BMW 335d Problems by Year

We compared every BMW 335d model year from 2009–2011 using 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 6 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2011, which drew far more complaints than other 335d years at the same age. The best years are 2009 and 2010.

3model years
43complaints
6recalls
2011worst years
2009, 2010best years

Complaints by model year

20092010201141029
Owner complaints per model year, BMW 335d. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2011293.7×6ElectricalCaution
201010−24%5ElectricalAverage
20094−84%4ElectricalGood

* Complaints compared with the median 335d year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common BMW 335d problems

  • Electrical systemworst: 2011
    1944%
  • Air bagsworst: 2011
    1126%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2011
    1126%
  • Seatsworst: 2011
    614%
  • Steeringworst: 2011
    512%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2011
    49%
  • Other / not specified
    37%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2011
    37%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2011
    37%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2010
    25%
  • Brakesworst: 2010
    12%
  • Body & structureworst: 2010
    12%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2011
    12%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2011
    12%

Latest BMW 335d recalls

Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 24V-513 · Jul 3, 2024 · 394,029 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 20V-017 · Jan 15, 2020 · 59,965 vehicles

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,…

Remedy: 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.

Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers

NHTSA recall 19V-472 · Jun 19, 2019 · 16,641 vehicles

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: 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.

Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers

NHTSA recall 18V-314 · May 14, 2018 · 6,591 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2011 BMW 335d vehicles with diesel engines. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade over time, possibly resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.

Remedy: 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 June 29, 2018.

Electrical system › Wiring

NHTSA recall 17V-676 · Oct 25, 2017 · 702,965 vehicles

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.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017.

All 6 BMW 335d recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the BMW 335d should you avoid?

2011 — this year has the most complaints relative to other 335d years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2011.

What is the best year for the BMW 335d?

2009 has the fewest complaints compared with other 335d years at the same age, followed by 2010. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common BMW 335d problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (19), air bags (11) and engine & cooling (11). Electrical complaints peak in the 2011 model year.

How many recalls has the BMW 335d had?

6 recalls across 2009–2011. The model year with the most is 2011. See all BMW 335d recalls by year.

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.