Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 BMW 328xi owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, an odor appeared from the exhaust pipe and under the hood where the engine was located. The contact mentioned that every year the oil was changed at an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve gasket failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. The contact feels unsafe driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with a case number. The dealer was contacted and confirm that no recalls under the VIN. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) as a possible solution to the failure however the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximate 52,202
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine made an abnormal sound, and the vehicle experienced reduced motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The message "Service Engine Soon" was displayed. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced hard started and would vibrate abnormal while started. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated due to a failed O2 sensor. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking excessively from the engine compartment. The contact stated while driving, the 4WD, brakes, and Service engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while the warning lights were illuminated, the cruise control was inoperable. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. Additionally, while driving on several occasions at slow speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,200.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated while the HVAC system was turned on. Additionally, the vehicle jerked and there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe while driving. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine complaints in other 328xi years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 BMW 328xi?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 BMW 328xi, 49% of the model year's 67 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 BMW 328xi engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2011 BMW 328xi, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 BMW 328xi engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.