2010 BMW 3 Series Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 3%of 30 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2010 BMW 3 Series, 3% of the 30 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2010 Bmw 3 SERIES. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, smoke started to emit from the front driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road in order to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that once the hood of vehicle was open, he observed flames coming from the engine. The contact extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who stated the emission valve overheated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10639084, filed 2014-09, 38,000 milesRelated recalls
- 23V707000Oct 20, 2023BMW 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…Covers: BMW 3 Series 2010–2012, 1 Series 2010–2012, X5 2010–2011 +3 more
- 22V119000Mar 2, 2022BMW 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…Covers: BMW 3 Series 2006–2012, Z4 2006–2011, 128I 2008–2013 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10040845Mar 1, 2015Bmw: loss of performance and turbocharger noise due to the oil supply restricted, causing oil starvation and resulting in the seizing of the turbocharger assembly. *rm updated…
- 10037079Oct 1, 2014Bmw: service engine soon light is on. The vehicle lost power and the engine cranks with no start. *rm updated 5/19/15.
- 10053326Feb 1, 2014Bmw: different fault codes stored for the n51, n52k, n52t, and n55 engines in the dme related to vanos and camshaft position. *kb updated 11/1/13. *pe updated 05/05/2014
- 10053485Jan 1, 2014Bmw: service engine and engine malfunction light illuminates. Vehicle may have reduced power output. Fault code may not clear from dme fault memory. *kb updated on 11/8/2013. *kb…
- 10041407Mar 1, 2013Bmw: service engine soon light is on and the engine has reduced power with trouble codes stored. *rm updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10038217Mar 1, 2013Bmw: crankcase pressure diagnosis and information for all vehicles. *rm updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10032779Nov 1, 2012Bmw vehicle: the service engine soon (mil) lamp is illuminated and a power reduction is clearly perceptible. This situation may occur after driving for some time with the engine…
- 10045279Jul 1, 2012Bmw: a failure of the turbocharger wastegates, caused by a defect, has an emissions extended warranty, 8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever comes first, not otherwise falling…
- 10037657Jun 1, 2012Bmw: there is a clanking noise from the engine or exhaust area. Wastegate valve is not completely closing and clanking. *rm updated 7/17/12.
- 10042684Sep 1, 2011Bmw: on some vehicles, the high pressure fuel pump has an internal component that may fail and causing drivability symptoms such as erratic engine operation and longer starting…
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2010 BMW 3 Series
10 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology