We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2011 BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93). 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.
The rear-mounted N47 chain can stretch and snap, taking out the engine. Early units suffered from sharp crankshaft sprocket teeth (Recall 14V054). It is the key risk on mainstream 318d and 320d cars built in the late-2000s.
Petrol six-cylinders use an electric water pump that can fail with little warning, pushing the car into limp mode or overheating within minutes.
Low voltage, jump starts, and age can corrupt the footwell module, leaving the car with lighting and window faults that can cause an MOT failure.