2010 BMW 3 Series problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: Does the 2010 BMW 3 Series have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2010 BMW 3 Series. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

Q: How much is a 2010 BMW 3 Series worth?

Comparable 2010 BMW 3 Series listings run roughly $10,000–$19,200, typically around $14,392 (from 231 vehicles).

2010 BMW 3 Series at a glance

Safety recalls3

Owner complaints272

Typical price$14,392

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2010 BMW 3 Series recalls 3

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan NHTSA Campaign #12E029000 · 10/08/2012

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 o…

Fix: 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv) NHTSA Campaign #22V119000 · 02/03/2022

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, 52…

Fix: 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 19…

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #23V707000 · 20/10/2023

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2010 BMW 3 Series common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 272 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Engine And Engine Cooling

Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Air Bags

Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Hydraulic

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

What's a 2010 BMW 3 Series worth?

Low

$10,000

Typical price

$14,392

High

$19,200

From 231 comparable 2010 BMW 3 Series listings.

2010 BMW 3 Series trims & engines on record

Trims

328i · 328i xDrive · 335i · 335i xDrive · 335d · xDrive · SA

Engines

3.0L 6-cyl 230 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 300 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 265 hp

2010 BMW 3 Series vehicles on record

2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAPH5G54ANM35174

2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAPH5G50ANM35849 2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAPH5G51ANM70903

2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAWV1C50AP123957

2010 BMW 3 Series 335iWBAPM7C58AE192188

2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAPH7G50ANM51075 2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAPH7G59ANM53939 2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAWL1C54AP491807

2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAPH7G53ANM50454

2010 BMW 3 Series 335i xDriveWBAWC7C57AE271141

2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAPH7C59AA176027

2010 BMW 3 Series 328i xDriveWBAPK7C51AA461404 2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAPH7G51ANM51988

2010 BMW 3 Series 335iWBAPM7G50ANL89446

2010 BMW 3 Series 328i xDriveWBAPK7C5XAA459196

2010 BMW 3 Series 328i xDriveWBAPK5C57AA647369 2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAWB3C50AP481760

2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAPH7G54ANM51080

2010 BMW 3 Series 335i xDriveWBAPL3C56AA407778

2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAPH7G51ANM53837

2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAPH7G51ANM49710 2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAPH5G59ANM70762

2010 BMW 3 Series 328iWBAWB3C56AP139746

2010 BMW 3 Series 328i xDriveWBAPK7C5XAA461112

Other BMW 3 Series model years

2010 BMW 3 Series — frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 BMW 3 Series have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2010 BMW 3 Series. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW 3 Series?

Based on 272 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, engine and engine cooling.

How much is a 2010 BMW 3 Series worth?

Comparable 2010 BMW 3 Series listings run roughly $10,000–$19,200, typically around $14,392 (from 231 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.