MotorDeets

2010 BMW 528I: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2010 BMW 528I: 2 recalls, 65 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
65owner complaints
2mention a crash
22best combined mpg
2010 BMW 528I
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #13V407000 · 2013 · 134,100 vehicles

What's wrong: Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points May cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).

Why it matters: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V683000 · 2017 · 740,561 vehicles

What's wrong: 0si, x3 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive30i, z4 3.0i, z4 3.0si and z4 sdrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve May short circuit.

Why it matters: An electrical short can cause the parts within the pcv valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pcv valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling17
Engine16
Electrical11
Transmission & drivetrain9
Airbags7
Fuel & propulsion6
Exterior lights4
Seat belts3

What owners describe

The 2010 BMW 528I has 65 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 15 528I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 55). Complaints peaked in 2022 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 100,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (23 complaints, 2 recalls), 2011 (117 complaints, 4 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive182822Premium
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive182721Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2010 BMW 528I.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2010 BMW 528I manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2010 BMW 528I manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2010 BMW 528I manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2010 BMW 528I manual

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FAQ

Does the 2010 BMW 528I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2010 BMW 528I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2010 BMW 528I problems?

Owners have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (17), engine (16), electrical (11).

What gas mileage does the 2010 BMW 528I get?

EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2010 BMW 528I repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other 528I years

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