2011 BMW 3 Series 328i RWD 3.0L inline 6 from North America

Summary:

Beautiful styling, questionable reliability, dangerous throttle response

Faults:

- The run-flat tires appear to be a problem on this car, even the all-season ones that come on models that aren't equipped with the sports package (like mine). You may go to start your car to find one of your tires has deflated for no reason.

- Otherwise, the vehicle has been trouble-free during these 12,000 or so miles.

General Comments:

- Like previous BMW's, the 328i is a beautiful car, inside and out. But I'm afraid it's beginning to show cheapness in many subtle ways. I'm not new to the BMW brand; I have a 530i of the 2001 model year, which I loved so much I bought it when the lease was up.

- What irks me most about this particular car is the transmission/throttle response. Driving this car, there is often such a severe hesitation in engine response when you press the gas, it can be infuriating, make you lose your patience, or possibly cause an accident. At the root of the problem, I believe, is the drive-by-wire (electronic) throttle. I think BMW screwed up the throttle design somehow, and there is some gremlin in the throttle system, which creates the delay in pedal response. Anyhow, it can truly be annoying and make you hate the car.

Throttle response is at the root of driving enjoyment. If a company like BMW is going to market its products as "sports sedans", presumably they would want to make this issue a priority. I have driven all kinds of cars from BMW's to Volvo's to Toyota's to Dodge's, and while virtually every car with an electronic throttle system will exhibit some hesitation or lag, BMW appears to have a severe case on its hands with some of its newer cars. I want to drive the redesigned 2012 model soon to see how it compares, but I find my 2011 absolutely unacceptable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th December, 2012

7th Dec 2012, 21:52

Hey. I am too having issues with my 2011. It's more noticeable when it's cold for me. Have you tried to talk to the dealer? Are you in North America?

In reply to 7th Dec 2012, 21:52

8th Dec 2012, 12:20

Yes actually. I called my dealer and very clearly described the problem, and suggested that perhaps the car might need a software update. My impression was they were making every effort not to listen. I finally brought the car in, it stayed at the dealership for an entire day, and when I returned to pick it up, all they said was they drove the car and could not duplicate the problem.

I think they are fully aware of the issue with this car, but don't really have a solution. I have gone on multiple BMW forums and heard many others expressing similar complaints. Generally though, getting ANYTHING done at a BMW dealer requires enormous patience, as while they are always polite, they will bully you into accepting the minimum level of service they can possibly provide. I am in North America.

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2011 BMW 3 Series 320d 2.0 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Vastly over-rated, you are just paying for the badge

Faults:

New clutch at 6000 miles.

General Comments:

The car handles well, and has good mid-range power.

The seats are comfortable, and I have no problems driving long distances without feeling fatigued.

The model I have is the efficient diesel 320d; it is averaging at the moment 61 MPG.

The interior is poor, no sat-nav, no cruise control, no split rear seats. Compared to a Mondeo of the same value, the BMW does not come close in comparison.

The main complaint I have is of clutch judder; the car had a new clutch at 6000 miles, and has now started juddering again. If you check on the Internet, this is a common problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th June, 2012

13th Jun 2012, 07:53

I had two replacement clutches, and a new gearbox on my 320d under warranty to cure clutch judder. They never managed to completely get rid of it. They even accused my driving style of damaging the dual mass flywheel. I asked them how they would explain the fact that my last two cars (both from VW) were DMF equipped diesels, and did over 100k each without a single problem.

Great cars to drive, but a shadow of what they used to be in terms of engineering integrity and reliability. Very much trading on the name in this respect. BMWs used to be unbreakable, even if abused. The new stuff is fragile, even when treated carefully.

In reply to 13th Jun 2012, 07:53

8th Oct 2022, 18:51

Their automatic petrol models from this time are OK; downside is you only get 40 mpg though, not 60 :)

2011 BMW 3 Series from North America

Summary:

I regret this purchase, and am greatly disappointed

Faults:

This car has been problematic since I got it (brand new!) The computer required re-programing because of erratic idling upon start up, and hesitation when accelerating. Right now it is being serviced for the 8th time, and I am without a car! The battery needed to be replaced because it wasn't powerful enough. I have never owned a car that required as much service as this car has had in the 1 year I have had it.

General Comments:

In my opinion, German engineering is over-rated (my last vehicle was a Volkswagen Jetta - stay away from that too!).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th September, 2011

30th Sep 2011, 01:54

If your car is under warranty, the dealer should have provided you with a courtesy or loaner car.

However, I agree with your observations and comments that this generation of 3 series does not seem to be as durable or trouble-free as the previous E46 generation.

3rd Oct 2011, 19:39

3 series what? Do you know one model from the other?

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