MotorDeets

2010 BMW 328I: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2010 BMW 328I: 6 recalls, 155 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

6vehicle recalls
155owner complaints
3mention a crash
22best combined mpg
2010 BMW 328I
Photo: BeatRGB · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Electrical, Electrical Vehicle recall #13V044000 · 2013 · 516,791 vehicles

What's wrong: In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-series, 3-series, and z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box May degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from…

Why it matters: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle May unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners May call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at customerrelations@bmwusa.com.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #14V176000 · 2014 · 156,137 vehicles

What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (vanos) unit can loosen over time and May possibly break.

Why it matters: If the bolts loosen or break the engine May have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four vanos housing bolts for both vanos units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an…

Electrical Vehicle recall #17V676000 · 2017 · 702,965 vehicles

What's wrong: The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system May overheat.

Why it matters: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V683000 · 2017 · 740,561 vehicles

What's wrong: 0si, x3 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive30i, z4 3.0i, z4 3.0si and z4 sdrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve May short circuit.

Why it matters: An electrical short can cause the parts within the pcv valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pcv valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.

Airbags Vehicle recall #20V017000 · 2020 · 59,965 vehicles

What's wrong: These inflators May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On x5 and x6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.

Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #24V513000 · 2024 · 394,029 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine48
Airbags43
Engine & cooling40
Electrical38
Other / unknown12
Fuel & propulsion7
Exterior lights6
Seat belts4

What owners describe

The 2010 BMW 328I has 155 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 21 328I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 123). Complaints peaked in 2024 (29 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 97,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (193 complaints, 6 recalls), 2011 (577 complaints, 7 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive182822Premium
3.0 L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive182822Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2010 BMW 328I.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2010 BMW 328I manual

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FAQ

Does the 2010 BMW 328I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2010 BMW 328I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2010 BMW 328I problems?

Owners have filed 155 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (48), airbags (43), engine & cooling (40).

What gas mileage does the 2010 BMW 328I get?

EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2010 BMW 328I repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other 328I years

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