- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2012 BMW 3 Series Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 2012 BMW 3 Series have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in October 2023 for the engine.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical 3 Series year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
2012 BMW 3 Series recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 2012 BMW 3 Series yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
BMW 3 Series: every year compared
All 3 Series years2012 BMW 3 Series vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 BMW 3 Series | 0 | 2 | A | |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 589 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 235 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2012 Lincoln MKZ | 146 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2012 Volvo S60 | 121 | 8 | F | Compare |
| 2012 Audi A6 | 60 | 8 | D | Compare |
| 2012 Audi A4 | 26 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2012 Acura TLX | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 | 0 | 7 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2012 BMW 3 Series
Does the 2012 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 BMW 3 Series: engine (October 2023); crankcase (pcv) (March 2022). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 2012 BMW 3 Series had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 2012 BMW 3 Series a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 98 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical BMW 3 Series year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which BMW 3 Series years have the most complaints?
2006 (1,243), 2007 (1,042), 2008 (691). See every BMW 3 Series year compared.
What should I do if my 2012 BMW 3 Series has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data