2010 BMW M3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2010 BMW M3 has 15 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls, giving it a complaint index of 65 and a Caution verdict, ranked 7th worst out of 18 model years. Airbags are the top problem area, tied to a Takata recall with limited parts availability.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #7 of 18 M3 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 15
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 20 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2010 BMW M3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags8 (53%)
- Engine4 (27%)
- Brakes2 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (13%)
- Electrical System1 (7%)
- Other1 (7%)
- Seat Belts1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report rod bearing failures causing loud knocking or ticking noises in the engine, in some cases with metal shavings found in the oil.
- Takata airbag recall repairs were delayed at dealers due to unavailable parts, leaving some owners unable to drive the car.
- Some owners report the SMG transmission became confused about gear selection during hard braking and downshifting into a turn.
- Headlight housing wiring insulation was reported to flake off and cause an electrical short when replacing a bulb.
- One owner reported the car failed to shift into park after exiting the vehicle with the door open, despite multiple safety systems that should have detected this.
2010 BMW M3 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 19V472000Jun 19, 2019Electrical System16,641 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Risk: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
- NHTSA 17V676000Oct 25, 2017Electrical System702,965 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2010 BMW M3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 20 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $5,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2010 compared with other M3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 BMW M3 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 15 complaints and 4 recalls for the 2010 M3, giving it a complaint index of 65 and a Caution verdict. It ranks 7th worst among 18 model years of the M3.
- What is the top problem area for the 2010 BMW M3?
- Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 53% of complaints, mostly tied to a Takata recall with a median failure mileage of 29,700 miles.
- Does the 2010 BMW M3 have a recall?
- Yes, it has 4 recalls covering airbags and electrical system wiring, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2010 M3 compare to other M3 years?
- The 2010 M3's complaint index of 65 is lower than 2008 (100), 2009 (94), and 2011 (88), but higher than 2012 (41) and 2016 (29), which earned Good verdicts.
- What mileage do 2010 BMW M3 problems typically show up at?
- The median mileage at failure across all reported problems is 56,000 miles, with engine issues like rod bearing failure showing up around 63,000 miles.