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2010 BMW 528I problems

The most common problem on the 2010 BMW 528I is engine and cooling, typically around 132,553 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical 528I model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
65
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
62
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
21-22mpg

The worst 2010 BMW 528I problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    33
  • Electrical
    11
  • Transmission
    9
  • Airbags
    7
  • Fuel system
    7
  • Lights
    4
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Steering
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 BMW 528I

Stalling 7Fire or smoke 5Fuel smell 5

Recalls 2

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

Exterior lighting: tail lightsReported September 11, 2013 · 134,100 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
Risk
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Recall number 13V407000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2010 BMW 528I

Technical service bulletins for the 2010 BMW 528I 62

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 62 bulletins for the 2010 BMW 528I

2010 BMW 528I fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cylRWD1827-2821-22

What 2010 BMW 528I owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 22, 2025 · Engine · 145,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud rattling sound coming from under the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in Manual Mode, the vehicle independently shifted to neutral(N), the steering wheel became firm, and the transmission failed to shift out of neutral. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed back to the same local dealer on various occasions; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Filed Jul 21, 2025 · Electrical · FL

insulation on wiring is deteriorated leading to possible fire and or shorting out of electrical system

Filed Apr 21, 2025 · Engine · 124,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated while making a left turn and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The brake and transmission warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and then attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended and was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was next towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft and timing belt chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 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 repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 124,000.

Filed Mar 5, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · FL

They lied to me made me buy a bad car and then didn't even give me a license plate of anything they stole my money

Filed Nov 21, 2024 · Engine · NY

I brought the car into BMW Manhattan after receiving the recall letter. They have refused to perfom the correction based on the fact that I had to replace the engine dues to a engine defect that cracked the number 6 cylinder in the original engine. I am confident BMW has the abilty to check the engine number and see that it requires the recall. They only stated it wasnt the original engine so they did not perform the work required by ther recall.

Filed Nov 1, 2024 · Fuel system · CA

The car smells like gas by the rear wheels. In speaking with other owners of this vehicle this is a defective flaw in the vehicle it is a known problem in this vehicle and there has been no recall. This is a serious concern as gasoline is highly flammable. I have had to spend thousands of dollars fixing problems with this car and I cannot afford to fix this issue. This is a major concern. Please advise a fix ASAP

Filed Jun 24, 2024 · Engine · 178,000 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. 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 confirmed that the parts were not yet available. 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 issue. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stall and jerked while coming to a stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jun 6, 2024 · SC

N/A Complaint is that no remedy is available 8 months after recall issued. Currently this particular car is still drivable, but suffers oil leaks from this lack of repair. No local dealer or repair shops can fix ahead of the recall because they cannot get the repair bolts either. Eight months is a ridiculous amount of time to wait for a manufacture repair.

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · LA

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and flashed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking form the engine. The contact was unaware of what part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jan 24, 2024 · Engine · 160,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. 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 driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the VANOS bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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Questions about the 2010 BMW 528I

Is the 2010 BMW 528I reliable?

Owners have filed 65 complaints about the 2010 BMW 528I, close to a typical 528I model year.

What is the 2010 BMW 528I year score?

The 2010 BMW 528I scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 528I: 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 528I?

Engine and cooling, with 33 complaints, typically around 132,553 miles. Next is electrical (11).

How many recalls does the 2010 BMW 528I have?

2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and exterior lighting.

Was there a recall on the 2010 BMW 528I engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 17V683000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the BMW 528I have bad engine?

The BMW 528I model years with the most engine complaints are 2011 (66 complaints), 2012 (48 complaints) and 2013 (47 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2010 BMW 528I get?

Official estimates for the 2010 BMW 528I range from 21 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 27-28 highway.

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