2011 BMW M3 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 6%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the brakes of the 2011 BMW M3, 6% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,800 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.
“While driving my vehicle, the engine suddenly shut off, and the transmission went into neutral. I immediately turned the car back on, and pulled to a stop sign. I gave my car a few revs just to make sure everything was fine. Everything seemed to check out, so I continue driving. While driving about 40mph and straight, the car shuts off again, and this time I have a complete loss of steering and brakes. Thankfully I manage to avoid hitting the car in front of me by using my emergency brake slowly. This time the vehicle did not turn back on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11322610, filed 2020-04, 73,800 miles“When I put the battery terminals after swapping a new battery, my FRM got damaged. No brake or head lights are working, no turn signals, no windows moving etc. It's a safety issue on the road”
NHTSA complaint #11489153, filed 2022-10Related service bulletins
- 10244237Oct 13, 2023Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-
- 10194296Apr 1, 2021Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking…
- 10147242Sep 1, 2015Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 34 04 14 dated December 2014. Designates changes to the bulletin…
- 10148179Dec 1, 2014Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles. INFORMATION 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake…
- 10057534Dec 1, 2014Bmw: running noises heard when brakes are applied, with high brake loads; through wheel opening, visible cracks can be seen in brake discs and steering wheel torsional vibrates…
- 10148316May 1, 2014Incorrect Remaining Service Life from CBS Data for Brake pads. The yellow "Service Due" warning message lights up in the instrument cluster, even though the brake pad thickness…
- 10150167Nov 1, 2013Incorrect Remaining Service Life from CBS Data for Brake pads. The calculated remaining service life for the brake pads (front and/or rear axle) from the CBS data does not match…
- 10150221Aug 1, 2013Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The CBS displays the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production instead of the appropriate…
- 10150037Jul 1, 2013Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The coding in these vehicles has the CBS displaying the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2 | 6% |
| 2010 | 2 | 13% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 7% |
| 1999 | 2 | 18% |
| 1998 | 1 | 7% |
| 1997 | 1 | 5% |
| 1995 | 4 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW M3
16 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 BMW M3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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