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Electrical systemPart report

2011 BMW M3 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
23%of 31 total for the year
Median mileage
48,000miles
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 M3, 23% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 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.

“I was driving on the freeway accelerating when I hit approximately 75 MPH my car was making a loud revving sound and metal clanking sound in middle and smoke was coming from the front and back of the vehicle very thick white smoke all of a sudden my car slowed down and all the lights were blinking on the dash almost got into accidents while cars avoid hitting! My car wasn't going over 5 10 MPH there was so much smoke was getting worried,some how I managed to exit the freeway and parked I was told my english was blown! …”

NHTSA complaint #11390611, filed 2021-01, 52,000 miles

“The car was parked at a flat space parking lot. When I tried to open the vehicle using a fob key, the alarm started to go off. I was not able to access the vehicle other than using a key blade to open the door manually, however all system was dead. I have replaced the fob key battery, checked the battery status, and ran the error code system, but everything was fine. After some research, I've found out that there is a recall on the similar models (Bmw 3 series) for a fuse box - battery connection issue. …”

NHTSA complaint #10955248, filed 2017-02, 69,000 miles

“2011 Bmw dct M3 engine turns off by it self while driving through intersection. Transmission goes into neutral. N pops up on the center cockpit. Steering wheel lock. Brakes work. Had to maintain foot on brakes. Have to push engine start button. Car starts up again. Engine stalling and shutting off is a safety hazard, especially if the car is in motion. Could cause death to end users or other people. Can cause property damages as well. This has happen twice within a 8 week period. …”

NHTSA complaint #10661151, filed 2014-11, 44,000 miles

“I did some research it looks my car has the positive battery cable recall not done it's major safety issue!! Up on further information cars build from date 2008-2012 my vehicle production date is from september 2010. I still haven't received my recall later please solve issue as soon as possible thanks.”

NHTSA complaint #11269801, filed 2019-10

“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 2022-10

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2018111%
2013215%
2011723%
201017%
2009613%
2008911%
200413%
200347%
2002410%
1998214%

Other parts of the 2011 BMW M3

Engine
16 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBrakes
2 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 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