2011 BMW 135i

Routine

Owners filed 27 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 6 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine10
101
Electrical System7
020
Air Bags6
000
Fuel/Propulsion System2
000
Power Train1
000
Fuel System, Gasoline1
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V017000
Filed Jan 15, 202059,965 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. 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, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical System › Wiring19V579000
Filed Aug 6, 201941,981 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.

Risk. Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.

Power Train › Driveline › Constant Velocity Joint17V067000
Filed Feb 2, 20178,752 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.

Risk. If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V071000
Filed Feb 5, 2016840,000 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine14V176000
Filed Apr 10, 2014156,137 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.

Risk. If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers13V044000
Filed Feb 7, 2013516,791 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Risk. If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Mar 25, 202666,800 milesTX

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 contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V579000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 66,800.

Engine
Filed Sep 26, 2024NC

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! This needs to be covered by BMW! We've taken it to the mechanic who said this needs to be towed to the dealership due to the recall and because of the specific issue but once at the dealership, where it's sitting now, they are saying due to vin not popping up, they can't cover it as well as BMW's customer service line but this is SERIOUS and needs to be covered!

Engine
Filed Jan 20, 2024NM

The vanos bolts failed.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 7, 2022VA

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.

Engine
Filed Feb 23, 2022TN

Sudden catastrophic engine shutdown After 3weeks of investigation came back as bad crank posisition sensor

Electrical System
Filed Jul 11, 2021TX

The headlights are failing due to wiring rotting and falling aaprt inside the headlight units similar to the wiring failure in the blower motor

Engine
Filed Apr 16, 202088,000 milesMI

ROD BEARINGS FAILURE WHICH COULD CAUSE ENGINE SEIZING WHILE DRIVING.

Engine
Filed Jan 14, 202056,300 milesHI

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 SURGE FORWARD. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS VEHICLE. SHAME ON BMW FOR NOT RECALLING ALLOF THESE MODELS!

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 12, 201973,000 milesCA

HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE - CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 5, 2019110,000 milesMA

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 TO PUT SO THROTTLE INTO IT. IT'S HESITATES/STUTTERS. THEN SERVICE ENGINE SOON AND CEL LIGHT COME ONE. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IS THE CULPRIT. SAME TYPE OF PROBLEMS I HAD ON MY N54 MOTOR. I THOUGHT BMW FIXED THIS ISSUE. GUESS THEY NEED A RECALL ON THESE AS WELL.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 6, 201956,900 milesCA

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 OCCURRED AND I AGAIN TOOK IT TO THE SAME DEALER WHO NOW ADVISED ME I NEEDED THE "HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP " REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF $1750. THIS CAR HAS 57,000 MILES. I AM AWARE THERE WERE RECALLS ON THE SAME VEHICLES IN THE YEARS PRECEDING 2011 AND WONDER IF THE PROBLEM CONTINUED WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AS LOSING POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IS DANGEROUS.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 20, 201875,000 milesWA

BLOWER MOWER WIRING OVERHEATING AND BURNING/CORRODING WHILE FAN WAS ON LOW SPEED.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 20, 2018100,000 milesCA

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 TERMINALS ARE PLACED IS THE SAME EXACT SPOT AS THE 3 SERIES. THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF FROM VOLTAGE SPIKES WHEN DRIVING AND CAUSE SPARKS AND ARCHING NOISES WHERE THERE NEG AND POS WIRES MEET CAUSING BOTH OF THE WIRING HOUSINGS TO MELT AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. I HAVE TAKEN OFF THE KICK PANEL THAT COVERS THE WIRES AND NOTICED THE KICK PANEL ITSELF WAS BURNT AND MELTED. I HAVE TALKED TO MANY OTHER 1 SERIES OWNERS AND THEY ALSO HAVE THIS ISSUE BUT IT'S NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE BECAUSE THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY INJURE OR KILL SOMEONE.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 20, 201820,000 milesNJ

FAN BLOWER WIRE CAN CATCH FIRE, BMW 3 SERIES E90 2006 TO 2013 ALREADY GOT THE RECALL DONE, PLEASE RECALL THIS.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 26, 2018126,000 milesAZ

SOMETIMES THE BLOWER MOTOR WILL NOT WORK AT THE SPEED SELECTED. A FEW TIMES HAVE SMELLED A ODD BURNT PLASTIC SMELL. BMW WON'T HELP THIS ISSUE AS THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS CERTAIN MODEL. I HAVE TOOK THE TIME TO ACTUALLY DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. WIRING TO BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR MODULE AFFECTED. CANNOT EVEN UNPLUG THE CONNECTION. HAS BROWN AREAS ON THE RESISTER BY GROUND WIRE OF SIGNS OF EXTREME HEAT.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 26, 2018NC

WATER PUMP AND MUCH MORE

Air Bags
Filed Jun 3, 2017NJ

TAKATA RECALL NEVER PERFORMED

Air Bags
Filed Apr 10, 2017GA

RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER MARCH 2016.SIX MONTHS LATER A QUICK FIX. TALK TO BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS

Air Bags
Filed Mar 3, 2017FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 27, 201618,000 milesFL

TAKATA RECALL I LIVE IN A GULF STATE, SARASOTA COUNTY. RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL IN MARCH 2016. IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED DEALER. AGAIN IN APRIL. THEY WERE TO CALL ME TO INSTALL NEW AIRBAG. OCT 24 CONTACTED DEALER AGAIN. NO RETURN CALL AS PROMISED. CALLED 10/27 AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ORIGINAL LIST OF RECALLED BMW'S FROM MARCH WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND SINCE I HAD CALLED IN AGAIN THEY WOULD NOW PUT BE ON A LIST FOR THE SAFETY RECALL. THIS CONTINUING DELAY AND GAME PLAYING ON THE PART OF BMW NORTH AMERICA AND MY DEALER BMW OF SARASOTA IS UNACCEPTABLE. IF I HADN'T CALLED AGAIN I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN BUT ON THEIR "LIST" FOR THE PART TO BE ORDERED. NO OTHER ASSISTANCE IS OFFERED BY THE DEALER. MY SAFETY IS AT RISK AS I CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS DEFECTIVE VEHICLE.

20 of 27 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201312210Routine
201219600Routine
2011 — this page27620Routine
201015400Routine
200929400Routine
200851420Routine
20071000Routine

Compare every 135i year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 15, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.