2012 BMW 3 Series
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 81 of 178 complaints (46%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 893 in 2011 to 178 in 2012.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | vs. 2012 Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,300–4,100 | 3,300–4,100 | 2,850–4,100 | 2,750–4,100 | 2,500–3,350 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–27 | 19–27 | 19–27 | 19–28 | 23–36 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–23 / 25–36 | 17–23 / 23–35 | 17–23 / 23–34 | 16–25 / 23–35 | 20–31 / 28–43 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 377–468 | 377–468 | 329–468 | 317–461 | 285–392 | |
| Complaints filed | 274 | 893 | 178 | 383 | 405 | |
| Recalls issued | 12 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 12 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 8 | 30 | 6 | 37 | 34 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 12 | 37 | 2 | 10 | 17 | |
| Injuries reported | 5 | 33 | 3 | 23 | 29 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 12 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 3 Series have?
11 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2012 BMW 3 Series?
Engine: 81 of 178 NHTSA complaints (46%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2012 BMW 3 Series get?
EPA rates it 19–27 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 BMW 3 Series?
EPA estimates $2,850–$4,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (24)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg | 28 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 11 | Automatic (S7) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic (S7) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 18 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 19 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg (low) | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 20 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg (low) | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 21 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 23 mpg (high) | 33 mpg | 26 mpg | $3,000 | 342 g/mi |
| Configuration 22 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 23 mpg (high) | 34 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | $2,850 (low) | 329 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 23 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 23 mpg (high) | 32 mpg | 26 mpg | $3,000 | 342 g/mi |
Show 6 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 12 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 15 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 16 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 17 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 18 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 24 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 20 mpg | 29 mpg | 23 mpg | $3,350 | 386 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 81 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 20 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 28 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 53 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 16 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 17 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (11)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES · Campaign 24V608000 · Aug 14, 2024
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 24V513000 · Jul 5, 2024
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. 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.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 23V707000 · Oct 20, 2023
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Consequence: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) · Campaign 22V119000 · Mar 3, 2022
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 20V017000 · Jan 15, 2020
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 16V071000 · Feb 8, 2016
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with 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's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 15V520000 · Aug 17, 2015
Defect: BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 14V627000 · Oct 7, 2014
Defect: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 14V176000 · Apr 14, 2014
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. 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.
Consequence: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 13V454000 · Oct 21, 2013
Defect: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Show 1 earlier campaign
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT · Campaign 12V176000 · Apr 20, 2012
Defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 19, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 18, 2012, THAT HAVE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINTS THAT EXCEED THE DOWNWARD MOVEMENT LIMIT OF 25MM IN THE HIGHEST POSITION. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202A,"HEAD RESTRAINTS."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE HEAD RESTRAINT MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE DOWN SLIGHTLY IF IT WAS ADJUSTED TO THE FULLY EXTENDED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL ATTACH A CLAMP TO THE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT POSTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.