Model year guide

2011 BMW M3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2011 BMW M3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 66 on record.

2011 BMW M3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2011 BMW M3 at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints41
Typical price$36,030

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2011 BMW M3 recalls 4

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers NHTSA Campaign #19V472000 · 19/06/2019

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #20V017000 · 15/01/2020

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 a…

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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical System:wiring NHTSA Campaign #17V676000 · 25/10/2017

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.

Fix: 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.

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #16V071000 · 05/02/2016

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 xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDriv…

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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2011 BMW M3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

What's a 2011 BMW M3 worth?

Low
$29,000
Typical price
$36,030
High
$42,400

From 66 comparable 2011 BMW M3 listings.

2011 BMW M3 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
4.0L 8-cyl 414 hp

2011 BMW M3 vehicles on record

2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSPM9C54BE698772 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSDX9C59BE585281 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSPM9C59BE699111 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSPM9C54BE699016 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSKG9C52BE368579 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSPM9C52BE699080 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSDX9C54BE583843 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSKG9C58BE796902 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSKG9C56BE369315 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSKG9C50BE369438 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSKG9C55BE368575 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSPM9C58BE202498 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSDX9C55BE784330 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSKG9C56BE368326 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSPM9C54BE698755 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSPM9C58BE202727 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSKG9C52BE645456 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSDX9C51BE584318 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSDX9C57BE585053 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSDX9C57BE585148 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSDX9C57BE783986 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSDX9C54BE585088 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSDX9C54BE784108 2011 BMW M3 2011 BMW M3 BaseWBSDX9C56BE584542

Other BMW M3 model years

2021 2018 2016 2015 2013 2012 2010 2009 2008 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 1999 1998 1997 1991

2011 BMW M3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 BMW M3 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2011 BMW M3. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW M3?

Based on 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, service brakes.

How much is a 2011 BMW M3 worth?

Comparable 2011 BMW M3 listings run roughly $29,000–$42,400, typically around $36,030 (from 66 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.