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Engine coolingPart report

2011 BMW 328I Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
175about this part
Share
30%of 577 total for the year
Median mileage
116,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 175 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2011 BMW 328I, 30% of the 577 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 116,000 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

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

“1.) vehicle had very rough idle while idling in neutral at stop light (0 MPH). Tachometer was fluctuating rapidly between 500 and 900 RPM and the vehicle was shaking violently. Drove immediately to dealership, who found no fault codes and made no repairs. Vehicle drove normally afterwards. Odometer approximately 100 miles. 2.) vehicle stalled while idling in neutral at a stop light (0 MPH). Engine died with no shudder or any abnormal noises. Vehicle restarted immediately and drove normally afterwards. Odometer approximately 800 miles. …”

NHTSA complaint #10428886, filed 2011-10, 100 miles

“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving he observed a rattling noise emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 33,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11573670, filed 2024-02, 33,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle overheated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure to be the heater coil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11461765, filed 2022-04, 2,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal dinging sound coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached VANOS bolt. The contact was informed that the failure was due to unrepaired recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The recall repair was performed. The vehicle was repaired. …”

NHTSA complaint #11702719, filed 2025-12, 91,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that upon returning to pick up the vehicle, he was informed that the vehicle would no longer start, requiring the vehicle to be towed back to the residence. The dealer diagnosed a failure with the VANOS solenoid. The vehicle was not repaired. …”

NHTSA complaint #11653678, filed 2025-04, 240,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20161323%
20154234%
20142919%
20134417%
20121612%
201117530%
20104026%
20092111%
20083314%
2007359%
200054%
199911%
199828%
1997312%
1996619%

Other parts of the 2011 BMW 328I

Engine
194 complaintsElectrical system
129 complaintsAir bags
91 complaintsOther or unknown
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsExterior lighting
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsSeats
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 BMW 328I

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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