2010 BMW 328i Problems & Complaints

Average1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the 328i at the same age

Owners have filed 155 complaints about the 2010 BMW 328i with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the 328i at the same age. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (86 complaints, typically around 105,000 miles). 6 recalls cover this model year.

155complaints
6recalls
3crashes
6fires
3injuries
0deaths

Most common 2010 BMW 328i problems

  • Engine & cooling~105,000 miles
    8655%
  • Air bags~90,000 miles
    4328%
  • Electrical system~107,000 miles
    3825%
  • Other / not specified~150,000 miles
    128%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~60,000 miles
    85%
  • Lights~105,000 miles
    64%
  • Seat belts~90,000 miles
    43%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~105,000 miles
    43%
  • Stability & traction control~87,000 miles
    43%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~107,000 miles
    43%
  • Wheels & tires~47,000 miles
    32%
  • Seats~129,000 miles
    32%
  • Speed control & acceleration~95,000 miles
    32%
  • Body & structure~17,000 miles
    21%
  • Steering~87,000 miles
    11%
  • Brakes
    11%

Share of the 155 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

BMW 328i complaints by model year

’96’97’98’99’00’01’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’1631252698112439923919315557713025715212557
Owner complaints per model year, BMW 328i. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best 328i years: 2006, 2001, 2016. Years to avoid: 2011, 2007, 2013, 2009, 2014. Compare all years →

2010 BMW 328i recalls (6)

Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 24V-513 · Jul 3, 2024 · 394,029 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 20V-017 · Jan 15, 2020 · 59,965 vehicles

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.

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA recall 17V-683 · Oct 30, 2017 · 740,561 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.

Electrical system › Wiring

NHTSA recall 17V-676 · Oct 25, 2017 · 702,965 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

NHTSA recall 14V-176 · Apr 10, 2014 · 156,137 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i…

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge.

Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers

NHTSA recall 13V-044 · Feb 7, 2013 · 516,791 vehicles

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.

What 2010 BMW 328i owners say

Engine & cooling all 86 →

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with an unknown failure. The mechanic informed the contact that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS

80,000 miles · Feb 2022 · fire

2010 328i bmw That I own. Vehicle will not start. I had to leave it where it sits as we speak at my baby mamas apartment complex in Lacey Washington. Very dangerous and strong smell a burning smell I am finally after getting the trunk open come to find out that my battery was more than just "smoldering" and the positive terminal was melted all the way to the point where we panic and I had to disconnect it because it was red hot actually the bolts are melted together im sure and probably won't be coming apart. I had to leave my key in the ignition and I left the car there after speaking to the apartment complex managers asking them not to do it. …

Dec 2022 · fire

Air bags all 43 →

The contact owned a 2010 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, she crashed into the driver's side of another vehicle that was making a turn. The air bags deployed, and the contact's face struck the steering wheel. The fire department and police arrived on the scene, but the contact was unaware if any reports had been filed. The firefighter escorted the contact out of the vehicle, while smoke came from the engine. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance and treated for a fractured nose and teeth, shrapnel in the left eye, bruising on the right shoulder and knee, and a concussion. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where the insurance company deemed it totaled and determined that the contact was at fault for the collision. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V513000 (Air Bags). …

150,000 miles · May 2024 · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.

150,000 miles · Sep 2023

Electrical system all 38 →

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, he felt a sudden surge and observed white smoke emitting from the rear passenger seat. As a result of the distraction, the contact stated that the vehicle crashed into a tree at approximately 35 MPH; the driver's steering wheel and driver's seat air bags both deployed. Upon exiting and inspecting the trunk of the vehicle, the contact observed flames engulfing the trunk liner. The contact stated that he was able to extinguish the fire himself with water. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. No police report was filed. No fire report was filed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, where it remained. The failure had not been diagnosed. …

120,000 miles · Jun 2023 · crash · fire

2010 328i bmw That I own. Vehicle will not start. I had to leave it where it sits as we speak at my baby mamas apartment complex in Lacey Washington. Very dangerous and strong smell a burning smell I am finally after getting the trunk open come to find out that my battery was more than just "smoldering" and the positive terminal was melted all the way to the point where we panic and I had to disconnect it because it was red hot actually the bolts are melted together im sure and probably won't be coming apart. I had to leave my key in the ignition and I left the car there after speaking to the apartment complex managers asking them not to do it. …

Dec 2022 · fire

2010 BMW 328i engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.0L 6-cyl6-speed automaticRWD18 / 28 / 22
3.0L 6-cyl6-speed manualRWD18 / 28 / 22

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 BMW 328i a good car?

Based on 155 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 328i rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the 328i 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 328i?

The engine & cooling — 86 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › emission control › crankcase (pcv). Next are the air bags (43) and electrical system (38).

How many recalls does the 2010 BMW 328i have?

There are 6 recalls for the 2010 BMW 328i, the most recent from July 3, 2024 (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 328i?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 2001 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2007, 2013, 2009 and 2014. See the full BMW 328i years comparison.

At what mileage do 2010 BMW 328i problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 98,000 miles; 17% 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.