DecodedCars2011 BMW 1 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 128i 2dr Coupe RWD, 135i 2dr Coupe RWD, Cabriolet 128i 2dr Conv RWD, Cabriolet 135i 2dr Conv RWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 172 in
- Curb weight
- 3,258–3,660 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 10 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 BMW 1 Series is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,258 lb (128i 2dr Coupe RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 4% better than the 2011 subcompact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 1 Series — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 1 Series →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 128i 2dr Coupe RWD | 172 in | 68.9 in | 55.5 in | 104.7 in | 57.5 / 58.3 in | 3,258 lb | 52/48 |
| 135i 2dr Coupe RWD | 172 in | 68.9 in | 55.5 in | 104.7 in | 57.5 / 58.3 in | 3,380 lb | 52/48 |
| Cabriolet 128i 2dr Conv RWD | 172 in | 68.9 in | 55.5 in | 104.7 in | 57.9 / 58.7 in | 3,494 lb | 52/48 |
| Cabriolet 135i 2dr Conv RWD | 172 in | 68.9 in | 55.5 in | 104.7 in | 57.9 / 58.7 in | 3,660 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 135i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +4% | $3,550 | 386 |
| 128ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 128i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 128i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 135i Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 128ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| M1 Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 135i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 135i Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
22.2 MPG2011 Subcompact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 BMW 1 Series.
Similar 2011 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW 1 Series (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 BMW 3 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Lexus CT | 42 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 BMW M | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Volvo C70 | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (5)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Oct 20, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V707000 · 157,796 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
- Risk
- Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jan 15, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V017000 · 59,965 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Power Train › Driveline › Constant Velocity Joint · Feb 2, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V067000 · 8,752 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
- Risk
- If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V071000 · 840,000 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor · Jun 10, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V254000 · 31,935 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 1-SERIES VEHICLES. IN A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PRE-TENSIONER AND LOAD-LIMITER OCCURS.
- Risk
- THE INSULATION AROUND THE PRE-TENSIONER COULD IGNITE.
- Fix
- VEHICLES PRODUCED UP THROUGH DECEMBER 2009 WILL RECEIVE NEW FRONT SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR UNITS AND A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS, WHILE VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN JANUARY 2010 AND MAY 2010 WILL RECEIVE A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2011 BMW 1 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
27Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
58,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 BMW 1 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 16 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 4 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 58,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 BMW 1 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 1 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 1 Series | 23 | 172 in | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2012 1 Series | 23 | 172 in | Not rated | 4 | 0 |
| 2010 1 Series | 22 | 172 in | Not rated | 4 | 5 |
| 2009 1 Series | 22 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 14 |
| 2008 1 Series | 22 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 13 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →