The 2011–12 season of Bayern Munich began on 27 June with their first training session. In the yearly Forbes' list of the most valuable football clubs, Bayern Munich were ranked the fifth-most valuable team in the world.

Nils Petersen of Energie Cottbus became the first official signing of Bayern's 2011–12 season. The next two signings were Schalke 04 goalkeeper Manuel Neuer followed shortly thereafter by former Schalke right-back Rafinha (after having spent one season at Genoa). On 27 June 2011, it was announced that Gamba Osaka's Japanese teenage prodigy Takashi Usami would be joining Bayern on a one season loan (with an option to make the switch permanent). Usami will become the first Japanese player ever to play for Bayern. On 14 July, Bayern confirmed the signing of the defender Jérôme Boateng from Manchester City, following drawn-out negotiations.

In light of the signing of Neuer, goalkeeper Thomas Kraft departed for newly promoted Hertha BSC.Andreas Ottl also joined Hertha.Hamit Altıntop joined Real Madrid, while Miroslav Klose opted to join Lazio after negotiations with Bayern over a new contract failed. All these players left on free transfers. Mehmet Ekici joined Werder Bremen for €5 million.

On 1 August, Bayern played their first competitive match of the season against Eintracht Braunschweig. The match was the competitive debut for Manuel Neuer, Jérôme Boateng and Rafinha. The match saw the beginning of Jupp Heynckes' third stint in charge of the club. Bayern won the match with goals from Mario Gómez, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Müller.

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