2011 BMW 328I: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Dealership performed VANOS bolt replacement recall on 2011 BMW 328i. Vehicle has 63K miles and is otherwise in excellent condition. Post recall, vehicle experiences unstable idle with rpm dipping low when stopped in gear during initial engine warm up period. Issue stabilizes somewhat but not completely gone once engine is at operating temperature. This is a safety issue with engine surging, hesitating, and potentially stalling when stopped at stoplight or intersections.

Filed Dec 15, 2025 · Engine · 120,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was restarted several times but continually stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The contact examined the engine and discovered metal shavings in the VANOS solenoid engine oil. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Oct 6, 2025 · Engine · 126,657 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The recall repair was completed; however, on the drive home after the vehicle was retrieved, while driving 60 MPH, the engine seized. The contact stated that the vehicle was sluggish and hesitated before stalling in the middle lane of the highway. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, and after several attempts, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the incorrect oil filter was installed on the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The contact towed the vehicle back to the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered the contact a 10% discount on a new engine. The failure mileage was 126,657.

Filed Jun 20, 2024 · Engine · 103,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound while driving. The check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the VANOS bolts were replaced twice; however, the OBD scanner indicated diagnostic test codes related to the VANOS bolts. The vehicle was temporarily repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jan 27, 2023 · Engine · SC

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over, called her husband, and he drove the vehicle to the residence. An independent mechanic was called to the residence and the mechanic discovered that bolts on the camshaft were loosened. Upon investigation, the failure was linked to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V176000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Both the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, and both informed her that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 25, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 75,000 miles · PA

My bmw does not idle smooth , it hesitates like it is choking on gas, its idle gauge goes from 0 to 15 constantly. At first I thought it was a transmission problem. I had it tunes=d up and the problem still exists. It has little power on and off. You have to accelerate hard to get it to go up hills and it is not a smooth shift when your riding it hard to get the idle up to par to go faster.

Filed Jun 6, 2018 · Acceleration, Engine · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw 328i. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called bmw of rockville at (301) 476-0126 (1300 rockville pike, md 20852) and was informed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Apr 19, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 53,500 miles · NJ

2011 328i with 53,500 miles. Engine cold start hesitation with vibrations while idling stationary. Took vehicle in to dealership to diagnose issue, oil change. Was told that it was the eccentric shaft sensor/gaskets, battery tested low to include vvt sensors and left pad brake sensor due to wire cut. Total cost $2300 dollars. Next day, continued to have the same problem. Went back to dealer and stated they didn't find any further issues. Did research into the issue with other bmw owners which had the vehicles serviced for replacements of vanos, mass air flow sensors, etc. These codes weren't showing up on my vehicle. Decided to take a look at my engine myself and noticed oil leaking from the valve cover gasket area and could see oil that had leak on the bottom of the engine bay, now at 60k miles, took it in early for an oil change and diagnosis again due to possible fire if oil spills on mounting struts. This replacement will cost me another $2k+ for a valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket replacements, yet this wasn't made known when I had gotten my oil changed previously. The safety issue is the possibility of an engine fire and bmw's negligence in taking responsibility for the manufacturing flaws, especially when so many owners are having problems with these issues starting early at 40k miles.