2011 BMW 328I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 4%of 578 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 BMW 328I, 4% of the 578 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My Bmw does not idle smooth , it hesitates like it is choking on gas, its idle gauge goes from 0 to 15 constantly. At first I thought it was a transmission problem. I had it tunes=d up and the problem still exists. It has little power on and off. You have to accelerate hard to get it to go up hills and it is not a smooth shift when your riding it hard to get the idle up to par to go faster.”
NHTSA complaint #11282380, filed 2019-11, 75,000 miles“This vehicle has stalled numerous time when driven (in motion) at low speed on a city street. It has happened again 2 days ago when I was driving (in motion) and tried to make a right turn. The engine stopped and the steering wheel refused to turn. I would have been dead if another vehicle was coming from the other side of the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #10899047, filed 2016-08, 47,000 miles“As I came to a stop at a red light the screen showed red saying transmission issues take to nearest repair facility asap I drove thru intersection about 1000 ft made a u-turn to get off road turned car off for safety and car would not restart had to have it towed to nearest dealer where I was informed 4 days later that their diagnostics said it has had at least 2 faults on battery and possibly 3 faults on transmission it will cost $2500. …”
NHTSA complaint #11051868, filed 2017-12, 84,306 miles“Shortly after the warranty on this vehicle expired in september, 2014, I noticed a shutter while accelerating in the 35-45 MPH range, however no warning lights were illuminated. I took the vehicle to an authorized Bmw mechanic, and, initially, the mechanic could not resolve the problem. On october 27, 2016, I returned to the mechanic for some minor repairs, and the mechanic informed me that the shutter problem was due to a defect in the transmission (torque) converter. …”
NHTSA complaint #10924033, filed 2016-11, 32,000 miles“Ac/heat blower motor and final stage unit, vehicle at 5700 miles burned out resistor/harness connections. While in motion, blower suddenly stop and saw smoke come out of the vent with a burning smell due to the electrical shortage. I immediately turned the fan switch off. The resistor burned out and frayed the wires of the blower motor. Researched the issue and this is a common problem to the 2013 and earlier models. Due to this issue, the manufacturer changed their design/ harness but did not perform a recall on any vehicles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10979403, filed 2017-04, 57,000 milesRelated recalls
- 11V476000Sep 15, 2011Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 328i xdrive and 335i xdrive vehicles manufactured from february 8, 2011, through july 29, 2011. The front driveshaft…Covers: BMW 328I 2011, 335I 2011
Related service bulletins
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 10147008Aug 1, 2016"REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain…
- 10147241Sep 1, 2015Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE…
- 10149361Oct 1, 2014DCT Transmission: Oil Leakage Diagnosis. INFORMATION Incorrect diagnosis of DCT (Double-clutch Transmission) oil leaks may lead to unnecessary part replacements and repeat…
- 10148034Sep 1, 2014"Intelligent Battery Sensor Diagnosis Hints. The vehicle enters the workshop with one or more of the following complaints: * Check Control Message related to battery discharge *…
- 10147930Jan 1, 2014GM6 - 6L45R: Diagnostic Procedure for Shudder or Vibration Issues. A shudder or vibration can be felt under light acceleration or when driving at constant suburban speeds. This…
- 10150096Mar 1, 2013N55 Engine Failsafe - FC 120308 Boost Pressure Control, Plausibility: Pressure Too Low Stored in DME Fault Memory. INFORMATION The customer complains the SES is illuminated and…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 8 | 14% |
| 2015 | 13 | 10% |
| 2014 | 9 | 6% |
| 2013 | 23 | 9% |
| 2012 | 20 | 15% |
| 2011 | 24 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 8 | 4% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 27 | 24% |
| 1999 | 12 | 12% |
| 1998 | 3 | 12% |
| 1997 | 1 | 4% |
| 1996 | 4 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW 328I
194 complaintsEngine cooling
175 complaintsElectrical system
130 complaintsAir bags
91 complaintsOther or unknown
43 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 30, 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