Most common 2010 BMW 135i problems
Share of the 15 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 135i complaints by model year
Best 135i years: 2013, 2010. Years to avoid: 2008. Compare all years →
2010 BMW 135i recalls (4)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi,…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.
Electrical system › Wiring
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018.
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2010 BMW 135i:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2010 BMW 135i owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
On August 5th 2010, when starting my car I received several long cranks. Once started it drove fine. On August 7th, (at about 1:00 am) when starting the car, it cranked for about 7 seconds and finally started. It drove fine. I stopped at a store, and when leaving, it started up fine, but as I pulled out into the road, the engine light came on and the car had reduced power. The car (with only 5500 miles or so) was shaking violently when going under 10 miles an hour. The RPM's fluctuated at idle to where the car almost stalled several times. I drove the 15 or so miles home with my flashers on as the car was having trouble. The above is a description of hpfp failure on the n54 engine. I would say many, many people get a bad fuel pump. BMW has covered the part for 10 years/120K miles, but it will fail again. There is no fix at this point. Just a new pump that eventually gives way. …
2010 BMW 135i recently had my car in for brake service (5/7/10) at BMW. The following day I noticed a long crank x1 at start up. I headed to work and noticed decreased power but didn't think much of it. On my way home I was accelerating onto the freeway when my car lost all power (engine still on, but felt like it was stalling out) and the traffic behind me nearly crashed into me due to how sudden and without warning of the deceleration. I was luckily able to pull off to the shoulder immediately avoiding a multicar accident. My check engine light flashed on and my car was in limp mode. Unsteady idle, very poor acceleration and couldn't go above 20mph. …
2010 BMW 135i engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 BMW 135i a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 135i rates average: 26% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 135i at the same age. It is one of the best 135i years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 BMW 135i?
The fuel & propulsion system — 8 complaints, 53% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (2) and air bags (2).
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW 135i have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2010 BMW 135i, the most recent from January 15, 2020 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 135i?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008. See the full BMW 135i years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 BMW 135i problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 8,000 miles; 71% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.