - Vehicle accelerated normally during shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. When shifting from 2nd to 3rd - Engine RPM went to ZERO and vehicle suddenly lost all power and died. There was a large Ford F150 behind the car. Thankfully, I was watching the tachometer and coasted to the shoulder before attempting to shift back to 2 and try a rolling start at which point vehicle came to an abrupt and sudden stop. Car was towed to an approved mechanic and was diagnosed as "another seized S65" engine. OPINION of Expert engine builders and bearing manufacturers is that the original BMW S65 bearing dimensions result in inadequate journal clearance and has been thoroughly documented. This, coupled with any potential "tolerance stacking" (- clearance) can result in a final bearing clearance which is significantly tighter than ideal and is the reason why we have seen engines fail after only a few thousand miles. This was half a second or less from being a fatal accident.
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
I was driving on the freeway accelerating when I hit approximately 75 mph my car was making a loud revving sound and metal clanking sound in middle and smoke was coming from the front and back of the vehicle very thick white smoke all of a sudden my car slowed down and all the lights were blinking on the dash almost got into accidents while cars avoid hitting! My car wasn't going over 5 10 mph there was so much smoke was getting worried,some how I managed to exit the freeway and parked I was told my english was blown! Maintenance was up-to-date only drove it on the weekends only had 52,000 miles nightmare 2011 BMW M3
Between 11/04/16 and 11/08/16 I left my vehicle with reeves BMW dealership in tampa, fl for the takata airbag recall which they told me they completed. I continued to get warning letters from the nhtsa for this recall and recently I brought my car to a different BMW dealership which told me the reeves BMW dealership reported they completed the work and my airbag could not be changed under the recall. I took my airbag off the steering column and photographed the label on the back which shows the airbag installed in my car was produced in may 2010 which IS part of the takata airbag recall batch and was prior to the assembly of my car at the factory. I am very angry this recall work was not completed by reeves BMW dealership as I was told and that I have been placed at unnecessary risk for the past 4 years. I would like assistance in having this takata airbag recall completed so that I am no longer at risk of death or injury as BMW apparently has my vehicle incorrectly marked off as recall completed and will not complete the recall work. I've attached an image of the label on the airbag in my car and the paperwork for the repair which was not done. thank you for the help.
While driving my vehicle, the engine suddenly shut off, and the transmission went into neutral. I immediately turned the car back on, and pulled to a stop sign. I gave my car a few revs just to make sure everything was fine. Everything seemed to check out, so I continue driving. While driving about 40mph and straight, the car shuts off again, and this time I have a complete loss of steering and brakes. Thankfully I manage to avoid hitting the car in front of me by using my emergency brake slowly. This time the vehicle did not turn back on. After researching this issue it's become apparent this vehicle IS actually known to do this. Rod bearings and main bearings have caused these motors to seize while driving, and BMW refuses to acknowledge this issue. I could have killed someone from this issue, but it's sad all they care about IS dollars and cents.
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.
I was driving casually when the motor suddenly shut off. no noise indicating engine failure ever happened. I coasted off the road and tried to restart. nothing but a click. eventually tried replacing starter motor but that didn't work. no engine lights or codes ever popped up. turns out engine seized due to failed rod bearings.
Two weeks ago, when the car was driving normally, it suddenly shut down and could no longer start. When automotive engineers took the engine apart, they found that the crankshaft and rod bearing bush were over-worn and burnt out. The engineer told me that the oil I used was too sticky to lubricate the rod bearing. I changed the engine oil 8,000 miles ago, using the 10w-60 oil supplied by BMW.
While shifting into 3RD gear, my engine threw a rod through the block, car has not been modified, has 43,300 original miles, original owner.
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 had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
O2 sensors constantly go out replaced 3 times, throttle body acutators constantly go bad putting car in limp mode very dangerous my car cut off at 65mph on the freeway. I was with my family!!! Something bad could of happened. Please look into this BMW M3 2008-2013 please look into this. Rod bearings go bad aswell
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW M3. While driving at 55 mph, the air conditioner stopped functioning and the odor of burning plastic entered the cabin. The contact disconnected the fuses to the air conditioner to correct the failure. Reeves import motorcars dealer located in tampa, florida was made aware of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was previously repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 17v676000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. *Tt *tr
While driving my low milage 2011 BMW M3 (42K miles) on the highway, out of no where, I noticed the car driving a little differently and slightly shaking. This happened moments before I reached my exit. I pulled over at a gas station right off the exit and opened the hood, the engine was making a tinging/scraping noise with each revolution. I closed it up, and drove to my home which was a couple minutes away. While driving, the noise was happening more in lower gears. When I got home, I looked under the car and saw it was leaking oil, and still making the noise. After some investigation, I learned the rod bearings in the engine had failed, resulting in complete engine failure. I purchased the car from an authorized BMW store at 38K miles in may of 2017, I always serviced it at my local BMW store - this occurred february 3RD, 2018. After reading up, I am learning that this IS an issue with the S65 engines that are in this model of M3'S. BMW has yet to make a recall, but they are aware of the issue. No action has been taken, but something needs to be done. I can't afford a new engine (it costs 30 something thousand dollars, which IS almost as much as I paid for the car), and the engine cannot be repaired. I feel wronged by BMW, and advise the nhtsa to urge BMW to recall this engine to save future customers from catastrophic engine failure.
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 BMW M3. The contact received notification nhtsa campaign number 16v071000 (air bags), however the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact called the stevens creeks BMW (4343 stevens creek blvd st clara ca 95051 800-298-1501) and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was aware of the issue and were not able to confirm when the parts would become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was not available.
At 63,860 mile the S65 engine in my 2011 BMW M3 failed. Dealer diagnosed engine bearing failure. Failure occurred while driving.
Engine knocking. Connecting rod bearing and main bearing failure resulting in required engine replacement. Engine not able to be rebuilt due to cracked main bearing saddles.
Takata recall - this recall has been active now for over a year and three months with no repair from the manufacturer. I have tried two different dealerships in the area and neither of them have a part available to fix. what IS the holdup?
Rod bearing failure.
The car was parked at a flat space parking lot. when I tried to open the vehicle using a fob key, the alarm started to go off. I was not able to access the vehicle other than using a key blade to open the door manually, however all system was dead. I have replaced the fob key battery, checked the battery status, and ran the error code system, but everything was fine. after some research, I've found out that there IS a recall on the similar models (BMW 3 series) for a fuse box - battery connection issue. and giving a good press towards the fuse box located in the glove-box did fix the problem temporarily, however the issue has kept happening since then. 3 series manufactured march 2007 through july 2011 have been recalled during the nhtsa campaign ID number: 13v044000. my model, M3, uses the same design and same parts as 328I and 335I for the fuse box and battery connection, and the same issue has been occurred several times not just to me but to other M3 models, but this model for some reason has not been included the previous recall campaign.
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW M3. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 BMW M3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was not available. 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.
While driving my car on the road my engine automatically placed itself on neutral, the steering froze, and the engine turned off. After turning the system off, I turned it back on and drove away normally. Once I approached the a stop light the car did the same thing again but this time it had a cracking-rattling noise coming from the engine. Without any warnings or check engine light, oil light, my car suffered from broken main and rod bearings as stated by the BMW dealer. This has caused a lot of metallic debris throughout the engine causing engine failure.
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW M3. The contact stated that the engine air intake became filled with water, clogging the hydro lock to the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a clogged hydro lock. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.
2011 BMW dct M3 engine turns off by it self while driving through intersection. transmission goes into neutral. "n" pops up on the center cockpit. steering wheel lock. Brakes work. Had to maintain foot on brakes. have to push "engine start" button. Car starts up again. engine stalling and shutting off IS a safety hazard, especially if the car IS in motion. Could cause death to end users or other people. Can cause property damages as well. this has happen twice within a 8 week period. Most recently on nov 26,2014 approximately 430pm BMW "auto start stop function" ruled out because the led light above the button IS lit, function IS disable. *tr
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW M3. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag light flickered while the seat was occupied or unoccupied. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was unable to provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact did not experience a failure. updated 1/13/15*cn updated 03/03/15*jb
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
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.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.