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2010 BMW 3 Series: common problems and reliability
· E92One of the weaker 3 Series years.
548 owner complaints, most about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2010 3 Series?The 2010 BMW 3 Series has 548 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and engine. Owners most often flag high-pressure fuel pump failure on n54 335i.
Safety record for the 2010 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2010 BMW 3 Series vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 3 Series years only. How we score it
Is 2010 a good year for the 3 Series?
Across the 31 3 Series model years we track, complaint volume runs from 10 (2022) to 1,920 (2011). With 548 complaints, the 2010 3 Series sits above the model's median of 279.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2010 3 Series
engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan
Campaign 12E029000This 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.
engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
Campaign 22V119000BMW 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.
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 23V707000BMW 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.
What owners report on the E92 3 Series
Owners of the 2006-2013 E92 3 Series generally describe it as a rewarding car to own and drive, with the naturally aspirated six-cylinder 328i earning the strongest praise for reliability and low running costs.
- RecurrentHigh-pressure fuel pump failure on N54 335i
- RecurrentWater pump and thermostat failure
- RecurrentOil filter housing gasket leak
- RecurrentValve cover gasket leak
- RecurrentTiming chain issues on the N20 four-cylinder
Owner insights for the E92 3 Series. Read the full E92 owner report.
Typical used price
Used 3 Series listings typically run $9,995–$26,395.
Other 3 Series model years
Compare every 3 Series year side by side to see how 2010 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 3 Series against its rivals
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