Air bag light just came on, had it checked but still there
The worst 2010 BMW 3 Series problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags10
- Engine6
- Electrical5
- Acceleration3
- Fuel system3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags10
- Engine6
- Electrical5
- Acceleration3
- Fuel system3
- Lights2
- Tires2
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Driver assistance1
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
- Transmission1
- Visibility1
- Wheels1
Recalls 2
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- 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. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
- Risk
- Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 23V707000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
- What is wrong
- 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 (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
- Remedy
- This recall supersedes and expands previous the federal safety agency 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 charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous the federal safety agency recalls 17V‑683 and 19V‑273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 22V119000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2010 BMW 3 Series 119
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been...
- The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been...
- Gasket Return
- Screw Cap Return
- Socket Housing Return
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- Spl Parts, Inc. communications index accompanying MCP uploads 23mc40464 & 23mc40471
- This is the companion to SPL Parts, Inc.'s SB 23-01 mailed by private label independent distributor Turner...
- SPL Parts, Inc. manufacturers and distributes aftermarket lower control arms for dedicated competition...
2010 BMW 3 Series fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl Diesel | RWD | 23 | 36 | 27 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17-18 | 26-28 | 20-22 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | AWD | 16-17 | 25 | 19-20 |
What 2010 BMW 3 Series owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Found a broken bolt of the intake cylinder head, was broke without any reason. I not the only one, found this video. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7hizib96pq there are 3 more bolts inside the cylinder head that can cause serious damage on the engine if broken.
Takata recall - I think air bag and seat belt warning lights are on all the time. Bmw says there is no recall affecting this. Both stationary and moving.
Too long to remedy
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.
Takata air bag recall
Bridgestone potenza tire tread separating from the tire - delimitation? Normal highway driving in arizona. Tire appears to have significant tread left and still holds air. See photo.
Faulty fuel injectors. Known problem at bmw and mechanics. Bmw has offered an "limited warranty extension". Why wasn't it a full recall? My vehicle was not in an accident. I'm reporting it only as a concern.
Takata recall. I am still waiting for my airbag to be replaced.
Takata recall. The recall was issued in february 2016. It is now almost august 2017. 18 months for a safety recall is beyond reasonable to drive an unsafe vehicle.
Compare the 2010 BMW 3 Series
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Questions about the 2010 BMW 3 Series
Is the 2010 BMW 3 Series reliable?
Owners have filed 30 complaints about the 2010 BMW 3 Series, fewer than a typical 3 Series model year.
What is the 2010 BMW 3 Series year score?
The 2010 BMW 3 Series scores 79 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 3 Series: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 BMW 3 Series?
Airbags, with 10 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles. Next is engine (6).
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW 3 Series have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling.
What year does the BMW 3 Series have bad airbags?
The BMW 3 Series model years with the most airbags complaints are 2006 (101 complaints), 2007 (35 complaints) and 2003 (21 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2010 BMW 3 Series get?
Official estimates for the 2010 BMW 3 Series range from 19 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl diesel, RWD) gets 23 city and 36 highway.
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