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2010 BMW 328I: check engine light

30 of the 155 complaints about the 2010 BMW 328I describe check engine light.

owner complaints
30
of this car's complaints
19%
typical mileage
107,500
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 16 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Engine · MD

Total circus I’m dealing with over this Recall 23V‑707 nightmare. The timeline is wild. Buckle up: Here is how the madness has gone down: On XXX I drop the car off at [XXX] under its own power under RO #XXX. On XXX I pick it up, drive 46 miles, and it instantly turns into a blender full of marbles, backfiring and throwing a check engine light. On XXX it gets towed to [XXX] under RO #436050, and I immediately ask for DME logs and get ghosted. On XXX [XXX] claims the recall is totally done, swearing three VANOS bolts snapped and the timing was somehow fine. The second he said it was fine, I immediately asked for the logs. Cue total silence. On XXX at 12:36 PM [XXX] from BMW North America in [XXX] calls me for a 40-minute chat and drops the bombshell: he spoke with the regional manager, who flat-out stated the car didn't even get the recall over a vacuum hose. That Annapolis has never worked on it, so I forward the images that Annapolis had on Xtime. Shortly, not even two hours later, Store Manager [XXX] completely contradicts corporate and emailing me to say, the recall was done. To prove it, he sends a picture of a compression gauge laying in a case reading a sci-fi 220 PSI claiming that one cylinder information as proof my engine is sound. on my 161k-mile N51 engine mind you. Oh, and somewhere during an engine recall, they magically managed to poke around inside of my fuel tank without permission and decided I need a new one. Three bolts came out the engine and the tank fell apart in sync…. Convenient, right? When I asked for actual proof like live DME data, customer-facing compression ISTA logs, and a clean, compliant breakdown invoice, they refused. Insane right? And get this, 95$ a day storage have been threatened on me. I said, I can’t tank the liability of taking that vehicle off of their lot “Silence” UNKNOWN Look at that brand new hose they found It’s been plenty of time for them the report it “done” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Airbags, Brakes · MI

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 24V513000 (Air Bags), 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while accelerating from the vehicle idling, and turning left or right, the transmission hesitated before shifting hard. Occasionally, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated, hesitated, and failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle intermittently stalled, and the contact would release the accelerator pedal, depress the brake pedal, and allow the steering wheel failure to self-correct. The failures became more persistent. The ABS, check engine, X-Drive Fluid, ESC, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after adding fluid, the failure persisted. The driver's front seat air bag failed to activate intermittently while the driver's seat was occupied. The heating system occasionally failed to operate. The contact became aware of fluid under the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed, and the air bag and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The certified mechanic recommended an oil change because the engine oil was dirty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact radiator was repaired to resolve the failure with the heating system, but the failures persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failures. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Engine · 110,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, but the vehicle experienced the failure after the repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was initially diagnosed that the oil cap had failed. The dealer later informed the contact that the camshaft solenoid had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Engine · 130,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle was idling rough and occasionally, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was more frequent. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While the vehicle was idling, the RPM was fluctuating between 800 - 1,000 RPM. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was a failure with the VANOS valve timing system. The contact was informed that the VANOS valve timing system needed to be replaced. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that recalls were VIN-specific and that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Oct 3, 2024 · Engine · CT

I have problems consistent with SI B11 07 14- VANOS gear bolt breaking. BMW lied and said that the problem affected only 200,000 cars when in reality it affected a lot more cars. I am losing oil at a slow rate but after than normal oil loss of a healthy engine and have no external leaks, meaning there is an internal leak. I have a metallic rattling noise as well. These problems are consistent with broken VANOS gear bolt(s). I also have a timing issue code popping up with a check engine light that can be caused by this incident. The car is available for inspection upon request. If the problem persists, the engine could experience critical failure causing harm to the components as well as the driver/passengers. I have not been to a dealer yet. I have a scheduled appointment with NEW COUNTRY BMW on Monday to address the airbag issue. A diagnostic for the issue would cost a lot of money that I do not have.

Filed Jun 3, 2024 · Engine · 107,500 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was misdiagnosed. The contact stated that several parts were replaced, including a new radiator hose, a new water pump, and several unknown sensors. The failure reoccurred and became persistent. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be towed to the residence three times. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 14, 2024 · Engine · 105,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into "Safe Mode" and decelerated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 105,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 10, 2024 · Engine · CA

My 2010 BMW is under Recall 23V707 for vanos bolt replacement since October 2023. The check engine light is now on, and the dealer still (May 10, 2023) reports that BMW North America has not sent out replacement bolts. Six months seems like a long time for BMW to not be able to find new bolts and Valve Gasket Covers for the affected vehicles.

Filed May 6, 2024 · Engine · TX

The contact owns a 2010 BWM 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the camshaft position sensor and VANOS assembly bolts. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Apr 23, 2024 · Engine · NY

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was sputtering, jerking, shuddering, and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to her destination; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Apr 19, 2024 · Engine · MO

My wife was driving on the highway when the engine suddenly stalled on her. She had never been through this situation and had no idea what to do. She tried to turn it back on but it would not start. She was frightened, the vehicle was partially on the slow lane and on the shoulder. She turned on the emergency blinkers and immediately called me freaking out, I told her to compose herself, watch her surroundings, to get away from the vehicle and closer to the shoulder. The fact that this happened out of nowhere in the middle of the highway put my wife and others in danger. Luckily she reacted quickly and started making her way towards the shoulder on the right. This could've caused an accident, injuries or even death. A good samaritan stopped and helped her move the bmw out of the lane and into the shoulder. The reason why this occurred to the vehicle is because of the Vanos timing chain assembly. I had Christian Brothers Automotive diagnose a check engine light and a noise that was coming from the engine on March [XXX]. They warned me that this could've happened and to take it to the dealer because it has an open recall on it. I called the bmw dealership and told me they couldn't do anything about it because they did not have a remedy at this time. We knew it was a risk but it's the only car she has to use to work. She strictly used it just for work for that same reason. After it broke down, I got it towed to my house and had an independent mechanic diagnose the issue and he confirmed as well that it was the Vanos timing chain assembly. I towed it to my nearest BMW dealership and told them the situation and about the recall. They said they will diagnose it and look into the recall. We just really need this fixed as soon as possible. Right now I'm having to drop her off at work and she has to find an Uber back home because I'm still working. I'm hoping that with this report, it will help me and others get the problem fixed that we desperately need. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F

Filed Apr 16, 2024 · Engine · 200,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, then the vehicle stalled and shuddered when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure recurred several times. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)Reported October 30, 2017 · 740,561 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 17V683000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported April 10, 2014 · 156,137 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Risk
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 14V176000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2010 BMW 328I check engine light

Is check engine light a common problem on the 2010 BMW 328I?

30 of 155 owner complaints about the 2010 BMW 328I (19%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2011.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2010 BMW 328I?

There are 2 recalls and 16 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2010 BMW 328I

Stalling 26Fire or smoke 10Airbag light 6Won't start 6Engine failure 5Fuel pump 5Loss of power 5Misfire 5

All model years of the BMW 328I

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