Most common 2011 BMW 328 problems
Share of the 37 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 328 complaints by model year
Best 328 years: 2007, 2008. Years to avoid: 2011. Compare all years →
2011 BMW 328 recalls (1)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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…
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2011 BMW 328:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2011 BMW 328 owners say
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 declared a "total loss." I have had 5 cars and 2 of them were BMW 3 series. My 2007 BMW never had a problem. I've never had an accident before this one and am confident driving in the rain. I do not feel that my BMW performed like it should have. I did not suffer "serious" injuries but am having to go to a chiroprator and get deep tissue massage twice weekly. I'm not sure if the airbags would have helped my situation (I hit my head and am having what I'm sure are "normal" problems after an auto accident.)
I called the dealership (motorworks BMW in bloomington mn) regarding two open recalls (pcv heater and air bag) they told me that the airbag was not affected but they would repair the pcv heater. I am more concerned about the air bag as it is related to crash safety.
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owned a 2011 BMW 328. While driving at an unknown speed, there was a burning odor entering the vehicle. The contact noticed a spark followed by a flame underneath the dashboard. The contact pulled over and exited the vehicle. A police and fire report were filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The fire department was unable to diagnose how the fire originated. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
I have a BMW 328i series 2011 4 door sedan vehicle ) I purchased my car 2018 April and since the 1 st day it has given me electrical problems diagnostics nor any mechanic have found soultion the vehicles battery suddenly drains I have gotten 5 new batterys replaced because they end up being bad and I always have a drained battery after 3 or less hours of recently usage also the vehicle in various occasion turns of in the freeway ,while driving in the street etc. When it shutsdown lights flicker ,and in dashboard theirs shortage noise and in the dashboard the ground picture with the vehicle is red (no check engine ) my brake light is permanently on then after 1-2 min car turns on completly well and the ground logo with the vechile is yellow but it can turn of and do the same in 1-3 min or sometimes it wont do it until 4 hr or the next day but it is a constant thing everytime I drive the …
Seat belts
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 328. The contact stated that the seat belt sensor detected an occupant in the passenger seat when it was unoccupied. The dealer diagnosed that the sensor malfunctioned due to the heat from the leather seat. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Takata airbag problems on the passenger side of the vechicle. When I bought this car from the third party dealership, 'chase autoplex' he resetted the settings everything was working properly, but after getting home, the next day my car showed airbag problems. When I called him, he said he can't help me out with it. So my question is that, if you guys can help me get a recall on this airbag, so I don't have to spent money on it myself, I will appreciate it. Thanks
2011 BMW 328 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 28 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 BMW 328 a good car?
Based on 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 328 rates avoid: 4.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the 328 at the same age. It is one of the 328 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 BMW 328?
The air bags — 13 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (9) and seat belts (4).
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 328 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2011 BMW 328, the most recent from February 5, 2016 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 328?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011. See the full BMW 328 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 BMW 328 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 68,000 miles; 32% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.