2010 BMW M3 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 27%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2010 BMW M3, 27% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 miles.
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.
“Rod bearings failed due to a manufacturer defect. Many Bmw M3's suffer this issue because if the tightness of the engine which leads to oil starvation and metal shavings begin to destroy the engine. The vehicle was in motion, after sitting for a few hours, I start the car to discover a ticking noise in the engine. Upon checking the oil, I have found metal shavings in the oil.”
NHTSA complaint #11002582, filed 2017-06, 63,000 miles“Loud knocking noise and a ticking noise that whined up when accelerated and slowly whined down when the accelerator is released. It appears to be bad rod bearing and it occurred within an hour of an oil change at the dealership. According to online forums this is not an uncommon occurrence.”
NHTSA complaint #10852103, filed 2016-03, 58,000 miles“2010 e92 55k miles (88k km) the car is unmodified. The car has a full service history. The vehicle never tracked - almost all travel during my ownership were highway miles (23k). The cause of the incident was a failure of the number 1 rod bearing. The incident occurred on a wet single lane road in poor weather. I was lucky to avoid an accident when vehicles following me were caught unawares by my unexpected deceleration. The was little opportunity to pull over to the side of the road with safety due to the conditions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10821914, filed 2016-01Related service bulletins
- 10170574Dec 1, 2019SERVICE ACTION: N54T ENGINE - INSPECT AND REPLACE INJECTOR(S). The piezo-type fuel injectors may cause a rough running at start-up or rough running while at idle.
- 10146535Feb 1, 2017"? NO REGENERATION OF THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B18 03 10 dated November 2010. . The Service Engine Soon lamp is…
- 10146534Feb 1, 2017"? DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) CLEANING . The following performance issues may be noticed by the customer: CC-Message ""Drive faulty"" Engine jerking or a lack of power over…
- 10151170Mar 1, 2016N51 Engine: Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated - Loss of Power and Various Faults Stored in the DME. The customer complains that the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated…
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
- 10147595Jan 1, 2015SUBJECT DME Internal and Valvetronic Faults Set at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) can be illuminated with the erroneous internal and Valvetronic…
- 10057341Dec 1, 2014Bmw: malfunction warning light for engine is illuminated due to purge air system micro leakage and ventilation of fuel tank from contamination.
- 10149282Oct 1, 2014Engine Damage Due to Debris in Oil Passages. After performing extensive engine repairs (e.g., cylinder head removal), the engine begins to knock and may lose power. Debris has…
- 10147966Feb 1, 2014"N51, N52K, N52T and N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. INFORMATION Part NumberDescriptionQuantity 11 36 7 583 207Adjustment unit…
- 10150033Jul 1, 2013N51, N52K, N52T and N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 22% |
| 2016 | 3 | 60% |
| 2013 | 4 | 31% |
| 2012 | 2 | 33% |
| 2011 | 16 | 52% |
| 2010 | 4 | 27% |
| 2009 | 4 | 9% |
| 2008 | 20 | 24% |
| 2004 | 2 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 6% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2010 BMW M3
8 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 BMW M3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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