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
274 reports, newest first.
Engine, Dec 26, 2014
I STARTED MY CAR AND BEGIN PULLING OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT. WHEN I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AND PULLED MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO PUSH THE ACCELERATOR, THE ENGINE REDUCED POWER SIGNIFICANTLY, STALLED, AND THE CAR DIED ON ME WITHIN A FEW SECONDS. THERE WERE SEVERAL MESSAGES THAT APPEARED ONCE THE ENGINE HAD DIED INCLUDING "ENGINE MALFUNCTION", "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" AND "DSC - REDUCED DRIVABILITY". THE LATTER STATED THAT IT WAS STILL SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR THOUGH CAUTION SHOULD BE USED. HOWEVER, WHEN I TRIED RE-STARTING THE ENGINE, IT WOULD CRANK AND SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS TRYING TO START, BUT WOULD NOT ACTUALLY START. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET A FEW PEOPLE IN THE AREA TO PUSH ME SAFELY OUT OF THE ACTIVE TRAFFIC LANE I WAS STALLED IN INTO A PARKING SPOT. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST BMW DEALERSHIP WHERE CAUSE OF ISSUE IS STILL BEING DIAGNOSED; SO I STILL DO NOT KNOW ROOT CAUSE FOR THIS MALFUNCTION. LUCKILY I WAS IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THIS HAPPENED, HOWEVER, THE THOUGHT THAT THE ENGINE COULD JUST STOP AND DIE ON ME AT ANY POINT, SUCH AS WHEN DRIVING AT 60+ MPH ON THE FREEWAY, IS RATHER TERRIFYING. FURTHER, GIVEN THE LOW MILES AND YEARS ON THE CAR, RUNNING INTO SUCH A SERIOUS ISSUE IS RATHER UNSETTLING. *TR
Engine, Dec 17, 2014
I WAS DRIVING AND JUST GOT OF THE FREEWAY, THE CAR WAS STILL ON BUT WOULD NOT MOVE DUE TO BAD WATER PUMP THIS WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY IT WOULD HAVE JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. $1350 TO FIX. THIS CAR IS THE BIGGEST PIECE OF JUNK THEY ARE MAKING THEM VERY POORLY, I 2 YEARS I'VE REPLACED ABOUT 20 TIRES ON THE RUN FLAT, WATER PUMP, FUEL PUMP (THROUGH RECALL) SOME BATTERY CABLE (THROUGH RECALL) ONE OTHER THE TURBOS, AND FUEL INJECTORS. *TR
Seats, Dec 12, 2014
VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH KEY ACTIVATED MEMORY SEATS. WAS USING SAME KEY FOB AS ALWAYS WHEN DRIVER SEAT BEGAN TO MOVE BY ITSELF INTO VARIOUS POSITIONS, ALL WHILE AT TURNPIKE SPEED. WHEN IT FINALLY STOPPED, SEAT WAS RETURNED TO PRIOR POSITION BY DEPRESSING MEMORY BUTTON, BUT BEGAN TO MOVE AGAIN ON ITS OWN SHORTLY AFTERWARDS. THIS ISSUE HAS CONTINUED NOW FOR SEVERAL WEEKS EVEN JUST DRIVING AROUND TOWN. THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS OR SERVICE BULLETINS, BUT IS A KNOWN ISSUE IF YOU GO TO THE ONLINE FORUMS. THIS PROBLEM PRESENTS A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY! *TR
Structure, Engine, Dec 10, 2014
CAR FRONT END SHAKING AND BANGING. BROUGHT TO REPAIR. WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE MOUNTING BOLTS WERE SHEARED OFF. NEED TO HAVE BOLTS REMOVED AND REPLACED. *TR
Air bags, Oct 9, 2014
I HAVE A RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION ALERT COMING IN END OF MAY 2014. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE AIRBAG IN HEADREST AND REPLACED IT. LESS THAN A MONTH THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION CAME ON AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR THIS TIME TO MY NORMAL DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND AN ISSUE. THEY RESET THE MALFUNCTION ALERT ON JULY 2 2014. THE MALFUNCTION ALERT FOR THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM RETURNED, I AGAIN TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER IN IRVINE THE ONE THAT RESET THE ALERT IN JULY. THIS TIME I EXPLAINED TO THEM THEY NEEDED TO FIND WHAT THE ISSUE IS. AFTER AN ENTIRE DAY THEY GAVE ME A CALL AND SAID THEY FINALLY FOUND THE ISSUE ITS IN THE WIRING HARNESS. OF COURSE THIS WILL COST ABOUT 1250.00. I WENT BACK AND FOURTH ASKING WHY WAS MY HEAD REST REPLACED A COUPLE MONTHS AGO AT CREVIER BMW 1500 AUTO MALL DR, SANTA ANA, CA 92705. THE IRVINE BMW SAID THAT CANT ANSWER THAT AND I WOULD NEED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THEM. I DON'T BELIEVE NOW THAT THE HEADREST FOR THE AIR BAG NEEDED REPLACED AND THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. I SPENT 450 ALREADY ON THE ISSUE IN MAY AND TODAY RETURNING BACK TO THE CREVIER DEALER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 25, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE HOOD OF VEHICLE WAS OPEN, HE OBSERVED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO STATED THE EMISSION VALVE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 22, 2014
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTE CAMPAIGN NO. 14V-176 VANOS ASSEMBLY BOLTS ON MY 2010 BMW 328I IN JUNE. IT IS NOW THE END OF AUGUST AND I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT REPAIRS. THE NEAREST GARAGE HASN'T THE PARTS AND SAYS NOTHING OF THE SAFETY OF MY FAULTY VEHICLE OR WHEN PARTS MAY APPEAR. I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN SAFELY DRIVE THE CAR. I NEED TO USE IT, BUT THE LETTER SAYS IT CAN CAUSE A CRASH. HOW LONG WILL THIS CRAP GO ON? I TRIED TO CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE OVER A WEEK AGO.....NO RESPONSE. I TRIED TO CALL THE VEHICLE SAFETY OFFICE AT FED GOV.....LONG WAIT ON THE PHONE.....I CAN'T GET ANY ANSWERS FROM ANYBODY. IT'S LIKE THE WHOLE COUNTRY HAS GONE ON VACATION. WHO'S IN CHARGE? WHEN WILL MY CAR BE FIXED? CAN I DRIVE THE CAR IN THE MEANWHILE WITHOUT RISKING MY LIFE? *TR
Air bags, Aug 21, 2014
I AM 5'2", FAT AND WANTED EITHER AN ON/SWITCH FOR MY FRONT DRIVER'S AIRBAG, OR I WAS GOING TO APPLY UNDER YOUR GUIDELINES TO HAVE THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DISCONNECTED. BMW APPARENTLY CAN DO NEITHER SINCE THEIR AIRBAG IS TIED INTO ITS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I HAVE GOTTEN NOTHING BUT A RUN AROUND REGARDING WHAT FOR ME IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I DON'T WANT TO BE DECAPITATED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. DO YOU HAVE ANY ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY OVER THIS THAT WOULD MAKE BMW COMPLY WITH YOUR REQUIREMENTS? *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jun 17, 2014
I WAS TRAVELING ON THE PA TURNPIKE NEAR THE QUAKERTOWN EXIT AT 75 MPH IN THE LEFT HAND LANE WHEN MY CAR SHUT DOWN AND CAME TO A STOP IN ACTIVE TRAFFIC. AS THE CAR WAS SHUTTING DOWN I HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING BUT WAS ABLE TO BRAKE. THERE WERE NO VISIBLE ERROR CODES OR LIGHTS TO INDICATE ISSUE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE CAR, THE ENGINE WOULD ROLL BUT I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. I CALLED 911 FOR ASSISTANCE. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT A STATE FARM HIGHWAY WORKER STOPPED TO PROTECT ME FROM HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC COMING UP BEHIND ME UNTIL I COULD BE SAFELY MOVED OFF OF THE ROAD. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO WEST GERMAN BMW IN FORT WASHINGTON, PA. COST FOR THE ABOVE SERVICE WAS PAID FOR BY BMW UNDER A "WARRANTY EXTENSION" AS THIS IS A "KNOWN ISSUE." I WAS UNAWARE OF THIS ISSUE AS NO RECALL OR SERVICE NOTICES HAVE BEEN SENT BY BMW TO INSPECT OR REPAIR FAILING FUEL LINES. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE THE ISSUES FOUND IN MY CAR ARE EXCEPTIONALLY SERIOUS AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A MAJOR HIGH SPEED ACCIDENT. FURTHERMORE THESE REPAIRS WILL APPEAR ON MY CARFAX AND WILL POSITION MY CAR TO OTHER BUYERS AS ONE WITH MAJOR ISSUES. DURING INSPECTION AND REPAIR PROCESS SEVERAL ISSUE WERE NOTED. 1. NO FAULTS WERE STORED IN THE VEHICLE. 2. UPON CHECKING THE FUEL PRESSURE, NONE WAS FOUND @ RAIL 3. UPON REMOVING THE FUEL TAN COVER THEY DISCOVERED THAT A HOSE POPPED OFF INSIDE THE TANK 4. AFTER REATTACHING, THEY WERE ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR, ONLY TO HAVE THE HOSE COME OFF AGAIN THE NEXT DAY AS IT WAS GOING THROUGH THE COURTESY CAR WASH 5. AFTER OPENING THE CAR AGAIN, THEY FOUND THAT THE FUEL LINE THAT WAS CLAMPED ON "LINE A" RUPTURED, FULL FUEL TANK AND ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT WAS NECESSARY. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 11, 2014
NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE BLINKER STARTED TO BLINK QUICKLY. THE BRAKES AND TAIL LIGHTS USE A BULB WHILE THE BLINKER HAS APPROXIMATELY 15 LEDS. THEREFORE THE ENTIRE LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED. SEVERAL OF THE LEDS DO NOT LIGHT UP AND THE ONES THAT DO ARE DIM. TWO WEEKS LATER THE DRIVER SIDE BLINKER DID THE SAME THING. THIS CONCERNS ME AS ANOTHER DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT I AM TURNING UNTIL IT IS TO LATE. *TR
Tires, May 20, 2014
TIRES WITH LARGE BUBBLES ON SEVERAL TIRES AFTER TIRE PURCHASE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2014
RECALL NOTICE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION - CAMPAIGN # 13V044000 - VEHICLE SERVICE HISTORY BY OWNER #1 4/12/10 TO 2/11/2013; 08/02/11 SERVICED FOR FUEL FILLER CAP/FUEL TANK LEAKING; 2/8/12 SERVICED FOR AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE/SAFETY ELECTRONICS SOFTWARE ERROR/INTERNAL DEVICE FAULT; 5/16/12 SERVICED FOR ROOF FUNCTIONS CENTRE FZD PERMANENT MALFUNCTION'; 06/15/12 SERVICED TIRE CONDITION AND PRESSURE MILEAGE 28,151 MILES; OWNER #2: 4/12/13-3/4/13 CAR IS PURCHASED; 4/12/13 RECALL BATTERY CABLE, DEFECT CODE 0061760300; 10/24/13 SERVICED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, ENGINE MISFIRE IN CYLINDER #6- REPLACE IGNITION COIL #6: 11/20/13 SERVICED FOR MALFUNCTION NOTICE ON 11/14/13 - SELECT P POSITION BEFORE LEAVING THE VEHICLE, SELECT P POSITION FAULT IN IGNITION TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER SYSTEM; HAVE SYSTEM CHECKED BY NEAREST BMW CENTER; SECOND MALFUNCTION NOTICE 11/19/13 'POSSIBLE R,N,D MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE; R,N,D, MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE, ACTIVATE RELEASE GEAR SELECTOR FOR LEVER IS NECESSARY; GEAR SHIFTER FAULTS- REPLACED GEAR SHIFTER ASSEMBLY, VANOS SOLENOIDS FAULTS - REPLACED VANOS SOLENOIDS AND VALVES; REPLACED GASKETS(3) SIB RECALL 110208; 12/2/13 VANOS FAULTS - REPLACED VANOS GEARS AND VALVE SIB RECALL 121412, BROKEN SCREW HEADS; REPLACED GASKETS (4); 1/16/14 SERVICED REPLACED FAULTY IGNITION COIL, REPLACED GASKETS (3); REPLACED CYLINDER HEAD COVER; 3/4/14 SERVICED ENGINE MISFIRE REPLACED IGNITION COILS 5,2,9,8 AND 7, BALANCED TIRES, REPLACED SPARK PLUGS. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 25, 2014
DUE TO PREMATURE BUILD UP OF EXCESSIVE SOOT AND CARBON IN THE EGR, INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND INTAKE VALVES OF DIESEL ENGINES, IT WAS CAUSE ENGINE VIBRATIONS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. WITHOUT COSTLY REPAIRS REQUIRING EGR CLEANING/REPLACING, INTAKE MANIFOLD CLEANING/REPLACING, AND CYLINDER HEAD CLEANING/ REPLACING, THE CAR WILL NOT PASS MANDATORY EMISSIONS TESTING. BMW NEEDS TO EXTEND THEIR WARRANTY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.
Service brakes, Feb 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 335 BMW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR ROTORS FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY NORMAL WEAR-AND-TEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THE THE TAIL-LIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILLIGHT HARNESS WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER REPLACED THE TAILLIGHT HARNESS BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Oct 2, 2013
THE RUBBER SEAL AROUND THE FROND WINDSHIELD CRACKS AND FALLS/FLIES OFF. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN ON 2 DIFFERENT (2006, AND 2010 WITH ONLY 17000 MILES) BMW 3 SERIES. I HAVE SPOKEN TO BMW AND WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT A WARRANTY ITEM. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. IT COULD A DEFECTIVE PART THAT COULD CAUSE GREAT RISK. THANKS *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 5, 2013
THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT IS MALFUNCTIONING WHERE NOT ALL THE LEDS ILLUMINATE WHEN BRAKING OR USING THE TURN SIGNAL. THE TURNING SIGNAL ALSO OPERATES VERY RAPIDLY. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY SO I CALLED BMW N.A. WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AT ALL. THIS IS A CRITICAL SAFETY COMPONENT OF THE CAR THAT IS KNOWN TO BE DEFECTIVE, ITS COST IS EXPENSIVE AND SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN THREE YEARS. SINCE IT IS AN LED TYPE LIGHT, THE ENTIRE LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS THERE ARE NO STANDARD BULBS THAT CAN BE REPLACE BY THE OWNER. *JB
Structure, Jul 11, 2013
(INCIDENT #1) I BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY 2010 328I REPLACEMENT VEHICLE (INITIALLY PURCHASED 2009, BECAUSE OF WATER LEAKAGE BMW REPLACED 2009 WITH CURRENT 2010) HARDTOP, INITIALLY REPORTING SLIPPAGE OUTSIDE OF THE HARDTOP OF RUBBER TRIM HANGING OUT OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP (SEALS) AT APPROX 17K MILES EARLY MAY 2012. ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE " HARDTOP ROOF SEALS WERE DEFECTIVE. SEALS WERE REMOVED AND REPLACED AT APPROX 18K MILES AFTER A TWO WEEK WAIT TO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT PARTS ORDERED FROM THE ONLY SUPPLIER IN GERMANY". (INCIDENT #2) A YEAR LATER, MAY 2013, ONCE AGAIN I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE DEFECTIVE PARTS AFTER HEARING THE HINGE ON THE RIGHT (PASSENGER) REAR OF MY VEHICLE MAKING A GRINDING NOISE, GRATING AGAINST THE GLASS AS THE CONVERTIBLE COLLAPSED INTO THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT OF MY VEHICLE. THIS WAS A NOISE THAT SOUNDED AS IF THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, UPON CLOSING WAS TRUNCATING AND COLLAPSING WITHIN ITSELF. FEARING THAT THE ROOF WOULD COLLAPSE ON ME, I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND CLOSED IT UNTIL RECEIVING SERVICE. EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED THAT I HAD ACCEPTED ANOTHER FAULTY BMW, AND UNCERTAIN HOW TO RATIONALIZE WHY THE DEFACTO EXPECTATION WOULD BE THAT THE "CONVERTIBLE" FEATURE WOULD BE THE "SAFEST FEATURE ON THE VEHICLE, AND KNOWING THAT THE "CONVERTIBLE" OPTION WAS THE MAIN REASON FOR PURCHASING THE VEHICLE MAY SOON BE MY MOST EXPENSIVE? REASON FOR WISHING I WOULD HAVE CHOSEN ANOTHER MANUFACTURER OTHER THAN BMW BASED ON MY 2009 EXPERIENCE. I HAVE BEEN CONTINUOUSLY HAUNTED, ANXIOUS, WORRIED, UNABLE TO SLEEP BECAUSE OF THE RECENT BREAKDOWNS WITH REGARD TO THE "SAFETY/INTEGRITY" OF THE ROOFTOP OF MY 2010 REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. IN THE INTEREST OF SAFEGUARDING THE PUBLIC, SHOULDN'T ALL CONVERTIBLES HAVE THE OPTION OF A "SPECIAL WARRANTY" TO THE CONSUMER TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE?
Structure, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jun 17, 2013
OIL PUMP PRESSURE WENT OUT ON 36,000 MILES AFTER A RECALL WAS DONE ON MY CAR BY BMW ON MAY 2013. THE RECALL WAS CHANGING THE ELECTRICAL BATTERY CABLES. RIGHT AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN MY CAR I HAD THIS ERROR ON MY COMPUTER: "ENGINE OIL PRESSURE TOO LOW. POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGES, SWITCH OFF ENGINE. CONTINUED DRIVING IS NOT POSSIBLE. PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST BME CENTER" RIGHT AFTER THE RECALL WAS MADE MY ENGINE START LOOSING POWER. I CALLED AND COMPLAIN BMW OF NA AND THEY DENIED MY COMPLAINS. I REALLY BELIEVE THIS OIL PUMP SHOULD BE A RECALL SINCE I GOT 2 RECALLS ALREADY ON MY CAR. FIRST RECALL WAS THE FUEL PUMP NOW THE OIL PUMP. HOW MANY THINGS WILL HAVE TO BREAK IN THIS 2010 335XI UNTIL THEY WILL RECOGNIZE IT AS A LEMON CAR? I BELIEVE THAT MY OIL PUMP WAS GOING OUT BECAUSE OF THE RECALL THAT THEY HAD ON THE ELECTRICAL BATTERY CABLES. *TR
Power train, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Apr 27, 2013
DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT CURLED UP AT FRONT AND WAS CAPTURED BY CLUTCH PEDAL WHEN CHANGING GEAR. WHEN CLUTCH WAS AGAIN ENGAGED, MAT WAS PULLED UP AND INTERFERED WITH SUBSEQUENT BRAKE OPERATION BEFORE FREEING ITSELF AND FALLING BACK ONTO FLOOR WELL. SINCE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT, IT TOOK A WHILE TO FIGURE OUT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 14, 2013
THIS 335D HAD A HISTORY OF ENGINE LIGHT-ON EVENTS PRIOR TO POTENTIAL CATASTROPHIC UNCOMMENTED ENGINE RUNAWAY. ON JAN 13, 2013 CUSTOMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AT CRUISE CONTROL AT SPEED SETTING 83 MPH ON TURNPIKE AT 11PM. SUDDENLY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED BY A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER OUTPUT. ENGINE WAS UNABLE TO HANDLE POWER REQUIREMENT TO KEEP CRUISE CONTROL SPEED AT 83 AND VEHICLE'S SPEED DROPPED TO LOW 70-IES MPH. ECU DID NOT DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL WHILE ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED. SUDDENLY VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCOMMENTED BACK TO THE SET CRUISE CONTROL SPEED OF 83 MPH. VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY SITUATION. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO BMW SERVICE ON JAN 16 2013 AND REMAINED THERE FOR OVER 2.5 MONTHS! MANY PARTS WERE REPLACED AND ENGINE LIGHT-ON EVENT WAS REPLICATED SEVERAL TIMES BY SERVICE MECHANICS. BMW CENTER MANAGER STATED "WE DO NOT WANT TO SELL YOUR CAR TO ANY OF OUR CUSTOMER, THEY MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS YOU HAD". IRONICALLY, VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO CUSTOMER ON MARCH 27, AFTER 70 DAYS OF REPAIRS AND TROUBLESHOOTING. CUSTOMER WAS SHOWN PICTURES BY SERVICE MANAGER OF CYLINDER HEAD, ONE OF THE MANY PARTS THAT WAS REPLACED, THAT WAS FULL OF GUNK AND CARBON BUILD UP. CYLINDER HEAD WAS THEN APPARENTLY MAILED TO BMW GERMANY FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS. BMW SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS PROBABLY NOT THE ONLY VEHICLE WITH THIS PROBLEM. . . . NO ROOT CAUSE WAS EVER PROVIDED ABOUT VEHICLE'S ENGINE LIGHT, SIGNIFICANT CARBON BUILD UP IN CYLINDER HEAD AND SAFETY ISSUES. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 12, 2013, fire
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WE SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC AND PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE. UPON PULLING OVER WE FOUND A SMALL FIRE WAS BURNING IN THE HEAD/FOG LIGHT AREA OF THE VEHICLE. BOTH THE HEAD AND FOG LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE FIRE QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY STATE FARM. NEITHER STATE FARM NOR BMWNA WERE ABLE TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE; HOWEVER, AN INTERNET INVESTIGATION HIGHLIGHTED TWO OTHER INSTANCES OF A VERY SIMILAR SITUATION WITH 3-SERIES SEDANS FROM THE SAME GENERATION AS THIS ONE. SEE THE FOLLOWING URL: HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/BMW/T5MQ2AE26SC44CLO0 OF NOTE TO ANYONE WHO MAY HAVE ENCOUNTERED A SIMILAR SITUATION.. BMWNA WAS TOTALLY UNCOOPERATIVE INFORMING ME THAT "FIRE IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY" FORCING ME TO CLAIM THIS TOTAL LOSS UNDER MY INSURANCE POLICY FOR A TWO YEAR OLD CAR THAT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I DID NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER BMW. *TR
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 22, 2012
REAR RIGHT TURN SIGNAL MULFUNCTION TURNED ON FOR A FEW MIN. SIGNAL ALSO STARTED BLINKING EXTREAMLY FAST. HEAD LIGHT MALFUNCTION ALARM TURNED ON FOR A FEW MIN.HEAD LIGHTS WOULDN'T TURN WITH STEARING WHEEL. PASANGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ALARM TURNED ON WHEN CAR WAS STARTED. AFTER DRIVING 20 MILES AND TURNING THE CAR OFF IT CLEARED. *TR
Power train, Jun 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE FROM STOPS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE IN WHICH POWER WOULD NOT BE TRANSMITTED TO THE REAR WHEELS. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN, BUT THE REAR WHEELS WOULD NOT RECEIVE POWER FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE. THE DEALER DID NOT BELIEVE THAT THE CONTACT HAD ENCOUNTERED THE FAILURES AS DESCRIBED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THEIR DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM TO NOT DETECT THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THAT THEY WERE CLOSING THEIR CASE AND WOULD NO LONGER COMMUNICATE WITH THE CONTACT ABOUT THE SITUATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 5 AND 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE AND JERKED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED CORRECTLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000.