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2011 BMW 3 Series ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Recalls

2 recalls Highest severity: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service for ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING issues.

← View all 2011 BMW 3 Series recalls

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Safety Recalls

Critical #17V683000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The PCV valve is a vital part that helps your engine breathe and stay cool. In some 2007-2011 BMW models, the heater for the PCV valve can malfunction and cause an electrical short.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, the PCV valve's internal parts could melt, even when your car is parked and turned off, which could lead to a fire.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the PCV valve heater for free, and you should schedule the repair as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible after you receive the second recall notice. This timing describes the original 2017 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, 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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #14V176000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The VANOS unit in your engine helps your car's engine run smoothly by adjusting the timing of the valves. The bolts that hold it in place can come loose over time and break.
Risk if Unfixed
If the bolts break, your engine could lose power or stall while you're driving. This could make it hard to control your vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the VANOS housing bolts for both the intake and exhaust VANOS units, free of charge. This repair should be done as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible to prevent any potential issues. This timing describes the original 2014 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. 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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
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 extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Other BMW 3 Series 2011 Recalls

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 recalls
AIR BAGS
3 recalls
POWER TRAIN
2 recalls

Other BMW 3 Series Years

2025
1 recall
2024
3 recalls
2023
4 recalls
2022
3 recalls
2021
10 recalls
2020
15 recalls
2019
9 recalls
2018
6 recalls
2017
3 recalls
2016
5 recalls
2015
8 recalls
2014
12 recalls
2013
9 recalls
2012
8 recalls
2010
9 recalls
2009
7 recalls
2008
6 recalls
2007
7 recalls
2006
11 recalls
2005
5 recalls
2004
5 recalls
2003
8 recalls
2002
8 recalls
2001
8 recalls
2000
7 recalls

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2010 BMW Z4
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2026 FORD Explorer
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2014 JEEP Grand Cherokee
44 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING recalls

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2011 BMW 3 Series safe to drive?

This model year has 2 recorded safety recalls. Model-level listings do not establish VIN-specific open recalls or whether this vehicle is safe to drive. Check your VIN and contact the manufacturer for recall instructions.

What is the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) recall for the 2011 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #17V683000)

The PCV valve is a vital part that helps your engine breathe and stay cool. In some 2007-2011 BMW models, the heater for the PCV valve can malfunction and cause an electrical short. If this happens, the PCV valve's internal parts could melt, even when your car is parked and turned off, which could lead to a fire. Your BMW dealer will replace the PCV valve heater for free, and you should schedule the repair as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible after you receive the second recall notice. This timing describes the original 2017 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.

What is the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE recall for the 2011 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #14V176000)

The VANOS unit in your engine helps your car's engine run smoothly by adjusting the timing of the valves. The bolts that hold it in place can come loose over time and break. If the bolts break, your engine could lose power or stall while you're driving. This could make it hard to control your vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. Your BMW dealer will replace the VANOS housing bolts for both the intake and exhaust VANOS units, free of charge. This repair should be done as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible to prevent any potential issues. This timing describes the original 2014 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.