The Lemon Index2010 BMW 3 Series.
The 2010 BMW 3 Series is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 36 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 32, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about fuel system, gasoline, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 20 to 22 mpg combined. The best BMW 3 Series year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 289 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW 3 Series year. 2010 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 42K to 105K miles on the car (166 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 47K–100K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 57K–100K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 66K–110K miles
Recalls 6
- airbags 2024
The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
- airbags 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- engine 2017
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Show all 6 recalls
- electrical 2017
The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
- engine 2014
In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing f.
- electrical 2013
In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 254 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist System Diagnosis Information This Service Information bulletin…
- Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3600–4000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Reduced engine power when the engine light warning came. The next incident was on 03/28/2011 mileage at 9008, the same happened at speed of 65 with sudden loss of engine power.
2010 BMW 3 Series owner · NHTSA complaint 10394913
More owner reports
Problem 1 - engine malfunction indicator at startup. Car did not idle correctly and ran rough when driven. When driving, misfires and reduced power. Max speed achieved was 35mph.
NHTSA complaint 10346429
Failure of BMW high-pressure fuel pump and known issue for a long time now. Car operates at reduced power and part must be replaced and problem is likely to return.
NHTSA complaint 10330073
Quick answers
Is the 2010 BMW 3 Series reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 32; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW 3 Series year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2010 BMW 3 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are fuel system, gasoline (39%), engine (11%) and body structure (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW 3 Series have?
6 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 BMW 3 Series get?
20 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2010 BMW 3 Series problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 42,400 and 105,000 miles. The middle report was at 77,000 miles, from 166 complaints.
Does the 2010 BMW 3 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2010 BMW 3 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $3600 to $4000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2010 BMW 3 Series have?
3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW 3 Series year is better than the 2010?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2019 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works