This page covers 3 recalls, 15 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 BMW 135i.
20 mpg combined
11.8 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2010 BMW 135i centers on the fuel system, which accounts for nearly half of all owner reports. Owners most frequently describe fuel-related issues including leaks, pump failures, and high-pressure fuel system problems that can leave the car undrivable. Visibility complaints come up as a secondary theme, with owners reporting spontaneous glass shattering, both the sunroof and rear window appear in separate reports, with the rear defroster linked to the rear glass failure in at least one case. The airbag category draws two reports, both describing warning lights illuminating on the dashboard without an obvious trigger, including the passenger airbag indicator activating with no one in the seat. A single report mentions melted blower motor wiring with a burning smell noticed while the car idled in a driveway, though that appears isolated rather than a recurring pattern.
15
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2010 BMW 135i has 3 recalls, the most serious being a defective driver's airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death to the driver and passengers.
The airbag inflator issue is the subject of two separate recall filings covering the same defect, which has not been fully resolved through prior repair attempts. In a crash that triggers the driver's frontal airbag, the inflator can explode rather than deploy cleanly, turning internal components into projectiles. There is also a fire risk unrelated to crashes: the wiring harness that runs to the cabin blower regulator can overheat, causing the electrical connectors to melt. Because this can happen even when the car is parked and unattended, a fire can develop without any warning to the driver.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Replace the driver air bag inflator. On X5 and X6 models, only the inflator is replaced. Repair is free.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the blower-regulator wiring harness with a new part at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may build up excessive pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module or inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
