2011 BMW 1 Series recalls and problems
The 2011 BMW 1 Series has 2 safety recalls and 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2011 BMW 1 Series vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2011 BMW 1 Series recalls
Recall 23V-707: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall 10V-254: Seat Belts
Problem: 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.
Risk: The insulation around the pre-tensioner could ignite.
Fix: Vehicles produced up through december 2009 will receive new front safety belt retractor units and a modification to the sound insulation near the units, while vehicles produced between january 2010 and may 2010 will receive a modification to the sound insulation near the units. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on august 23, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
2011 BMW 1 Series problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 15 | |
| Electrical System | 7 | |
| Engine | 4 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | |
| Equipment | 2 | |
| Structure | 2 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
| Power Train | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1
- Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 1
- Structure › Body › Door — 1
- Structure › Body — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 24,974 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2011 BMW 1 Series complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW 1 Series years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2011 BMW 1 Series have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 BMW 1 Series: 23V-707 (engine and engine cooling), 10V-254 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 BMW 1 Series?
Owners report air bags problems most often (15 reports), followed by electrical system (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 24,974 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.