2010 BMW 3 Series
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 274 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 21 3 Series model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 8 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine cooling, engineOct 20, 2023
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.
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V707000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)Mar 2, 2022
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.
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.
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 charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA 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.
Campaign 22V119000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, cooling system, fanAug 10, 2012
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
Campaign 12E029000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
116 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Apr 19, 2024
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 (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly jerked and lost motive power. The contact was able to arrive to his destination, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with three detached VANOS bolts. The contact was informed that the VANOS bolts needed to be replaced. 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 103,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked or hesitated upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that 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 failure mileage was 156,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2024
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2010 BMW 328i. The contact's girlfriend received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated after parking the vehicle, the engine made an abnormal sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that the failure was related to the recall. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 failure mileage was approximately 155,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Mar 26, 2024
Remedy is still unavailable. NHTSA released recall in October 2023 and BMW notified me of the recall in December 2023. It has been 6 months since the initial recall without remedy which I consider to be an unreasonable period of time. I am concerned that this issue could cause an accident as stated in the recall notice.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine and check ignition warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power and was able to coast to the side of the road as the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle but after several failed attempts the vehicle failed to start. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact had not informed the manufacturer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the bolts sheared off and entered the engine, and the vehicle began to skip and shut off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the BMW dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 4, 2024
My vehicles check engine light came on, and the car started to misfire and idle hard when driving. Jack Furrier Tire and Auto ran the code, and it came back with peoblems with the cam shaft. I brought it to BMW, and VANOS bolt (recall) code was confirmed, but they told me it was a problem with internal piece missing from the oil filter. I asked if the car was safe to drive, and they confirmed and also told me the car is having other mechanical issues I should be aware of. The service agent described possible future problems with transmission and told me that there was no remedy available for recall yet, so I need to wait. I paid to have oil filter replaced. A week later, I was driving myself to work and my daughter to daycare when the car began to stall out and misfire in traffic. After bringing it back to the dealership, they replaced 1 spark plug free of charge and advised me that the car was coming back with other codes. I addressed the safety risk and the continued mechanical breakdown of the car systems if I continued driving it, and I was encouraged to trade the vehicle somewhere. I will attach an email I sent detailing further frustration I have experienced with BMW. After speaking with customer relations, I received the same reply, which is yes, there is a safety risk it is minimal and unfortuanly, there is no remedy available yet. The following was my reply when asked to complete customer survey: I am getting no help with a car that has a recall on it and being told the exact thing at every level I have presented my legtimate concerns. With no viable or reasonable options. I basically have to continue driving my car and risk car further breaking down and put my family's safety at risk with hope that "it's low probabilty". Somehow, these are my only options on a vehicle with a recall.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Jan 18, 2024
Approximately, a year ago I took my vehicle to the BWM dealership in Columbus, GA due to a burning smell. The vehicle was making a strange metal on metal noise. I could not figure where the noise was coming from. The check engine light appeared while the constantly would cut off while driving on the highway and idling at red lights and stop signs. At times the vehicle was hesitant to start. After examining my vehicle, the BWM dealership of Columbus, GA told me that they did not see anything wrong and returned the car to me. I have called several times complaining about the same issue. Today, on January 18, 2024, I called with safety recall information and was told that the part is not in, and the remedy is unavailable. This has been going on now for over a year which means I haven't been able to drive my car for a year. Can someone please help?
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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 while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle coasted to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Dec 5, 2023
I been searching for this problem for a while and found that the problem is related to Vanos bolts, my car was not included into the BMW recall and is suffering for loose of broken Vanos Adjusters Bolts, Codes I am getting are 2A7A and 2A87 and the car goes into emergency mode. 2A7A - DME - Variable Camshaft Timing Control, Exhaust ,Cold Start 2A87 - DME - Exhaust Vanos, Mechanism There is something you can do about it? Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) Thanks Yuberth Mendoza
Engine, Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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 girlfriend was driving 45 MPH, the contact heard a whistling sound coming from the engine compartment with an engine misfire. The contact's girlfriend drove the vehicle to a nearby parking lot and turned the vehicle off. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. 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 150,794.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that because of the price that was quoted by the dealer for the repair, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the vehicle VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 19, 2023
The engine stalled multiple times driving on the highway. When I turn off the car and turn on the car, it would go back to normal. I researched this is a problem for 335d, I think im experiencing the same problem, not sure why 335i is not included in the recall list. This happened multiple times for me and I ignored it at that time, other person has also experienced the same issue when he was driving my car. Now the electrical battery power is completely shut off and there is no recall, this really bothers me.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 10, 2023
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 local dealer was contacted. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 14, 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. I’ve been trying to contact the BMW dealer and ask them what my next step is and getting it fixed as there is an active Recall on it because of the PCV valve not being up to specifications and could cause a short and “an extremely rare cases can you catch fire. Which unfortunately happen to be my luck. The car is still in Lacey Washington and I don’t know whether to get it towed to the dealer in Tacoma Washington being that the guy on the phone was a complete a******* and told me to not get it towed there that they’re just going to get it towed out of there. At this point I do not know what to do but I need help in expressing the amount of Beyond safe and liability on this recall through BMW to
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 21, 2022
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 local dealer was contacted about the failure and informed him that they would call him once parts were 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 12, 2022
The car is experiencing rough idles and an imbalance in the overall performance. The PCV valve is not allowing enough air to return to the combustion chamber, creating a rough idle as the levels are imbalanced. It’s also causing a lean air to fuel mixture, oil leaks and increased fuel consumption. The PCV valve hoses became blocked by built-up moisture causing high pressure to be built up in the engine crankcase. The only way for this high pressure to escape is up through the cylinders and out of the gaskets, thus causing the gaskets to lose their seals. Oil is now able to leak out of the gaskets because the seal has been ruptured. I’ve already spent thousands of dollars on services including gasket changes.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 11, 2022
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 repair was unavailable. The contact had experienced a failure and stated that when she had started the vehicle she smelled a burning odor and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the burning odor had become a reoccurring failure and she was afraid of a vehicle fire. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2022
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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 28, 2022
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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and 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 that while operating the vehicle, a burning odor was present as stated in the recall. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.