Most common 2011 BMW 335xi problems
Share of the 23 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 335xi complaints by model year
Best 335xi years: 2006, 2014, 2013. Years to avoid: 2008, 2011, 2009. Compare all years →
2011 BMW 335xi recalls (3)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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
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
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.
What 2011 BMW 335xi owners say
Air bags
I purchased my car with the confidence that I was purchasing a superior product to my disappointment when I went to sale this vehicle I was given less for the sale of my car due to this recall I could not get the airbag replaced so I was given less for my car due to this recall my damages are $3000.00 I would like this difference refunded back to me. This is not my fault this is solely the fault of the inferior product I have not contacted an attorney as of yet but if I am not made whole then I will have no other choice but to contact an attorney due to my loss. Thank you, [redacted]
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335xi. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V071000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted (schomp BMW, highlands ranch, co, [phone]) and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Fuel & propulsion system
In the short period of time I've owned my 2011 335xi, I have had to -have the tire pressure monitor reset to factory settings because it kept coming on even though my tires were fine. Disconcerting at best when you're a single woman commuting at high speeds every day on a turnpike in traffic. -continually replace burned out daytime running or rear brake bulbs -deal with an ongoing surge or lurching when I start from a stop, worse when the A/C is on, that repair shops still can't pinpoint -replace the front control arm bushings -replace the water pump and thermostat (and worry about possible engine damage from the overheated engine; car had to be towed on my way home from work) -replace the starter -replace the engine tension belt -I will soon have to replace leaking oil filter housing gasket -and I have a probable radiator leak, as I'm refilling coolant approximately every 4 weeks (to …
I ordered a brand new 2011 BMW 335i xdrive and it was delivered on April 19, 2010. The 2011 model year came out early. On feb 20, 2012 I had a difficult time starting the engine after sitting overnight...it would take too long to start, cranking for a long time. Brought it to BMW in warwick ri and they ran short tests and found nothing wrong. Another time I would smell a strong odor of gasoline and I was not by any gas stations or other cars. Brought it to the same service center and they could not find anything wrong. Another time my car stalled out unexpectedly, but was able to start it again. This week on May 21st 2015 dropped the car off to have another tire replaced because I hit a pothole (8 tires replaced in 34,500 files, 4 replacement tires due to potholes). I also complained about the car taking too long to crank over 1st time in the morning. …
Wheels & tires
On Monday April 9, 2012 while traveling on hagedorn road in east lansing, mi, (approximately 3800 hagedorn road) my BMW hit a pothole that resulted in a split rear rim, damaged front rim and blown tire while traveling at 35 MPH. The pothole was of an 'average' depth for michigan. (pictures can be provided). Interesting is the amount of time (while purchasing the car in December of 2011) that the salesperson tried talking us into purchasing extended warranty coverage for tires and rims. He mentioned that he knew of many customers that had blown tires because of michigan winters and potholes. I declined coverage since my Lexus with similar rims and low profile tires never had a problem during the five years I owned the car in michigan. …
I bought my BMW 335i xdrive brand new...ordered in jan 2010 and delivered on April 19, 2010. Since I've had the car, the front passenger side tire was replaced 3 times (within 20,000 miles) because of pothole damage to the sidewall of the tire. Also, the car required realignment. In August 2012, I had about 22,000 miles on my car and had to replace all of my tires ( except the passenger side left front, since that was the tire that was already replaced 3 times prior to having 22,000 miles on my car) because they were worn out. The Bridgestone run-flats are expensive for my BMW. The cost to replace one front tire was $430. Luckily, I had purchased the tire warranty when I bought my BMW. The warranty was $1,000. I feel I am being ripped off though. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 BMW 335xi a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 335xi rates use caution: 2.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the 335xi at the same age. It is one of the 335xi 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 335xi?
The air bags — 5 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (4) and wheels & tires (3).
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 335xi have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2011 BMW 335xi, the most recent from July 3, 2024 (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 335xi?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 2014 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2011 and 2009. See the full BMW 335xi years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 BMW 335xi problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 38,000 miles; 56% 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.