2011 Bmw 328
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2011 Bmw 328 has 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 4.3x the segment average of 12. The most common issue is air bags problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: bmw 328/2011- poor rain handling & lack of airbag(s) deploying in crash where car was totaled. i was driving in the rain and visibility was fine. my car started to hydroplane and started fishtailing, then spun out of control and into a guard rail on i-95. my airbags did not deploy. my car has been . There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.
51
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
4.3x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
13 complaints- • BMW 328/2011- POOR RAIN HANDLING & LACK OF AIRBAG(S) DEPLOYING IN CRASH WHERE CAR WAS TOTALED. I WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND VISIBILITY WAS FINE. MY CAR STARTED TO HYDROPLANE AND STARTED FISHTAILING, THEN SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND INTO A GUARD RAIL ON I-95. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY CAR HAS BEEN
- • TAKATA RECALL - RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE; CONTACTED CAR DEALER IMMEDIATELY; PART IS NOT AVAILABLE AS OF 4/8/16; NOT ACCEPTABLE - MILLIONS DRIVING UNSAFE CARS - DEALERSHIPS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR GIVING OUT RENTALS OR LOANERS......
- • TAKATA RECALL - I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY TIMELY CORRESPONDENCE SINCE THE INITIAL ONE IN MARCH 2016. LOCAL DEALER HAS NO ETA FOR REPAIR
“BMW 328/2011- POOR RAIN HANDLING & LACK OF AIRBAG(S) DEPLOYING IN CRASH WHERE CAR WAS TOTALED. I WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND VISIBILITY WAS FINE. MY CAR STARTED TO HYDROPLANE AND STARTED FISHTAILING, THEN SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND INTO A GUARD RAIL ON I-95. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY CAR HAS BEEN ”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2011 Bmw 328
Based on 29 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 60K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
ELECTRICAL
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (1)
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 xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Bmw 328
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Bmw 328
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Bmw 328 Service Intervals
Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2011 328, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 51 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: BMW 328/2011- POOR RAIN HANDLING & LACK OF AIRBAG(S) DEPLOYING IN CRASH WHERE CAR WAS TOTALED. I WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND VISIBILITY WAS FINE. MY CAR STARTED TO HYDROPLANE AND STARTED FISHTAILING, THEN SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND INTO A GUARD RAIL ON I-95. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY CAR HAS BEEN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: I LEASED A VEHICLE FROM BMW ENCINITAS THAT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN USED BY THEM AS A LOANER VEHICLE ON 3/24/11. ON 4/20/11, I PARKED THE VEHICLE AT MY HOME AFTER A SHORT 20 MINUTE FREEWAY DRIVE AND WITHIN 20-30 MINUTES, FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT THE TOP OF THE HOOD AND OVER THE TOPS OF THE FRONT TIRES.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SEATS/RESTRAINTS: 2011 BMW 328I. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH THE RAIL ON WHICH THE FRONT SEATS ARE MOUNTED *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED EACH SEAT HAS TWO RAILS ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR. THE RAILS, ATTACH TO THE SEATS MOVE TO ALLOW ADJUSTMENT. WHEN THE DRIVERS SEAT IS PROPERLY ADJUSTED, THE TOP RAILS MOUNTED ON THE SEATS,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: FUMES COMING INTO CABIN, BMW SERVICE CENTER STATES THAT IT IS THE INITIAL BURNING OFF OF THE FUEL WHEN CAR IS STARTED, YET IT CAN BE DETECTED AN HOUR AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING, ESPECIALLY IF THE AIR CONDITIONING IS ON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Bmw 328 — Year Comparison
How does 2011 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 51
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 2
- Crash reports
- 2
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 12
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2011 Bmw 328