Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW 3 Series, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine3
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Steering1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Air bags1
- Unknown or other1
- Structure1
- Seats1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Registered new in Europe in 2012
166,496 new BMW 3 Series cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2012; the largest markets were Germany (60,988), the United Kingdom (43,378), France (11,803).
- Average mass
- 1,554 kg
- Average power
- 132 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 83% · Petrol 17%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2012 BMW 3 Series cars on Dutch roads are the 2.0 petrol (135 kW, 181 hp), 2.0 petrol (180 kW, 241 hp) and 2.0 petrol (100 kW, 134 hp), out of 12 versions with at least 20 cars.
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 petrol | 135 kW 181 hp | 1,871 |
| 2.0 petrol | 180 kW 241 hp | 648 |
| 2.0 petrol | 100 kW 134 hp | 535 |
| 2.0 diesel | 120 kW 161 hp | 490 |
| 2.0 diesel | 135 kW 181 hp | 345 |
| 3.0 petrol | 160 kW 215 hp | 236 |
| 3.0 petrol | 225 kW 302 hp | 224 |
| 2.0 petrol | 105 kW 141 hp | 151 |
| 2.0 petrol | 125 kW 168 hp | 144 |
| 2.0 diesel | 85 kW 114 hp | 116 |
| 3.0 diesel | 190 kW 255 hp | 86 |
| 2.0 petrol | 120 kW 161 hp | 77 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
5,189 first registered in 2012 are on Dutch roads; 24% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €46,240.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde2,549
- Band onvoldoende profiel1,639
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm1,187
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld1,145
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage618
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen596
- Band beschadigd442
- Schokdemper aanwezig die lekkage vertoont414
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
30,867 cars built in 2012 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 2,329 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 34,456 of these cars first registered in 2012 took their annual MOT test. 70% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2012 the figure was 66%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 13.5% | 14.3% |
| Suspension | 8.4% | 12.2% |
| Tyres | 8.1% | 7.0% |
| Brakes | 5.3% | 7.7% |
| Visibility | 3.7% | 5.0% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.1% | 3.2% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
1,631 of these cars first registered in 2012 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 254,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
1,481 2012 cars are on the New Zealand register; 77% arrived as used imports, 21% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls in Canada
10 Transport Canada recalls for the 2012 BMW 3 Series.
| 2024544 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "N… |
| 2024468 13 Aug 2024 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles, fluid from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system could leak on the intake air hose. As a result, the fluid could enter t… |
| 2024392 3 Jul 2024 | Airbag Issue: This recall applies to vehicles that may be equipped with a replacement sport or M-sport steering wheel that has a Takata airbag. Long-term exposure to… |
| 2022095 2 Mar 2022 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater (blow-by heater) to short … |
| 2021093 24 Feb 2021 | Steering Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolts that attach the electric power steering assist motor to the steering gear may corrode and break. This could cause a loss… |
| 2019310 20 Jun 2019 | Electrical Issue: On certain 3-series and M3 vehicles, the positive battery cable connection to the fuse box may fail. This could cause a loss of electrical power while … |
| 2016142 31 Mar 2016 | Airbag On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inf… |
| 2015369 14 Aug 2015 | Lights And Instruments Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The front side… |
| 2014435 3 Oct 2014 | Powertrain On certain vehicles, a defect in manufacturing could result in a loss of oil supply to the vacuum pump. If this were to occur, the vacuum pump could fail, causi… |
| 2014127 10 Apr 2014 | Engine On certain vehicles, housing bolts for the variable camshaft timing system could break, allowing camshaft timing to deviate. If this occurs, the engine would re… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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."
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What BMW told its dealers about the 2012 BMW 3 Series: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11000628 | Hot-Film Air Mass Meter Return |
| 10249437 | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| 10249027 | 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. |
| 10240305 | Spl Parts, Inc. communications index accompanying MCP uploads 23mc40464 & 23mc40471 |
| 10240273 | This is the companion to SPL Parts, Inc.'s SB 23-01 mailed by private label independent distributor Turner Motorsports. |
| 10240266 | SPL Parts, Inc. manufacturers and distributes aftermarket lower control arms for dedicated competition vehicles and "track day" cars some of which may be used on both track and highway. SB 23-01 adresses proper installation torque of cap bolt fasteners attaching SPL's aftermarket lower control arms, recurring inspection and confirmation of torque setting and removal and replacement of damaged or under torqued fasteners to reduce risk of premature failure and accident. SB-23-01 was mailed, emailed and posted on SPL website to known resellers, race teams and users of the affected parts and is b |
| 10215025 | Shipping specific non-deployed vehicle safety devices to lighting resources, llc. This service Information bulletin provides information on shipping "specific" noin-deployed vehicle safety devices that are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) to Lighting resources, LLC |
| 10215024 | The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification |
| 10059092 | BMW: IMPROPER ROUTING OF THE BOWDEN CABLE CAUSES THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER FRONT DOOR NOT TO OPEN OCCASIONALLY WHEN TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 37 DEGREES. *MA |
| 10059091 | BMW: DETACHED BOWDEN CABLE PREVENTS THE DRIVER'S DOOR TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE BUT CAN OPEN FROM THE INSIDE *MA |
| 10059089 | BMW - BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM MIGHT REDUCE IF TEMPERATURE GETS BELOW 14 DEGREES *MA |
| 10058986 | THE PLASTIC OIL FILTER MIGHT FAIL WHICH WILL CAUSE A LEAKAGE TO THE INTERNAL AND /OR EXTERNAL ENGINE OIL OR COOLANT |
| 10058975 | WHEN ACCELERATING, IN HOT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, BETWEEN 3,000 RPM AND 5,000 RPM, CAUSES JUDDERS OR SURGES IN VEHICLE, REPEATEDLY, DUE TO THE ELECTROPNEUMATIC PRESSURE CONVERTOR. *MA |
| 10058551 | BMW: ON TRANSMISSION SIDE, IN SOME VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IS LEAKING AROUND THE AREA OF THE OIL COOLER LINES CAUSING UNFAVORABLE COOLING LINE CONNECTION TOLERANCES TO DAMAGE O RINGS. MODEL E84 (X1), E89 (Z4), F22 & 23 (2 SERIES), F30 & 31 (3 SERIES), F32 & 33 (4 SERIES), F34 (GRAN TURISMO), F36 (GRAN COUPE). *PE |
| 10058476 | BMW: DUE TO TRANSMISSION OIL HEAT EXCHANGER'S FAULTY THERMOSTAT OR ENGINE FAULTY CHARACTERISTIC MAP THERMOSTAT, ENGINE COOLANT FAILS TO REACH OPERATING TEMPERATURE, WITH LOW HEAT OUTPUT AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE |
| 10058467 | BMW: FUEL GAUGE FAILS TO SHOW CORRECT LEVEL OF FUEL WHEN FILLING FUEL TANK BUT WOULD UPDATE ITSELF AFTER DRIVING AWHILE AND ILLUMINATION OF ENGINE MALFUNCTION LAMP (MIL) COMES ON, DUE TO SOFTWARE ERROR IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. MODEL 2011-15. *PE |
| 10057568 | BMW: ON SOME VEHICLES, WHEN STARTING, LOW BEAM, WITH 0552 OPTION, WOULD BRIEFLY FLASHES, DUE TO A FAULTY LED MAIN LIGHT MODULE THAT NEEDS REPLACING. MODEL 2008-14 F01, F02, F06, F07, F10, F12, F13, F25. *PE |
| 10057531 | BMW: IN CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE OR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, A FAILURE WITH POWER ASSISTED STEERING IS ILLUMINATED, DUE TO SOFTWARE RELATED ISSUES. *PE |
| 10057527 | BMW: SELECTIVE CATALYST REDUCTION MODULE (SCR) HAS A STORED FAULT, PRESSURE BUILD UP IS LOW, CAUSING SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. * |
| 10057341 | BMW: MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT FOR ENGINE IS ILLUMINATED DUE TO PURGE AIR SYSTEM MICRO LEAKAGE AND VENTILATION OF FUEL TANK FROM CONTAMINATION. *PE |
| 10057337 | BMW: DUE TO DEBRIS ENTERING OIL PASSAGE OF ENGINE, IT WILL KNOCK AND LOSE POWER, DURING CYLINDER HEAD MATING SURFACES AND CLEANING OF ENGINE BLOCK AFTER REPAIR TO ENGINE. *PE |
| 10056099 | BMW: WHEN USING IPHONE, VARIOUS CONNECTIVITY FAILURES OCCUR, SUCH AS DISCONNECTION OF CALL, LIST OF CONTACTS INCOMPLETE, DUE TO THE VARIANTS AND SOFTWARE USED. MODEL 2008-2014. |
| 10054641 | BMW: AN ERRONEOUS MESSAGE, FROM OIL LEVEL SENSOR, INDICATING OIL SERVICE IS DUE, AFTER TRAVELING A SHORT DISTANCE. MODEL F15, F13, F12, F10, F07, F06, F02, F01. NO YEARS LISTED. *PE |
| 10053498 | BMW: ON THE TRUNK LID, THE TAIL LAMP IS LOOSE AND NOT PROPERLY ATTACHED, ON SOME VEHICLES. MODELS 2011-2013 3 SERIES (F30). *PE |
| 10052366 | BMW: ON SOME ACTIVEHYBRID (3,5,7), THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY IS COOLED BY REFRIGERANT AND IS REGULATED BY EXPANSION VALVE AT BASE OF BATTERY AND IT CAN BECOME STUCK IN OPEN POSITION, EITHER PERMANENTLY OR INTERMITTENTLY. MODELS F02H, F10H, F30H. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Loss of power assist braking
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation