2010 BMW 3 Series Sedan

If you’re shopping for an affordable, midsize sedan, the 2010 BMW 3 series might be a great option.
Written by Jessica Gibson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The 2010 BMW 3 Series sedan is one of the best-selling luxury cars on the market—you can enjoy the power and performance of a BMW at a great used car price.
If you’ve always loved the agility and styling of a BMW, take a look at the 2010 3 Series sedans. This line was known for its smooth handling, powerful engines, and in the case of the diesel model—fantastic torque and fuel economy.
To help you decide if a 2010 BMW sedan is the reliable car you’re looking for, the
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How much is a 2010 BMW 3 Series sedan?

Originally, the 2010 BMW 3 Series sedan had an MSRP of about $34,000, but since they’ve been around for a while, the price has dropped considerably. Kelley Blue Book estimates the fair market value of a 2010 BMW 3 Series Sedan ranges from $6,000 to $12,000.
Of the 3 Series sedans from the 2010 model year, the 328i model is the cheapest option, while the 335i xDrive is the most expensive.
Keep in mind that any estimate on a used 2010 BMW 3 Series sedan is based on the condition, mileage, and location of the vehicle. Models with more features also fetch more than limited-trim models. 

Is a 2010 BMW 3 Series sedan a good buy?

If you can snag a good deal on a used 2010 BMW 3 Series sedan, it’s a solid choice for a used luxury car. Before you buy, read up on specific recalls or issues that your model might have. Carfax notes that there’s a 21% likelihood that your 2010 BMW will require some servicing.
The good news is that most owners enjoy the powerful handling of the 2010 3 Series sedan. It’s a stylish option that looks sporty and is fun to drive. The strong powertrain options set these BMW sedans apart from their rivals.

Reliability

Consumer Reports consistently ranks BMWs on the low end of the reliability scale, but they note that owners give BMWs average satisfaction scores. RepairPal ranks the 2010 BMW 3 Series between 2 and 3 out of 5. They note that the most common repair issues tend to involve oil leaking and fuel pump problems.
If you purchase a BMW sedan, get regular maintenance to catch minor issues before they become more expensive to repair.

Speed and performance

The three basic powertrain options for the 2010 BMW 3 Series sedan are: 
  • 328i: 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (230 horsepower)
  • 335i: twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (300 horsepower)
  • 335d:twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine (265 horsepower)
In 2010, all 3 Series models came with rear-wheel drive (RWD), but the 328i and 335i were also available with all-wheel drive (AWD). BMW produced both manual and automatic versions of the 328i and 335i, but the 335d sedan was only available as an automatic.
Even critics of BMW say the powertrain options operate smoothly and quickly. In fact, they offer slightly more power than competitors—the Audi A4 and Lexus IS. The BMW sedan can boast that it has no trouble going from 0 to 60 in only six seconds. 

Fuel economy

If you’re looking for the model with the best gas mileage, the 335d is the way to go. This turbocharged diesel engine gets 23 mpg city/36 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined
The EPA rates the other BMW models as comparable to other sedans in their class. The 328i gets 17 mpg city/25-28 mpg highway and 20-21 mpg combined. These averages might vary slightly depending on the exact powertrain—manual transmission and all-wheel drive lower the fuel economy a little.

Interior and comfort

BMW is well known for its luxurious styling, and the 2010 3 Series sedan is no exception. The interior sports well-tailored leather upholstery with rich wood trim. New to the 2010 models is the power moonroof
Standard features include an iDrive infotainment system, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. If you’re looking for more creature comforts, the series offers a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and parking assistance.
While the interior is comfortable and stylish, the 2010 sedans are compact, so there’s limited interior storage space and rear headroom.

Safety

The 2010 BMW 3 Series gets four to five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the series “acceptable” to “good” ratings for every safety category they tested.
In addition to built-in safety features like electronic stability control, the 2010 BMW 3 Series sedans also have:
  • Six airbags
  • Automatic high beams
  • Run-flat tires
  • Antilock disc brakes with adaptive brake lights
  • Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
  • Child seat anchors and safety locks
Keep in mind that the 2010 BMW 3 Series has been subject to 8 NHTSA recalls—the airbags were recalled in 2016 and 2020. The engine and cooling systems were recalled in 2012, 2017, and 2022, while the electrical system was recalled in 2013 and 2017.
MORE: BMW buying guide

How to save on BMW insurance

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