NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 172 owner complaints for the 2012 BMW 3 Series. Most complaints involve engine (65) and air bags (48). The EPA rates it 20–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Engine oil pressure light came on and then the driver train malfunction light. Car at 113k miles and upon checking the timing chain was damage and now engine locked”
“The BMW was involved in a head on collision and only the passenger side and steering wheel airbags deployed. There was no passenger in the car and the drivers side airbag failed to deploy.”
“Dealer refused to cover DME that failed immediately after recall 24V-608 work. In early June 2025, I contacted my local BMW dealership about an overheat notification I received while driving. They confirmed there was an open recall on the vehicle for a water pump connector (Recall 24V-608). I had the vehicle towed to their location. They sent me a video walkaround that characterized everything looked good, except the water pump connector which had failed. Several days later, I was informed the recall repair had been completed but when they plugged in the new water pump connector, the DME shorted and they had to unhook the battery. Despite my best attempts to get this consequential damage covered as part of the recall work, BMW refused. I was told I had to come pick up the car as-is or pay for repairs. When I looked into the issue further online, I learned that if I had chosen to pick up the car, hook up the battery and attempt to start and drive it, I could have found myself stuck inside the car (electronic locks) with a DME that literally caused the whole car to start on fire. Thank goodness I didn't go that route. After further investigation into the recall…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 328i Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,950 | 329 |
| 328i Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 26 | $3,050 | 342 |
| 335i Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 26 | $3,050 | 342 |
| 335i Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,450 | 386 |
| 328i Coupe Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| 335ci Convertible Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| 335ci Convertible Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| 328ci Convertible Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| 328i Coupe Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| 328i Sport Wagon Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| 328ci Convertible Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| 328i Sport Wagon Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
9 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 172 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (65), air bags (48), electrical system (27). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2012 BMW 3 Series at 20–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 BMW 3 Series 5 out of 5 stars overall.