2011 BMW 320i: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW 320i first registered in 2011: we looked at the 176 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 176 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2011 BMW 320i MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2011 BMW 320i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres24% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes14% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension10% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics9% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2011 BMW 320i
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- 2.0 diesel (2007 on)
Timing chain (N47 diesel, 318d/320d)
The 2.0 diesel's timing chain is at the back of the engine and is a known weak point. Replacing it costs around £1,000.
At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattle from the back.
- All engines
Battery cable and blower wiring recalls
About 312,000 cars were recalled for a faulty positive battery cable and nearly 280,000 for a heater blower connector. Others covered side airbag wiring, the brake servo, the propshaft joint and VANOS units.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)
- 2.0 petrol
Misfires (N43 petrol, 320i)
The 2.0 petrol can misfire from faulty injectors and coil packs.
At the viewing: Check for a rough idle or warning light.
- Six-cylinder petrol
Oil leaks (six-cylinder petrol)
The six-cylinder petrols leak oil from the cam cover and the oil filter housing.
At the viewing: Look under the bonnet and the car for oil.
- Diesel
Flat battery from the fuel filter heater (diesel)
A faulty fuel filter heater can drain the battery.
At the viewing: Ask whether it has had flat batteries.
Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)
- Manual gearbox
Clutch and dual-mass flywheel
A faulty dual-mass flywheel can make the clutch seize. Both need replacing.
At the viewing: Feel for judder or a heavy, odd clutch, and listen for rattles at idle.
Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)
- All engines
Clunks over bumps in the cold
Worn front anti-roll bar bushes clunk, more in cold weather.
At the viewing: Drive over bumps and listen.
Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)
- All engines
Exhaust drone
A damaged exhaust flexi pipe drones when driving or idling.
At the viewing: Listen at idle and on the move.
Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 BMW 320i
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the timing chain been replaced?
- Have the battery cable and blower recalls been done?
- Have the injectors or coils been replaced?
- Have any oil leaks been fixed?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 320i?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the BMW 320i compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 150 | Tyres 11% |
| 2022 | 3,051 | Tyres 20% |
| 2021 | 12,035 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 15,890 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | 17,381 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 7,865 | Tyres 25% |
| 2017 | 9,049 | Tyres 25% |
| 2016 | 1,735 | Tyres 25% |
| 2015 | 206 | Tyres 28% |
| 2014 | 218 | Tyres 16% |
| 2013 | 307 | Tyres 20% |
| 2012 | 171 | Tyres 19% |
| 2010 | 222 | Tyres 25% |
| 2009 | 109 | Tyres 24% |
| 2008 | 104 | Brakes 39% |
| 2007 | 124 | Brakes 30% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW 320i cars first registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score