2011 BMW 1-Series BMW 1-Series 2011

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2011 BMW 1-Series repairs by problem area

Engine (36%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (5%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (4%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (28%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (16%)

Other (5%)

Chart based on 148 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2011 BMW 1-Series.

2011 BMW 1-Series repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (12%)

$500 - $999 (2%)

$100 - $499 (22%)

< $100 (62%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 92 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2011 BMW 1-Series

Engine not specified

BMW 1-Series in Ireland
Dec 2016 - Jul 2018
Jan 2017

123380 mi

€3500
turbo replaced 

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2011 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe

turbocharged 335hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 1-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2012 - Mar 2014
Sep 2013

6000 mi
Wastegate rattle. 
BMW 1-Series in New York, United States
Aug 2011 - Sep 2015
Oct 2011

1000 mi
The air conditioning didn't work because an O-ring was chipped allowing the Freon-equivalent to escape. 
Dec 2013

29000 mi
high pressure fuel pump failed. Replaced. 
BMW 1-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2018 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018

38000 mi

US $80
Window washer system lines clogged. 
BMW 1-Series in Districto Federal, Mexico
Sep 2011 - Mar 2017
Sep 2012

9300 mi
A fuel injector failed and was replaced under warranty. 
Aug 2013

14960 mi

$600
Fouled spark plugs. 
Jun 2014

17980 mi
Check engine came on, cylinder 6 misfire, rough engine running. Went away after turning the car off than back on. 

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2011 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 7-speed automated manual RWD

BMW 1-Series in Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Jan 2011 - Dec 2012
Jun 2011

2480 mi
rear seat tray rattle 
Dec 2012

6820 mi
rear seat tray rattle still present when sold 
BMW 1-Series in Texas, United States
Mar 2017 - Aug 2021
Jun 2017

53000 mi

US $1500
Oil filter gasket housing replaced Transmission pan replaced because it was leaking Transmission reprogrammed because the DCT transmission was jerky at low speeds or while coming to a stop. The revs would build up and fall down. Software was updated to fix the problem. Sway bar bushings needed to be replaced. The serpentine belt was replaced along with the idler pulley as it had oil on it due to a leaky oil filter gasket. Front sway bar links replaced 
Sep 2017

54000 mi
Code for a leak in turbo. Also slight smell of burning oil, which might explain why the car needed 2 qts of oil one fine day. Battery would not hold a charge despite being on a battery tender for a while. Was fine before it went into the dealership for the first set of repairs. Replaced with a new battery. FRM module needs to be replaced. Code thrown for passenger side window short. The window would forget the height it needs to be at and thus wouldn't drop a little bit when the door was opened. Aux fan not working. Aux fan pulling in more current than expected. 
Apr 2018

58000 mi

US $150
Got a "Engine Overheating: Drive Moderately" message while driving at 60mph with the A/C on. Pulled over, let the car cool for 15 minutes and message went away. Took to shop and got water pump, coolant hose and thermostat replaced. Water pump was covered under 3rd party warranty. 
Feb 2019

64000 mi
Oil seepage. Gaskets replaced Heater core replaced.  Car would take a long time to crank. Fuel pump found to be defective and replaced. Suspension replaced all arounmd Coolant tank cracked causing slow leakage of coolant. Replaced Blower motor making a loud noise. Replaced. 
Aug 2021

68000 mi

US $1100
Passenger side wheel speed sensor replaced Alternator replaced since it stopped working 
BMW 1-Series in Texas, United States
Jun 2010 - May 2013
Feb 2011

7000 mi
Fixed pass. side mirror squeak when using the power folding feature. 
BMW 1-Series in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2010 - May 2013
Jan 2011

5580 mi
Satellite radio became inoperative, Car spent 2 days in shop for repair. Appears to have been a software issue, reprogrammed. Loaner car provided 
Aug 2011

10540 mi
Third brake light assembly, lense cracked then broke off. Repaired no cost . Informed "common problem" Battery replaced and upgraded to 90AH. Bulletin641 81 11 0061380300. Software recoded Mirror and Nozzle heater full coding performed no apparent issue prior to visit 
BMW 1-Series in Texas, United States
Aug 2010 - Jul 2013
Oct 2010

3000 mi
Reflashed, Oil Change CHMSL replaced Seat Back Remote Release Secured 
BMW 1-Series in British Columbia, Canada
Sep 2015 - Oct 2016
Sep 2015

52080 mi
Charge induction pipe broken (feeds air to turbocharger) repaired under warranty 
Oct 2015

52580 mi

C $213
Water pump failed (pump repaired under warranty) Thermostat replaced at same time (thermostat not covered by warranty) 
BMW 1-Series in Texas, United States
Sep 2010 - Oct 2012
Jul 2012

24300 mi
A/C was not cooling nor was drivers seat heater functioning to satisfaction of owner. 
Sep 2012

26000 mi
upgraded engine computer 

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2011 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 1-Series in Colorado, United States
Sep 2011 - Mar 2012
Oct 2011

11000 mi
3rd brake light, common issue that dealer did acknowledge, even had it in stock it was so common. No questions asked, easy repair. Went in for the stereo amp going out and displaying "hi temp". This is while heater is on full blast when it is very cold out, after about 20 minutes of driving, that's when it happens. Dealer couldnt duplicate even though I had a picture. 
Mar 2012

15000 mi
Still having issue with head unit reporting "hi temp" and shutting off. Driver side heated seat randomly comes on, dealer could not replicate. 
BMW 1-Series in Tennessee, United States
Dec 2010 - Jul 2014
May 2011

14000 mi
Repaired radio. 
Sep 2013

47000 mi
Under warranty. An aluminum screw near the cams cracked and car went into limp mode. Took it to dealer and they fixed it up properly. 
Feb 2014

49000 mi
A belt was squeaking. 
BMW 1-Series in Arizona, United States
Aug 2017 - Jun 2022
Feb 2022

79000 mi

US $179
Valvetronic servo recalibration. 
May 2022

82000 mi

US $150
Front tension arms 
BMW 1-Series in Alberta, Canada
Nov 2010 - Dec 2015
Jan 2011

620 mi
Wind noise near B-pillar at about door handle level. Adjusted window to reduce wind noise (but not completely eliminate). Unknown emissions system reprogramming. 
Oct 2011

2480 mi
Wind noise again. Not willing to replace door seals, and no further adjustment of window pressure available. Will have to live with minor (or normal?) wind noise. Center console squeak / rattle. Dealer acknowledged problem, but didn't correct as I didn't want the console torn apart. Will consider at year-end oil change visit. 
Jan 2012

3100 mi
Replaced center armrest due to creaking diagnosed in Oct 2011. 
Apr 2012

3720 mi
Power steering hose failed, possibly damaged by dealer during performance suspension install. Replaced under warranty, but significant delay as part was ordered from Germany. 
Dec 2012

7440 mi

C $70
Creaking at base of windshield 
Feb 2013

7840 mi
Continuing rattles and creaks at base of windshield. 
BMW 1-Series in North Carolina, United States
Jul 2010 - Oct 2014
Aug 2010

2000 mi
Intake sensor 
Feb 2011

10000 mi
Trunk lid tail light cracked and popped out of trunk lid. Common problem on 128/135 BMWs. 
Sep 2011

20000 mi
Broken 3rd brake light. Replaced 
Mar 2013

33000 mi
3rd brake light broken again. This time, dealer said there was a TSB for this and replaced the light again 
Feb 2014

46000 mi
Third brakelight broken again. Light pops out of trunk lid and will eventually come out if not repaired. This is 3rd brake light they have replaced under warranty 
Jun 2014

51000 mi
Car died after coming home from routine air filter and brake fluid change. Died mid start, couldn't close door or turn on hazard lights because there was no battery at all after attempting start 

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2011 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 1-Series in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2016 - Jun 2022
Mar 2016

50220 mi

C $450
Cylinder 2 Coil was causing misfires. Replaced coil and all spark plugs. 
Jan 2018

72540 mi

C $1700
Engine was overheating. Replaced water pump, and thermostat. Replaced and programmed for new battery as it failed load test. Had oil changed. 
Jun 2022

102300 mi

C $750
Replaced valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket. 
BMW 1-Series in California, United States
Mar 2014 - Jun 2018
Mar 2014

27000 mi
The air vents turned white very suddenly. I have never seen this happen in a car before. Dealer recommended I park it in the sun but the change was to sudden to be fading from the sun. Very weird. 
BMW 1-Series in Texas, United States
Sep 2014 - Jul 2018
Nov 2014

45900 mi
front center console losing color. Dealer replaced it 
Dec 2017

61000 mi

US $85
Both sensors broke 
BMW 1-Series in Ohio, United States
Mar 2015 - Dec 2016
Nov 2015

44400 mi

US $200
hesitation upon acceleration, code thrown for cylinder 1 misfire. Replaced all spark plugs and switched coils in attempt to isolate any bad coils. Now runs fine. 
Oct 2016

53500 mi

US $180
Engine misfire in cylinder 3, replaced all coils and cylinder 3 spark plug (had replaced spark plugs previously) 
BMW 1-Series in Arizona, United States
Jul 2013 - Dec 2016
Jul 2014

21200 mi
Raised carpet on passenger side door trim, aluminum trim on dash front loose, both repaired. 
Oct 2016

34200 mi

US $50
A/c evaporator replaced, would have been 2500 but for cpo coverage. 
BMW 1-Series in California, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2018
Sep 2010

2141 mi
Sunroof glass delaminating-Dealer replaced the glass. 
Feb 2011

4954 mi
Bug in the right rear tail light. 
Jul 2011

7933 mi
Rattle in passenger sie A Pillar. Fix was to replace missing felt pad at base of A Pillar. 
Aug 2011

8571 mi
A/C Intermittently failing. Fix was replacing A/C Expansion Valve. 
Jul 2012

15300 mi
With proximity key, doors should automatically relock if you walk away from the car, but don't. It would have taken the better half of the day to fix and I didn't have the time. 
Dec 2012

20000 mi

US $1548
Automatic doors did not automatically relock if not opened and told to open. Car computer systems given a manual reset by the technician. System now works. 
May 2013

23500 mi
Drivers side seat belt jammed. Entire assembly was replaced under warranty. 
Jun 2013

25000 mi
Water splashed on my right foot while on the gas pedal during a right turn. 
Jan 2014

21700 mi
Cell shorted on battery Two days after battery replacement, ignition coils on cylinders 4 and 6 failed. Mechanic said two failures were not related, but I am not so sure about it. 
Jun 2014

31000 mi
Oil pump seal leaking. Car is part of recall, needs 4 vanos housing bolts replaced. No direction from BMW North America for dealer to perform recall yet. 
Aug 2014

32000 mi
Had schrader valves leaking. Valves were replaced and system recharged. 
Dec 2014

34000 mi
EXHAUST VANOS UNIT BOLT BROKEN, REPLACED EXHAUST VANOS UNIT AND REPLACED BOTH FOR INTAKE UNIT AS PER SIB 11 07 14 D.C 00 11 35 03 00 … NECESSARY TO REMOVE EXHAUST CAMSHAFT TO REMOVE BROKEN HEAD BOLT FROM ENGINE. 
Mar 2015

35000 mi

US $50
DMTL Pump Failed 
Apr 2015

35300 mi

US $97
Evaporator had to be replaced 
May 2016

42400 mi
#1 Ignition Coil Failed. 3rd Failed Coil in last 3 years. Dealer replaced all 6 ignition coils. 
Jun 2016

43000 mi

US $185
My key FOB went bad and would not let me unlock the car. Took 2 trips (1 to get new key and 1 to reprogram the car) 
Mar 2018

54000 mi
PCV Valve Heater replaced due to fire hazard Valve Cover Seals Leaking 
BMW 1-Series in California, United States
Oct 2010 - Nov 2013
Jun 2012

29000 mi
"Passenger airbag off" warning light appeared while passenger was seated. The airbag software was reprogrammed. 

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2011 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 1-Series in North Carolina, United States
Jun 2010 - Oct 2012
Jul 2010

1000 mi
Interference in all audio modes (Radio/Satt/CD) Took a while to reprogram. 
BMW 1-Series in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2017 - Apr 2017
Feb 2017

42160 mi

C $400
coil pack blew 
BMW 1-Series in Wisconsin, United States
Mar 2011 - Jul 2018
Jan 2012

27700 mi
Third trip to dealer to try to repair clunking noise at low speeds. 
Jan 2017

13500 mi

US $1200
Battery and Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) needed to be replaced. IBS was replaced 3 years ago under warranty. Per dealer due to car being driven infrequently, this puts stress on battery and IBS. Recommended use of battery charger. 
BMW 1-Series in Louisiana, United States
Feb 2011 - Dec 2015
Jul 2011

6800 mi
Vanos system came apart mechanically damaged exhaust cam timing sensor. Tail light unit failed Door speaker failed 

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2011 BMW 1-Series 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 7-speed automated manual RWD

BMW 1-Series in Minnesota, United States
Jun 2017 - Jun 2018
Oct 2017

60000 mi

US $1100
Oil filter housing gasket leaking. 
BMW 1-Series in North Carolina, United States
Mar 2011 - Apr 2016
Jul 2011

2000 mi
Sirius Radio function was lost from the OEM radio. After repeated attempts to reprogram radio/audio software failed BMW agreed to replace entire radio. Two days out of service. 
Sep 2012

8000 mi
Software update to correct erratic idle and failure to engage engine from standing start. Problem related to transmission software. 
May 2014

15900 mi
Remove and replace transmission to remove and replace O-Ring that was leaking. O-Ring is part of Wire harness that connects to top of transmission. Repair required overnight stay in dealership. Repair stopped leak. 
BMW 1-Series in Georgia, United States
Dec 2015 - Dec 2016
Nov 2016

44000 mi
Intake plastic cracked, apparently a common problem on this vehicle 

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2011 BMW 1-Series 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 1-Series in New York, United States
Dec 2015 - Nov 2019
Jul 2015

103900 mi

US $1093
Replaced water pump. Car started overheating while 600 miles from home. I was able to get back home with heater blasting in hot rainy weather and careful driving. 
Oct 2015

111000 mi

US $1156
Oil leak repair Replace expansion tank due to coolant leak. Straighten 2 rims bent by potholes. 
Sep 2016

134000 mi

US $120
Diagnosing aux headlight bulb out indicator. All bulbs appear to work but the computer claims a bulb is out. Replacing bulbs doesn't help. I gave up after shop spent an hour looking for the source without success. 
Dec 2016

137600 mi

US $220
Repair rim bent by pothole 
Feb 2017

137000 mi

US $3376
Clutch replacement. The OEM part was quite expensive. I obtained an aftermarket 5 series clutch that fits from ECS Tuning. Coolant feed tubes between engine and turbo were leaking. 
Aug 2017

153000 mi

US $300
Bought replacement rims for snow tires after 3 were bent by potholes. 
Sep 2017

149000 mi

US $337
Punctured rear tire on trip. Had to replace with wrong tires to get home same day. 
Jan 2018

156000 mi

US $3675
Reverse synchro broke. Parts aren't available to properly repair transmission - dealer expects you to buy a new one. But shop was able to open, remove the broken synchro, and reseal the transmission. 
BMW 1-Series in New Jersey, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2022
Aug 2011

2600 mi
Cracked 3rd tail light. 
Apr 2012

5000 mi
Dead battery, likely from infrequent usage. 
Sep 2012

8000 mi
Center tail light cracked 
Jul 2014

10000 mi
defroster 
May 2018

20000 mi

US $50
Rear ABS sensors failed throwing codes. 
BMW 1-Series in Hawaii, United States
Dec 2021 - Jun 2022
May 2022

42000 mi

US $200
Charge pipe cracked. Replaced with Aluminum. 
Jun 2022

42000 mi

US $50
Heater hose was cracked during previous repair (charge pipe replacement). 

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2011 BMW 1-Series 2dr Convertible

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 1-Series in California, United States
Mar 2018 - Jun 2022
Jan 2022

51000 mi

US $2000
Gasket, pump 
BMW 1-Series in Tennessee, United States
Aug 2017 - Jun 2022
Sep 2020

78000 mi

US $2000
Replaced valve cover 
BMW 1-Series in California, United States
Feb 2014 - Aug 2014
Apr 2014

35200 mi
VANOS bolts sheared off. Rear defroster broken, resulted in complete replacement of canvas soft top Button for passenger lumbar broke. 
BMW 1-Series in Florida, United States
Mar 2017 - Apr 2018
Jul 2017

74000 mi

US $200
Replaced completely dead starter. 
Oct 2017

80000 mi

US $123
A/C would work intermittently, replaced Final Stage Resistor works perfect. 
Apr 2018

80000 mi
A/C component replaced, car caught fire a few days later. 
BMW 1-Series in Tennessee, United States
Apr 2012 - Mar 2020
Oct 2012

20200 mi
One fog light was loose and there was a small rattle in the rear. Both fixed. 
Jun 2018

67000 mi

US $1500
Wheel bearings replaced. When rear wheel bearings were replaced brake pads were noted to almost be worn out so changed them at same time. 
BMW 1-Series in Washington, United States
Jul 2015 - Dec 2017
Apr 2016

39500 mi

US $23
I had a misfire. Mechanic thought it was a coil because they fail often. It turned out not to be a coil. He didn't know what it was so he changed the spark plug. He said I need to burn premium gas. The regular gas may be fouling this plug. Update: When the car was at BMW in September, they said the ignition coils are all failing and wanted to replace them all. This is apparently as common as tire replacement on this vintage BMW. 
Sep 2016

42000 mi
The audio was making a feedback/ringing sound with the radio on or off and with the ignition key on or off. They said it was the radio and replaced it for a mere $1350! 
Jan 2017

38200 mi

US $250
One of the ignition coils went bad. I replaced them all along with the spark plugs. Only the cost of the coils is included in the cost here. One coil started failing about 35000 miles 

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2011 BMW 1-Series 2dr Convertible

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 1-Series in Virginia, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2021
Dec 2015

25000 mi

US $1000
Shifter shaft seal cracked and was leaking transmission fluid Windshield washer fluid pump failed 
Jun 2016

25000 mi
Convertible top was leaking. Gasket starting to wear out so they inserted foam to fill the gap. Problem solved. 
BMW 1-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2013 - Apr 2014
Oct 2013

48300 mi
Rear defrost not functioning. 
Apr 2014

53000 mi
Defective driver head light. 
BMW 1-Series in Colorado, United States
Dec 2013 - Jun 2017
Dec 2014

33000 mi
Convertible top liner connector broke off on front driver's side (near windshield) after regularly getting caught on side frame during top mechanised movement. Liner replaced under warranty by BMW. 
Mar 2016

45000 mi

US $100
Leaking valve cover gasket. 
Apr 2017

50000 mi

US $300
Faulty Water Pump/Thermostat. Thermostat was stuck closed when replaced. Water pump was experiencing intermittent electrical / communication issues Code 2E84--cause was due to loose ground. 

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2011 BMW 1-Series 2-door

Engine not specified

BMW 1-Series in California, United States
Feb 2012 - Sep 2012
Sep 2012

4000 mi
Work stopped providing free charging, and repeated software issues with experimental electric powertrain. Transferred lease. 

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2011 BMW 1-Series Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2011 BMW 1-Series problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.