Most common 2010 BMW 3 Series problems
Share of the 30 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 3 Series complaints by model year
Best 3 Series years: 2011, 1999, 2001. Years to avoid: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2000. Compare all years →
2010 BMW 3 Series recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024.
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon…
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of…
What 2010 BMW 3 Series owners say
Air bags
Driving from work on a snowing day, going about 25 to 35. The rear of the car started going to the other side of lane. I traded to get control but it was to late. I hit a guard rail and the air bags never came out.
Takata recall BMW promised to replace defective air bag in 2016 late summer. But now it is January, 2017. They still haven't provided parts to get it fixed in a timely manner. I contact BMW customer service. They are just giving bs. There are 17 similar customers like me waiting for parts. BMW should not allow to sell any new cars in nc until we get the parts. Because all new car comes with new air bag. If they can sell new car, they should have air bag. So why not put the safety of existing customer in the highest priority?
Engine & cooling
When driving on pa-401, I approached stop sign at pa-82. My speed was approximately 40 MPH, slowing to make a routine stop. When approaching the intersection at low speed, I started hearing a pulsing thump from the passenger side of the car. Drove slowly home and had the car towed to a BMW dealer. It turned out that the two aluminium engine mount bolts on the passenger side of the car snapped. This meant that the engine was not properly fastened to the frame - a very dangerous situation. Engine mount bolts should not snap for no reason. And BMW should cover their replacement (parts and labor) at no charge to the owner. (my car was certified pre-owned, so I only had a $50 out of pocket cost, but once it expires later this year, my cost would have been significantly higher, not to mention the danger of driving a car with a bouncing, unsecured engine)
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 BMW 3 Series. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, smoke started to emit from the front driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road in order to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that once the hood of vehicle was open, he observed flames coming from the engine. The contact extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who stated the emission valve overheated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.
Electrical system
In November 2017, BMW sent me letters regarding possible fire hazards due to defects of the blower motor wiring and the pcv valve heater (recall numbers 17v-676 and 17v-683). No recall has been issued and no repair offered to correct possible defects. I have experienced no problem related to these parts. However, due to the serious nature of these issues, BMW should be required to recall and repair affected cars promptly.
Noticed the passenger side blinker started to blink quickly. The brakes and tail lights use a bulb while the blinker has approximately 15 leds. Therefore the entire light assembly has to be replaced. Several of the leds do not light up and the ones that do are dim. Two weeks later the driver side blinker did the same thing. This concerns me as another driver May not be aware that I am turning until it is to late.
2010 BMW 3 Series engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 23 / 36 / 27 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 28 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 28 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | AWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 BMW 3 Series a good car?
Based on 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 3 Series rates average: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the 3 Series at the same age. 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 3 Series?
The air bags — 10 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about sensor › occupant classification. Next are the engine & cooling (6) and electrical system (5).
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW 3 Series have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2010 BMW 3 Series, the most recent from October 20, 2023 (engine). 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 3 Series?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 1999 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2000. See the full BMW 3 Series years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 BMW 3 Series problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 30% 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.