Federal safety data shows 3 recalls and 41 complaints for the 2011 BMW M3, a elevated safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

16V0710002016-05-02

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

View at NHTSA

17V6760002017-25-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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 vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.

Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

View at NHTSA

19V4720002019-19-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.

A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 41 issues reported over 1 model years, engine problems are the most common for the 2011 BMW M3. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Engine15

02Air Bags9

03Electrical System4

04Power Train,electrical System,engine2

05Structure2

41 total across 1 model years (2011–2011)Full data at NHTSA.gov

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BMW M3 Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy data for all 2011 BMW M3 trims

16mpg combined

14city

20-21hwy

$3,600/yr

The 2011 BMW M3 is rated at 16 MPG combined across all 6 configurations. No surprises here regardless of which trim you pick.

By Trim

M3 Convertible - Automatic (S7)

16mpg

4.0L 8-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive

14 city20 hwy~$3,600/yr-1/10 Poor

M3 Convertible - Manual 6-spd

16mpg

4.0L 8-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive

14 city20 hwy~$3,600/yr-1/10 Poor

M3 Coupe - Automatic (S7)

16mpg

4.0L 8-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive

14 city20 hwy~$3,600/yr-1/10 Poor

M3 Coupe - Manual 6-spd

16mpg

4.0L 8-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive

14 city21 hwy~$3,600/yr-1/10 Poor

M3 Sedan - Automatic (S7)

16mpg

4.0L 8-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive

14 city20 hwy~$3,600/yr-1/10 Poor

M3 Sedan - Manual 6-spd

16mpg

4.0L 8-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive

14 city21 hwy~$3,600/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

2011 BMW M3 Special FAQ

Trim-specific pricing and feature questions

How does the Special compare to other BMW M3 trims?

The Special occupies a distinct position in the BMW M3 range. See how it stacks up on the 2011 overview page.

What should I know about maintaining the 2011 BMW M3 Special?

Budget for standard Special maintenance plus any trim-specific items. The 2011 has 3 recalls on file. Review the known issues on the model year page for areas to inspect before purchasing.

What are the best years for the BMW M3 Special?

For the Special, look at the price-to-mileage ratio across model years. Later model years before a redesign tend to be the most refined version of the platform. See the BMW M3 buyer's guide.

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