2010 BMW 325i

The 2010 BMW 325i is part of the E90 generation, known for its blend of sporty handling and luxury features. It was offered with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine (N52B30) producing around 215 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2010 E90 3-Series include the 3.0-liter inline-six engine (N54B30) with twin-turbochargers producing 300 horsepower in the 335i model and a 2.0-liter inline-4 diesel engine (M47) producing 177 horsepower in the 320d model. Transmission options included a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Owners often appreciate the 325i for its balanced performance, engaging driving experience, and classic BMW styling. Common complaints revolve around higher maintenance costs compared to mainstream brands and some specific reliability issues.

Engine

N52B30 (3.0L Inline-Six)

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the valve cover gasket, leading to burning oil smell and potential oil consumption. Visible oil residue on the engine block is often present.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the oil filter housing gasket, resulting in oil dripping and potentially affecting other components.
  • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• VANOS Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased engine performance, and potential check engine light with VANOS-related codes.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty VANOS solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

N54B30 (3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-Six)

• High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Long cranking times, rough idling, and potential engine stalling. Often accompanied by a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the HPFP.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wastegate Rattle
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or buzzing noise, especially during acceleration or deceleration. Occurs due to worn wastegate actuators on the turbochargers.
  • Solution: Replace the turbochargers or potentially rebuild the wastegate actuators (if possible).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, and poor fuel economy. Direct injectors are prone to leaking or becoming clogged.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per injector
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Various Locations)
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to N52, but N54 is prone to more oil leaks. Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and turbocharger oil lines are common culprits.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on location; $150 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

M47 (2.0L Inline-4 Diesel)

No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak near the transmission pan. Can cause shifting issues if fluid level gets too low.
  • Solution: Replace the mechatronic sleeve and potentially perform a transmission fluid service.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping between gears, and potentially getting stuck in a specific gear.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Can also cause uneven tire wear and vague steering.
  • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially if the car sits for a few days. Can be caused by a faulty module not going to sleep or a parasitic draw.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the battery drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on the cause; $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Window Regulator
  • Description/Symptoms: The window operates slowly or not at all. Common issue with the window regulator mechanism.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Wheel Arches/Door Bottoms)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the wheel arches, door bottoms, and other vulnerable areas, especially in regions with harsh winters.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the affected panels and repaint.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on the severity; $300 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner starts to sag, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Replace or re-glue the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 BMW 325i, while a desirable car to drive, is prone to a range of issues, particularly with its engine (specifically oil leaks and VANOS issues on the N52 and fuel system problems on the N54) and electrical system. Suspension components and transmission issues also surface regularly. The severity of these problems varies, and the cost of repair can be significant, especially with the more complex engine options. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and thoroughly inspect any prospective purchase before committing.