2011 BMW 128I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 BMW 128I: 7 recalls, 50 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
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Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical, Electrical Vehicle recall #13V044000 · 2013 · 516,791 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle May unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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 customerrelations@bmwusa.com.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #14V176000 · 2014 · 156,137 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the bolts loosen or break the engine May have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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…
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V071000 · 2016 · 840,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to rupture.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V683000 · 2017 · 740,561 vehicles
What's wrong: 0si, x3 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive30i, z4 3.0i, z4 3.0si and z4 sdrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve May short circuit.
Why it matters: An electrical short can cause the parts within the pcv valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pcv valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.
Electrical Vehicle recall #19V579000 · 2019 · 41,981 vehicles
What's wrong: The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness May overheat.
Why it matters: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V017000 · 2020 · 59,965 vehicles
What's wrong: These inflators May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #22V119000 · 2022 · 917,106 vehicles
What's wrong: 0si, x3 xdrive30i); 2008-2013 1 series convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 series sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xdrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 series wagon (328i, 328i xdrive); 2007-2013 3 series convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 series sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 series wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 x5 sav (x5 3.0si, x5 xdrive30i); 2006-2008 z4 coupe (z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 z4…
Why it matters: An electrical short can cause the pcv valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
The fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17v-683 and 19v-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the pcv valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17v-683 and…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (15): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Engine & cooling (14): the most common themes are fire / smoke (3), warning light on (3), noise or vibration (2).
- Engine (12): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), noise or vibration (4), fire / smoke (2).
- Electrical (7): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), fire / smoke (2).
The 2011 BMW 128I has 50 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 7 128I model years for complaints (1.9× the average 128I year). Complaints peaked in 2024 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 87,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (22 complaints, 7 recalls), 2012 (31 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 22 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 BMW 128I.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 BMW 128I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 2011 BMW 128I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 BMW 128I problems?
Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (15), engine & cooling (14), engine (12).
What gas mileage does the 2011 BMW 128I get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 BMW 128I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.