2011 BMW M3 Us

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Engine4
2. Air bags3
3. Power train3
4. Electrical system2
5. Fuel/propulsion system1
6. Unknown or other1

Latest complaints

• Jul 24, 2019NY15,250 mi
  Electrical system · Power train
  TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW M3 us. While at a stop, the vehicle shook and stalled. Also, the transmission and check engine indicators illuminated. The failure recurred approximately six times. The vehicle was taken to rallye BMW (516-393-0000, located at 1 brush hollow rd, westbury, ny 11590)…

  TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW M3 us. While at a stop, the vehicle shook and stalled. Also, the transmission and check engine indicators illuminated. The failure recurred approximately six times. The vehicle was taken to rallye BMW (516-393-0000, located at 1 brush hollow rd, westbury, ny 11590) where it was recommended that the battery be replaced. The battery was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The contact felt that the vehicle was not repaired and stated that the failure was the same as the one listed in nhtsa campaign number: 19v472000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was approximately 15,250.

• Jun 30, 2017FL50,000 miFire
  Unknown or other
  While driving car on small county highway, engine stalled. pulled car to shoulder and smelled electrical burning smell. got out to check car and saw smoke. within minutes entire engine compartment was on fire. fire burned through hood and broke windshield. entire engine bay was destroyed. car…

  While driving car on small county highway, engine stalled. pulled car to shoulder and smelled electrical burning smell. got out to check car and saw smoke. within minutes entire engine compartment was on fire. fire burned through hood and broke windshield. entire engine bay was destroyed. car was running perfectly. had been purchased only 5 weeks prior from dealership. there were no warning lights or any sort of signs that something was wrong with the car. car only had approximately 50K miles on it.

• Jun 27, 2017LA
  Air bags
  Takata recall BMW does not appear to be honoring their recall obligation. I still have not received notification that the parts are available despite contacting the dealer repeatedly. BMW has been promising the parts for over one year now. I believe they are stalling to reduce their cost due to…

  Takata recall BMW does not appear to be honoring their recall obligation. I still have not received notification that the parts are available despite contacting the dealer repeatedly. BMW has been promising the parts for over one year now. I believe they are stalling to reduce their cost due to cars falling out of service from wrecks etc. the dealer also refuses to disable the airbags leaving BMW owners no choice but to drive inherently dangerous cars. yet they can find enough airbags to manufacture new vehicles. I know this IS not a new problem but if the nhsta can exert a little pressure for these automotive manufacturers to emphasize repairing their potentially dangerous cars the public would really appreciate it.

• Apr 17, 2017CA
  Air bags

  TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 BMW M3 us. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

• Mar 6, 2017CA53,000 mi
  Engine
  While driving at a high rate of speed on a california interstate, my car suddenly lost forward momentum, power brakes and power steering. When I looked down to the dash, the dct transmission had shifted itself to neutral and the engine was shut down. I unsuccessfully attempted a restart as I tried…

  While driving at a high rate of speed on a california interstate, my car suddenly lost forward momentum, power brakes and power steering. When I looked down to the dash, the dct transmission had shifted itself to neutral and the engine was shut down. I unsuccessfully attempted a restart as I tried to safely make my way through the right lanes of traffic so I could pull off on the shoulder. After narrowly being hit by passing cars, I managed to get into the right lane and coast off a freeway exit ramp. The car became increasingly difficult to steer and brake. As I turned onto the side of the road, as soon as I hit 10mph, the car suddenly put itself in park, causing a jolting sensation and an abrupt, unsafe stop. The vehicle would not turn over so I had it towed to the BMW dealership. The next morning I was alerted that there were metal shavings in the oil pan and that cylinder one had seized due to rod bearing failure. The engine had 53,000 miles when the failure occurred. This necessitated a full engine replacement.

• Dec 9, 2016TX
  Air bags

  I have been trying to get the airbag recall fixed but my BMW dealership has continued to say they have not received any of the repair kits. I have been waiting almost a year and am not comfortable driving this car in its present condition. Recall notice was sent to me feb 2016. *tr

• Jul 1, 2016CA70,000 mi
  Electrical system

  As I was driving in the third lane at 70 mph my entire electricity to the car shut off . With three children in the car and no time to get over I almost got hit . After being stuck in the middle of several high speeding car. It suddenly came on again. This IS not the first time ,just the dangerous moment. Took it to the dealer they said it was the battery, replaced it an this happens.

• Oct 5, 2015CA48,000 mi
  Engine

  I was driving my vehicle under normal conditions traveling around 45mph. As I switched gears from 2ND to 3RD I noticed an immediate loss of power. My vehicle automatically shut off. I pulled over to the side of the road and was not able to restart my car. After the dealership checked the car they said there was an engine failure most likely due to rod bearing failure.

• Oct 5, 2014NJ36,000 mi
  Engine · Power train
  My car was in second wasn't speeding on a local street as I put it in 3RD gear my car shut off there was no sign of anything wrong with the car it would not start back up. I took it to BMW since I have warranty for 3 yeas mind you I only had this car for 5 months I got the car from the dealership…

  My car was in second wasn't speeding on a local street as I put it in 3RD gear my car shut off there was no sign of anything wrong with the car it would not start back up. I took it to BMW since I have warranty for 3 yeas mind you I only had this car for 5 months I got the car from the dealership in tenafly,nj I got the car at 31K miles on it and when my car last work which was last week it has 36K there telling I have to pay 26K up to fix . *tr

• Sep 30, 2013MD8,200 mi
  Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
  Driving in 60/mph speed. When overtaking a truck; 'engine fault' warning light came-up. Vehicle transmission automatically turned to neutral. Engine was cut-off. Truck was about to rear-end my car. Unfortunately, no one was hurt (toddler was inside the car). I pulled over immediately and called the…

  Driving in 60/mph speed. When overtaking a truck; 'engine fault' warning light came-up. Vehicle transmission automatically turned to neutral. Engine was cut-off. Truck was about to rear-end my car. Unfortunately, no one was hurt (toddler was inside the car). I pulled over immediately and called the roadside assistance. Towed the car to dealership. I was informed today that this issue was due to 'faulty fuel pressure vacuum sensor'. I request nhtsa & BMW to investigate the issue and determine if a re-call IS required. This seems to be a wide spread problem w/ similar model/year cars. *tr

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.
• 10244237Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-
• 10215024The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
• 10211864The footwell module (FRM) cannot be encoded after replacement.
• 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.
• 10170574SERVICE ACTION: N54T ENGINE - INSPECT AND REPLACE INJECTOR(S). The piezo-type fuel injectors may cause a rough running at start-up or rough running while at idle.
• 10160287TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
• 10160244TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
• 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.
• 10152314Door Open Message Displayed, Even Though Door Is Closed. The customer complains that while driving, a CCM (check control message) indicates the doors are open, even though they are closed. Also, sometimes the gong will sound and the interior lights will go on and off. Unspecified FRM door lock status due to voltage variations
• 10151335Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware.
• 10151255ISTA/P Cannot Program an E-Series N55 Replacement DME. ISTA/P fails when attempting to program a replacement DME (MEVD172) on BN2000 E-Series vehicles with the Continental HPP. Part number: 12 14 8 618 483. DME logistic error between the replacement hardware and basic software prevents correct programming with ISTA/P.
• 10151170N51 Engine: Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated - Loss of Power and Various Faults Stored in the DME. The customer complains that the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. The vehicle has lost power; the engine cranks but will not start; and various faults are stored in the DME for engine misfire and/or mixture adaptations. CAUSE The vehicle has lost fuel system delivery pressure due to a loose or split fuel line inside the fuel tank. The failure is related to an unfavorable stacking of tolerances between the rubber fuel hose and the plastic regulator nipple or deterioration of the rubber hose construction material.
• 10151119SI B84 03 14 February 2016 Communication Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B84 03 14 dated October 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures CAUSE Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware CORRECTOPM None available at this time. We are currently working with the device manufacturer on a solution.
• 10151115SUBJECT Audio System Speaker Testing. For audio system speaker testing there is a NED (Non Electrical Diagnosis) Test Plan available. CAUSE We previously recommended use of the Audio Test CD (ATC) from BMW. This CD has been discontinued.
• 10151079SI B13 03 15 February 2016 Fuel Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B13 03 15 dated March 2015 and replaces SI B13 04 13 dated March 2014. SUBJECT N20, N26, N55, N63TU, S63TU and S55 Engines: Bosch Injector ETK Part Number Error. The current version of the ETK incorporates multiple part number errors for the Bosch type injectors. Ordering the injectors by VIN number or manual identification in ETK may result in an incorrect part number.
• 10151068This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles being serviced are not being diagnosed, leading to repeat repair visits (source- Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports). INFORMATION Where diagnosis (vehicle or short test) with ISTA has already started, it is important to diagnose the fault code(s) listed below (when they are stored in the vehicle) to find their root cause during the current workshop visit. This will help lead to a reduction in workshop repeat repair visits and higher customer satisfaction.
• 10151023Whistling Noise Coming from the Center Vent - A/C is Off . A very high pitched whistling or beeping noise is heard coming from the center vents. The flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve at certain temperature differentials.
• 10150389Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. The Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD).
• 10150385"CCC - ""Please Insert Navigation DVD"" Appears on CID. The navigation map DVD cannot be read or detected. The message ""Please insert navigation DVD"" appears in the CID (Central Information Display). The navigation system is inoperative. This situation may also occur when upgrading to a new navigation map. The old map is recognized but the new one is not. CAUSE Faulty DVD drive; read error due to hardening of the anti-vibration gel on the read head"
• 10150381Junction Box Pin Assignment Change. When replacing the Junction Box (fuse box) using P/N 61 14 6 978 270 or later, note that various pin assignments have changed. The following additional work procedure is necessary to properly perform this repair.
• 10150334"Service 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). Note: The INITIAL enabling code ""FSC CIC map, N. America 2013 INITIAL"" is necessary to start the installation process and to activate the road map database."
• 10150330"Discharged Battery: Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed. 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 ""discharged battery"" complaints. A discharged battery can have various causes, most of which do not concern the battery itself. A failed battery is often the symptom and not the cause. A fully serviceable battery fails when an electrical component causes the battery to discharge; the battery becomes internally damaged and must be replaced. For more information, refer to www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-42B.htm For this reason, replacing the battery is not usually a permanent repair. The cause of the discharged battery must be analyzed in order to guarantee a proper repair. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion with all results taken into to consideration. The procedure as outlined below contains information that will guide the technician into properly repairing the vehicle and getting paid for a warranty claim. CAUSE Refer to the ""Procedure"" section of this Service Information for details."
• 10150329Intermittently the trunk lid does not pop open when using the remote, or latch when closing. If the vehicle is driven and the trunk is not closed fully, a Check Control message will be displayed in the instrument cluster. CAUSE The trunk lid is out of tolerance. When opening or closing the trunk lid, the latch rubs against the striker because of insufficient clearance.
• 10150324?SI B51 15 08 Body Equipment October 2012 Technical Service. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B51 15 08 dated July 2008. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Rear Window False Anti-trap Activation. INFORMATION The anti-trap protection feature may be activated when no obstruction is present. This may occur at either one or both of the rear windows. The root cause of the false anti-trap activation may be difficult to determine. The attached diagnosis flowchart has been developed to assist with determining the actual root cause of the failure as well as to help prevent unnecessary part replacements. The root cause is typically either an issue with the window system, or an electrical/software issue. The diagnosis flowchart will help ensure that repairs are only carried out for the system that is most likely at fault. Refer to B511508_Attachment. PARTS INFORMATION Refer to the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) for the appropriate parts noted in the diagnostic flowchart. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable.
• 10150265Intermittently Stored FM Radio Stations Default to FM 87.7. Intermittently, the stored FM radio stations default to FM 87.7 after vehicle start-up. CAUSE 1. Low battery voltage or voltage drop at the head unit 2. Radio station preset contains FM 87.7 3. Remote key memory not set correctly or the setting is lost
• 10150264"The replacement OC3 seat mat (front passenger seat occupancy) will not enable when following ISTA Repair Instruction REP 65 77 604, ""Replacing sensor mat (OC3 mat) for passenger seat occupancy detector."" 1. When the new mat is installed in the vehicle, too much pre-load pressure will prevent the mat from being enabled. ISTA/P WILL NOT enable the new part, and will cause permanent damage to it. 2. The new part has incorrect coding."
• 10150224"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. Complete the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version. The test plan can be accessed via the following path: ""Information Search / Function Structure / Body / Mirror / Exterior mirrors / Driver's or passenger side / Electrochromic Mirror,"" and then press ""Start Search."" Select the test plan ""AM5102_00010."""
• 10150221Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The CBS displays the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production instead of the appropriate 24-month interval.
• 10150218N51, N52K, N52T and N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine exhibits 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: 2A7C - VANOS, inlet, cold start 2A82 - VANOS, intake, variable cam control test 2A7A - VANOS, exhaust, cold start 2A87 - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D5A - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D5B - VANOS, intake: control fault, position not reached 2D54 - VANOS, exhaust, cold start: not controllable 2D55 - VANOS, intake, cold start: not controllable 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.
• 10150173"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. Complete the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version. The test plan can be accessed via the following path: ""Information Search / Function Structure / Body / Mirror / Exterior mirrors / Driver's or passenger side / Exterior Mirror https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/15...12/6/2013 Page 2 of 2 Malfunction,"" and then press ""Start Search."" Select the test plan ""AM5102_00010."""
• 10150167Incorrect Remaining Service Life from CBS Data for Brake pads. The calculated remaining service life for the brake pads (front and/or rear axle) from the CBS data does not match the actual brake pad thickness. The customer notices implausible remaining distances (too high or too low) on the front and/or the rear axle brake system. Note: E9x vehicles with xDrive are not affected by this bulletin. Software calculation in the brake pad wear model
• 10150133In all audio modes (radio, CD, AUX-In, etc.), the audio output is distorted. It is more noticeable with high bass and high audio volume settings. There may also be an intermittent interference noise coming from the loudspeakers at low audio volume or when the radio is turned off. Audio settings in the RAD2+ (radio professional)
• 10150131"Enabling and Replacing New OC3 Seat Mat. The replacement OC3 seat mat (front passenger seat occupancy) will not enable when following ISTA Repair Instruction REP 65 77 604, ""Replacing sensor mat (OC3 mat) for passenger seat occupancy detector."" When the new mat is installed in the vehicle, too much pre-load pressure will prevent the mat from being enabled. ISTA/P WILL NOT enable the new part, and will cause permanent damage to it."
• 10150130The vehicle position is missing or incorrect on the navigation map. The navigation system integrated in the Car Information Computer (CIC) is not calibrated correctly.
• 10150128Basic SVS: Voice Recognition Inoperative After Programming. After programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.48.x, the voice recognition (Basic SVS) is inoperative. NOTE: The Basic SVS only includes voice recognition for phone functions. Error in the coding data of ISTA/P 2.48.x The voice recognition function is unintentionally deactivated.
• 10150099N54 Engine: Fuel Pressure Control Test Plan Error. INFORMATION Not applicable.
• 10150096N55 Engine Failsafe - FC 120308 Boost Pressure Control, Plausibility: Pressure Too Low Stored in DME Fault Memory. INFORMATION The customer complains the SES is illuminated and the engine has reduced power (engine failsafe mode).
• 10150065"BMW NA has agreed to extend the emissions warranties of the turbocharger's wastegate to: ??8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever occurs first, as determined from the vehicle's original in-service date select the ""Vehicle Comment"" button to display the extended coverage information. The terms of the original New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty and applicable emissions warranty still apply. BMW NA will not provide warranty coverage to any Settlement Class Member's vehicle containing modifications or alterations to the turbocharger or its wastegates (software, hardware or otherwise), or evidencing other conditions not normally covered under the original New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty or applicable emissions warranty. Modifications excluded from warranty coverage include any aftermarket parts that affect the turbocharger system, or if there are other conditions that would normally exclude it from warranty coverage."
• 10150037Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The coding in these vehicles has the CBS displaying the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production, instead of the appropriate 24-month interval.