2010 BMW 3 SERIES — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
43
Owner Complaints
3
Recalls
25
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2010 BMW 3 SERIES
The 2010 BMW 3 SERIES has received a total of 43 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN. 25 technical service bulletins have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (10 complaints), Engine (6 complaints), and Electrical System (5 complaints).
Recalls for the 2010 BMW 3 SERIES
NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 2010 BMW 3 SERIES, potentially affecting up to 1,075,487 vehicles.
Recall 23V707000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
| 157,796 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 22V119000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
| 917,106 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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 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...
View full details →Recall 12E029000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
| 585 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2010 BMW 3 SERIES
43 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2010 BMW 3 SERIES. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bagssensoroccupant Classification | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment Adaptivemobility | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Diesel | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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.
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.
Safety Rating for the 2010 BMW 3 SERIES
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2010 BMW 3 SERIES in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2010 BMW 3 SERIES
BMW of North America, LLC has issued 25 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2010 BMW 3 SERIES. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
SB 23-01 — STEERING
SPL Parts, Inc. manufacturers and distributes aftermarket lower control arms for dedicated competition vehicles and "track day" cars some of which may be used on both track and highway. SB 23-01 adresses proper installation torque of cap bolt fasteners attaching SPL's aftermarket lower control arms, recurring inspection and confirmation of...
51 26 15 — EQUIPMENT
BMW: IMPROPER ROUTING OF THE BOWDEN CABLE CAUSES THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER FRONT DOOR NOT TO OPEN OCCASIONALLY WHEN TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 37 DEGREES. *MA
B-510315 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
FLOOR MATS PEELS OFF ON THE BOTTOM *CN
SIB-51-09-11 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
BMW: POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ARE CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TO SHOW THE DOORS ARE OPEN WHILE DRIVING EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE CLOSED. *RM
SIB-63-02-11 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
BMW: THE DRIVER¿S SIDE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT MOVES TO THE FULL LEFT STOP WHEN THE ENGINE IS STARTED. *RM
SI-B16-13-10 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
BMW: THERE IS PROTECTIVE COVERING MISSING FROM THE SELECTIVE CATALYST REDUCTION LINE. *RM
SIB-12-20-10 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BMW: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON WITH STORED TROUBLE CODES. *RM
SI-B13-08-09 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
BMW: TEILE CLEARING FOR ENGINE DRIVABILITY AND FUEL SYSTEM. AN ENHANCED TECHNICAL SUPPORT (TEILECLEARING) PROCESS HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO HELP IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSES OF COMPLAINTS RELATING TO THE DRIVABILITY AND FUEL SYSTEM (E.G., LONG CRANK, LOSS OF POWER, SES LAMP ON, ETC.). THIS PROCESS CAN ALSO HELP EXPEDITE THE...
SIB-36-06-06 — TIRES
BMW: THERE IS AN ABNORMAL OR LOUD NOISE CAUSED BY IRREGULAR TIRE WEAR ON BRIDGESTONE TIRES. *RM'
SIB-28-03-10 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BMW: INFORMATION ON A NEW AUTOMATIC START/STOP FUNCTION. *RM
Showing 10 of 25 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2010 BMW 3 SERIES
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the BMW 3 SERIES
- 2005 BMW 3 SERIES — 29 complaints
- 2006 BMW 3 SERIES — 288 complaints
- 2007 BMW 3 SERIES — 190 complaints
- 2008 BMW 3 SERIES — 93 complaints
- 2009 BMW 3 SERIES — 74 complaints
- 2010 BMW 3 SERIES (current)
- 2011 BMW 3 SERIES — 1 complaint
- 2012 BMW 3 SERIES — 11 complaints
- 2013 BMW 3 SERIES — 34 complaints