2011 BMW 325I Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 5, 2024 · 1 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 325I years
Not enough data 8th of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2011 BMW 325I. That ranks 8th out of 15 325I model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (1 complaints, 100%), typically at around 30,142 miles. Complaints mention 2 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2011 BMW 325I problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags1 · ~30,142 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags1100%30,142——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

2011 BMW 325I recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleJul 3, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V513000 · 394,029 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.

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

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleJan 15, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V017000 · 59,965 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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:wiringOct 25, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V676000 · 702,965 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system 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.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw 325i. While driving 35 mph, the passenger air bag deployed without warning or impact. The driver sustained head injuries and the passenger sustained injuries to her head and both arms. Medical attention was provided to both occupants. The vehicle was taken to a local…

Air Bags · received Feb 20, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11073857

Other BMW 325I years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 325I?

Owners most often report air bags problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 2011 BMW 325I?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2011 BMW 325I a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 325I model years, the 2011 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.