2011 BMW 328i Reliability: What Owners & Experts Are Saying

If you’re in the market for a used 3 series BMW, reliability is probably one of your top concerns. After all, the last thing you want is to purchase a 10-year-old BMW only to be plagued by expensive repairs and maintenance costs.

So is the 2011 BMW 328i reliable for the long haul? According to experts and owner experiences, the 2011 328i is below average in reliability compared to other compact luxury cars. Repairs are frequent and costly, even for a European vehicle. However, if you stay on top of maintenance, inspect recalls, and don’t mind the odd trip to the shop, the 2011 328i can still be a joy to own long-term.

Below we’ll take an in-depth look at the 2011 328i’s reliability from every angle. You’ll get the full breakdown of expert reviews, owner ratings, common problems, recalls, maintenance costs, and how it stacks up to other BMW 3 Series models. Let’s dig in!

An Overview of the 2011 BMW 328i

Before assessing the 2011 328i’s reliability, let’s quickly recap what this vehicle is all about. The 328i is the entry-level model in BMW’s legendary 3 Series line of compact luxury sedans. The seventh generation F30 3 Series debuted for the 2012 model year, so the 2011 328i was the last year of the previous generation E90 platform.

Under the hood, the 2011 328i came with BMW’s N52 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Output was 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. This provided brisk 0-60 mph acceleration in the low 6-second range. Fuel economy was respectable for the class at 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The 328i came decently equipped even in base trim. Leatherette seats, power front seats, automatic climate control, and BMW’s iDrive infotainment system were all standard. Popular options included the Sport and M Sport packages, sunroof, navigation, satellite radio, and heated seats.

Expert Reviews of the 2011 328i Reliability

Automotive experts have voiced mixed opinions regarding the 2011 328i’s reliability:

J.D. Power – The 328i earned a 3 out of 5 predicted reliability rating, which is considered about average. J.D. Power identified the engine and transmission as trouble areas.
RepairPal – With a 2.5 out of 5 reliability score, RepairPal ranks the 2011 328i 27th out of 32 luxury compact cars. The frequency of unscheduled repairs is higher than most competitors.
Consumer Reports – The 328i earned a “Worse than Average” used car prediction, with a low 1 out of 5 reliability score. Consumers reported issues with the engine, electrical, suspension, brakes, and climate system.

The 2011 model year falls in the middle of the E90 generation’s 2006-2013 production run. Later E90 model years tend to rate slightly higher in reliability. Still, expert reviews indicate the 328i is clearly not a segment leader when it comes to dependability.

2011 328i Owner Reliability Ratings

Real owner experiences often provide the best insight into a car’s reliability in the long run. Here’s a sampling of reliability ratings from 2011 328i owners:

TrueDelta – Owners give the 2011 328i a poor 2 out of 5 reliability score. The average repair trip cost is $750, which is higher than average.
CarComplaints – With 177 complaints on file for the 2011 model year, the 328i has a very high rate of repairs compared to other vehicles.
MotorEasy – 46% of owners reported experiencing a fault with their 2011 328i. The most common issues were with the engine, electrical, suspension, and cooling system.
Edmunds – With an average reliability rating of just 2.5 out of 5 from owners, complaints cite problems with the fuel system, electrical components, and expensive oil leaks.

Judging by owner feedback, problematic repairs are more common than expected in the 2011 328i, even for a luxury vehicle. Maintenance demands are likely higher compared to rivals like the Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, and Lexus IS250.

Common Problems & Issues With the 2011 328i

Digging deeper into owner complaints reveals the 2011 328i’s most prevalent issues:

High pressure fuel pump failure – This expensive repair often happens outside the extended 8 year/82,000 mile warranty for the pump. Fixing requires dropping the fuel tank.
Water pump and thermostat leaks – Coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat housing are common around 60-100k miles. Repair costs $800+.
Oil leaks – Valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks are widespread, requiring regular resealing. Oil leaks contribute to high maintenance costs.
Electrical gremlins – Problems with the alternator, starter motor, BCM module, and battery are not uncommon. Diagnosis and repairs add up.
Carbon buildup in engine – BMW’s direct injection engines suffer from carbon deposits that require walnut blasting every 60-80k miles.
Suspension – Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and shocks/struts need replacing more often than expected.

While not every 2011 328i will suffer these setbacks, they happen more frequently compared to rivals. Being aware of common issues and addressing them proactively is key to longevity.

2011 328i Safety Recalls

Several notable safety recalls have been issued over the years for the 2011 BMW 328i:

Airbag recall – Affects driver-side front airbag. Risk of airbag non-deployment in a crash. Expands earlier Takata airbag recalls.
Engine stalling – Fuel pump control unit failure can cause sudden engine stalling, increasing crash risk. 130,000 vehicles recalled.
Rear view camera – Display may show inverted image or go blank. Impairs visibility when backing up.
Seatbelt recall – Front seatbelts may not properly lock in a collision. Failing to restrain occupants.
Power loss – Instrument cluster and sound system failure while driving due to electrical issue. Results in loss of power.

Owners should inspect recalls to see if their 2011 328i is affected. Unrepaired defects pose serious safety hazards and negatively impact resale value.

Are 2011 328i Expensive to Maintain?

The 2011 BMW 328i is costlier to maintain than non-luxury branded vehicles. Owners report an average annual maintenance cost around $982, which is on par for the segment. The most expensive scheduled service is the 6 year/60,000 mile major maintenance, which runs $1200+.

Repair costs are steeper than average, with BMW’s premium parts pricing. Small repairs can quickly snowball into $1000+ bills. For example:

Water pump replacement – $850
Valve cover gasket repair – $650
Alternator replacement – $500
Set of 4 shock absorbers – $1000

RepairPal estimates annual repair costs will average $968 for the 2011 328i. Retaining detailed service records helps maximize resale value.

2011 328i vs Other 3 Series Years: Which is More Reliable?

The 2011 model year falls in the middle of the E90 3 Series generation, spanning 2006-2013. Here’s how the 2011 328i stacks up against other years:

2006-2008 – First model years had more teething issues with engines and electronics. Avoid if possible.
2009-2010 – Slightly better reliability on average but still below class standards.
2011-2013 – Issues persist but fewer problems as kinks were worked out. 2011-2012 are very similar.
2014+ (F30 generation) – The redesigned 3 Series saw notable improvements in reliability and owner satisfaction.

In the bigger picture, the E90 generation lags behind the previous E46 (1999-2005) 3 Series which excelled in dependability for a BMW. For optimal used BMW reliability on a budget, an E46 model is a savvier choice.

Tips to Improve Reliability of a 2011 328i

To maximize reliability in a 2011 328i:

Follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual, especially oil changes. Don’t cheap out on parts.
Replace aging parts like water pump, belts, suspension bushings before they fail.
Use quality synthetic oil and OEM or OEM equivalent replacement parts.
Watch for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and recalls that apply to your VIN.
Inspect carbon buildup and walnut blast intake valves around 70k miles.
Consider an extended warranty for peace of mind given above-average repair frequencies.
Join a BMW forum to connect with other owners and learn about preventative maintenance.
Consider upgrading to an aluminum water pump and stainless steel exhaust components to increase durability.
Drive gently – aggressive driving and heavy loads accelerate wear.

Is the 2011 BMW 328i Reliable for the Long-Term?

The 2011 BMW 328i delivers an enjoyable driving experience and quality cabin materials that uphold BMW’s reputation. However, reliability and ownership costs are below par, even for the luxury class. The engine, fuel system, electrical, and suspension are most problematic.

On average, the 2011 328i is likely to demand more maintenance and unscheduled repairs compared to rivals like the Acura TSX, Lexus IS 250, and Mercedes C-Class. Factor in higher premium part costs.

That said, the 2011 328i remains a well-built driver’s car. If you budget for extra maintenance, stay vigilant with preventative care, and don’t mind occasionally fixing issues, a 328i can still offer dependable fun for years to come. Just be sure to have your trusted mechanic inspect any car thoroughly before purchase.

Overall, the 2011 328i ranks below most competitors in reliability according to expert analysis and real-world owner experiences. For the most worry-free used luxury car ownership, later model years of the 3 Series or alternate models like the Lexus IS represent smarter buys. But with eyes wide open to its shortcomings, a properly maintained 2011 328i can still make an enjoyable and reliable-enough daily driver.