2010 BMW 3-Series BMW 3-Series 2010

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

2010 BMW 3-Series repairs by problem area

Engine (41%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (3%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (8%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (25%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (11%)

Other (6%)

Chart based on 271 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2010 BMW 3-Series.

2010 BMW 3-Series repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (10%)

$500 - $999 (15%)

$100 - $499 (27%)

< $100 (46%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 171 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2010 BMW 3-Series

Engine not specified

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States
Dec 2009 - Jun 2011
Jan 2010

2000 mi
SOS system not locating. steel fuel filler opening jammed (the small gate in the tube seized-up). 
Oct 2010

13000 mi
Service light came on. Flash update run. Then nav/radio not functioning. Could not fix so new uint replaced at no cost to me. 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Wagon

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Sep 2015 - Jul 2022
Jun 2017

84000 mi

US $1000
Replaced coils and mass air flow sensor as part of the maintenance where spark plugs needed changing. 
Dec 2017

90000 mi

US $500
Pads and rotors 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Wagon

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2010 - Oct 2012
Oct 2010

4540 mi
Electrical glitch - Tire Pressure Sensor illuminated but no fault found. 
Oct 2012

13020 mi
Not blowing cold, leaking seal replaced under warranty 
BMW 3-Series in Minnesota, United States
May 2011 - Aug 2013
Jun 2012

20000 mi
Left Turn Signal Malfunction. Replaced Housing Vent tabs were broken. Replaced entire vents. 
BMW 3-Series in Alberta, Canada
May 2015 - Mar 2018
Jul 2015

62380 mi
Two leaking power steering hoses. AC Evaporator failed. 
Nov 2015

67580 mi
Replaced front control arms Replaced front differential Replaced two bad coils 
Apr 2017

78740 mi

C $300
New pads and rotors 
BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States
May 2016 - Apr 2020
Jul 2016

38000 mi

US $350
Brake lines exhibited cracking, all 4 lines were replaced. 
Mar 2018

62000 mi
Both Front thrust arms and ball joint at each ends replaced to solve vibration, inconsistent braking, pulling over bumps, and excessive brake dive. Replaced lower steering spindle to eliminate slop in steering, rattle/tick noise when turning. 
May 2018

61000 mi

US $650
Rattle found in steering column, replaced lower steering spindle. 
Apr 2020 Rear shocks were leaking at time of sale. 
BMW 3-Series in Kansas, United States
Mar 2016 - Jan 2017
Aug 2016

77700 mi

US $500
Fuel Pump stopped working without any warning 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Wagon

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2014 - Jun 2022
Jun 2017

40000 mi

US $270
left rear LED taillight assembly replaced. LED turn signal failed (intermittent flash) and the complete outer taillight assembly must be replaced. LED circuit board not accessible/repairable. 
Oct 2017

42000 mi
Takata airbag replacement 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Wagon

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD

BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2010 - Jun 2012
Jan 2012 Creaking noise from front suspension. Dealer replaced suspension bushings. 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States
Feb 2012 - Apr 2015
Mar 2012

38000 mi
Valve cover gasket, 2 valves replaced and seals. 
Oct 2014

77500 mi

US $53
I had a clanking noise when turning from a stop. BMW replaced entire steering rack under CPO. 
Dec 2014

80000 mi

US $50
Water pump failed. 
Apr 2015

85000 mi

US $50
6 fuel injectors replaced, cable cover gasket replaced. 
BMW 3-Series in South Africa
Aug 2013 - Jun 2016
Nov 2013

31480 mi
Turbocharger blew due to a crack in one of the charge pipes. Repairs were covered by Warranty. 
Jan 2015

39680 mi
Replaced leaking radiator 
Nov 2015

45760 mi
Replaced coolant expansion tank, again, due to cracked tank. 
BMW 3-Series in Brazil
Feb 2017 - Jul 2018
Apr 2017

44950 mi

$3000
Full fueling system overhaul - new HPFP, Plugs, Coils were installed.  OFHG replaced due to leaks.  Water pump replaced due to leaks. 
Jan 2018

50840 mi

$100
transmission oil pan leak - oil pan + gasket replaced. 
Feb 2018

50220 mi

$700
evaporator leak - replaced evaporator 
Mar 2018

51460 mi

$100
valve cover gasket oil leak. gasket replaced 
Jun 2018

52080 mi

$200
Changed tie roda 
BMW 3-Series in South Carolina, United States
May 2014 - Jun 2014
Jun 2014

45000 mi

US $85
Power steering would get stuck coming out of full lock, daytime running light bulb was out 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Jul 2014 - Aug 2018
Apr 2015

55300 mi
Engine miss-fired in cyl #4 from time to time in 1500-2500 rpm rangernI replaced all all coils and replaced the spark plug in cyl #4. Engine runs smooth and no longer has the issue. Not sure if it was the coil or the sp. 
Sep 2015

59000 mi

US $70
Boost pressure converter started making strange noise. I found and installed a replacement. 
Nov 2015

60100 mi

US $425
Carbon clean intake valves. 
Jun 2016

66000 mi
Electrical system malfunction. Light control module (failed when I disconnected the battery) and tire pressure control module failed (on its own after heavy rain). $600 to replace and another $200 to code the car. Always something. 
Jul 2016

66300 mi
Got engine malfunction message - reduced power mode when I was 200 miles from home. Car was sluggish but kept driving. I traced the problem to a stuck rear turbo wastegate. Pulled vacuum and the gate did not move. Used some WD40 to lubricate. 
Dec 2016

70000 mi

US $450
Oil Filter Housing gasket was leaking and needed replacement. 
Sep 2017

78000 mi

US $60
Rear Right taillight LED assembly failed (right before my inspection was due). One row was dead and the car was showing an error message. I found that the assembly is not repairable and ordered a new tail light assembly on Amazon for around $60. I think the OEM is $250+. Looks like these fail all the time considering the number of people that bought the aftermarket part. The other day I found that the light pipe LED is now dead on my other tail light so it looks like I am going to have to drop anther $60 to fix that. BMW is really letting me down as LED should last a million years if the circuits are properly designed. Chinese are getting a thumb up for making cheap knock off parts for the E90 platform. Rear Left tail light assembly also failed shortly after. Again bought knockoff China made part on Ebay for $52 and back in business. Hopefully these last longer than OEM and probably the car itself :) 
Dec 2017

81000 mi

US $1600
Car was having miss-fire on cold start. Replaced valve cover and valve cover gasket. Installed updated Rob Beck PCV valve. Replaced index 7 fuel injectors with index 12 injectors. Car runs fine after repair. Still seems to burn .25 quart per 500 miles. Hard to chase that issue since it could be normal engine/turbo wear at 82 kmiles. 
BMW 3-Series in Ohio, United States
Jun 2012 - Mar 2018
Feb 2013

29500 mi
The passenger side fog light has been loose since I purchased the car CPO 3/12. No signs of getting hit. They glued the light back to the body. True fix will require a new front bumper to anchor the fog light. I opted for glue. The ski pass through door between the rear seat and trunk has locked shut. The dealer said it was a defective locking mechanism and even though it wasn't covered under the warranty that he would take care of it at no charge. 
May 2013

31700 mi
Driver side exhaust had a severe flapper rattle on cold start. The entire left side muffler and exhaust were replaced. 
Feb 2015

47400 mi
leaking valve cover gasket 
Sep 2015

56000 mi
Cracked valve cover 
Mar 2017

69000 mi

US $300
My stock charge pipe blew off and shattered. I replaced the stock plastic one with an aftermarket metal one. 
Mar 2018

78000 mi

US $350
Stuck hood latch. Cable replaced 
BMW 3-Series in Colorado, United States
Jul 2013 - Sep 2017
Nov 2013

19700 mi
replace 3 fuel injectors 
Aug 2016

47600 mi

US $150
Replaced fuel injectors for cylinders 4-6 
BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2014 - Jun 2022
Jun 2014

53320 mi
Owner repaired driver air vent. Plastic part needed to be glued back together. 
Nov 2014

55180 mi
Repaired adjustable headlight mechanism on right side 
May 2015

58280 mi
Klunk heard around corners which was due to bushings on front sway bar. Replaced bushings. Problem solved. 
Sep 2015

60140 mi
Leaking coolant from engine compartment. 
Oct 2016

68200 mi

C $350
Right rear outer tail light. Replaced entire unit after the light stopped working. 
May 2021

87420 mi

C $600
Leaking valve 
Jun 2022

88660 mi
Replaced two [A/C] pipes 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
May 2013 - Jun 2018
Nov 2016

49200 mi

US $3150
Fuel injectors stuck open and one bad spark plug. Coils replaced preventatively 
Jul 2017

51000 mi

US $100
Right tail light shorted- not just the bulb. The entire tail light was replaced 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2012 - Sep 2012
May 2012

24700 mi
Three fuel injectors failed. Car was repaired and while the repairs were I was given a loaner. 
BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States
Nov 2009 - Dec 2012
Aug 2011

16100 mi
Fuel injector for cylinder one was inoperative causing misfire and rough operation. Injector replaced. 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD

BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2013 - Jun 2016
May 2015

91000 mi
would not shift out of gear, with engine running, symptoms of a failed slave cylinder. turned out to be failing master cylinder which was replaced under warrantee 
BMW 3-Series in Wisconsin, United States
Dec 2012 - Sep 2015
Jul 2013

37000 mi
Rear badge started to peel. Replaced under body warranty. 
Apr 2015

58700 mi

US $50
Pothole dislodged vertical adjustment on adaptive headlight, causing light to point straight toward ground. Only labor to fix -- wanted $140, but convinced them to do it for $50 CPO warranty charge. There is a BMW issued TSB on this issue. 
Jun 2015

62000 mi
Large bumps/smaller potholes will dislodge passenger headlight. Had to remove bumper, realign, reassemble (~2hrs). Dealer will not replace headlight under CPO (not covered until MY2014). They recommended calling BMW customer relations. Likely to repeat. 
Aug 2015

62000 mi

US $5
Steering wheel latex paint bubbled and started to peel off. Very unsightly. Not covered under warranty, so I stripped the paint with rubbing alcohol and sand paper, then sprayed it matte black. 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 265hp 3.0L I6 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States
Nov 2010 - Sep 2014
Feb 2013

44000 mi
SES (yellow) for 1 time fault involving SCR. Tech cleared fault drove car 45 min. Fault did not reappear. 
Aug 2013

52000 mi
Replaced lower exterior gasket of rear window because it was sagging in the middle and sliding off the rear window. The new part is sliding off as well. I suspect the technician just reused the original part.  
Oct 2013

53800 mi
Replaced the active tank (Urea) due to a faulty sensor. 
Dec 2013

58000 mi

US $50
Supply module replaced (SCR System) Blower motor replaced 
Mar 2014

60000 mi

US $50
Problem: SES light and DEF fluid was being pumped out of the tank through vent tubes. NOX sensors replaced SCR catalyst replaced Urea Tank replaced. 
Apr 2014

60800 mi
I bought my own lower rear window gasket and attempted to repair myself this past spring. My repair was better, just sagged a little as the adhesive set. 
Aug 2014

65000 mi

US $350
Urea tank would pump DEF out of the vents onto the ground. Serpentine belts replaced. 
BMW 3-Series in Michigan, United States
May 2010 - Jan 2014
Jul 2010

3300 mi
Software upgrade with major clear and complete reflash 
May 2012

69800 mi

US $130
The back pressure turbo hose ruptured and had to be replaced 
BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States
Sep 2013 - Jul 2016
Oct 2013

34300 mi
Check engine light came on. Code indicated a sensor in the SCR tank was incorrect. Dealer replaced the tank containing DEF fluid. 
Mar 2015

47000 mi

US $300
5 yr old battery needed replacement 
Dec 2015

53000 mi

US $230
Service Engine Soon light came on indicating problem with MAF sensor. Couldn't reset. 
BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States
Jun 2013 - Jun 2017
May 2014

70000 mi
Dead battery, 4 1/2 years old. Consider routine maintenance item. 
May 2015

88000 mi

US $1150
SES light, one bad glow plug, bad glow plug controller. replaced all six glow plugs and controller. Defective MAF (Mass Air Flow Meter) 
Sep 2015

94000 mi

US $1200
Leaking Charge Air Pipe/Hose. 
BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Oct 2010 - Apr 2017
Aug 2015

80900 mi

US $2300
Replaced both front and rear shocks and struts. Also got 75,000 mile tune up to include oil change. 
Sep 2015

84000 mi
Service Engine Soon light came on about three days after full car tune up. Independant repair shop's computer tool was unable to identify exactly what the repair needs to be. Something about the diesel exhaust treatment fluid sensor. 
Nov 2015

87000 mi

US $128
Service Engine Soon light had been on for one month. Local mechanic did not have system to address repair. SES went off three days prior to service call. Still took it in. Something to do with the diesel exhaust temp guage. No repair. 
Feb 2016

90300 mi
SES light and code says that the diesel exhaust fuel sensor is bad and that in order to replace it, the DEF tank in its entirety needs to be replaced. System also reported a past case that a cylinder had misfired. 
Feb 2017

104000 mi

US $2000
Steering ball system had to be replaced. Coolant hose busted. Car over heated and wouldn't run. 
BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States
Sep 2012 - Feb 2015
Sep 2013

78000 mi
Glow plug failure 
Jul 2014

90500 mi

US $50
Exhaust NOx sensor failed. 
BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2009 - Oct 2012
Mar 2011

26000 mi
Check engine light went on intermittently 
Jan 2012

28400 mi
Door chimes going on erroneously when interior was cold. 
Mar 2012

43000 mi
Headlight washer nozzle leaking washer fluid. 
Apr 2012

44000 mi
Leaky fuel injector causing rough running. 
May 2012

45500 mi
Faulty DME controller found to be repeatedly causing injector faults. Replaced the unit. 
Oct 2012

53000 mi
Service engine soon light came back on and engine ran rough. 
BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2015 - Mar 2015
Feb 2015

98580 mi

C $2200
EGR malfunction since spring/summer 2014. Difficult to diagnose. Had to replace EGR cooler following warranty replacement of EGR valve a second time. Seized flap valve inside the cooler. 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Mar 2012 - Jun 2012
Apr 2012

35000 mi
Fourth time for injector problem (cylinder #2) via SES light. No noticeable driveability issues. 
Jun 2012

35000 mi
SES light continued to come on. BMW repurchased the vehicle - mechanic I spoke with thought it might be due to excessive carbon build-up as a result of direct injection. 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 181hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Victoria, Australia
Jun 2014 - Dec 2017
Jul 2014

17560 mi
Timing chain replacement 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

414-horsepower 4.0L V8 7-speed automated manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2013 - Dec 2013
Apr 2013

41300 mi
Replace CIC computer because navigation was not working properly. 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

268-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Egypt
Dec 2013 - Apr 2014
Dec 2013

28520 mi

$200
Oil cooler 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States
Jan 2017 - Feb 2017
Jan 2017

57000 mi

US $2600
Oil filter housing stand gasket and coolant. Oil pan gasket, oil pan bolts. Spark plus and ignition coils. 
BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States
Dec 2015 - Jun 2017
Jun 2016

60000 mi

US $500
Replace headlight 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Oct 2009 - Jul 2022
Feb 2016

65100 mi

US $1869
Faulty eccentric shaft sensor 
BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States
Jan 2014 - Jun 2014
Feb 2014

38200 mi

US $650
Left and right rear suspension trailing arms broken and needed to be replaced. Usually caused by improper towing. 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Jan 2013 - Jan 2022
Jan 2013

25714 mi
Rear left Wheel Rim was cracked causing tire to go flat. Dealer replaced the wheel under warranty. 
Aug 2018

74000 mi
Rear sunshade stopped working, dealership wanted $250.00 to diagnose problem. I decided I could live without paying close to over $600 to fix/replace a sunshade 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 3-Series in Alaska, United States
Jun 2016 - Jun 2018
Oct 2017

49000 mi

US $650
Oil filter gasket not properly installed at quicklube, took it to F.A.T.S. who had to replace sensors, new filter, etc. car was cutting out in power 
Mar 2018

49000 mi

US $650
Replaced coil pack 
BMW 3-Series in Connecticut, United States
Sep 2012 - Dec 2018
Dec 2013

29000 mi

US $22
plastic cover over carpet near passenger's side door. It separated from the door assembly and was reattached. Battery needed to be recharged 
Apr 2014

32300 mi

US $22
Rear tow flap replaced. Fell off during a car wash. 
Nov 2016

54100 mi

US $100
Replaced parking lights 
Sep 2017

64000 mi

US $292
Battery replaced. 
Dec 2017

66000 mi

US $3500
ignition coils malfunctioned oil leak and related parts 
Jun 2018

67000 mi

US $60
replaced missing front bumper tow hitch cover. probably the result of going thru automatic car washes. 
Jul 2018

68000 mi

US $180
Brake [wear?] sensor damaged. Replaced. 
Aug 2018

70000 mi
Antenna unplugged causing garbled blue tooth connections. Antenna reconnected. Internal leak in fuel tank vent system. Replaced fuel pump, vent line from tank to fill neck, fill neck to canister, canister to purge valve and purge valve. Replaced canister. Installed gas tank. Driver's side sill trim unsecured. Reattached. 
BMW 3-Series in Oregon, United States
Dec 2013 - Nov 2015
Feb 2014

50500 mi

US $600
bushings were shot. seemed premature for the mileage. Tensioner is failing. Causing premature wear on fan belt. Is a recall item. 
Mar 2014

50000 mi

US $1200
New brakes, resurfaced rotors, new pinion seal, new cabin filter, synthetic oil change. 
Oct 2014

57000 mi

US $300
The serpentine belt guide had loosened, creating excessive wear on the belt itself. 
May 2015

62000 mi

US $370
thought it was a malfunctioning brakelight, but entire carriage assembly needed to be replaced. Price for the part was 60% on Ebay (oem) of what we paid, but don't know how difficult install was. 
Nov 2015

68000 mi
Rear light signal carriage. 
BMW 3-Series in Arkansas, United States
Jan 2015 - Apr 2017
Feb 2015

43800 mi

US $700
Brake light right went out. Light replaced out of warranty. right and left rear door trims (plastic surround molding on window) broke off. fixed at dealer. 
May 2016

55500 mi

US $360
AC system leak in one of the valves. Dealer fixed leak and refilled freon. Interior rear right door trim was loose. Clips had to be installed new. 
Sep 2016

58000 mi

US $11
Car is starting to burn oil. Had to top up a quart after a 300 mile trip when Oil indicator was in the middle level before starting. Hasn't done so for the last 58000 miles. Need to monitor in future. 
Jan 2017

53200 mi

US $600
Serpentine belt and tensioner wore out.replaced. 
BMW 3-Series in New York, United States
Dec 2010 - May 2015
Aug 2011

22000 mi
Gas tank had a air leak. Replaced tank. 
Mar 2012

30000 mi
The iDrive controller surface began to peel. Needed to be replaced. Under warranty. 
Apr 2015

72500 mi

US $1000
Not sure other than suspension 
BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States
Mar 2010 - Apr 2016
Aug 2014

54000 mi

US $415
The driver side headlight washer jet failed causing leaking wiper fluid. Part was ~$90 but repair required bumper removal and was labor intensive. 
May 2015

61000 mi

US $10
Passenger low beam bulb burned out. Ordered replacement bulb on line and replaced bulb. 
BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Jul 2012 - Aug 2013
Nov 2012

52300 mi

US $114
Service Engine Soon light was on. Inspection detected defective fuel cap which was replaced. 
Aug 2013

56000 mi

US $2100
Steering rack and pinion was leaking fluid and was replaced. At the same time, a wheel alignment was done. 
BMW 3-Series in New Hampshire, United States
Jan 2012 - Oct 2014
Sep 2014

80000 mi

US $600
Computer module had to be replaced 
BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2021 - Jan 2022
Jan 2021

81000 mi
Car was misfiring and could not be driven. Towed to Dealership. All coils and plugs replaced under the SULEV Warranty. No charge. 
BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2011 - Jan 2012
Dec 2011

25000 mi
Upper and lower steering column replaced for the 3rd time. Problem begins with a knock when the steering is turned left to right or right to left. Feels as if a joint is loose. 
BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2011 - Dec 2012
Jun 2011

6000 mi

US $200
alignment fixed after hitting bad pothole at speed 
BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2013 - Jan 2016
Jul 2013

44300 mi
slider for passenger outboard air vent fell off, and trim around mirror became dislodged 
Aug 2013

45000 mi
Replaced another cabin vent control slider, center console 
Feb 2015

82100 mi
Bad ignition coils, replaced under control warranty 
Jun 2015

90000 mi

US $50
Oil filter housing cracked, replaced under CPO warranty 
BMW 3-Series in Maryland, United States
Oct 2010 - Jun 2016
Dec 2015

77000 mi

US $675
Two cylinders were misfiring - replaced all coils and plugs and runs great again 
BMW 3-Series in Colorado, United States
Jun 2016 - Jun 2017
Jun 2016

127000 mi

US $760
parts needed to be replaced because over 100,000 miles 
Aug 2016

129600 mi

US $860
left rear light stopped working, entire rear light connection needed to be replaced! 
BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States
Feb 2012 - Sep 2013
Jun 2013

30000 mi
AC vent adjusters/sliders were broken. Replaced by dealership under warranty 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States
Dec 2014 - Jan 2015
Jan 2015

US $418
LED in the tail light went out. The entire tail light assembly had to be replaced 
BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Oct 2014 - Oct 2014
Oct 2014

69000 mi
O2 sensor out 
BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States
May 2010 - Mar 2013
Mar 2010

7 mi
Awaiting delivery on 4/9/10. Troubleshooting engine 'whine sound' and interior leather door trim defect. 
Feb 2011

11000 mi
Creaking at door seals. Dealer said they would replace, they simply wiped them done with a cloth and noise returned next day. Replaced on second visit, but they damaged headliner, so I had to bring the car in a 3rd time to repair that. Loud, high pitched whining/whirring noise from alternator, very distinct from 0 - 3,000 rpms. Dealer did not attempt to fix at 3 separate visits, currently waiting for regional bmw engineer to o.k. replacement. 
Mar 2011

12000 mi
Scheduled a visit with service manager knowing alternator needed to be replaced. Car in shop for 2 days before dealer reports they need to order part. 
Apr 2011

12500 mi
Replaced alternator Replaced alternator 
BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States
Jan 2013 - Feb 2015
Sep 2013

43000 mi
Broken spring in drivers seat required replacing backrest frame. Replaced dry rotted trim around rear windscreen. Replaced broken rear view mirror. Day/night adjustor failed and resulted in misaligned mirror reflector and inability to adjust or move mirror. 
Nov 2013

46000 mi
Broken floor mat holders. Shift knob deteriorating. 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD

BMW 3-Series in Alberta, Canada
Jun 2015 - Jun 2022
Jun 2015

54560 mi

C $350
Condenser failed, had to bring to the shop twice to finally get repaired. 
Dec 2017

91760 mi

C $370
Replaced and recoded battery 
Mar 2018

94860 mi

C $65
Replaced trunk shocks, factory ones wore out. 
Jun 2018

97960 mi

C $650
Possible fluid leak from transfer case and engine oil pan on bottom Taking vehicle back to repair shop to check for fluid leaks versus just sweating fluid. Unknown if it is a leak at this time. 
Sep 2018

100440 mi
Front brakes replaced 
Jan 2022

138880 mi

C $695
Heater blower motor and resistor failed. Took a few days to get parts in 
Mar 2022

140120 mi

C $350
Headlight washer leaking and malfunctioning Replaced headlight washer and problem solved 
BMW 3-Series in New York, United States
Apr 2013 - Jan 2015
May 2013

38000 mi
gas gauge erroneously reporting 
BMW 3-Series in District of Columbia, United States
Jun 2016 - Jan 2022
Jun 2021

68000 mi

US $280
Rear shocks & mounting hardware 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

200-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in New South Wales, Australia
Jan 2017 - Jul 2018
Apr 2018

49600 mi

A $1500
- 80,000km service - replace front brake rotor, pads and sensors - replace faulty radiator cooling fan - replace coolant expansion tank - replace electric water pump - replace thermostat - replace brake fluid - flush coolant from engine and radiator 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

200-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in Saskatchewan, Canada
Feb 2010 - Mar 2011
Jan 2011

6200 mi
Erratic warning lights for brakes and low oil. Turned out that the battery was low and this caused all the problems. 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 2dr Hardtop conv.

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in North Carolina, United States
Nov 2009 - Jul 2014
Jun 2014

47000 mi

US $1500
BiXenon auto-adjusting lights lost one of the settings. the retail price for the headlight assembly was $1,346. I got a discount. the headlights would not adjust up and down properly. 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 2dr Hardtop conv.

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Netherlands
Dec 2010 - Dec 2018
Nov 2011

14500 mi
bobine (ignition coils) replaced; software updates for the full car to improve performance and navigation / entertainment system. 
Sep 2014

53320 mi

€750
2 of 4 coils replaced, after all 4 had been replaced on a engine failure AND all 4 where replace after that by a new type because of a recall. The new type apparently isn't much better... 
May 2015

61380 mi

€1500
oil pump / oil pressure, coils and injectors replace for the third time ! 
Nov 2015

66700 mi
This is the cabriolet. Water had leaked into the right back side panel, to the level it sounded like a pool. Might have been cause by the repaint from small accident (that maybe filled the drain holes). They drained about 1,5 gallons... 
Mar 2016

70680 mi

€180
Really annoying rattle in the dashboard. 
Aug 2017

80600 mi

€240
rubber seal between front and rear side window ripped. back glass panel replaced. Water in between the side panel. 
Feb 2018

85560 mi

€800
the tensioner for the chain was out for some strange reason and since that is supposed to be stuck in the bottom of the engine and being oiled by the engine - all oil drained ... 
Jul 2018

91760 mi

€450
Trunk electric lock failure 
BMW 3-Series in South Carolina, United States
Jun 2012 - May 2015
Jul 2014

14200 mi

US $400
IDrive software required updating before new map updates could be installed. 
BMW 3-Series in North Carolina, United States
Oct 2014 - Jun 2018
Apr 2018

101000 mi

US $470
R2 cracked front windshield. It looked like a reverse L shape... 7 inches down from the top of the windshield and 4 inches to the left. Perhaps a stress crack or cracked in the heat. It was due to something striking it externally.  
Jun 2018

103000 mi

US $250
Right rear speed sensor failed. Sensor had to be replaced. 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2013
May 2012

10300 mi
Drivers side brake light socket was bad 
BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States
Feb 2014 - Jun 2018
Sep 2015

57000 mi
Worn out bushing replaced. 
Apr 2016

61200 mi

US $950
Replaced worn out strut on passenger side 
BMW 3-Series in Alabama, United States
Oct 2010 - Jan 2013
Apr 2010

2000 mi
Fuel pump was having issues starting. Replaced it. Apparently had to replacement the navigation system when they did it? Makes no sense to me either. 
Nov 2012

29200 mi
Bad cell in battery. Battery replaced. 
BMW 3-Series in Great Britain
Feb 2010 - Nov 2012
Jun 2010

5000 mi
Delay in brake action when roads very wet despite brake drying feature fitted to car. Dealer consulting manufacturer and will revert. 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in Manitoba, Canada
Apr 2013 - Jun 2017
Nov 2013

30860 mi
TPMS sensors (under warranty) were replaced 
Nov 2014

45880 mi

C $500
Oil sending unit failure - required replacement. TPMS sensor was reset, and oil & filter change were performed. 
Apr 2017

66960 mi

C $2000
Water pump failed causing an overheating issue which triggered an engine shutdown. Water pump serpentine belt replaced. Rear seal replaced 
BMW 3-Series in District of Columbia, United States
May 2010 - Dec 2011
Dec 2010

6000 mi
A fuel injector went bad, causing the "Service engine" light to come on. iPod adapter working intermittently. 
Dec 2011

10000 mi
replaced high pressure fuel pump replaced iPod adapter replaced light bulb in the rear. no idea how long it took. 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD

BMW 3-Series in Ohio, United States
Sep 2009 - Mar 2016
Jun 2010

4000 mi
a/c quit cooling after 1+ hrs - issue with evaporator sensor freezing.  

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

414-horsepower 4.0L V8 7-speed automated manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in Missouri, United States
May 2015 - Jul 2016
Mar 2016

70000 mi

US $380
Alternator overvoltage issue 
Jul 2016

78000 mi

US $750
AC Fan motor died 
BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States
Dec 2017 - Jan 2018
Jan 2018

74000 mi

US $2000
Fuel actuator.. obd..bank2 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

414-horsepower 4.0L V8 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in California, United States
Sep 2013 - Mar 2018
Oct 2014

43800 mi

US $20
Coolant expansion tank bleeder valve screw cracked. Screw is made of plastic and this is a common problem on BMWs 
Nov 2016

68700 mi

US $165
Throttle actuator bank 2 failure, replaced for free under CA Extended Emissions Warranty 7yr/70k Air intake temperature sensor failure 
Aug 2017

76000 mi

US $630
Replaced throttle actuator bank 1 
Nov 2017

78000 mi

US $15
Loose rubber gasket inside intake plenum causing whistling noise upon acceleration. Sealed the gasket with RTV. Noise disappeared 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Missouri, United States
Mar 2015 - Mar 2018
Aug 2015

56000 mi

US $50
Ignition coils and plugs went bad. 
Oct 2016

61000 mi

US $50
Evaporator went bad. Very extensive labor to repair. Parts not expensive. 
BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States
Mar 2017 - Mar 2018
Nov 2017

58000 mi

US $1800
Blower motor 
BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States
Dec 2012 - Oct 2015
Jan 2013

21000 mi
Sensor unit that monitors battery replaced. 
Feb 2013

22200 mi
When the new sensor was put in, and a week passed, the sensor indicated a bad battery. 
Mar 2013

25000 mi
Rear brake light malfunction 
Aug 2013

30000 mi
Front tires reported chopped, resulting in roaring noise when breaking Passenger door repaired due to slight misalignment 
May 2014

41700 mi

US $100
Leaking head gasket, replaced Pump for windshield washer inoperative 
Mar 2015

48000 mi

US $50
ABS Failure indicated due to failed sensor in rear brake area. 
Aug 2015

49000 mi

US $115
Right rear brake lights out 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 3-Series in Colorado, United States
Aug 2015 - Nov 2015
Nov 2015

36000 mi
Tire Pressure Warning Light came on. Adjusted pressure in all tires. Was not able to turn off the Tire Pressure Monitoring Light. 

Return to top

2010 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

168-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Great Britain
Jul 2012 - Oct 2019
Aug 2012

17500 mi
Faulty ignition coils, misfiring 
Nov 2013

28000 mi
Faulty NoX sensor replaced. Emissions warning light illuminated. 
Jul 2015

41300 mi

£100
Camshaft sensor faulty 
Sep 2016

51000 mi

£880
Caliper corroded. Replaced with new pads and discs. 
Dec 2017

66000 mi

£250
Caliper failure 

Return to top

2009.5 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Mexico, Mexico
Nov 2013 - Nov 2014
Dec 2013

22940 mi

$1000
Oil filter assembly leakage, it leaked over the serpentine belt and it broke. The serpentine belt was sucked into the engine thru the crankshaft seal. Replaced 2 gaskets, serpentine belt and crankshaft seal, oil and coolant. About 16 hours job. 
Jan 2014

22720 mi

$1500
The water pump is cracked and is leaking coolant. Needed to whole replace pump 
Mar 2014

23560 mi

$350
The strut tower base needed replacement. 
Jul 2014

24280 mi

$450
Front left shock wasn't working. Both front shocks were replaced 
Oct 2014

24800 mi

$450
The steering wheel sensor went bad. 

Return to top

2009.5 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 241hp 3.0L I6 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 3-Series in Queensland, Australia
Jan 2010 - May 2018
Nov 2010

14880 mi
numerous fault, mostly small electronic faults 
Apr 2011

17980 mi
Very rough idle when car in gear at lights. Dealership did software update to try and fix problem however, problem still persist. Rough idle still occurs at start up when car cold. Problem last for 20-30 seconds.  
Oct 2012

32020 mi
Car randomly vibrate on cold start for 20-40sec. Dealership still not sure what problem is. Re-booked with dealership to leave over for a few days to diagnose. 
Nov 2012

33220 mi
Been to dealership more than three times. After changing fuel pressure sensor, problem still there. Then found air flow meter faulty. 
Oct 2013

43400 mi
Engine chugging at cold start when in gear. This issue have been looked at more than 3 times in the past but still can not resolve. Air flow sensor changed but problem still there. Found oil leak in oil sump. Repair seal and other parts. DSC module failed. This is 2nd time that it failed in the 4 year ownership of this car. DSC module failed. This is 2nd time that it failed in the 4 year ownership of this car. Engine chugging at cold start when in gear. This issue have been looked at more than 3 times in the past but still can not resolve. Air flow sensor changed but problem still there. Found oil leak in oil sump. Repair seal and other parts. 
Dec 2013

45260 mi
Chugging problem finally fix after software update. 
Jun 2014

49600 mi
Peeling around stop/start button Cup holder jam Exterior driver door handle sticking Driver side rear indicator faulty. Replace both sets of rear indicator light 
Sep 2014

52700 mi
Chugging Problem came back. Has a particular bad day where it chugged all day on Saturday. 
Jan 2015

57660 mi
Peeling steering wheel Driver side storage compartment door cant close Boost sensor tie with cable tie since last service. Boost sensor clip broken. 
Jun 2015

60760 mi
Leaking transmission. Gasket was replaced but found more leak. Intercooler hose was ordered from Germany and took 2 weeks. Car return with vibration sound/rattling near the gearbox. Had to rebook again. 
Aug 2017

77500 mi

A $2500
Leaking windscreen tank Glow plug module causing car choking problem during cold start up. Problem there since day one. finally diagnoise and parts replace intake manifold was strip and carbon clean 
Feb 2018

81840 mi

A $1000
Suspect dealer may perhaps damage it during rear brake replacement two months earlier. Rear right Speed sensor causing all electrical aid and assist to fail such as ABS, Hill start assist, DTC etc 
Mar 2018

83700 mi

A $700
MAF failed cause hesitation under hard acceleration Alternator failed 

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Wagons.
See TrueDelta's information for all BMW models.

2010 BMW 3-Series Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2010 BMW 3-Series problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.