The 2011 BMW 3 Series has 4 recalls, the most serious involving a crankcase ventilation valve heater that can short electrically, overheat, and start a fire either while the car is running or shortly after it has been parked.
Two recalls address drivetrain issues. On rear-wheel-drive models, the rivet connections holding the rear driveshaft's CV joint together can weaken over time and eventually break, causing the car to lose drive power entirely, which raises the risk of a crash. On xDrive all-wheel-drive sedans specifically, the front driveshaft attachment bolts may not have been tightened to the correct specification at the factory, and if they work loose, the front driveshaft can separate and drop from the vehicle. There is also an engine concern: bolts securing the VANOS variable valve timing unit can loosen or break, which can cause the engine to stall without warning while driving.
At a glance
What can fail
The aluminum bolts securing the variable camshaft timing adjustment housing can loosen and break over time, potentially causing the unit to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace all four VANOS bolts at no cost to you.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit, potentially causing an electrical fault.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV valve heater at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The riveted connections holding the rear driveshaft's CV joint may weaken over time and break, causing loss of power to the wheels and increasing crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will check when the CV joint was made and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front driveshaft bolts may not be tightened properly during assembly. If they loosen and fall out, the driveshaft can detach from the transfer case or front differential, damaging the driveline and undercarriage.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front driveshaft attachment bolts.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
