2011 Bmw 335D
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2011 Bmw 335D has 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 51. The most common issue is electrical problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: twice i've lost power on the freeway due to what i believe is the positive battery cable losing connection to the front fuse box. even though this has been recalled in other 2008 to 2011 3-series models bmw has refused my requests to repair this under recall.. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
51
Total Complaints
6
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
10 complaints- • TWICE I'VE LOST POWER ON THE FREEWAY DUE TO WHAT I BELIEVE IS THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE LOSING CONNECTION TO THE FRONT FUSE BOX. EVEN THOUGH THIS HAS BEEN RECALLED IN OTHER 2008 TO 2011 3-SERIES MODELS BMW HAS REFUSED MY REQUESTS TO REPAIR THIS UNDER RECALL.
- • BLOWER MOTOR WIRING: THIS RECALL INVOLVES THE WIRING FOR THE SYSTEM, KNOWN AS THE BLOWER-MOTOR, THAT CONTROLS AIR FLOW FOR THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. OVER TIME, THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE WIRING AND THIS SYSTEM COULD DETERIORATE AND, IN RARE CASES, COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING. THE BLOWER
- • VEHICLE WILL OCCASIONALLY LOSE ALL ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER RESEARCH I FOUND BMW RECALLS ON THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AND ITS CONNECTION BEHIND THE FUSE BOX. I ACCESSED MY CABLE BEHIND THE FUSE BOX AND MOVED THE CABLE A SMALL AMOUNT AND POWER WAS RESTORED. I ASSUMED MY VE
“TWICE I'VE LOST POWER ON THE FREEWAY DUE TO WHAT I BELIEVE IS THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE LOSING CONNECTION TO THE FRONT FUSE BOX. EVEN THOUGH THIS HAS BEEN RECALLED IN OTHER 2008 TO 2011 3-SERIES MODELS BMW HAS REFUSED MY REQUESTS TO REPAIR THIS UNDER RECALL.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2011 Bmw 335D
Based on 37 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 84K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
ELECTRICAL
ENGINE
SEATS/RESTRAINTS
AIR BAGS
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 (6)
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.
Risk: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Bmw 335D
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 335D
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 335D 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 335D, 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:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TWICE I'VE LOST POWER ON THE FREEWAY DUE TO WHAT I BELIEVE IS THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE LOSING CONNECTION TO THE FRONT FUSE BOX. EVEN THOUGH THIS HAS BEEN RECALLED IN OTHER 2008 TO 2011 3-SERIES MODELS BMW HAS REFUSED MY REQUESTS TO REPAIR THIS UNDER RECALL.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: I HAVE A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SEATS/RESTRAINTS: I HAVE A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE REDUCED POWER MESSAGE CAME ON, DROVE CAR FOR ANOTHER 15 MINUTES HOME, AT HOME IN THE DRIVEWAY OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW THAT THE ENGINE WAS GLOWING RED ON PASSENGER SIDE, VERY HOT UNDER THE HOOD, WITHIN MINUTES FLAMES IGNITED AND BLACK SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WE RAN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Bmw 335D — 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
- 6
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 3
- Segment avg
- 51
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2011 Bmw 335D