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BMW 3-Series Reliability by Model Generation
Results are for year ending June 30, 2018. Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year and Model | % of Average Repair Frequency | |
 2012 - 2018 BMW 3-Series |
Best
116%
Worst
|
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 2006 - 2011 BMW 3-Series |
Best
130%
Worst
|
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 2000 - 2005 BMW 3-Series |
Best
147%
Worst
|
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TrueDelta Reviews the Reliability And Durability of the BMW 3-Series
| BMW 3-Series Reliability And Durability: Cons | |
| Year | Comment |
| 2016 | For anyone planning to keep the car well beyond the warranty period, "reliability" might also constitute a "why not." The tweaks made for 2016 appear to have introduced some rattles and minor electrical issues. I wouldn't worry too much about these. BMWs tend to be about average for the first four years, and reasonably reliable for up to six. Longer than that, though, and expensive repairs can happen. (Our latest reliability stats for the 3 Series.) This noted, the same can be said about every competitor save the Lexus IS and perhaps the Infiniti Q50 (which doesn't yet have much of a track record, and which initially suffered from software issues). We don't have data on the XE, but Jaguars aren't renowned for their reliability. With this, I'm out of "why nots." A champion in the premium compact sedan all-around, the BMW 3 Series lacks glaring weaknesses. full 2016 BMW 3-Series review |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the BMW 3-Series
| BMW 3-Series Reliability And Durability: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2012 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
I traded in a 2005 BMW with 92,000 miles on it, if the realiability of the old one is any indication to the experience I hope to have with the 2012, then I have little to nothing to worry about. full 2012 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2009 | 0 | My car has been very reliable. I got a cerfited pre owned so all things a free at dealer. If you are buying one, then get a cpo one. well worth it. full 2009 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2008 | 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
History is promising. full 2008 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2008 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Historically, reliable full 2008 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
The car has a BETTER THAN AVERAGE frequency of repair record with Consumer Reports. full 2008 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2008 | 2dr Coupe 414-horsepower 4.0L V8 7-speed automated manual RWD |
Not yet tested to a full extent on my M3 under review, bust as previous BMW owner I enjoyed minimal component failures after many years of ownership. full 2008 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2008 | 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Have owned this car for 5 years; have had two replacement high pressure fuel pumps; replaced steering rack; new turbo gaskets (both turbos); replaced articulating hard top cables - all in the first 3 years and all under warranty! Nothing has gone wrong in the past two years so perhaps this was relatively new model growing pains. full 2008 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2008 | 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Have owned this car for 5 years; have had two replacement high pressure fuel pumps; replaced steering rack; new turbo gaskets (both turbos); replaced articulating hard top cables - all in the first 3 years and all under warranty! Nothing has gone wrong in the past two years so perhaps this was relatively new model growing pains. full 2008 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tried & true technology full 2007 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The car is now one year old with 12,000 miles and there have been no issues what so ever - whether mechanical or interior/exterior. Never any issue with things working as they should. full 2007 BMW 3-Series review |
| BMW 3-Series Reliability And Durability: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 2dr Hardtop conv. 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Glovebox won't open. full 2011 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I'm a little nervous about repair costs and frequency. I keep reading about 4-figure repair bills, but there are others who say they've done well with just normal maintenance. Consumer Reports gives the 2010 328i a lot of red dots which is a goo full 2010 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Small things keep breaking or failing. The engine and drivetrain are solid though. full 2010 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 414-horsepower 4.0L V8 6-speed manual RWD |
More prone to breakdowns than the Japanese competition. full 2009 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 265hp 3.0L I6 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Always a glitch or two. full 2009 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2009 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Fuel pump, oil cooler, and run flat tire issues on the 335i turned me off. Will likely be covered by warranty, but met multiple people who had week long+ repairs for these issues. After warranty, 1,200+ for each of these issues is apparently common. full 2009 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2008 | 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Historically, these cars have had their share of electronic gremlins. full 2008 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2008 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
not as reliable full 2008 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2008 | 4dr Wagon 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Poorer reputation than Lexus based on internet research. Stock run flat tires have short life and rough ride. Lack of spare limits options full 2008 BMW 3-Series review |
| 2008 | 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Possibly expensive repair track record when 4-year warranty end full 2008 BMW 3-Series review |
