This page covers 4 recalls, 27 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 BMW 135i.
20–23 mpg combined
10.2–11.8 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Complaints about the 2011 BMW 135i cluster most heavily around the engine and electrical system. On the engine side, owners report failures involving VANOS bolt hardware and sudden engine shutdowns, with at least one case traced to a failed crankshaft position sensor. Electrical complaints center on wiring deterioration inside headlight units and blower motor failures that persist even after the motor itself is replaced, pointing to an underlying wiring issue rather than the component. Airbag complaints round out the top three reported systems, though the specific symptoms described vary across those reports. A handful of owners also describe transmission-related behavior, including unexpected vehicle movement after stopping with the brake applied and a DCT shift lever malfunction that left the car unable to select park.
27
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 BMW 135i has 4 recalls, the most serious being a defective driver's frontal airbag inflator that can rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin and potentially causing serious injury or death.
The airbag inflator issue has been the subject of prior repair attempts that did not fully resolve the problem, and remains an active concern. Separately from the airbag, the blower-regulator wiring harness can overheat and melt its electrical connectors, creating a fire risk even when the car is parked and unattended. On the drivetrain side, the constant velocity joint connecting the driveshaft can crack and break, causing sudden loss of power to the wheels and raising the risk of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Replace the driver air bag inflator. On X5 and X6 models, only the inflator is replaced. Repair is free.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the blower-regulator wiring harness with a new part at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear driveshaft CV joint may weaken over time and break, potentially affecting power delivery to the rear wheels.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and replace it if needed based on production date, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may build up excessive pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module or inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
