DecodedCars2011 BMW 3 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 323i/328i 4dr Sedan RWD, 328i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD, 335d 4dr Sedan RWD, 335i 4dr Sedan RWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 23 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 178.3–180.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,362–3,825 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 BMW 3 Series is a compact car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 178 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,362 lb (323i/328i 4dr Sedan RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (23 city / 35 highway), 11% better than the 2011 compact car average of 24.3 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 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 3 Series — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 3 Series →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 323i/328i 4dr Sedan RWD | 178.3 in | 71.7 in | 55.9 in | 108.7 in | 59.1 / 59.4 in | 3,362 lb | 50/50 |
| 328i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 178.3 in | 71.7 in | 55.9 in | 108.7 in | 59.1 / 59.4 in | 3,605 lb | 50/50 |
| 335d 4dr Sedan RWD | 178.3 in | 71.7 in | 55.9 in | 108.7 in | 59.1 / 59.4 in | 3,825 lb | 50/50 |
| 335i 4dr Sedan RWD | 178.3 in | 71.7 in | 55.9 in | 108.7 in | 59.1 / 59.4 in | 3,594 lb | 50/50 |
| 335i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 178.3 in | 71.7 in | 55.9 in | 108.7 in | 59.1 / 59.4 in | 3,814 lb | 50/50 |
| Cabriolet 328i RWD | 180.7 in | 70.1 in | 54.3 in | 108.7 in | 59.1 / 59.1 in | 3,792 lb | 47/53 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 335d Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 35 / 27 | +11% | $3,550 | 377 |
| 328ci | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 328ci | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 335ci | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 335ci | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 335ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 335ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 328i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -9% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 328i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 22 | -9% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 335i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -9% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 335i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -9% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 328ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 335ci xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 335ci xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 335is Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 335is Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 335i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -14% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 335i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -14% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 328i Sports Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -14% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 328ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328ci xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328ci xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -18% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -18% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328i Sports Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -18% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328i xDrive Sports Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -18% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328i xDrive Sports Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -18% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 335is Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 468 |
| 335is Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 468 |
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 3 Series.
Similar 2011 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW 3 Series (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2011 Audi A4 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Audi A5 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Volvo S60 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (2)
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) · Mar 2, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V119000 · 917,106 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
- Fix
- This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2011 BMW 3 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 BMW 3 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- 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 3 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 3 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 3 Series | 31 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 3 Series | 31 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 3 Series | 29 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 3 Series | 29 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 3 Series | 30 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 3 Series | 35 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →