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2010 BMW

M3

Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L

BMW M3: best and worst years
2010 BMW M3 (photo 1 of 3)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2010.

PhotoAlexander-93CC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Compact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Manual 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
PremiumEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
414
Power to weight
0.111 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.85
Cyl
8EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
20 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
14 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
16 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$4,800EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
182 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Width
71 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Height
55 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Wheelbase
109 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Curb Weight
3,726 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Pass. Vol
93 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Cargo Vol
12 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls
4
Owner complaints
15
Theft rate
0.0 per 1,000 produced (CY 2010 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • AIR BAGS40%
  • ENGINE20%
  • POWER TRAIN10%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5%
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING5%
  • SEAT BELTS5%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 20 total.

BMW M3: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • EA21002Openopened Sep 17, 2021AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

97 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Jan 11, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB611305

    The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

  • Oct 13, 2023SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICB340714

    Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-

  • Sep 1, 2022EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICALB662419

    Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

  • Mar 1, 2022ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB610322

    The footwell module (FRM) cannot be encoded after replacement.

  • Apr 1, 2021STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BARB340414

    Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.

  • Apr 1, 2020ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB110208

    Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled the engine then usually performs normally.

  • Dec 1, 2019ENGINEB130619

    SERVICE 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.

  • Jul 12, 2019EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)651512

    Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD).

  • and 89 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr
Maintenance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.