The 2011 335i is a performance icon plagued by turbo-era BMW growing pains. Early N54 engines (through March 2010) are failure-prone; N55 (mid-2010+) improved reliability but still demands expensive maintenance. Budget for turbos, injectors, and high-pressure fuel pumps—or walk away.
N54 High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: rough idle and long crank times, limp mode or no-start condition, fuel rail pressure faults (30BA/30BB), metal shavings in fuel system if pump grenades
Fix: Replace HPFP (2.5-3.5 hrs labor). If pump failed catastrophically, must flush entire fuel system including injectors and lines to prevent downstream damage. N55 models less prone but not immune.
Symptoms: wastegate rattle on cold start (sounds like marbles), underboost codes (30FF), overboosting and rough running, blue smoke under load if seals fail
Fix: N54 has twin turbos—both often need replacement simultaneously (12-16 hrs labor). N55 single turbo slightly cheaper but still a major job. Aftermarket options exist but require tuning.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
Direct Injector Failure and Carbon Buildup
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: rough idle and misfires on multiple cylinders, injector tick or clatter audible from engine bay, hard starting when hot, progressive power loss
Fix: Injectors fail electronically or mechanically on N54/N55. Replacement requires 6-8 hrs labor for all six. Combine with walnut blasting for carbon cleanup (add 3-4 hrs). Carbon service alone every 60k miles recommended.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000
Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: coolant weepage at front of engine, low coolant warnings on iDrive, overheating in severe cases, coolant smell in cabin or under hood
Fix: Electric water pump and plastic thermostat housing both fail. Replace as a pair with updated parts (4-6 hrs labor). Do hoses and expansion tank at same time if original.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Oil Filter Housing Gasket (OFHG) Leak
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: oil seepage at top-front of engine near valve cover, burnt oil smell, oil drips on driveway after sitting, low oil warnings if neglected long-term
Fix: Plastic housing cracks or gasket hardens. Replace housing, gasket, and oil cooler seals while in there (3-4 hrs labor). Common preventive job.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Valve Cover and Valve Stem Seal Oil Consumption
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: burning 1+ quart every 1,000 miles, blue smoke on startup, valve cover gasket leaks onto exhaust, oil pooling in spark plug wells causing misfires
Fix: Valve cover gasket simple (2-3 hrs), but valve stem seals require cylinder head removal (16-20 hrs labor). Many opt for used-car trade-in at this point.
Transmission Mechatronic Sleeve and Solenoid Failures (Auto)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: harsh shifting or slipping between gears, transmission fault messages, limp mode (stuck in gear), whining or grinding from trans during shifts
Fix: ZF 8HP requires mechatronic sleeve replacement or full valve body overhaul (8-12 hrs labor). Fluid and filter should have been changed every 50k—most weren't.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,500
Rod Bearing Failure (N54 Catastrophic)
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: knocking or ticking from bottom end that worsens with RPM, metallic debris in oil during analysis, sudden rod knock followed by engine seizure, complete engine failure requiring replacement
Fix: Poor oiling design and inadequate bearing material. If caught early via oil analysis, bearings can be replaced (20+ hrs labor). If spun, engine needs rebuild or replacement. Total loss scenario common.
Run full synthetic 5W-30 and change every 5,000 miles—not BMW's 10k interval
Walnut blast intake valves every 60k miles to prevent carbon-related misfires
Use premium fuel only; these engines are intolerant of low octane
Keep records of index-12 HPFP update and any turbo/injector warranty work
Consider extended warranty or self-insure $5k for the inevitable turbo/injector job
Budget $2k/year for maintenance beyond consumables—this is not a cheap-to-own car
Only buy if it's an N55 model with full service records, you have a $5k repair fund, and you're comfortable with a BMW indie shop—otherwise, find a Lexus.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required; located in trunk; battery registration required after replacement
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Control Modules — 2011 BMW 335i
Every control module on the 2011-2013 BMW 335i — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 24V513000
2024-07-03
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 20V017000
2020-01-15 · EA15001
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 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i
xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 17V676000
2017-10-25
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Consequence: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT · 17V067000
2017-02-02
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
Consequence: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · 14V176000
2014-04-10
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.
Consequence: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · 13V044000
2013-02-07
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. 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 electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 [email protected].
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 11V476000
2011-09-15
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 328I XDRIVE AND 335I XDRIVE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 8, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. IF THE BOLTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, THEY MAY BECOME LOOSE.
Consequence: IF THE BOLTS LOOSEN, IT COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF POWER TO THE FRONT WHEELS AND ULTIMATELY A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2011 BMW 335i 3.0L I6 Turbo N55 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.