2011 Bmw 135i Problems
Shopping for a used 2011 Bmw 135i? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 66 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2011 Bmw 135i has 66 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2011 Bmw 135i Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2011 Bmw 135i trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2011 Bmw 135i Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2011 BMW 135 I 2 DR RWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Bmw 135i has 66 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Bmw
- Model
- 135i
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 66
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 28
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2011 Bmw 135i problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2011 Bmw 135i?
The 2011 Bmw 135i shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2011 Bmw 135i
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags.
- Request service records for engine and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags.
- Request service records for engine and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 Bmw 135i, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2011 BMW 135i are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, engine problems, and electrical faults, with a low number of crash-related reports. The data suggests potential issues with safety systems and powertrain reliability, though confidence is low due to limited sample size.
- Airbag malfunctions account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Engine problems and electrical faults are also frequently reported.
- Only one crash-related complaint was recorded out of 66 total complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
Full breakdown
All 2011 Bmw 135i complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Bmw 135i. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 18 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 16 | — | 3 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Bmw 135i. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 c…
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! Th…
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 SU…
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 …
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 NOT…
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 T…
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 OCCURR…
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 T…
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 TE…
FAN BLOWER WIRE CAN CATCH FIRE, BMW 3 SERIES E90 2006 TO 2013 ALREADY GOT THE RECALL DONE, PLEASE RECALL THIS.
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 BOL…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Bmw 135i.
Safety recalls
2011 Bmw 135i recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Bmw 135i. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2011 Bmw 135i buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Bmw 135i reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 66 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 Bmw 135i shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Bmw 135i?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (22 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (18 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (16 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Bmw 135i?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Bmw 135i?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Bmw 135i, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 66 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Bmw 135i have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Bmw 135i. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2011 Bmw 135i?▾
The 2011 Bmw 135i shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Bmw 135i reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2011 Bmw 135i based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.