The 2011 BMW 128i has 7 recalls, the most serious being a driver's airbag inflator that can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Two separate recalls cover the same airbag inflator defect, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles. On the fire risk side, the heater inside the positive crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit and melt surrounding components, potentially starting a fire even when the car is parked and off. Separately, the wiring harness for the cabin blower can overheat and melt its connectors, also creating a fire risk when the vehicle is unattended. The electrical system has another concern: a fuse and circuit breaker issue can cause a total loss of electrical power, leading to an unexpected stall while driving. Rounding out the list, engine mounting bolts can loosen or break, causing reduced power or a stall that raises the risk of a crash.