2011 BMW Active E

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Pros & cons

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

The 2011 BMW Active E is a subcompact car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive.

The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 94 miles and takes about 5 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file.

Version	Engine	Transmission	Drive	City / Hwy / Comb	vs. class	Fuel / yr	CO₂ g/mi
Active E EV	125 kW AC Induction	Automatic (A1)	Rear-Wheel Drive	94 mi · 33 kWh/100mi	–	$750	–

Save $8,250Fuel 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 →

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 BMW Active E.

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2011 BMW Active E (this car)	94 mi	Not rated	2
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class	20 MPG	Not rated	0
2011 Lexus IS	24 MPG	Not rated	7
2011 Audi A5	25 MPG	Not rated	2
2011 Maserati GranTurismo	15 MPG	Not rated	0
2011 BMW M	16 MPG	Not rated	0
2011 Audi S5	20 MPG	Not rated	3

Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Jan 17, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V017000 · 360 vehicles

Problem: BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 1-Series ActiveE passenger vehicles manufactured August 17, 2011, through December 19, 2011. Due to an insufficient sealing of the drivetrain housing assembly there may be a lack of grease lubrication on the gear shaft that transfers power from the electric motor to the transmission.
Risk: Over time, the connection between the electric motor and the transmission may wear, possibly resulting in a sudden loss of vehicle propulsion. This could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners by telephone, and dealers will inspect the drivetrain connection and update the sealing system. Any worn electric motor gearing will be replaced. The recall began on April 4, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Jun 28, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V302000 · 162 vehicles

Problem: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 1-SERIES ACTIVE E AND MODEL YEAR 2012 Z4 VEHICLES. VARIATIONS IN ELECTRICAL CURRENT MAY OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM, LEADING TO SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE.
Risk: SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING ASSISTANCE MAY INCREASE THE STEERING EFFORT REQUIRED TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF A VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING ASSISTANCE MODULE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN DURING JULY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT 1-800-525-7417.

Not every 2011 BMW Active E is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

No owner complaints for the 2011 BMW Active E in NHTSA's database since 2015.

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 94 miles.
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 Active E. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →