3 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2011 BMW 1 Series M.
3
recalls
2
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2011 BMW 1 Series M recalls
Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 20V017000 · reported January 15, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC · 59,965 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Power train: driveline, constant velocity joint
NHTSA campaign 17V067000 · reported February 2, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC · 8,752 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
The risk
If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 16V071000 · reported February 5, 2016 · BMW of North America, LLC · 840,000 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Air bags1
Engine1
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jul 25, 2019 · Engine · 80,000 miles
ON JUNE 18TH,I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. ON JUNE 19TH I WAS IN ROUTE TRANSPORTING MY DAUGHTER TO COLLEGE WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SEVERELY SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. A STATE TROOPER INFORMED ME THAT THE VEHICLE COULD CATCH ON FIRE IF IT WAS CONTINUOUSLY DRIVEN. I HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME (CHICAGO, IL). CONTACT WAS MADE…
Sep 16, 2016 · Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 1 SERIES M. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF…
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 BMW 1 Series M, the most recent reported on January 15, 2020 (Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 1 Series M?
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (1 complaints), followed by engine (1).
How many 2011 BMW 1 Series M complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 2 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 25, 2019.