The 2010 BMW 3 Series lasts around 200,000 miles with only some brake and fuel system issues. At $7,788 to $11,564, it’s a good value for buyers looking to get an entry-level European luxury car.
Is the 2010 BMW 3 Series a Good Used Car?
- Yes, 2010 is a good year for the 3 Series with a high overall rating of 8/10. Owner reviews praise the sporty driving experience, responsive steering, and strong engines.
- Interior materials earn a great rating of 8/10. There are many nice leather options, comfortable front seats, and the stereo system has good technology for its age.
- Reliability ratings are above average for a luxury sports car at 7/10. Avoid models from 2007 which have more mechanical issues, and models from 2008–2013 are all better.
- Performance is excellent from the standard 6-cylinder motor, and the turbo version offers even more power.
- The 2010 3 Series is a safe car, earning an overall rating of 4-stars in government crash tests with 4-stars in frontal tests, along with 5 stars in side impact & rollover ratings.
- Fuel economy is good for a luxury car at around 22 MPG, which should give owners about 354 miles of range out of the 16.1 gallon gas tank. Fuel costs are $49/month higher than other sedans at $254/month for 15,000 miles per year.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the BMW 3 Series?
- Consumer Reports says the BMW 3 Series has a refined powertrain and agile handling with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the BMW 3 Series a 4.4/5 and praises the upscale cabin, but doesn’t like the lack of interior storage space.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the BMW 3 Series 4.6/5 and enjoy the excellent build quality, but owners don’t like the lack of rear legroom.
What Common Problems Does the 2010 BMW 3 Series Have?
The most common problems with the 2010 BMW 3 Series include shaking while braking, loss of power while driving, and a worn-out airbag sensor. Overall, these problems are similar to other luxury cars from 2010, but 3-Series repair costs are a bit higher due to parts costs.
Shaking while braking is the most common complaint from owners at around 35,000 miles. The source of the problem are worn out brake pads and rotors which have to be replaced. Changing out the pads and rotors costs about $650, depending on local labor rates.
A loss of power while driving is another issue reported by owners at around 115,000 miles. There are several reasons a car can lose power while driving, but the fuel pump is the most likely reason in a 2010 BMW 3 Series. Replacing the fuel pump costs about $1,500.
A worn-out airbag sensor also shows up on some 3 Series models at around 100,000 miles. The sensor wears out as the vehicle ages and has to be replaced. Changing out the sensor only costs about $100.
There are 10 recalls, which is worse than other luxury cars from 2010. The most serious recall is for a loss of electrical power while driving and BMW will replace the positive battery terminal for free to solve the problem. Many other recalls are for air bags, which are common on all makes and models from 2010.
How Long Will the 2010 BMW 3 Series Last?
A well-maintained 2010 BMW 3 Series lasts around 200,000 miles, giving it a good durability score for a luxury car at 7/10. It’s about 50,000 miles shorter than top-rated competitors like the Lexus IS. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than many other luxury cars, according to data from Repair Pal, at $739 per year.
Since most 2010 BMW 3 Series models will have over 100,000 miles buyer should be prepared to replace items including the ignition switch for $225, the parking brakes costing $350, and the clutch master cylinder, which costs $400.
The 328i is a very reliable vehicle. The only issue is that it is a hard drive on the roads of new york.
So far I really haven't had any issues with BMW. I receive great and reliable service on top of the reliability from its performance
Yes it’s reliable, it has regular maintenance problems if you don't take care and get it regularly checked
Is the 2010 BMW 3 Series a Good Value?
Yes, for a luxury car the BMW 3 Series is a good value. Blue book prices on the 2010 BMW 3 Series range from $7,788 to $11,564, making it close in price to similarly equipped luxury competitors like the Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4. When new, the price range was $33,150 to $51,200. Depreciation is average for a luxury car, losing around 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the BMW 3 Series?
The fifth generation of the 3 Series was launched in 2006, and replaced by the sixth generation in 2012. There are two models of the 3 Series available in 2010, and they are offered as either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive variants.
328i is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Wheels
- Vinyl Leatherette Seating
- Automatic Climate Control
- 10-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX
335i is a more powerful version which adds:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Power Front Seats
- Sports Suspension
- Xenon Headlights
Optional features on both models include:
- Navigation System With iDrive
- USB Connectivity
- Premium Leather Seating
- Upgraded Suspension
- Paddle Shifters
- Black Exterior
- Logic 7 Surround Sound Stereo
What Engines Come In the BMW 3 Series?
- The base engine is a reasonably powerful 3.0L 6-cylinder which makes 230 horsepower while getting up to 22 MPG.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 3.0L turbocharged 6-cylinder which produces 300 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG. Performance is excellent, taking only 4.9 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the BMW 3 Series Come In?
How Big Is the BMW 3 Series?
The 2010 BMW 3 Series is offered as a 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, 4-door sedan, and 5-door wagon. It’s close in size to other compact cars including the Acura TSX and Infiniti G37.
Passenger room is great in the front seats, but the back seats of the sedan have limited legroom and are cramped for taller adults.
Cargo space is close to other luxury cars with a relatively small trunk in the convertible which only fits 2-3 suitcases, 3-4 in the trunk of the sedan & coupe, and up to 5-6 behind the seats in the wagon.
How Does the BMW 3 Series Compare to the Competition?
The 2010 BMW 3 Series is an excellent entry-level luxury car that focuses heavily on performance rather than an upscale interior, and earns our recommendation for shoppers.
The BMW 5 Series is another competitor from BMW, starting at about $1,500 more. Passenger room and cargo space are both better in the BMW 5 Series, but the BMW 3 Series has more responsive handling. We recommend the BMW 3 Series since the BMW 5 Series has more complaints from owners.
The Audi A4 is another luxury car offered in the same price range. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Audi A4, but the BMW 3 Series is quicker and more agile. We recommend going with the BMW 3 Series since they have lower ownership costs long term.
Do Owners Recommend the BMW 3 Series?
The 2010 BMW 3 series drives well and is reliable, easy to handle and comfortable. It drives well in all weather conditions.
Yes, I love my car. I and currently on my second BMW and do not think I will switch to another car brand.
Yes. It is reliable and luxurious. It is very comfortable. I like this series because it caters to the needs of me while I travel and the amenities are great