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Electrical systemPart report

2011 BMW 128I Electrical system Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
14%of 50 total for the year
Median mileage
45,928miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 BMW 128I, 14% of the 50 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,928 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Water accumulates in the trunk/boot of the vehicle causing numerous electronic faults, error codes and states per Bmw this issue significant. Many issues like the ones I've described were recalled to a degree. Now, their 'fixes' are failing and more and more issue emerge with the Bmw e8x frame. I was told per Bmw that these recalls remedy the mistake; therefore, even though I have the same issues the recall covered I'm having the same issues. These issues can happen at any time. Most often when starting the vehicle but on particularly rainy days it can be any time and anywhere.”

NHTSA complaint #11319195, filed 2020-03, 74,000 miles

“Led running lights in passenger side tail lights have failed. Further inspection shows that the circuit board that houses the LED tube lights has a malfunction due to poorly soldered circuit board. Left tail lights running light function fails completely (blinker, and brakes are still retained). Led tubes do not light up at all making the car less visible at night.”

NHTSA complaint #10702456, filed 2015-03, 38,000 miles

“The vehicle's ignition coil and spark plugs have had to be replaced several times. Car lost power while driving. Stalled engine at red lights and green. The PCV Valve Heater is causing the ignition coil and spark plugs to malfunction, leading to expensive repairs.”

NHTSA complaint #11503353, filed 2023-01

“The contact owns a 2011 Bmw 128I. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and entering a highway, the vehicle stalled and failed to turn. The contact received assistance from the fire department who advised him that the battery was dead. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but a diagnostic was not performed. The failure was reported to the manufacturer. The failure and current mileage was 29,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10514370, filed 2013-05, 29,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201326%
201213%
2011714%
201029%
2009519%
2008211%

Other parts of the 2011 BMW 128I

Air bags
15 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 BMW 128I

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology