Is the 2011 Bmw 328I reliable?

The 2011 Bmw 328I has 797 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Bmw 328I?

Top problems: ENGINE (365 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (128 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (98 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Bmw 328I?

Yes, there are 7 recall(s): AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Contact any Bmw dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Bmw 328I?

The 2011 Bmw 328I gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Bmw 328I?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Bmw 328I is approximately $1,821/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Bmw 328I

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2011 Bmw 328I has 797 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.5x the segment average of 228. The most common issue is engine problems (46% of all complaints), specifically: 1.) vehicle had very rough idle while idling in neutral at stop light (0 mph). tachometer was fluctuating rapidly between 500 and 900 rpm and the vehicle was shaking violently. drove immediately to dealership, who found no fault codes and made no repairs. vehicle drove normally afterwards. odometer . There are 7 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 31 fire reports filed.

31 fire reports 20 crash reports 25 injuries

797

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

3.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

365 complaints

46%

• 1.) VEHICLE HAD VERY ROUGH IDLE WHILE IDLING IN NEUTRAL AT STOP LIGHT (0 MPH). TACHOMETER WAS FLUCTUATING RAPIDLY BETWEEN 500 AND 900 RPM AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO DEALERSHIP, WHO FOUND NO FAULT CODES AND MADE NO REPAIRS. VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY AFTERWARDS. ODOMETER
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO RETRIEVE SOMETHING FROM THE TRUNK WHEN HER LEG WAS BURNED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE INCIDENT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,037.
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE ALONG WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON ONE OCCASION, THE TRUNK OPENED WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH. THE DEALER FOUND THE LOCK

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 17 fire reports

“1.) VEHICLE HAD VERY ROUGH IDLE WHILE IDLING IN NEUTRAL AT STOP LIGHT (0 MPH). TACHOMETER WAS FLUCTUATING RAPIDLY BETWEEN 500 AND 900 RPM AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO DEALERSHIP, WHO FOUND NO FAULT CODES AND MADE NO REPAIRS. VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY AFTERWARDS. ODOMETER ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Bmw 328I

Based on 364 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 86K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 100-150K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

112

100-150K

113

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

Earlier than typicalmedian 49K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Earlier than typicalmedian 12K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Earlier than typicalmedian 27K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

WHEELS

Earlier than typicalmedian 80K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Earlier than typicalmedian 52K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

Earlier than typicalmedian 60K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

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 (7)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE15/01/2020

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 xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Bmw 328I

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,715/yr

Based 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 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Bmw 328I

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,821

Full coverage / month

$152

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1821

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Bmw 328I Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

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

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2011 328I, 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

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 797 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 1.) VEHICLE HAD VERY ROUGH IDLE WHILE IDLING IN NEUTRAL AT STOP LIGHT (0 MPH). TACHOMETER WAS FLUCTUATING RAPIDLY BETWEEN 500 AND 900 RPM AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO DEALERSHIP, WHO FOUND NO FAULT CODES AND MADE NO REPAIRS. VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY AFTERWARDS. ODOMETER
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED ON 2/3/2011 AND HAS EXPERIENCED ONGOING & UNRESOLVED ELECTRICAL SHORTS, BATTERY DISCHARGE, FAILURES TO START, ERRONEOUS DOOR AJAR MESSAGES, SERVICE ENGINE SOON & ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION MESSAGES LEAVING PASSENGERS STRANDED. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP(S) 2 TIMES. DATES/MILEAGE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: 2011 BMW 328I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, SHE NOTICED WHEN DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 10 MPH OR LOWER, APPLYING THE BRAKE, OR PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONSUMER EXPE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE ALONG WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON ONE OCCASION, THE TRUNK OPENED WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH. THE DEALER FOUND THE LOCK
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)