Sample sheet
2011 BMW 328i
115,000 miles3.0L 6-cyllabor $130/hr (PA)about 145,659 built (production reported to NHTSA by the manufacturer; peers: Compact Cars)about 100% still registered (145,659 on the road); Washington plates scaled to the country
This model year was offered with a 6-speed automatic (3.0L 6-cyl) and a 6-speed manual (3.0L 6-cyl); the VIN does not settle which (EPA label configurations, n=2). EPA label configurations, one row per certified variant, not per trim sold.
Manufacturer-filed specification; a blank field means the maker did not file it, never that the car lacks the feature.
Heading into a known repair: budget for itsheet-2026.10.11
Flags
- Timing chain, phasers, tensioners: 9.8x the peer rate (25 vs 1 complaints per 100k built, pooled over 137 Compact Cars model years; 17.2x before the sample-size adjustment); in the miles you will carry: 9.0x peers (n=12); 36 owner narratives name this repair (keyword match). The middle half of these complaints were filed between 85k and 130k (n=36, 2011, filed 2011-2026) and this car is inside that window. Typical band at your rate: $870 to $2,590.
- 7 recall campaigns on file; 4 with a reported completion rate under 80%; check completion by VIN
- Warranty extension on file: BMW bulletin 010914, Sep 2014, sensors and solenoids, typical band at your rate $200 to $640. The stated term could not be read from the summary; ask a franchised dealer to run the VIN. Typed by keyword match on the bulletin title and NHTSA summary, not by NHTSA's own classification.
- Warranty extension on file: "Engine Camshaft (VANOS) Adjustment Units: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years Without Mileage Limitation" (BMW bulletin 011014, Oct 2014), timing chain, phasers, tensioners, typical band at your rate $870 to $2,590. The stated term could not be read from the summary; ask a franchised dealer to run the VIN. Typed by keyword match on the bulletin title and NHTSA summary, not by NHTSA's own classification.
- Warranty extension on file: "FOOTWELL MODULE: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 8 YEARS/125,000 MILES" (BMW bulletin B012016, Aug 2016), modules, wiring, actuators, typical band at your rate $450 to $1,680. This car at 115k miles is past the extended term. Typed by keyword match on the bulletin title and NHTSA summary, not by NHTSA's own classification.
- 1 more warranty-program communication on file for this model year; ask a franchised dealer to run the VIN against each.
Repair windows by category
| Repair | This car | Window (p25 to p75) | n / basis | Typical band at $130/hr (PA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| timing chain, phasers, tensioners36 of 259 odometer complaints (14%) | inside9.8x peers (n=36)in the miles you will carry: 9.0x peers (n=12) | 85k to 130k, median 102k | n=36, 2011, filed 2011-2026 | $870 to $2,590 |
What to checkOn the lift
Ask the seller
What to check On the lift
Ask the seller
| ||||
| engine internals / rebuild6 of 259 odometer complaints (2%) | inside1.3x peers (n=6) | 107k to 164k, median 127k | n=6, 2011, filed 2011-2026 | $2,970 to $9,860 |
| oil leaks and seals7 of 259 odometer complaints (3%) | 3k mi past6.0x peers (n=7) | 38k to 113k, median 73k | n=7, 2011, filed 2011-2026 | $320 to $1,460 |
| A/C compressor, evaporator, blower5 of 259 odometer complaints (2%) | inside1.7x peers (n=5) | 57k to 140k, median 110k | n=5, 2011, filed 2011-2026 | $640 to $1,920 |
| exhaust / catalytic converter5 of 259 odometer complaints (2%) | 10k mi past1.2x peers (n=5) | 60k to 105k, median 80k | n=5, 2011, filed 2011-2026 | $550 to $2,430 |
| convertible top / sunroof5 of 259 odometer complaints (2%) | inside1.4x peers (n=5) | 91k to 120k, median 92k | n=5, 2011, filed 2011-2026 | $540 to $1,970 |
| fuel pump, injectors6 of 259 odometer complaints (2%) | 15k mi past0.9x peers (n=6) | 74k to 100k, median 86k | n=6, 2011, filed 2011-2026 | $590 to $1,630 |
| modules, wiring, actuators18 of 259 odometer complaints (7%) | 4k mi past0.9x peers (n=18) | 87k to 111k, median 103k | n=18, 2011, filed 2011-2026 | $450 to $1,680 |
| sensors and solenoids14 of 259 odometer complaints (5%) | 250 mi past1.1x peers (n=14) | 63k to 115k, median 85k | n=14, 2011, filed 2011-2026 | $200 to $640 |
| turbocharger8 of 853 odometer complaints (1%) | 36k mi pastno rate: units built unknownpast the record: 95 in 100 readings were under 96k | 59k to 79k, median 65k | n=8, 2008-2014 (pooled) | $1,280 to $3,040 |
| water pump, thermostat, radiator6 of 853 odometer complaints (1%) | insideno rate: units built unknown | 110k to 159k, median 124k | n=6, 2008-2014 (pooled) | $540 to $1,570 |
Each row is a repair named in NHTSA complaint narratives for this model year, matched by keyword on the owner narrative with the same rules that price it. The rate is that repair’s complaints per 100,000 units built, and the ratio compares it with the same rate pooled across peers (same size class, model years two either side), pulled toward 1 when few owners reported it. A second line, when the car’s miles and the term allow one, makes the same comparison over the miles the note will carry. The window is where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Owner complaints are self-selected; the band is typical parts plus hours at $130/hr (PA), not a quote for this car.
Complaint windows by system
| Component | This car | Window (p25 to p75) | n / basis | Reference bands at $130/hr (PA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | inside12.2x peers (n=102)in the miles you will carry: 39.0x peers (n=39) | 91k to 145k, median 117k | n=102, 2011, filed 2011-2026 |
|
| Engine | inside1.4x peers (n=64)in the miles you will carry: 1.6x peers (n=16) | 60k to 118k, median 90k | n=64, 2011, filed 2011-2026 |
|
| Electrical System | 5k mi past1.1x peers (n=51)in the miles you will carry: 1.3x peers (n=11) | 68k to 110k, median 92k | n=51, 2011, filed 2011-2026 |
|
| Air Bags | 27k mi past1.1x peers (n=32) | 57k to 88k, median 71k | n=32, 2011, filed 2011-2026 | no band for this system |
| Unknown Or Other | 9k mi past1.0x peers (n=15) | 37k to 106k, median 70k | n=15, 2011, filed 2011-2026 | no band for this system |
| Power Train | 35k mi past0.8x peers (n=15) | 35k to 80k, median 54k | n=15, 2011, filed 2011-2026 |
|
A window is the p25 to p75 odometer range of NHTSA complaints naming that system for this model year. Reference bands are typical parts plus hours at $130/hr (PA), typical for this system, not a diagnosis: the record names the system, not the part.
On file with NHTSA
685 complaints on file for this model year (filed 2011-2026): 259 with an odometer reading, 25 reporting a fire, 18 a crash, 19 injured, 0 killed, as filed by the complainants. 120 were filed within 6 years of the model year.
Complaint volume for 2011 is not comparable across a redesign or a change in how NHTSA spelled the model: an adjacent model year has under a third of its complaints.
- ENGINE: 194 complaints, 11 report a fire (6% of them), 1 injured, as filed by the owners.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: 175 complaints, 6 report a fire (3% of them), 1 injured, as filed by the owners.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 129 complaints, 11 report a fire (9% of them), 1 a crash (1% of them), 2 injured, as filed by the owners.
- AIR BAGS: 91 complaints, 13 a crash (14% of them), 14 injured, as filed by the owners.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER: 43 complaints, 2 report a fire (5% of them), 2 a crash (5% of them), 2 injured, as filed by the owners.
Owner complaints filed to NHTSA, deduplicated per complaint; roughly a third carry an odometer reading and every window is built on those. A count is not a rate: a model that sold twice as many cars files roughly twice as many complaints, and filings rise with news coverage and recalls.
Recalls (7, check completion by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls)
- 24V513Air Bags / Frontal / Driver Side / Inflator ModuleJul 2024Recall 24V513 (Jul 2024), Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode: 394,029 vehicles across 7 model years; 20% of the recalled population reported remedied by the manufacturer as of 2026-Q2, so most may still be open. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 20...
- 20V017Air Bags / Frontal / Driver Side / Inflator ModuleJan 2020ODI-influencedRecall 20V017 (Jan 2020), Driver Air Bag Inflators May Explode: 59,965 vehicles across 10 model years; 78% of the recalled population reported remedied by the manufacturer as of 2021-Q2, so roughly 1 in 5 may still be open. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1...
- 17V683Engine And Engine Cooling / Exhaust System / Emission Control / Crankcase (pcv)Oct 2017built May 2006 to Dec 2011Recall 17V683 (Oct 2017), PCV Heater may Short Circuit: 740,561 vehicles across 5 model years; 54% of the recalled population reported remedied by the manufacturer as of 2019-Q3, so roughly 1 in 2 may still be open. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4...
- 17V676Electrical System / WiringOct 2017built Feb 2005 to Dec 2011Recall 17V676 (Oct 2017), Blower Motor Wiring may Overheat: 702,965 vehicles across 6 model years; 51% of the recalled population reported remedied by the manufacturer as of 2019-Q3, so roughly 1 in 2 may still be open. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehic...
- 14V176Engine And Engine Cooling / EngineApr 2014built Sep 2009 to Feb 2012Recall 14V176 (Apr 2014), Camshaft Housing Bolts May Loosen causing Stall: 156,137 vehicles across 3 model years; 84% of the recalled population reported remedied by the manufacturer as of 2015-Q4, so roughly 1 in 6 may still be open. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive...
- 13V044Electrical System / Wiring / Fuses And Circuit BreakersFeb 2013built Mar 2007 to Oct 2011Recall 13V044 (Feb 2013), Loss of Electrical Power/Stalling: 516,791 vehicles across 6 model years; no completion report on file (manufacturers began reporting in 2015). Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2...
- 11V476Power Train / Driveline / DriveshaftSep 2011built Feb 2011 to Jul 2011Recall 11V476 (Sep 2011), FRONT DRIVESHAFT BOLTS: 190 vehicles; no completion report on file (manufacturers began reporting in 2015). Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 328I XDRIVE AND 335I XDRIVE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 8, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGH...
Campaign-wide figures reported by the manufacturer; they describe the recalled population, not this VIN. Whether this car was remedied was not checked.
Federal investigations (none on file)
140 manufacturer communications on file for this model year, 6 warranty extensions.
- warranty program010914Sep 2014keyword match"?SI B01 09 14 September 2014 WarrantiesWarranties This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 09 1...sensors and solenoids, typical band $200 to $640; term not read from the summary
- warranty program011014Oct 2014keyword matchEngine Camshaft (VANOS) Adjustment Units: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years Without Mileage Limitationtiming chain, phasers, tensioners, typical band $870 to $2,590; term not read from the summary
- warranty programSIM010717Jun 2017keyword matchThe engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligib...repair category not matched; stated term 10 years / 120,000 miles, this car past it
- warranty programB012016Aug 2016keyword matchFOOTWELL MODULE: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 8 YEARS/125,000 MILESmodules, wiring, actuators, typical band $450 to $1,680; stated term 8 years / 125,000 miles, this car past it
Keyword match on the bulletin title and NHTSA summary; the terms are the manufacturer's stated terms at publication and can carry VIN ranges or exclusions the summary does not show.
Warranty
- Factory warranties expired; every repair below is on you
Repair set-aside
Repair set-aside for a 36-month, 36,000-mile note:
$4,000
a planning figure, not a lending decision
- Maintenance expected inside the term
- $3,990 ($2,470 to $5,500)
- Known work already inside its window
- $0
Sized at 12,000 miles a year. Known work counts curated profiles only; complaint windows above are reference, not part of this figure.
What this sheet cannot tell you
- Whether this particular car has the problem. The record describes the model year at a mileage, not this VIN.
- What the car is worth. Keep MMR, Black Book, or your own number for that.
- What a repair will cost on this car. Bands are typical parts plus hours at a labor rate, not a quote.
- Whether a recall was completed. Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup.
- Anything about the borrower. The sheet never sees or asks for customer data.
- Whether the car should be bought. That is your call, made with the car on a lift.