BMW · M3 · 2011
4
Recalls
41
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2011 BMW M3 has 4 recalls and 41 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: engine (15 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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 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.
Remedy Status
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 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.
Remedy Status
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2011 BMW M3 has 4 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 41 owner-reported complaints for the 2011 BMW M3.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2011 BMW M3.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2011 BMW M3 are engine (15 reports), air bags (9 reports), electrical system (4 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 4 recalls on record for the 2011 BMW M3. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.