2011 BMW 1 Series: common problems and reliability

The 2011 BMW 1 Series has 158 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and engine. Owners most often flag electrical system failures (dash lights, loss of ac, indicators, windows, central locking while driving): frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2011 model year

158
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
1
Crash reports
9
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 BMW 1 Series vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2011 a good year for the 1 Series?

Across the 9 1 Series model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2005) to 158 (2011). With 158 complaints, the 2011 1 Series sits abovethe model's median of 49.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

air bags
57
engine
35
electrical system
31
engine and engine cooling
14
fuel/propulsion system
11

Recalls affecting the 2011 1 Series

electrical system:wiring

Campaign 19V579000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 20V017000

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 32

engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)

Campaign 17V683000

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

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 16V071000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDriv

What owners report on the E88 1 Series

Owners of the E88 1 Series convertible express a mix of enthusiasm for its driving character and frustration with electrical gremlins and maintenance costs. The car is praised for its engaging inline-6 engine, sharp handling, and fun-to-drive nature, especiall

  • Electrical system failures (dash lights, loss of AC, indicators, windows, central locking while driving): Frequency: very frequent
  • Battery drain or failure, often due to short trips or infrequent use: Frequency: very frequent
  • Alternator failure causing charging system faults: Frequency: recurrent
  • Loose or corroded battery terminal connections: Frequency: recurrent
  • Keyless entry receiver failure (located in rearview mirror on convertibles): Frequency: recurrent

Owner insights for the E88 1 Series. Read the full E88 owner report.

Typical used price

Used 1 Series listings typically run $9,844–$13,503 across 2008 to 2013 model years.

Other 1 Series model years

Compare every 1 Series year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.

Compare the 1 Series against its rivals