2011 BMW 3-Series Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.22/5 Average
99 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 3 Series coupe and convertible have been slightly restyled for 2011, and have been given an additional model in the form of the more sport-oriented 335is. All 335i models receive a new, more fuel-efficient turbocharged engine. The upgraded stereo is also once again branded as a Harman Kardon.

Pros:
  • Unmatched ride/handling balance, smooth and powerful engines, reasonably fuel-efficient, upscale cabin, four body styles, elegant hardtop convertible design, available diesel engine.
Cons:
  • Limited interior storage space, compromised rear headroom, options can inflate price quickly.

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 99 of 99.00
  • 2011 3 Series Rocks - 2011 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    Car is awesome all around. From performance to design, I love it. I think that the new BMWs design is lacking compared to the 2011. My nav is built into dash, everything flows, just clean lines. Performance is awesome, super fast and great handling. I have owned car for 5 years now and zero repairs, just routine care, nothing else. I would recommend this to anyone. I also got the extended warranty so I pay zero for maintenance. I would go with older BMW over new just due to design, I think the new ones look ugly compared to past years. Resale is great, my car holds value better than most.

  • Bought Used 2011 328i X in Nov 2016 - 2011 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    Had to spend $600 for a sparkplug coil and tuneup when it failed a month after I bought it. Then $100 for an oil change because I could tell how dirty the oil was from the dash indicator (there is no dipstick) , and then it started to produce a oil burning smell (prior to oil change) inside the cabin when the car is sitting and idling. Had to replace valve cover gasket(VCG), valvetronic gasket, and some other small gasket nearby. I also replace the eccentric shaft sensor( while they had the cover off..they recommended it)so it made sense to when they had everything off. that was another $1200, I previously owned a 87 325i and spend about $11k in repairs for the 6 years I owned it . I also had a 96 328i for about 10yrs and spend about $15k in repair over those years. So I knew about spending more in Maintainence when I bought it but its well worth it to have one of the "Utimate Drving Machine"s

  • No more German cars - 2011 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    As a car guy my whole life I always heard how great BMWs were. So after years of Japanese and American cars with no complaints I decided to buy a 3 Series I could finally afford. Unfortunately I learned a BMW is no better (and in may ways worse) than a car that costs car less. It is a terrible value with poor fuel economy, higher than average insurance costs and unreliable parts that cost FAR more than a regular car to replace. I will never buy another German car after owning this car.

  • Fun but better can be had at this price - 2011 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    The front seats are comfortable. The rear lacks leg room and just OK for 2. Extremely uncomfortable for 3. Great engine. Reliability could be better. Interior materials are cheap and constantly need repair. Exterior rubber trim dry rots quickly, especially those around the windows. Other, better luxury cars are available in this price range.

  • Best ever - 2011 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    This car stands out as one of my all time favorite cars! If I could duplicate it in BMWs current lineup I would in a second.

  • BMW = BIG MONEY WASTER - 2011 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    I have had my 2011 bmw 328i for about 2 years, within the last 4 months I have dumped over $4k into repairs.. one leak, after another, after another. my radiator went out at 80k miles, valve cover assembly replaced, oil pan gasket leak, and more. This car has been nothing but problems, and everything (shocker) is not covered on my warranty... after research online and reading forums, a lot of others have had these issues. BEWARE once you hit 80k miles!! your bank account will hate you.

  • 90,000 mile update for cool M Sport Package 328i - 2011 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    I have owned this vehicle for 2.5 years and have driven it 31,000 miles. So far so good. Feel free to look up my past reviews on the same vehicle. I bought it with 59k miles and my wife is the main driver. It has the M Sport package, the upgraded audio system, navi, etc. Most options minus the HID lights. Everything has held up pretty good. Nothing has broken and/or stopped working properly. Maintenance issues have only been: replaced spark plugs at 70k miles, and at the 90k mile service I got done last week they replaced the radiator, the oil filter housing gasket, re surfaced the front rotors, replaced the pads, transmission service, cabin filter, air filter and I cant remember what else for about $2000 labor included. So far I have gone through 2 sets of front tires to you get about 18k miles per set with conservative driving. Overall Im satisfied with the quality and reliability of the vehicle. Not impressed with the leaky radiator, it was a small leak but decided to replace it in order to avoid future issues. I originally planned to keep this vehicle for 2 or 3 years depending on experience. I think I will keep this vehicle for longer as it has held up pretty good. Still looks awesome and I plan to rather buy an SUV for my wife and start driving this car as a daily driver.

  • Needs Service - 2011 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    I am 76 years old, have owned many new cars and this is by far the worst car I have ever owned. It is constantly in need of service. Purchased used with 19k miles. At 45k the carbon build up removal cost at $ 2500 was considered "normal". The particulate filter $ 3000 was considered "normal maintenance". The defective DEF tank, $ 1600, not normal and the list goes on and on. Dumped this car at 120k and never a BMW again!

  • Long Term Ownership review - 4 + years - 2011 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    I bought this car with 18,000 miles on it in August 2013. It currently has 107,000 on it in January 2018. The acceleration is really good! Cost of ownership is terrible, still owe $9,000 on the principal loan and its starting to fall apart. Things that broke: 4 ignition coils (2 separate occasions), costing me about $25 / coil per time (DIY repair), 2 complete sets of tires. Currently the car has these problems: 2 bad rear wheel bearings, a failed DISA valve (engine rattle on acceleration) , serpentine belt tensioner pulley is slightly squeaking, rear upper control arm bushing is worn, and oil pan gasket and valve cover gaskets are leaking. The DISA valve is a known issue and a problem solver repair kit exists on Ebay for $80 (a new DISA valve costs about $250, and it will break down like the original). Ill be replacing the valve and wheel bearings as soon as the cold weather breaks. I love the way the car looks and handles so Ill be keeping it after its paid off.

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