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CarMonitor

Transport Canada + NRCan

2011 BMW 3

Everything Canada’s open data holds on this vehicle: what has been recalled, what it costs to run, and how efficient it is compared with everything else on the road.

Recalls

16

15 current

Combined

—

Fuel, a year

—

Not rated by NRCan

Recalls

Good news: Recall repairs cost you nothing. Book with any manufacturer dealer and quote the recall number — no time limit, however many owners the vehicle has had.

Airbag

Transport Canada recall 2024392 · manufacturer campaign 32 82 24RC / 32 83 24RC

3 July 2024

Transport Canada lists: 1 2005 · 3 2006–2012 · X 3 2004–2005, 2011–2015 · X 5 2016

What is wrong

This recall applies to vehicles that may be equipped with a replacement sport or M-sport steering wheel that has a Takata airbag. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function.

Why it matters

If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury.

What the dealer will do

BMW will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver-front airbag module. To learn if your vehicle is affected by this recall, owners may: • Visit <a href= https://www.bmw.ca/en/ssl/VehicleRecall.html> https://www.bmw.ca/en/ssl/VehicleRecall.html</a> • Contact your preferred or local BMW Retailer • Call BMW Customer Relations Recall Services at 1-855-217-3002

44,131 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2023568 · manufacturer campaign 11 83 23RC

20 October 2023

Transport Canada lists: 1 2010–2012 · 3 2010–2011 · 5 2010–2011 · X 3 2010–2011 · and 3 more

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) adjustment unit housing bolts could loosen or break. As a result, the camshaft could become incorrectly adjusted and cause the engine to enter a reduced power mode (limp mode) or to stall while driving.

Why it matters

A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

BMW will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the VANOS bolts.

21,475 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2022095 · manufacturer campaign 11 80 22RC

2 March 2022

Transport Canada lists: 1 2008–2013 · 3 2006–2013 · 5 2006–2010 · X 3 2007–2010 · and 2 more

What is wrong

On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater (blow-by heater) to short circuit and overheat. Note: This replaces Transport Canada recalls 2017-470 and 2019-170. Only vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K engine require this repair.

Why it matters

An overheated engine PCV valve heater could create the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off.

What the dealer will do

BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to install a wire harness repair kit. BMW recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors until the recall repairs have been completed.

98,111 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Airbag

Transport Canada recall 2020008 · manufacturer campaign 32 80 20RC / 32 81 20RC

15 January 2020

Transport Canada lists: 1 2012–2013 · 3 2008–2011, 2013 · X 1 2013–2014 · X 3 2008–2010 · and 2 more

What is wrong

This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function.

Why it matters

If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury.

What the dealer will do

Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the driver-front airbag inflator. The driver-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.

47 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Electrical

Transport Canada recall 2019310

20 June 2019

Transport Canada lists: 3 2007–2012

What is wrong

On certain 3-series and M3 vehicles, the positive battery cable connection to the fuse box may fail. This could cause a loss of electrical power while driving. As a result the engine could turn off and various electrical systems may not work, including the lights.

Why it matters

A sudden loss of engine power and/or loss of vehicle electrical systems could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to replace the positive battery cable connector with an updated version. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2013-048.

2,294 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety TC

Electrical

Transport Canada recall 2018260

15 May 2018

Transport Canada lists: 3 2010–2011

What is wrong

On certain vehicles equipped with a diesel engine, the positive battery cable connection to the fuse box could fail while the vehicle is being driven. This could interrupt the vehicle’s electrical system, resulting in engine stalling, a loss of vehicle propulsion and a loss of function of various vehicle systems, such as lights. A loss of vehicle propulsion and vehicle electrical systems, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver’s reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector with an updated version. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2013-048.

281 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Electrical

Transport Canada recall 2017588

30 November 2017

Transport Canada lists: 3 2006–2011

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the blower regulator wiring harness crimp connection could start to corrode over time. This in combination with high current flow (IE maximum blower fan speed) could cause the harness to overheat and melt, which could lead to a fire causing injury and/or damage to property.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will replace the blower regulator wiring harness and inspect other components for damage, replacing them as necessary.

75,744 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety TC

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2017470

28 September 2017

Transport Canada lists: 1 2008–2011 · 3 2007–2011 · 5 2007–2011 · X 3 2007–2011 · and 2 more

What is wrong

On certain vehicles equipped with the N52 6-cylinder engine, an electrical short could occur in the PCV valve heater due to manufacturing irregularities. If this occurs, the surrounding plastics could overheat, melt and potentially cause a fire, which could increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will replace the PCV valve heater.

79,616 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety TC

Powertrain

Transport Canada recall 2017242

3 May 2017

Transport Canada lists: 1 2011–2012 · 3 2011 · 5 2011 · Z 4 2011

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the rivet connections for the constant velocity (CV) joint of the rear driveshaft may have insufficient durability. Over time, this could cause the CV joint to break, resulting in a loss of propulsion which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will replace the CV joint. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2017-049

869 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Powertrain

Transport Canada recall 2017049

3 February 2017

Transport Canada lists: 1 2011–2012 · 3 2011 · 5 2011 · Z 4 2011

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the rivet connections for the constant velocity (CV) joint of the rear driveshaft may have insufficient durability. Over time, this could cause the CV joint to break, resulting in a loss of propulsion which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will check the production date of the CV joint and, if necessary, replace the CV joint.

869 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Airbag

Transport Canada recall 2016142 · manufacturer campaign 72 80 16RC

31 March 2016

Transport Canada lists: 1 2008–2013 · 3 2006–2013 · X 1 2012–2015 · X 3 2007–2010 · and 2 more

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator or air bag module, depending on the vehicle model.

104,151 vehicles affected in CanadaCarRecalls Audit

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2014170

13 May 2014

Transport Canada lists: 1 2010–2012 · 3 2010–2011 · 5 2010–2011 · X 3 2010–2011 · and 2 more

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, housing bolts for the variable camshaft timing system could break, allowing camshaft timing to deviate. If this occurs, the engine would revert to "limp home mode", limiting available engine power. In rare instances the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a collision causing injury and/or damage to property.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will replace housing bolts that break and perform associated repairs for 10 years/unlimited mileage from the vehicle's in-service date. Note: This applies only to vehicles not covered by recall 2014-127.

21,811 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety Mfr

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2014127

10 April 2014

Transport Canada lists: 1 2010–2012 · 3 2010–2012 · 5 2010–2012 · X 3 2010–2012 · and 3 more

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, housing bolts for the variable camshaft timing system could break, allowing camshaft timing to deviate. If this occurs, the engine would revert to "limp home mode", limiting available engine power. This could increase the risk of a collision causing injury and/or damage to property.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will replace affected bolts.

20,022 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Electrical

Transport Canada recall 2013048

7 February 2013

Transport Canada lists: 1 2008–2012 · 3 2007–2011 · X 1 2012 · Z 4 2009–2011

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the positive battery cable connection to the fuse box could fail while the vehicle is being driven. This could interrupt the vehicle’s electrical system, resulting in engine stalling, loss of vehicle propulsion and a loss of function of various vehicle systems, such as lights. A loss of vehicle propulsion and electrical vehicle systems, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver’s reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector with an updated version.

65,685 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety TC

Powertrain

Transport Canada recall 2011347

20 September 2011

Transport Canada lists: 3 2011

What is wrong

On certain 3-series sedans equipped with xDrive (all-wheel-drive), the front driveshaft attachment bolts may not have received adequate tightening torque during vehicle assembly. Should the fasteners loosen and fall out, the driveshaft would detach from the transfer case and/or the front differential, which could result in additional damage to the driveline, the undercarriage, and any nearby components, while the accompanying noise could startle the driver and cause a crash resulting in property damage and/or personal injury. Due to the xDrive configuration, separation of the front driveshaft would not result in a loss of vehicle propulsion.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will replace the front driveshaft attachment bolts.

18 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Watch this vehicle

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Common questions

Does the 2011 BMW 3 have any recalls?
Transport Canada has 16 recalls on record for the 2011 BMW 3. Recall repairs are free at any manufacturer dealer.

Source: Transport Canada — Vehicle Recalls Database; NRCan — Fuel consumption ratings. Data current as of 30 July 2026. Running cost uses Ontario average prices (155 ¢/L, 14.5 ¢/kWh), which are hand-maintained estimates. 30,784 rated vehicles on file.