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2011 BMW

128i

Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L

BMW 128i: best and worst years
2011 BMW 128i (photo 1 of 3)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2011.

PhotoRutger van der MaarCC BY 2.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Subcompact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Manual 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
PremiumEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
230
Power to weight
0.071 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.23
Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
28 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
19 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
22 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,500EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
172 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Width
69 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Height
56 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Wheelbase
105 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Curb Weight
3,258 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
No
Lane-departure warning
No
Recalls
7
Owner complaints
92

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • AIR BAGS30%
  • ENGINE15%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13%
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING12%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER4%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 117 total.

BMW 128i: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • EA21002Openopened Sep 17, 2021AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

75 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Apr 23, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB611026

    While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, Vehicle test, and/or Programming procedure- the BMW Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. As a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues may occur: Headlights including the high beams, and/or taillights are not turning on or off Interior lights are not turning on Turn indicators are not working Instrument cluster indicator lights stay on The IHKA climate control system is not wor

  • Jan 11, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB611305

    The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

  • Sep 1, 2020ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGB110208

    Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon? (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If theignition is cycled, the engine then usually performs normally.

  • Jul 12, 2019EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)651512

    Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD).

  • Jul 10, 2019ELECTRICAL SYSTEM613312

    "Erroneous CC Message "Remote control! Do not switch off the engine" is Displayed. An erroneous CC message, "Remote control!" " Do not switch off the engine" is displayed in the Central Information Display (CID). The engine can still be started, even with the CC message displayed. CAUSE: Car Access System (CAS) software error"

  • Jul 10, 2019EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY541409

    Wear Marks on the C-pillar Area of the Soft Top Canvas. Wear marks may form on the soft top cover in the C-pillar area, above or below the canvas seam and or along the seam. These wear marks may be visible on one or both sides and are generally less than 4mm in diameter. They are first visible as a smooth spot on the cover, and progress to a white mark. In severe cases, a hole could form in the cover material. 1. Improper limit spacing between the soft top cover and the soft top frame when fold

  • Jul 10, 2019EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY540810

    Convertible Top Does Not Open Properly. When opening the convertible top, the interior cover flap remains open. CAUSE: The cable for the flap operation is either kinked or dislodged.

  • Jul 10, 2019ELECTRICAL SYSTEM513608

    "Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Follow the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version.

  • and 67 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr
Maintenance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.