2011 BMW M3 US Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 40%of 10 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2011 BMW M3 US, 40% of the 10 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,000 miles.
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.
“I was driving my vehicle under normal conditions traveling around 45mph. As I switched gears from 2nd to 3rd I noticed an immediate loss of power. My vehicle automatically shut off. I pulled over to the side of the road and was not able to restart my car. After the dealership checked the car they said there was an engine failure most likely due to rod bearing failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10779796, filed 2015-10, 48,000 miles“My car was in second wasn't speeding on a local street as I put it in 3rd gear my car shut off there was no sign of anything wrong with the car it would not start back up. I took it to Bmw since I have warranty for 3 yeas mind you I only had this car for 5 months I got the car from the dealership in tenafly,nj I got the car at 31k miles on it and when my car last work which was last week it has 36k there telling I have to pay 26k up to fix .”
NHTSA complaint #10641539, filed 2014-10, 36,000 miles“While driving at a high rate of speed on a california interstate, my car suddenly lost forward momentum, power brakes and power steering. When I looked down to the dash, the dct transmission had shifted itself to neutral and the engine was shut down. I unsuccessfully attempted a restart as I tried to safely make my way through the right lanes of traffic so I could pull off on the shoulder. After narrowly being hit by passing cars, I managed to get into the right lane and coast off a freeway exit ramp. The car became increasingly difficult to steer and brake. …”
NHTSA complaint #10959009, filed 2017-03, 53,000 miles“Driving in 60/MPH speed. When overtaking a truck; 'engine fault' warning light came-up. Vehicle transmission automatically turned to neutral. Engine was cut-off. Truck was about to rear-end my car. Unfortunately, no one was hurt (toddler was inside the car). I pulled over immediately and called the roadside assistance. Towed the car to dealership. I was informed today that this issue was due to 'faulty fuel pressure vacuum sensor'. I request NHTSA & Bmw to investigate the issue and determine if a re-call is required. This seems to be a wide spread problem w/ similar model/year cars.”
NHTSA complaint #10546283, filed 2013-09, 8,200 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10170574Dec 1, 2019SERVICE ACTION: N54T ENGINE - INSPECT AND REPLACE INJECTOR(S). The piezo-type fuel injectors may cause a rough running at start-up or rough running while at idle.
- 10146535Feb 1, 2017"? NO REGENERATION OF THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B18 03 10 dated November 2010. . The Service Engine Soon lamp is…
- 10146534Feb 1, 2017"? DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) CLEANING . The following performance issues may be noticed by the customer: CC-Message ""Drive faulty"" Engine jerking or a lack of power over…
- 10151170Mar 1, 2016N51 Engine: Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated - Loss of Power and Various Faults Stored in the DME. The customer complains that the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated…
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
- 10147595Jan 1, 2015SUBJECT DME Internal and Valvetronic Faults Set at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) can be illuminated with the erroneous internal and Valvetronic…
- 10149282Oct 1, 2014Engine Damage Due to Debris in Oil Passages. After performing extensive engine repairs (e.g., cylinder head removal), the engine begins to knock and may lose power. Debris has…
- 10147966Feb 1, 2014"N51, N52K, N52T and N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. INFORMATION Part NumberDescriptionQuantity 11 36 7 583 207Adjustment unit…
- 10150033Jul 1, 2013N51, N52K, N52T and N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine…
- 10150065Jun 1, 2013"BMW NA has agreed to extend the emissions warranties of the turbocharger's wastegate to: ??8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever occurs first, as determined from the vehicle's…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 4 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW M3 US
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 BMW M3 US
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