2012 BMW 335i — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2012 BMW 335i is a saloon/sedan powered by a 3L 6-cyl turbo premium gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) / 26 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 28–31 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a BMW 335i workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 BMW 335i: Fuel economy improves from 26 to 31 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. EPA passenger volume changes from 93 to 96 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 3L 6-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 96 cu ft (2,718 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 13 cu ft (368 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 31 combined / 28 urban / 38 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 26 combined / 23 city / 32 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 212 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,150 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2012 BMW 335i, all with the 3L 6-cyl turbo engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 23 to 26 mpg (US), or 28 to 31 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/32) | 212 | $3,150 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/29) | 240 | $3,550 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 BMW 335i
Running Costs: 2012 BMW 335i
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 BMW 335i at 31 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,173 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 BMW 335i Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 BMW 335i (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (1), Exterior lighting (1), Engine and engine cooling (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 20V017000, reported 15 January 2020. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 15V520000, reported 17 August 2015. Risk: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 14V176000, reported 10 April 2014. Risk: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW 335i. The most-reported areas are Air bags (19), Engine (8), Seats (4). Complaints include 2 reported crashes, 1 reported injury. That is close to the median of 35 complaints across the 5 BMW 335i model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 BMW 335i
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (1 recall campaign · 19 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Lighting (1 recall campaign) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
- Engine cooling (1 recall campaign) — Check coolant level, look for leaks and make sure the temperature stays steady in traffic.
- Engine (8 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
BMW models in our database average about 28 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 BMW 335i's 31 mpg is 3 mpg above that make average. Its 212 g/km CO₂ figure is 28 g/km lower than the 240 g/km BMW average.
Of the 6 BMW 335i model years we cover, the 2012 is the most economical on its best configuration (31 mpg UK combined). See every BMW 335i year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 BMW 335i
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 BMW 335i have?
It's fitted with a 3L 6-cyl turbo premium gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s8) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 BMW 335i?
The most efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, or 26 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 28 to 31 mpg.
How much does the 2012 BMW 335i cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 BMW 335i have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 BMW 335i (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (1), Exterior lighting (1), Engine and engine cooling (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 BMW 335i?
Among the 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (19 complaints), Engine (8 complaints), Seats (4 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 BMW 335i have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.