- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
2011 BMW 135I Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 66 complaints about the 2011 BMW 135I with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (22) and the engine & cooling (18). Those complaints describe 1 crash, 4 fires and 1 injury. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in January 2020 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2010 has 0 and the 2012 has 19.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 135I year, for its age
#114 most complained-about 2011 vehicle
- Complaints
- 66
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2011 BMW 135I problems
Share of all 66 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2011 BMW 135I recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
- The risk
- Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
- The fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.
- The problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
- The risk
- If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
- The risk
- If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
- The problem
- BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
- The risk
- If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
What owners say
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66 complaints about the 2011 BMW 135I
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 135I. The contact stated that the A/C system and the blower motor were intermittently inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the blower motor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V579000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 66,800.
BMW Series 135I2011 - Engine/Vanos bolts failed/failing! When it's started, you can total tell there is an issue with it...Car is basically NON-Drivable due to this condition due to safety concerns! The vin is not being covered by the recall due to but this is a SERIOUS issue! This needs to be covered by BMW! We've taken it to the mechanic who said this needs to be towed to the dealership due to the recall and because of the specific issue but once at the dealership, where it's sitting now, they are saying due to vin not popping up, they can't cover it as well as BMW's customer service line but this is SERIOUS and needs to be covered!
the vanos bolts failed.
I had two situations in which my car would unexpectedly lurch forward after coming to a complete stop with my foot on the brake pedal, and another case in which I could not place the vehicle in park with the DCT Shift lever malfunctioning and making the car undrivable.
Sudden catastrophic engine shutdown After 3weeks of investigation came back as bad crank posisition sensor
The headlights are failing due to wiring rotting and falling aaprt inside the headlight units similar to the wiring failure in the blower motor
Rod bearings failure which could cause engine seizing while driving.
Vehicle hesitates when pressing the accelerator when passing vehicles or merging into traffic on the highway nearly causing collision with other vehicles. Check engine light comes on when when vehicle is accelerating 99% of the time. When vehicle is stopped vehicle will try to surge forward. Extremely dangerous vehicle. Shame on bmw for not recalling allof these models!
High pressure fuel pump failure - car went into limp mode while driving on a city street.
On june 18th,i purchased the vehicle. On june 19th I was in route transporting my daughter to college when the vehicle began to severely smoke underneath the hood. A state trooper informed me that the vehicle could catch on fire if it was continuously driven. I had the car towed home (chicago, il). Contact was made with the dealership. The owner [[redacted]] had another tow truck pick the vehicle up. He assured me that the problem would be fixed. They called me 4 days later and stated that the car was ready....
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Within a week the car was smoking again. The dealership was notified. I was told to bring the car back in. I did so they kept the car for 2 weeks. The owner [[redacted]] then called me july 24,2019 stating that the mechanic says the vehicle is repaired and why is it that I'm bringing it back. I tried explaining to him that the car is not fixed and that there is proof (a video and pictures). He became upset when I told him that and blatantly told me that he wasn't fixing anything and next time not to buy a used car. With hanging up in my face. I would greatly appreciate the help if it is possible. Thank you, [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
I just had the bolts on both the (intake and exhaust replaced) this is listed in the unspecified recall and no one notified me on this recall I drive the 2011 128i series coupe and this cost me out of pocket $1,800 dollars to replace, what I do not understand is why I was not notified of this I could have been in a serious accident and also I have 2 other recall issues that are happening to my car the air bag the signal keeps coming on and off and also the pcv valve off and on I smell something burning I do hope...
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someone can contact me so I can get these recalls fix now I am really scared this is a matter of life and death. I have my receipt of me getting the bolts issue fixed and requesting a refund
I bring in to longbeach bmw dealers and they mass up the car and they wanted 10,000 dallors to fixed it and I only bring to in for recalls I don't let me pick up the car
I have been having misfires. First cylinder 3&5. Changed all plugs and coil packs. Ran well for a couple days. Then boom. Misfires again. Long cold start cranks. I can bring the rpms all the way up to redline as long as I don't step on the throttle more than 25%. As son as I go to put so throttle into it. It's hesitates/stutters. Then service engine soon and cel light come one. The high pressure fuel pump is the culprit. Same type of problems I had on my n54 motor. I thought bmw fixed this issue. Guess they need a recall on these as well.
Two times within a year the vehicle has experienced a reduction of power and the check engine light came on. On 4-3-18 I took the vehicle to the modesto bmw dealer and was advised I needed the fuel pump replaced which I did spending $1355. Late in december the same problem occurred and I again took it to the same dealer who now advised me I needed the "high pressure fuel pump " replaced to the tune of $1750. This car has 57,000 miles. I am aware there were recalls on the same vehicles in the years preceding 2011 and wonder if the problem continued without resolution. This is a safety problem as losing power at highway speeds is dangerous.
The car was moving at highway speed with ac running. Smoke plumed from vents and under front passenger footwell. Electrical fire stemming from blower motor final stage unit and wiring harness.
The vehicle was in motion and the blower motor resistor harness began to smoke heavily. The a/c stopped working. I pulled over and disconnected the wiring harness and pulled the fuse. The wires melted, the connector melted, and the resistor is broken. After some research I see that bmw has recalled other cars for this exact same issue, but not the 1 series.
Fan blower wire can catch fire, bmw 3 series e90 2006 to 2013 already got the recall done, please recall this.
Blower mower wiring overheating and burning/corroding while fan was on low speed.
The same blower motor wiring issue in the bmw 3 series thats causing them to catch on fire and burn to the ground. I have compared the problem with another 3 series with the same exact issue. Although the wiring part number is different, the plug and where the negative and pos terminals are placed is the same exact spot as the 3 series. The car will shut off from voltage spikes when driving and cause sparks and arching noises where there neg and pos wires meet causing both of the wiring housings to melt and...
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potentially cause a fire. I have taken off the kick panel that covers the wires and noticed the kick panel itself was burnt and melted. I have talked to many other 1 series owners and they also have this issue but it's not on the recall list. I believe it should be because this is a very dangerous problem that can potentially injure or kill someone.
The high pressure fuel pump has failed and been replaced multiple times. It begins with the car taking much longer to crank and start. Then it completely fails potentially while driving, creating a safety issue, or will no longer start. The hpfp is easily replaced with just 3 bolts holding it to the side of the motor. Any competent shop can replace it in a couple hours at the most. The problem is exacerbated and made extremely frustrating by the service centers refusing to address the obvious problem. Instead they...
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feign ignorance while hundreds of thousands of these are replaced after having replaced numerous other things. These other distractions are all more time consuming to replace and the root defective high pressure fuel pump is the last thing to be addressed when it should be the first and quickest. Every time once this has been replaced, it has been fixed right away. It is often that it will last for a few months or few thousand miles before failing again. Bmw needs to properly design and replace these dangerous failing units on n55 and other 3.0L turbo direct injection motors.
WATER PUMP AND MUCH MORE
Sometimes the blower motor will not work at the speed selected. A few times have smelled a odd burnt plastic smell. Bmw won't help this issue as there is no recall on this certain model. I have took the time to actually diagnose the issue. Wiring to blower motor resistor module affected. Cannot even unplug the connection. Has brown areas on the resister by ground wire of signs of extreme heat.
ASD
Positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve heater
TAKATA RECALL
BMW 135I: every year compared
All 135I years2011 BMW 135I vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW 135I | 66 | 6 | F | |
| 2011 BMW 328I | 686 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2011 BMW 328I Xdrive | 686 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2011 BMW 128I | 92 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2011 BMW 325I | 1 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2011 BMW 323I | 1 | 2 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2011 BMW 135I
Does the 2011 BMW 135I have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2011 BMW 135I: inflator module (January 2020); wiring (August 2019); constant velocity joint (February 2017); inflator module (February 2016) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 135I?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (22), engine & cooling (18), electrical system (16).
How many complaints has the 2011 BMW 135I had?
66 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 6, 2010 and the latest on March 25, 2026. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 4 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 2011 BMW 135I a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 4 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical BMW 135I year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which BMW 135I years have the most complaints?
2011 (66), 2012 (19), 2013 (15). See every BMW 135I year compared.
What should I do if my 2011 BMW 135I has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data