10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
47,071 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 BMW 335 engine problems

engine problem

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2011 BMW 335 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #48

Sep 202022

335

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Years of my 335D overheating and stalling and dealer cant figure out the issue. I-€™ve replaced injectors, done carbon blasting, replaced nox sensor, replaced whole battery/electrical components. Just recently replaced the all belts, hoses, and egr module to avoid catastrophic results. After removing the components you can see fluids got mixed and even got into my turbo all because of the egr was leaking. So many identical issues resulted in recalls from BMW for almost every single model from early 2000S to new models due to faulty egrs, except the 2011 335D. And of the nearly 1 million vehicles recalled by BMW this year alone, only the 2011 335D is not recalled for faulty PCV and egr which was finally determined by the dealer to be the cause of my overheating, black particles coming from the exhaust, melted plastic under my hood, and disgusting smell from air vents. There are numerous complaints regarding this same exact vehicle with the same exact issues on NHTSA and nothing is being done. Only when these cars catch on fire and result in a casualty will BMW finally add all model types to their recall lists. For now they will keep adding models one by one, pretending they do not have an extremely dangerous issue with all their cars. Ridiculous.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #47

May 262022

335

  • miles
Without any warning, the vehicle experienced a major engine failure while I was driving at about 70 mph on the highway. The vehicle immediately lost power and went into limp mode, making it impossible to safely maintain speed on a busy highway. Vehicle was towed to the dealership and it was determined that it had experienced a VANOS bolts failure on the intake side. Inspection of the failed VANOS bolts revealed that they were of the old design that BMW had issued a Recall for. Even though the Recall status for the vehicle in regard to the VANOS bolts indicates that it was completed, it appears the wrong components had been used in the repair. I have been informed that BMW has denied my request to have the recall done properly with the proper components.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #46

Jan 052022

335 6-cyl

  • miles
2011 BMW 335i Sedan: Please attempt to get my car included in the current recall. I have contacted BMW USA and my local dealership. Both said that my car does not qualify for repair. On a weekly basis, the car produces large amounts of smoke from the engine compartment and enters the passenger compartment through the vents. BMW has stated that there is a fire risk for this year, make, and model but will not address it for my car: [XXX] The check engine light turns on while engine smokes. The BMW Dealership will not inspect the car unless it appears on the recall list. In addition, occasionally, the entire electrical system dies preventing all electronics including the starter from working. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Oak Park, CA, USA

problem #45

Jan 212022

335

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I had just parked and about a minute later, there was a huge amount of smoke coming through the front cabin vents and hood. I immediately turned my car off and opened the hood to find more smoke and hearing popping sounds coming from my catalytic converter. The smoke left residue all over my windshield as well as an unpleasant smell lingering in the car. I emailed my local mechanic and he told me this is likely my PCV and not a VCG leak like I thought it was. This problem had scared me from driving my vehicle again because I was worried a fire would start whether I was in the vehicle or not. I took it to my mechanic to get it repaired and was charged $1700 for it. I had no lights or unusual car prior to this happening

- Draper, UT, USA

problem #44

Aug 062021

335

  • miles
The Vano Housing System bolts all broke off and fell into the engine causing sudden failure and stopping of the vehicle causing it to need to be towed. Upon some researched I learned that in 2014 BMW of North America issued a recall for 2010-2011 BMW 3 series (N55 Engine) Models for this exact defect except apparently my VIN was not included. However, clearly my vehicle should have been included because it sustained damage and could have caused me harm by sudden stoppage. The car is currently being looked at by BMW of Rockville, MD and BMW is attempting to skirt responsibility

- Washington, Dc, DC, USA

problem #43

Nov 272020

335

  • miles
It started may, 2017, when my 335D was idling rough and jerked as I was driving at a slow speed. I took it into crevier BMW in santa ana. The car had 53,000 miles and they said it had carbon build up on the intake manifold and #1 & 5 fuel injector. They replaced the fuel injectors and walnut blast the manifold. Swirl ports, egr and throttle housing cleaned as well. Apr, 2018 58,000 miles, faulty active tank temperature sensor replaced. Aug, 2018 60,000 miles, replaced faulty fuel injectors #2,3,4,5 and faulty cam sensor. Jan, 2019 64,000 car running rough at idle. Started using fuel injector cleaner in fuel tank. This stopped the rough idle. Car runs rough every time if I don't add the injector cleaner. March 2020 73,000 miles, intake manifold removed and walnut blast again. Replaced both faulty nox sensors. Faulty codes on air mass intake. Nov 2020 76,000 miles, faulty fuel injectors # 1,2,4, #5 glow plug, mass/volume air flow, intake temperature sensor. Did not pass smog. Took to dealer and they could not figure out what to repair to get it to pass smog. Very frustrated...

- Orange, CA, USA

problem #42

Oct 162020

335

  • 81,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Well maintained vehicle with approximately 81,000 miles when the rod bearing broke. BMW has a record of rod bearing failures and recalls. BMW is not helping in my case and from my research there has been rod bearing failures in the same year and model as mine. I was driving when I heard knocking in the engine. I pulled over, had to be towed ajd BMW said the rod bearing went. They said it just went. Plenty of oil in the engine so it wasn't that. I was going about 60 mph when all of this happened

- Parker, CO, USA

problem #41

Jun 302020

335

  • 129,000 miles
Vanos bolts backed out after recall service replacement completed. Vehicle went into safe mode on the freeway suddenly.

- Edmonds, WA, USA

problem #40

Dec 132019

335

  • 78,250 miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. While driving 55 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle began to hesitate and seize. The vehicle was towed to fields BMW South orlando (located at 9750 S orange blossom trail, orlando, fl 32837, (407) 956-6300) where it was diagnosed with needing the engine block replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 14V176000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer has been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 78,250.

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

problem #39

Aug 062019

335

  • 82,000 miles
The high pressure fuel pump (hpfp) on this model 335is continues to fail after time. The N54 motor was initially released in 2007-2009 and then replaced with the N55. The hpfp on the 2007-2009 models have now an extended warranty due to high failure rates. BMW re-released this engine in the 2011-2013 335is models only, and they continue to have the same concern as the first set of vehicles. At 54K miles, my vehicle at highway speeds of 65mph lost power and forced me to drive across three lanes of traffic to pull over. The engine computer stated "engine loss of power, drive with caution. It may be possible to continue. Take your vehicle to the nearest BMW service facility." At 82K miles, I was driving the vehicle on a city street and the same warnings appeared again. "engine loss of power, drive with caution. It may be possible to continue. Take your vehicle to the nearest BMW service facility." Hpfp failure has loss of power, engine in "limp" mode, initial cold crank lag at startup, misfires in all cylinders, and "check engine light" illuminated.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #38

Jul 272015

335

  • 54,325 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The high pressure fuel pump (hpfp) on this model 335is continues to fail after time. The N54 motor was initially released in 2007-2009 and then replaced with the N55. The hpfp on the 2007-2009 models have now an extended warranty due to high failure rates. BMW re-released this engine in the 2011-2013 335is models only, and they continue to have the same concern as the first set of vehicles. At 54K miles, my vehicle at highway speeds of 65mph lost power and forced me to drive across three lanes of traffic to pull over. The engine computer stated "engine loss of power, drive with caution. It may be possible to continue. Take your vehicle to the nearest BMW service facility." At 82K miles, I was driving the vehicle on a city street and the same warnings appeared again. "engine loss of power, drive with caution. It may be possible to continue. Take your vehicle to the nearest BMW service facility." Hpfp failure has loss of power, engine in "limp" mode, initial cold crank lag at startup, misfires in all cylinders, and "check engine light" illuminated.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #37

Jun 032019

335

  • 77,000 miles
I've had to replace the egr module to avoid catastrophic results. An identical issues resulted in a recall from BMW for diesels from other years: Https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/BMW-recalls-diesel-cars-and-SUVS-for-fire-risk/. however, BMW has chosen not to expand the recall to cover this engine failure in all of the diesels. It's potentially only a matter of time before this starts to show up with increased frequency.

- Kensington, CA, USA

problem #36

Apr 182019

335

  • 87,000 miles
I was driving in a parking lot at about 5mph, and the vehicle suddenly stopped on its own while I was still pressing the accelerator. I continued to press the accelerator, but the vehicle would not move. After 3 or 4 minutes of trying to determine what the issue was, I put the car in park and restarted the engine. The car was able to accelerate once I turned the car off and restarted. If this would have happened while in traffic, it would have put many people at risk. No one was harmed because I was in a walmart parking lot traveling at 5mph when the car stalled, but I am unsure what caused this to occur. This situation seems to be related to the national highway traffic administration's recall number 14V176000, as it describes what I experienced while driving the vehicle.

- Chapel Hill, NC, USA

problem #35

Dec 122018

335

  • 107,000 miles
Engine seized 10 miles after oil filter housing gasket was replaced. Car has 107K miles and has been meticulously maintained. Now I'm going to have to spend from $8K-$10K for a new engine. Never received a warning light. From what I've been reading, this is not uncommon after that specific job is done and the gasket starts leaking around 100K so it is necessary to address.

- New Fairfield, CT, USA

problem #34

Jul 202018

335

  • 60,000 miles
The vehicle continues to stahl and now the dealer said it was the high/low fuel pumps and injectors which cost more than the vehicle. I am stuck making payments this car is junk and the car needs to be recalled...... every month I have a problem since October the vehicle has been in the shop 12 times. The injectors, fuel pump I was told the catalytic converter, injectors and now fuel pump

- Bear, DE, USA

problem #33

Aug 172018

335

  • 70,000 miles
The car is in the shop every week I have had it towed 12 times since May. I took it in for the recall (electrical issued recently) the vehicle ran great, now the dealership says I need 3 new injectors. The injectors are bad. I am reading reviews and others stated their BMW's need new injectors. So is their a recall for injectors I did not see? the car stahled while I was driving it stopped in the middle of the road.

- Bear, DE, USA

problem #32

Jul 302018

335

  • 72,000 miles
Water pump failure occurred at 72,000 miles. Part is a costly repair, and BMW will quote $1800 to replace. Car warning on idrive system stated 'engine too hot, pull over and shut engine off.' Loss of power at potential highway speeds is a safety concern.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #31

Apr 212018

335

  • miles
Heater blower wiring recall

- Temple Hills, MD, USA

problem #30

Mar 072018

335

  • 94,000 miles
Car stalled multiple times while driving. Each time it was a sudden death while driving. Every time got lucky that I was not followed by a truck and no one hit me from behind. Dealer replaced engine earlier, diesel pump and now dealer said reported all injectors failed. History: 1/5/17 - car stalled while in motion on city street - speed 30/hr 3/3/17 - car stalled again while in motion on highway - 50/hr 5/20/17 - check engine light - no stalling 5/31/17 - car stalled - on city street at red light. 2/13/18 - car stalled while driving - speed 50/hr 3/1/18 - car stalled - speed 15/hr - after stopping and starting at red light in city street. Downhill. No break. Started rolling down. Used hand brake. 3/7/18 - car stalled while driving in snow city street - speed 25 /hr repairs: 5/23/17 - egr cooler, injectors replaced 5/31 - 6/18 - car was at dealer and engine, intake manifold replaced. 2/13/18 - diesel pump replaced. 3/7/18 - car is with dealer - reports multiple injector failure

- Park Ridge, NJ, USA

problem #29

Mar 072018

335

  • 28 miles
Car stalled multiple times while driving in the middle of the road while driving. Every time got luck and no one hit me from behind. Dealer replaced engine, diesel pump and now reported all injectors failed.

- Park Ridge, NJ, USA

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