| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
2011 BMW 3-Series repairs by problem area
Engine (49%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (5%)
Brakes and Traction Control (3%)
Suspension and Steering (7%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (23%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (8%)
Other (5%)
Chart based on 688 repairs.
2011 BMW 3-Series engine repair cost distribution
$2500+ (4%)
$1000 - $2499 (18%)
$500 - $999 (16%)
$100 - $499 (20%)
< $100 (41%)
Chart based on 234 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2011 BMW 3-Series
Engine not specified
| 103000 mi US $1200 |
Engine overheating. Water pump not circulating coolant. Electric water pump and thermostat replaced |
| 2000 mi | Broken valve spring |
| 53000 mi US $1200 |
Engine plug wiring harness worn and exposed could cause engine failure computer failure. Replaced wiring harness |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Wagon
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 55000 mi US $200 |
ignition coil |
| 68000 mi US $200 |
replaced spark plugs and ignition coils x 6. fixed problem |
| 80000 mi | vanos bolts sheared. repaired under warranty and/or recall. drives great again |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Wagon
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 45000 mi | Loose accessory drive belt tensioner - repaired under warranty |
| 4000 mi | I always use the auto trans in manual mode. When shifting from 2nd it would go into neutral momentarily before going into 3rd about 10 percent of the time. Dealer said transmission firmware couldn't learn when manual mode always used. Dealer reproduced problem and contacted BMW who said I needed to drive more miles with transmission in D instead of manual mode in order for transmission to "learn." But could not tell me how many miles I needed to drive this way. |
| 47300 mi | Idler pully replaced |
| 71000 mi US $975 |
One coil started missing. Recommended replacing all 6 due to high cost of labor. Also replace plugs. |
| 72000 mi US $675 |
VANOS solenoid (2) were sticking causing barely able to idle and erratic throttle. |
| 70000 mi US $1200 |
Water pump died |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Wagon
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD
| 77000 mi US $50 |
Complained of a rough idle from time to time. Dealer replaced the coil packs. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 34000 mi | High Pressure Fuel Pump failed. Car was driving normally except for one single instance of reduced power. Otherwise, it drove fine. I suspect it could have gone another week or even a few months. |
| 40700 mi | Charge pipe self-destructed. Dealer replaced under warranty. Took less than 2 hours. |
| 35000 mi | Exhaust rattle. surging idle. |
| 50000 mi | Electric Water pump failure, heater core was replaced at same time. Oil leak notied during water pump repair. Pan was resealed. |
| 53000 mi US $120 |
slight leak in coolant overflow tank |
| 83080 mi C $850 |
Car was going into limp mode around this mileage. So read the engine codes using code reader. Based on symptoms and online help replaced ignition coils and spark plugs but didn't help. So changed hi press fuel pump and that worked |
| 86880 mi C $150 |
The gasket around the oil cooler housing was leaking. So replace two gaskets around that area. Because the coolant and oil might have been contaminated because of the leak, replaced both these fluids as well at the same time. |
| 90520 mi C $600 |
Big mess underneath the car with oil dripping but with the undertray it doesn't flow on the ground so hard to pinpoint. Found the source, it was oil pan gasket leaking. Got it fixed |
| 59000 mi US $54 |
On freeway when got a backfire. Lost boost and transmission acting odd. Upon inspection the intake from air cleaner to MAF had blown off and bracket ruptured. Had car towed to dealer. |
| 60500 mi | Car goes into overheat warning them limp mode but analog temp says no problem. Suspect car came with after market flash of prom. Overheat warning again on the way home. Took it back and kept for 3 more days. Seems had a hair line crack in the water reservoir tank. Then to add insult to injury tried to hit me for another deductible on the CPO for a new service. |
| 63000 mi US $1297 |
The main CPO was the unknown of valve cover oil leak. |
| 14500 mi | Reduced engine warning light: two hoses and an actuator. |
| 48000 mi | Oil filter housing casket leak. Repaired under warranty. |
| 59000 mi | Expansion tank was leaking, prompted by warning light. Covered by extended warranty. |
| 73000 mi | Water pump failure while driving on highway, never totally overheated |
| 64000 mi US $326 |
Oil filter housing gasket was leaking and gasket was replaced. |
| 80000 mi US $400 |
Have replaced high pressure fuel pump, thermostat, and water pump |
| 76000 mi US $1380 |
Oil leak from filter housing Replace radiator hoses due to oil leak Replace belt and tensioner |
| 83000 mi US $650 |
P0456 code --- 3 trips for smoke test, replace DMTL pump and fuel tank vent valve |
| 75000 mi US $1200 |
Water pump had failed rendering the car non-operational. Water pump + thermostat replaced by shop |
| 79000 mi | Indy shop had warned me that oil had been seeping from the oil filter housing gasket a couple of times when I previously had my car on the shop, but stated that it wasn't an immediate concern. In ~December 2017, I decided to have it addressed. |
| 83000 mi US $600 |
Charge pipe failed so it was replaced. |
| 40000 mi US $2650 |
Dealer reported coolant low repeatedly upon service at their shop. At conclusion of warranty they advised that the radiator was cracked and needed replacing. Dealer reported oil level low several times when at the shop for routine maintenance. At conclusion of warranty they advised that the head gasket was blown out and leaking oil. Dealer reported oil level low several times when at the shop for routine maintenance. At conclusion of warranty they advised that the oil coolant lines are leaking and need replacing. |
| 105000 mi US $1100 |
The variable valve timing system failed causing the car to stumble then die on the side of the road. I had to be towed and the system repaired. There was a TSB on this issue. |
| 105000 mi US $1400 |
radiator was cracked again and leaking fluid. |
| 49000 mi | The car would stall as the car was slowed to a stop at a traffic light. The engine speed went from 2000 rpm down to zero without leveling off at idle. The dealer updated the programmed fuel curves and the car idles smoothly now. |
| 78000 mi US $708 |
Water pump replaced. Engine intake cracked during prior repair. Reduced power light was lit before repair. Reduced Power light came on. Actuator for turbocharger waste gate failed to keep waste gate closed. Reduced power as a result. Actuators were fixed to allow engine to build up boost. |
| 84000 mi US $1585 |
The reduced power light came on resulitng in the third vist to the dealer for the same symptom. The High Pressure Fuel Pump failed and was replaced. A fuel line sensor was also replaced. |
| 77000 mi US $1400 |
Had an oil filter gasket leak, took about 3-4 hours of work and cost 600 bucks. Oil pan gasket leak noticed during oil change. Repair cost 800 dollars. |
| 59000 mi US $1500 |
Water pump failed |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 61000 mi US $2000 |
belt tensioner pulley bearings were noisy, replaced leaking oil pump gasket, |
| 61300 mi | cooling overflow tank cracked 3 days after tensioner pulley and water pump gasket were replaced. dealer says not related. not happy. |
| 93620 mi | oil leak at the filter housing |
| 46000 mi | The fuel pump sensor needed repairing. |
| 65000 mi US $75 |
Coolant expansion tank replaced |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 48000 mi US $50 |
Car had sluggish shifting and then a yellow coolant warning. Coolant low, suspected leak. Took to dealer, checked and found nothing. Next day, reoccurrence with a red coolant light. Issue traced to failed water pump. Fixed under warranty. |
| 42700 mi US $50 |
Car went into limp safety mode while on the highway. Checked overflow reservoir after it cooled down and coolant was below the minimum mark. Failed water pump replaced under CPO warranty. Turbo engine burning through quart of oil every 3-4 months. Dealer found oil leak and repaired under CPO warranty. |
| 43700 mi | After a high speed drive, engine block + stability control warning lights came on. Dealership replaced a bad intake pipe sensor on inter-cooler. Engine temperature warning light came on again - dealer replaced leaking overflow reservoir. While replacing the failing water pump 2 months ago, dealership probably didn't inspect it or it wasn't leaking at the time. |
| 47300 mi | Engine temp light on again! After replacing overflow reservoir, dealer failed to add water/coolant. |
| 10200 mi | The DMTL pump and sensor were faulty within the fuel system causing a CEL. The pump, sensor, and related tubing were all replaced under warranty |
| 26000 mi | Engine would die on cold start up. Dealer was able to replicate the problem. They re-programmed the DME and adjusted the idle. |
| 26000 mi | After previous repair trip the engine had slow throttle response. the engine also made strange noises, and on two occasions would hang during acceleration The dealer had the car for 45 days before declaring that they cannot fix the car even with help from the factory. BMW will be taking the car back |
| 32000 mi | Engine malfunction message, car went into "limp home" mode and would not restart once stopped. BMW dealer did a software re-install and initialization across multiple systems. Glad this was covered by warranty! Rear left muffler rattle, repaired by replacing entire unit. Apparently internal flap was broken. |
| 16000 mi US $800 |
Intake air pressure sensor |
| 56000 mi US $75 |
Replace oil filter housing gasket |
| 109000 mi US $60 |
Evaporative emissions leak caused check engine light to turn on - code indicated small leak. Replaced DMTL pump. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD
| 33800 mi | Exhaust/ muffler rattle. Replaced under warranty. |
| 53000 mi US $50 |
Jumpy irregular idle at startup. No fix. No diagnosis. |
| 55500 mi US $1200 |
Water pump died |
| 59000 mi US $1200 |
Oil leak at filter housing. Misfires due to coil failure. |
| 62000 mi C $2000 |
Overheated on highway, water pump failure. Oil filter housing leaking, replaced filter housing. |
| 28000 mi | Erratic idle, a slight stall in cold and then a CEL that came & went. Dealer read out codes, replaced a VANOS solenoid and a fuel tank purge valve. There is no CEL, but there is no improvement to idle either. |
| 28000 mi | Erratic idle. |
| 71000 mi US $2000 |
Replaced Water Pump |
| 44000 mi | Coolant pump failed |
| 70000 mi US $500 |
Engine hard to start when weather is cold, often runs rough and dies. ECU reprogrammed, which appears to have worked around the problem. |
| 79000 mi US $1800 |
Head gasket replaced |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 265hp 3.0L I6 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 25000 mi | SES soon light on. SCR metering valve had to be replaced. Dealer replaced it free under Technical Bulletin. |
| 25000 mi US $600 |
Control Module for Glow Plugs showed a fault and needed to be replaced. |
| 33000 mi US $500 |
Mass Air Sensor failure causes SES light to come one. Dealer replaced Mass Air Sensor. Total cost was approximately $500. Third Party Extended Warranty (Mercury) paid all but my $100 deductible. |
| 26000 mi | Replaced bad glow plug. Replaced engine mount. |
| 41000 mi | Diesel exhaust fluid tank replaced due to low pressure problem |
| 75000 mi US $900 |
Def injection system repair |
| 79000 mi US $3000 |
Carbon buildup in engine |
| 56000 mi | carbon buildup in intake manifold |
| 11300 mi | Urea injection required refill for second time. Should last 15,000 miles. Dealer diagnosed and replaced urea pump. |
| 35000 mi | Check engine light on. Defective swirl flaps in intake manifold. |
| 1000 mi | Service Engine Soon light came on. Problem was a stuck DEF valve. Dealer cleaned valve and all is well. |
| 4700 mi | Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) warning stating car wouldn't be startable after driving 1000 miles from time of initial warning. DEF fill is supposed to last until first scheduled maintenance at around 12k miles. Warning came at 4600mi. |
| 26000 mi | Brief but loud screeching noise coming from engine compartment, after car sits for several hours on hot days. Dealer was unable to duplicate. No repair made so far. |
| 48000 mi US $250 |
Check engine light came on. Dealer changed EGR valve. Did not solve the problem. |
| 48000 mi US $550 |
Dealer now believes check engine light was caused by carbon buildup in the intake system. Dismantled intake system for walnut-shell blasting to remove carbon buildup. Light still on. |
| 24000 mi | EGR valve replacement. |
| 29000 mi US $50 |
DEF tank temperature sensor read out of limits. DEF tank replaced under warranty. |
| 30100 mi | DEF valve clogged, leading to check engine light. Appears to have been related to DEF tank replacement earlier. |
| 49000 mi | Service Engine Soon light illuminated. Passive tank sensors in DEF tank reading incorrectly. Replaced active/passive tank assembly. |
| 51700 mi | Bad catalytic converter |
| 57300 mi | Catalytic converter was replaced under emissions warranty. |
| 61800 mi US $2500 |
Urea tank temperature sensor failed. Whole tank replaced due to temperature sensor built into tank in a manner which prevents sensor service/replacement independent of tank replacement. |
| 82321 mi US $1700 |
Battery, Crankshaft Pulley, CV Joint Recall, and Motor Mounts replaced. |
| 59700 mi | Due to Carbon buildup, CPU was throwing many codes, and fuel consumption was up. They replaced the intake runners and a few other things, totaling about 3k worth of work. |
| 103000 mi US $1800 |
Boost pipe and Harmonic Balancer will fail, replaced in preparation |
| 15600 mi | Check engine light - problem with the "Adblue", or urea injection system. CEL came back on within 100 miles of leaving dealership. Check engine light, and warning -> "Engine Will Not Restart in 100 Miles". Dealer reset CEL and fault codes. CEL and restart warning came back within 100 miles of leaving dealership. Check engine light. Warning -> "Engine Will Not Restart in 100 Miles". Urea / Adblue injector cleaned and 2 sensors were replaced. IIRC one of the failed sensors was for differential pressure on the DPF (Diesel particulate filter), the other O2. |
| 50000 mi US $1500 |
BMW can’t seem to understand that it actually gets cold in some parts of the US. And as such engineer a diesel exhaust emissions system that can function properly in the winter months. |
| 52000 mi US $1100 |
Cylinder #5 fuel injector was replaced. The harmonic balancer was replaced. Carbon buildup was cleaned out of the intake manifold. |
| 54600 mi US $761 |
Replaced Nox sensor |
| 79000 mi US $2000 |
Replaced Selective Catalytic Reduction tank due to faulty sensor. |
| 91000 mi | Replaced hot-film airmass meter and SCR temperature sensor |
| 97000 mi US $50 |
Check engine light. Updated car software & replaced two (2) NOx sensors. |
| 98000 mi | BMW Germany said to replace catalytic converter. Said not covered by extended warranty. Bargained and will pay $500 labor and BMW will supply converter. Not in yet from Germany |
| 109500 mi US $463 |
Catalytic converter replaced. Dealer provided part and I paid labor ($463) |
| 144000 mi US $325 |
Replace leaking turbocharger oil line (pipe) |
| 44000 mi | Dealer had to add DEF |
| 59000 mi US $1539 |
MAF air sensor failure, turbo charger balance and sequential pipe o-rings and upper turbo oil feed line replaced due to leaks. |
| 70000 mi US $150 |
Rough idle, engine stumbles intermittently. Dealer diagnosed carbon buildup but not confirmed visually. Estimated cost to clean $2900. Instead I purchased BG fuel system cleaner and fuel filter, fixed. |
| 87785 mi US $53 |
Carbon Buildup. Sent intake off to be hot tanked, did walnut blast carbon cleaning. Also replaced gaskets: 11-61-7-790-198 11-61-2-246-945 11-61-2-245-439 11-12-7-796-378 13-54-7-792-098 Covered under extended warranty. Cylinder 4 injector |
| 99400 mi US $700 |
Harmonic Balancer failed. Replaced with OEM part. During repair also replaced non-failed but wear items: -Thermostat -Idler Pulley -1Gal BMW Coolant -Both drive belts |
| 104000 mi | SCR Tank Check engine light illuminated. Known problem with extended warranty. Replaced active tank. |
| 34300 mi | Car would not start. Problem was with intake manifold. Replaced under BMW warranty |
| 41000 mi | Fuel pump replaced |
| 64700 mi US $3000 |
SES light on. Carbon buildup in cylinders and intake manifold. Manifold removed, cylinders cleaned as well as manifold. |
| 93000 mi US $4000 |
DEF tank and sensor failure, Oxygen sensor (2) failure, ,multiple SAS codes, could not smog |
| 46000 mi | Exhaust leak at front of engine. |
| 90000 mi US $600 |
Oil leak - turbo cooling line. |
| 99000 mi US $1600 |
Glowplug replacement. |
| 21800 mi | Diesel fuel tank "tick" when taking slow 90 degree turns |
| 64000 mi US $3000 |
Car wouldn't start when warm. High pressure fuel pump and fuel filter replaced |
| 25000 mi | Emissions repair, needed new catalytic converter |
| 125000 mi US $300 |
Emissions issue |
| 6000 mi | fuel valve was malfunctioning and replaced. car could not be driven over 20mph |
| 9000 mi | engine stalling due to insulation stuffed into connector by factory |
| 59000 mi US $50 |
EGR cooler malfunction with CE light on. Part replaced under extended warranty |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
414-horsepower 4.0L V8 7-speed automated manual RWD
| 6000 mi | SES light on Oxygen sensor showed Secondary Air Valve failed. |
| 63300 mi | Thermostat for emission control system |
| 51000 mi US $300 |
Oil drain plug was messed up. I had to have the dealer helicoil and install a new one. |
| 18000 mi | replace oxygen sensor |
| 50000 mi US $1200 |
throttle actuator bank 2 failed. replaced both complete actuators at the same time. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
414-horsepower 4.0L V8 6-speed manual RWD
| 68500 mi | "Increased Emissions" message, needed a fuel system vent valve. |
| 74200 mi US $1000 |
Replaced thermostat. |
| 75000 mi US $3500 |
Replaced clutch |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 64000 mi US $300 |
spark plugs and coils |
| 50000 mi | Replaced another coil pack. This makes a total of 5. Constantly going out. |
| 21000 mi | The pump that pressurizes the fuel tank had failed. It was replaced under warranty. |
| 31000 mi US $50 |
bad coil |
| 32300 mi US $50 |
All kinds of computer messages in error. Took TWO WEEKS for them to sort it out, replacing CPU and other stuff. |
| 60000 mi | Main computer replaced. Water pump died and replaced |
| 8500 mi | Accelerator pedal assembly was replaced due to malfunction. |
| 68100 mi | Camshaft sprocket retaining bolts failed and dropped into motor caused about 3200 in damage. Covered by BMW, recall. Engine misfire diagnosed bad ignition coil on cylinder 1 |
| 71000 mi US $133 |
Car was dying at idle. Replaced intake vanos solenoid. Issue was resolved Vanos exhaust solenoid failed shortly after replacing intake solenoid. Replaced second solenoid. |
| 11300 mi | The sensor that senses engine problems was faulty and was replaced. |
| 30600 mi | Sensor malfunction caused one cylinder to not fire. All 6 sensors were replaced. |
| 45000 mi US $600 |
Engine bolt |
| 24200 mi US $500 |
Belt tensioner required replacement |
| 36500 mi US $1000 |
Rodent wire damage required wire replacement. also either a VANOS or fuel injector issue, can't remember |
| 67818 mi US $50 |
Cylinder #6 Coil failed. Dealer replaced ALL (6) Bosch Coils per SIB 12 18 14 with Delphi Coils. |
| 30000 mi US $250 |
Ignition coils failed for 2 cylinders |
| 4000 mi | The transmission of the car would shift erratically during the first few minutes of driving-transmission would rev unreasonably high disproportional to throttle input. Problem seems to be gone after dealer inspected computer and updates. |
| 50000 mi US $360 |
tensioner belt |
| 50000 mi US $696 |
All 6 ignition coils replaced |
| 64000 mi US $600 |
Replaced ignition coils and spark plugs after "check engine" light came on and car briefly sputtered. Apparently it was a failure of the #4 ignition coil. |
| 59000 mi US $80 |
Engine check light was on. Cylinder 3 misfire. Changed all spark plugs, totally 6 |
| 51000 mi US $50 |
Engine misfiring due to bad ignition coils |
| 35000 mi | DMTL Pump(Emissions) replaced |
| 37000 mi | Cylinder 5 misfiring, spark plug chipped.Replaced spark plug and ignition coil. Heat not working on passenger side.Heater core stopped up.Replaced heater core unit and topped off with coolant and bled system. |
| 48000 mi US $35 |
Misfire in #5 cylinder reported through ORB II diagnostic port. Replaced coil on plug unit in cylinder #5 and cleared fault codes, engine runs fine now with no warning codes. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 46300 mi | Fuel splashes everytime the fuel tank is filled at any gas station. Dealer said they could not replicate the issue. Going back to the dealer with evidence (took s video of the spill last time I filled up gas). |
| 48000 mi | Fuel splashes out everytime car is fueled. First trip (under warranty), dealer said could not reproduce the problem. Second trip outside of warranty: took some videos as evidence. Dealer mechanic came and verified. Attemped but couldn't repair. |
| 48300 mi US $200 |
Fixed the fuel tank issue. Replaced the whole fuel tank. Dealer/Manufacturer paid for 95% of the cost. Owner paid for 5%. |
| 31200 mi | Cracked expansion tank |
| 21080 mi | valve cover cracked and was replaced under extended warranty |
| 37200 mi C $1500 |
59,100km Rough Idle and check engine came on. Loss of power noticed, rpm were bouncing 900-1200 at idle, normal is around 800. New coil, eccentric shaft sensor, gasket. Cost 1500$ CAD covered in CPO warranty |
| 43400 mi | Coilpack failed again second time this year. New coilpack installedrnNew ignition coils |
| 76260 mi C $800 |
Coil pack replaced because misfiring, spark plugs done as well |
| 79980 mi C $600 |
Radiator and radiator hose replaced |
| 83080 mi C $900 |
Oil leak found. Oil housing gasket replaced. |
| 87420 mi C $300 |
Coolant hose cracked and replaced |
| 88660 mi C $1800 |
Oil pan failed. Replaced oil pan. |
| 51420 mi | about 2 weeks of ownership the check engine light up. it was a valve selenoid regarding valvetronic, well documented on the internet. they replaced the valve/selenoid |
| 47000 mi | all spark plugs and ignition coils replaced with new, drive belt replaced with new, all under warranty |
| 33480 mi C $300 |
Engine rough. Plugs had failed. Preventively also replaced ignition coils. |
| 75000 mi US $450 |
replaced serpentine belt,tensioner and pulley. These repairs were purely preventative ! |
| 88400 mi US $1100 |
valve cover gasket replacement. oil filter housing gasket replacement |
| 90000 mi US $450 |
Replaced all spark plugs and replaced #1 coil pack. |
| 69000 mi US $350 |
the ecu required re programing |
| 86000 mi US $800 |
Leaky valve cover gasket |
| 46500 mi | Check Engine light came on. Took it to the dealer and it had something to do with a valve adjustment - they kept the car overnight and had to replace the valve gaskets as well. |
| 43260 mi C $70 |
Misfire, replaced coil and spark plug on cylinder #1. |
| 116000 mi US $550 |
Replace [accessory] belt tension pully Gasket replacement. My Check Engine Soon light came on at 115,000 miles. The dealer did significant gasket work and charged me nothing under an "extended warranty." I will not purchase another BMW. Nice car to drive but the reliability has been very substandard. I don't abuse the car, I do all scheduled maintenance. I look forward to the day I sell it. |
| 82460 mi C $150 |
O2 sensors (upstream) both failed |
| 104781 mi US $562 |
Thermostat replaced and cooling system drained, flushed, back-flushed, and refilled. |
| 53000 mi | One of the coil packs failed |
| 56000 mi US $100 |
Engine would not idle, stalled after starting - engine sensor replaced under certified warranty less deductible |
| 64000 mi US $225 |
Piston coil replaced |
| 66500 mi US $650 |
Engine piston coil x 5 and spark plug x6 replaced. |
| 46400 mi | Timing Chain Sensor replaced |
| 64670 mi US $132 |
Serpentine Belt Idler wheel was failing. Replaced using Continental Serpentine Belt Accessory Drive Component Kit. In kit instructions it clearly stated that the bolt retainer MUST be removed before installation. After removing original, I found the BMW factory never removed this clip! So much for German perfection. |
| 67000 mi US $122 |
Engine starting running rough. Replaced coil packs and the issue is fixed. |
| 87000 mi US $32 |
Replaced Oil Filter Housing gasket |
| 89023 mi US $120 |
Replaced valve cover gasket |
| 42780 mi C $300 |
two ignition coils needed to be replaced |
| 73000 mi US $180 |
New spark plugs |
| 35500 mi | CEL illuminated and engine ran rough for a few minutes after wide open throttle at high RPM. Faults indicated misfire on cylinders 5&6: two ignition coils replaced. |
| 40500 mi | Rough idle/surging at a stop in drive when warming up. |
| 72000 mi US $210 |
Intermittent misfires with transient service engine soon light. Replaced all coils and spark plugs. |
| 49000 mi | The engine valve cover gasket needed replacement. |
| 55000 mi US $205 |
One of the ignition coils needed replacement |
| 55000 mi US $200 |
Another ignition coil needed replacement. |
| 55000 mi US $250 |
Severe misfire. All remaining coils replaced and all spark plugs replaced. Air injection hose was knocked loose during a prior repair. |
| 49300 mi | missing badly on acceleration. bad coil replaced under warranty. |
| 46000 mi | replaced all coils |
| 90000 mi | valve cover gaskets |
| 29500 mi | Cracked gasket cover, which was replaced |
| 35300 mi US $65 |
Engine stumbling when cold and throwing CEL. #1 ignition coil changed out. spark plugs changed out. |
| 45100 mi | replaced all coils |
| 19800 mi | car would buck and idle rev at stop |
| 34000 mi | have to look it up |
| 38400 mi | Ignition coil replacement. |
| 93200 mi US $50 |
Cylinder misfire. Covered under CPO |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 18700 mi | Car had a sweet chemical like smell when the heat is on. The car was leaking on the driveway. Dealer replaced thermostat due to a coolant leak. Leak stopped but smell still occurs. |
| 20000 mi US $600 |
Return visit due to sweet smell from vents when the heat is on. Couldn't find any leaks, but found a piece of cookie in one of the vents. Fished it out. Didn't fix the problem. Suggested heater core leak, but was dismissed by mechanic. |
| 77000 mi US $500 |
Oil leak. Bad pistons misfiring. |
| 55300 mi US $950 |
Two coil packs failed. Replaced remaining coil packs and all spark plugs were replaced. |
| 59500 mi US $400 |
DMTL (Diagnostic Module Tank Leakage) Pump had failed and needed to be replaced |
| 108000 mi US $1400 |
Replaced leaking valve cover gasket (VCG) and oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) |
| 39000 mi US $50 |
Car threw CEL, replaced Leak Diagnosis (DMTL) Pump. Known problem with E90. Pump was promptly replaced by dealer. |
| 47400 mi US $50 |
Misfire in cylinder 1. Diagnosed as bad coil. Part of batch with open TSB. All 6 replaced under CPO warranty. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD
| 72000 mi US $1300 |
Engine was missing. Dealer replaced spark plugs and ignition coil |
| 136000 mi US $50 |
Replaced spark plugs Oil change |
| 150000 mi US $350 |
Valve cover gasket leaking. Replace gaskets. Car misfiring and running poorly - eccentric shaft sensor failed. Replaced sensor. Oil filter housing gasket leaking. Replace OFH gasket. |
| 78740 mi C $80 |
valves problem. oil cap broke |
| 35900 mi US $230 |
Head gasket replacement due to oil leak. Repaired under warranty. |
| 52000 mi US $376 |
New idle coil |
| 96100 mi C $400 |
Ignition coils needed to be replaced, cylinders were miss firing. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 16080 mi | Check Coolant light came on. Dealer topped up coolant and stated this is normal when it gets cooler. Never heard that with any of my previous cars... |
| 29140 mi | Oil leak detected during inspection, while performing oil change |
| 29240 mi | Oil leak repaired. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
200-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 38560 mi C $90 |
Engine not turn over. Would crank forever but not start. After to towing to mechanic, no fault was found and it started first time. No errors pr misfires found on computer. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan
141-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual RWD
| 3820 mi | Replacement of ignition coils (done as part of an improvement program, free of charge) |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Hardtop conv.
turbocharged 320hp 3.0L I6 7-speed automated manual RWD
| 2480 mi | fuel evaporation system repaired under warranty |
| 16000 mi US $850 |
replaced all fluids, oil, radiator, brakes, and all wear items. Only transmission fluid not changed. replaced all filters. |
| 46030 mi | Intake charge pipe blew, this is a known issue and BMW had just sent me a letter that extended the warranty on this part. Repair done under this warranty |
| 46000 mi US $167 |
Took it to the BMW dealer after a cylinder misfire code and very rough running, car returned to normal after restart. Dealer diagnosed the problem and recommended new plugs, coils and an intake cleaning (walnut blasting). Did not get any work done at dealer. Replaced coils and plugs, very easy to do on this vehicle, needed to buy special socket and a torque wrench. Coils and plugs bought online from FCPEuro |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Hardtop conv.
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 17200 mi | At less than 17,000 miles the DME failed and had to be replaced |
| 51000 mi US $50 |
Cooling tank had a leak and had to be replaced. Thank God I had the certified warranty. Valve gasket leak. This is the 2nd engine oil leak to be fixed in 6 months, not including the cooling tank leak that was simultaneously fixed. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Hardtop conv.
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 63240 mi C $4800 |
Both turbos had to be replaced. |
| 63240 mi C $1800 |
Cooling fan assembly failed requiring replacement parts only available from Germany |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Hardtop conv.
414-horsepower 4.0L V8 7-speed automated manual RWD
| 139000 mi US $3200 |
Replaced fuel sensor |
| 144000 mi US $1700 |
Belt broke. Power steering became inoperable. |
| 156000 mi US $3000 |
Spark plugs replaced |
| 164000 mi US $800 |
Main belt was squealing |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Hardtop conv.
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 50000 mi US $868 |
Valve cover gasket |
| 63000 mi US $3488 |
BMW developed an intermittent miss. All coils and plugs were replaced. Water pump and thermostat showed fault codes, both were replaced |
| 39060 mi C $2300 |
and valve cover gasket replaced |
| 72000 mi US $50 |
Fuel sensor that is built into gas tank had failed. |
| 46000 mi US $800 |
One coil failed. We replaced all 6 to prevent a future on the road problem. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Hardtop conv.
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 52000 mi US $1100 |
Cylinder coil failed, needed replaced. Changed all 6 plugs; leaking in oil valve cover and sensor, so replaced sensor before it failed. A coil on #6 cyl shouldn't fail with only 52K miles! |
| 85000 mi US $2399 |
Valve cover leaking oil which affected various other hoses or attachments. Darn BMW are maintenance $$$ holes sometimes, then become wonderful handling and great to drive again. No other car has been so enjoyable to drive....but the occasional small item becomes a big expense at times. I've never had a valve cover etc leak in all the other Honda, Toyota, MG, BMW, Chevy, Ford, and Dodge I've owned. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 320hp 3.0L I6 7-speed automated manual RWD
| 51100 mi US $1300 |
Water pump. Known issue on BMW N54 Engine. No assistance from BMW. replaced thermostat since system was apart anyway. |
| 53000 mi US $1500 |
Service Engine Soon light on. Diagnosis revealed fault in High Pressure Fuel Pump. That pump had to be replaced. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 41800 mi | Car started rough and stalled after 5 seconds. Restarted and ran rough but normalized. Engine malfunction notification came on screen and warned of reduced power. Dealer found misfires in cylinders - replaced fuel injectors & spark plugs |
| 64000 mi US $2000 |
Water pump failure. Replaced. Oil filter housing gasket leak. Had first been noted mid 2016. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 34000 mi | During a repair visit for another issue, the technician noticed oil seeping from the turbo unit. He applied a tracer to the oil and diagnosed a leaky valve cover. |
| 5580 mi | High Pressure Fuel Pump software upgrade. |
| 44640 mi C $1500 |
Cooling fan began to cycle on/off. Caused by fault code. Symptom of water pump failure. Fault 377a pump deviation. Replace pump and thermostat |
| 64360 mi C $1000 |
Oil filter housing gasket replacement. Technician indicates they were starting to see slight leakage. |
| 65000 mi US $50 |
High pressure fuel pump. Covered under CPO |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 29140 mi | the 'service' light went on. however when checked by the dealer, the car's fluids were checked as well as tire pressures and 'no leaks' were cited in the report by the mechanic - it seems the 'service' light was on in error. |
| 38420 mi | water pump failed leading to temperature increase of engine - water pump replaced under warranty. |
| 70000 mi US $50 |
Coolant reservoir leak detected and unit replaced. |
| 70000 mi US $50 |
Power steering failure. Pump replaced under CPO warranty. |
| 75000 mi US $50 |
Replaced worn drive belt. |
| 84000 mi US $50 |
Replaced belt tensioner. |
| 55000 mi US $2300 |
Had a check engine light with misfires in all 6 cyl. Ultimately needed to replace all 6 fuel injectors, all 6 spark plugs and the lambda sensor. |
| 29500 mi US $50 |
Electric Water Pump fail. Was stranded on side of freeway. BMW CPO warranty sent tow truck and took it to dealer who repaired it next day. Apparently this is a common problem. $850 repair if out of warranty! |
| 45000 mi US $700 |
1) - gasket on oil filter mounting leaking. 2) - accessory belt idler pulley failure. |
| 45000 mi US $250 |
Coolant tank failed and leaked coolant. Coolant level sensor went into alarm mode. Coolant expansion tank was replaced. Apparently, this has been a common problem with BMWs for many years. A seam on the plastic tank split. According to the mechanic "they all eventually do this" and the replacement part has not been improved so it is susceptible to the same type of failure in the future. Not very encouraging. I no longer drive this car out of town as I am concerned about it's reliability. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD
| 39040 mi C $1030 |
water pump failure leading to engine overheated and limp mode |
| 13000 mi | Long starts, engine idle studder, engine stumbling 2nd time this has happened |
| 17000 mi | Car was idling erratically, stalling, going into limp mode and basically performing like an early model KIA Rio. |
| 23000 mi | Car Messed up again...Idles Way too Low, feels like its going to stall out, Periodically when you depress the clutch on a slowdown the car will stall. At highway speeds you can feel a hesitation or a miss in the engine while driving. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
414-horsepower 4.0L V8 7-speed automated manual RWD
| 45000 mi US $100 |
Replaced the passenger side (Bank 1) precat oxygen sensor that had failed and was giving a warning regarding "pre-heater failure" |
| 23000 mi | Needed to add oil. |
| 29700 mi | Valve gasket replacement |
| 49000 mi US $200 |
Oil pan plug stripped. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
414-horsepower 4.0L V8 6-speed manual RWD
| 10000 mi | Ticking noise. Dealer say's it normal valve noise. I know what valves sound like. This ticking is coming from the crankcase. This is a known problem with main bearings. |
| 65000 mi US $50 |
CEL came on. MAP sensor failed |
| 74000 mi US $50 |
Vacuum pump and thermostat replaced. Car went into limp mode on highway. |
| 37300 mi US $1300 |
Emissions fault, engine safe mode, caused by vacuum brake pressure sensor malfunction |
| 28900 mi | fuel tank replaced due to vapor lock up |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 84869 mi US $2000 |
Preventative replacement of original water pump and original serpentine belt. |
| 96161 mi US $800 |
Reseal of oil filter housing. |
| 48000 mi US $525 |
Total Engine Tune up |
| 53800 mi US $50 |
Leak on the manfold |
| 63000 mi US $51 |
They didn't see the warning light, but as soon as I got home it was on again |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 52000 mi US $50 |
CEL came on, and car ran rough. Problem intermittent but persistent. #1 coil pack bad; dealer replaced all 6. |
| 41500 mi | Coil packs causing misfire |
| 42000 mi | All 6 coils on each cylinder had to be replaced. |
| 42000 mi | Car vibrates when idling. Increased idle speed. Problem solved. |
| 46200 mi | Had to have the vehicle programmed per BMW bulletin #12 21 12. Also replace combox 1 84-10-9-257-164. Took so long because part was shipped to the wrong place 2 times. Also replaced brake fluid and micro filter. |
| 52000 mi US $800 |
Faulty coil pack. Replaced all 6 coil packs. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 47000 mi | VANOS bolts on intake side sheared off. Known vulnerability with this engine. Fixed under extended warranty. Vanos unit replaced on intake side, bolts on both vanos units replaced, and broken bolt heads recovered from oil pan. |
| 53339 mi US $700 |
Misfire on cylinder 6. Repaired by replacing coil pack and spark plug. |
| 55000 mi US $2100 |
Engine was roughly accelerating. Suspected bad VANOS solenoids and had the solenoids replaced. This did not fix the issue. |
2011 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD
| 55000 mi US $100 |
Ignition coil in #4 cylinder malfunctioned. Dealer replaced all 6. Oil changed at the same time. |
| 67000 mi US $50 |
Needed thermostat (CEL came on) |
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