Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2011 BMW 1 Series, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Air bags15
- Electrical system7
- Engine4
- Fuel/propulsion system4
- Vehicle speed control3
- Equipment2
- Structure2
- Unknown or other2
- Power train1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Registered new in Europe in 2011
122,959 new BMW 1 Series cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2011; the largest markets were Germany (48,265), the United Kingdom (28,597), France (10,849).
- Average mass
- 1,429 kg
- Average power
- 119 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 69% · Petrol 31%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2011 BMW 1 Series cars on Dutch roads are the 2.0 petrol (90 kW, 121 hp), 2.0 petrol (105 kW, 141 hp) and 1.6 petrol (100 kW, 134 hp), out of 12 versions with at least 20 cars.
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 petrol | 90 kW 121 hp | 1,052 |
| 2.0 petrol | 105 kW 141 hp | 965 |
| 1.6 petrol | 100 kW 134 hp | 682 |
| 1.6 petrol | 125 kW 168 hp | 298 |
| 2.0 petrol | 125 kW 168 hp | 198 |
| 2.0 diesel | 105 kW 141 hp | 107 |
| 2.0 diesel | 85 kW 114 hp | 102 |
| 2.0 diesel | 100 kW 134 hp | 80 |
| 3.0 petrol | 250 kW 335 hp | 47 |
| 3.0 petrol | 160 kW 215 hp | 45 |
| 3.0 petrol | 225 kW 302 hp | 34 |
| 2.0 diesel | 130 kW 174 hp | 31 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
3,725 first registered in 2011 are on Dutch roads; 37% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €33,675.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde2,251
- Band onvoldoende profiel1,194
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld895
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm790
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen701
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt607
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage470
- Band beschadigd407
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
19,104 cars built in 2011 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 1,921 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 23,613 of these cars first registered in 2011 took their annual MOT test. 69% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2011 the figure was 63%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 1.1% | 16.0% |
| Suspension | 0.8% | 14.1% |
| Tyres | 0.8% | 7.3% |
| Visibility | 0.6% | 5.4% |
| Brakes | 0.5% | 8.6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.3% | 3.6% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
696 of these cars first registered in 2011 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 210,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
1,051 2011 cars are on the New Zealand register; 84% arrived as used imports, 14% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls in Canada
12 Transport Canada recalls for the 2011 BMW 1 Series.
| 2024544 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "N… |
| 2023568 20 Oct 2023 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles, the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) adjustment unit housing bolts could loosen or break. As a result, the camshaft could become in… |
| 2022095 2 Mar 2022 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater (blow-by heater) to short … |
| 2019384 7 Aug 2019 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the connector for the blower motor regulator may corrode. If this happens, the wiring could overheat and melt. Potential warnings … |
| 2017470 28 Sept 2017 | Engine On certain vehicles equipped with the N52 6-cylinder engine, an electrical short could occur in the PCV valve heater due to manufacturing irregularities. If thi… |
| 2017242 3 May 2017 | Powertrain On certain vehicles, the rivet connections for the constant velocity (CV) joint of the rear driveshaft may have insufficient durability. Over time, this could c… |
| 2017049 3 Feb 2017 | Powertrain On certain vehicles, the rivet connections for the constant velocity (CV) joint of the rear driveshaft may have insufficient durability. Over time, this could c… |
| 2016142 31 Mar 2016 | Airbag On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inf… |
| 2014170 13 May 2014 | Engine On certain vehicles, housing bolts for the variable camshaft timing system could break, allowing camshaft timing to deviate. If this occurs, the engine would re… |
| 2014127 10 Apr 2014 | Engine On certain vehicles, housing bolts for the variable camshaft timing system could break, allowing camshaft timing to deviate. If this occurs, the engine would re… |
| 2013048 7 Feb 2013 | Electrical On certain vehicles, the positive battery cable connection to the fuse box could fail while the vehicle is being driven. This could interrupt the vehicle’s ele… |
| 2010196 10 Jun 2010 | Seats And Restraints On certain vehicles, the sound insulation in the "B" pillar (around the seatbelt pre-tensioner) may ignite during a crash severe enough to deploy the pre-tensio… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 1-SERIES VEHICLES. IN A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PRE-TENSIONER AND LOAD-LIMITER OCCURS.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What BMW told its dealers about the 2011 BMW 1 Series: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10249027 | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints. |
| 10240305 | Spl Parts, Inc. communications index accompanying MCP uploads 23mc40464 & 23mc40471 |
| 10240273 | This is the companion to SPL Parts, Inc.'s SB 23-01 mailed by private label independent distributor Turner Motorsports. |
| 10240266 | SPL Parts, Inc. manufacturers and distributes aftermarket lower control arms for dedicated competition vehicles and "track day" cars some of which may be used on both track and highway. SB 23-01 adresses proper installation torque of cap bolt fasteners attaching SPL's aftermarket lower control arms, recurring inspection and confirmation of torque setting and removal and replacement of damaged or under torqued fasteners to reduce risk of premature failure and accident. SB-23-01 was mailed, emailed and posted on SPL website to known resellers, race teams and users of the affected parts and is b |
| 10215024 | The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification |
| 10194296 | Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form. |
| 10175267 | Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled the engine then usually performs normally. |
| 10162434 | Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD). |
| 10162431 | "Erroneous CC Message "Remote control! Do not switch off the engine" is Displayed. An erroneous CC message, "Remote control!" " Do not switch off the engine" is displayed in the Central Information Display (CID). The engine can still be started, even with the CC message displayed. CAUSE: Car Access System (CAS) software error" |
| 10162404 | "Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Follow the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version. In Information Search, select the "Function Structure"" tab. Select Body, Mirror, Door mirror, Drive |
| 10162395 | N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine has a loss of power; and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. One or more of the following faults may be stored. E70, E71, E82, E88, E90, E92 and E93: 2D5A - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D5B - VANOS, intake: control fault, position not reached 2D60 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D61 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, position not reached 2D9F - camshaft input sensor: signal implausible 2DA1 - Camsha |
| 10160287 | TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018. |
| 10154816 | In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recalls; and get rewarded for helping us with completing repairs. |
| 10153726 | TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES. |
| 10152314 | Door Open Message Displayed, Even Though Door Is Closed. The customer complains that while driving, a CCM (check control message) indicates the doors are open, even though they are closed. Also, sometimes the gong will sound and the interior lights will go on and off. Unspecified FRM door lock status due to voltage variations |
| 10151335 | Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware. |
| 10151170 | N51 Engine: Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated - Loss of Power and Various Faults Stored in the DME. The customer complains that the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. The vehicle has lost power; the engine cranks but will not start; and various faults are stored in the DME for engine misfire and/or mixture adaptations. CAUSE The vehicle has lost fuel system delivery pressure due to a loose or split fuel line inside the fuel tank. The failure is related to an unfavorable stacking of tolerances between the rubber fuel hose and the plastic regulator nipple or deterioration of the rubber |
| 10151119 | SI B84 03 14 February 2016 Communication Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B84 03 14 dated October 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures CAUSE Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its varia |
| 10151115 | SUBJECT Audio System Speaker Testing. For audio system speaker testing there is a NED (Non Electrical Diagnosis) Test Plan available. CAUSE We previously recommended use of the Audio Test CD (ATC) from BMW. This CD has been discontinued. |
| 10151079 | SI B13 03 15 February 2016 Fuel Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B13 03 15 dated March 2015 and replaces SI B13 04 13 dated March 2014. SUBJECT N20, N26, N55, N63TU, S63TU and S55 Engines: Bosch Injector ETK Part Number Error. The current version of the ETK incorporates multiple part number errors for the Bosch type injectors. Ordering the injectors by VIN number or manual identification in ETK may result in an incorrect part number. |
| 10151068 | This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles being serviced are not being diagnosed, leading to repeat repair visits (source- Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports). INFORMATION Where diagnosis (vehicle or short test) with ISTA has already started, it is important to diagnose the fault code(s) listed below (when they are stored in the vehicle) to find their root cause during the current workshop visit. This will help lead to a reduction in workshop |
| 10151023 | Whistling Noise Coming from the Center Vent - A/C is Off . A very high pitched whistling or beeping noise is heard coming from the center vents. The flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve at certain temperature differentials. |
| 10150389 | Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. The Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD). |
| 10150385 | "CCC - ""Please Insert Navigation DVD"" Appears on CID. The navigation map DVD cannot be read or detected. The message ""Please insert navigation DVD"" appears in the CID (Central Information Display). The navigation system is inoperative. This situation may also occur when upgrading to a new navigation map. The old map is recognized but the new one is not. CAUSE Faulty DVD drive; read error due to hardening of the anti-vibration gel on the read head" |
| 10150369 | ActiveE: Additional Steps for Transmission Removal/Replacement. When a transmission removal or replacement is required on an ActiveE vehicle, the additional steps below are required. This procedure information is not included in the repair instructions. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)