Which Years Of Used BMW 3 Series Are Most Reliable?
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In the automotive world, the BMW 3 Series is the benchmark vehicle for the sport sedan category. And although other premium brands (Mercedes-Benz and Audi, to name a couple) compete in this area, they’re usually trying to catch up to the 3 Series. This helps create a robust second-hand market for the 3 Series. But not every model year is a smart buy. With this in mind, let’s find the most reliable BMW 3 Series years.
While the 3 Series launched almost 50 years ago, we’re not going that far back. Cars from the 1970s (and most vehicles from the 20th century) may invoke fond memories, but they’re unlikely to win any awards for dependability. Instead, we’ll cover the three newest generations, starting with the 2006 model year, the debut of the fifth-generation 3 Series in the U.S. The company currently sells the seventh generation.
Our search for the most reliable BMW 3 Series years involves looking at reliability information from carcomplaints.com, Consumer Reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and other sources.
We’ll break down our analysis by generation and then offer a year-by-year review, including reliability rulings. In addition, our model year references are for the U.S. market only (Europe typically gets new BMW passenger car generations a year before North America). Let’s dive in.
Fifth-Generation: Most Reliable BMW 3 Series Years (on sale: 2006-2011)
2006 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: Keep Looking
Skipping the first year of an all-new model is wise. The gremlins that come from design flaws can range from annoying to headache-inducing. And although Consumer Reports rates this 2006 BMW for a 3 out of 5 in reliability, over 100 engine complaints on file with NHTSA are a strong reason to skip this model year.
2007 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: Don’t Bother
Usually, automakers work out the first-year kinks by the time the next model year hits the streets, but that’s not the case with the 2007 3 Series. Consumer Reports drops the reliability score to 2, and owners’ reports to NHTSA about engine troubles increase. This Bimmer also is the most complained about model year of this generation, according to carcomplaints.com. Need we say more?
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2008 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: Run Away
It goes from bad to worse for the 2008 3 Series. Consumer’s Reports’ reliability rating sinks to 1, and reports of engine problems continue to arrive at NHTSA. There are also high incidences of electrical troubles. This model year has migraine written all over it.
2009 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: Not The One
We keep looking for a fifth-generation 3 Series worth owning, but the 2009 model year isn’t it. It gets a D grade (a reliability score of 2) from Consumer Reports, and engine issues still get reported to NHTSA (although it’s better than in earlier years).
2010 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: Another Disappointment
NHTSA complaints about the engine continue to decline but not to the point where the 2010 3 Series can be recommended. And don’t take our word for it. Consumer Reports ranks this as a 1 on its reliability scale.
2011 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: Don’t Even Think About It
BMW still can’t get things right with the 2011 3 Series. In fact, the number of engine complaints filed with NHTSA more than quadrupled over the previous year. Sadly, this model year represents the last opportunity for a fifth-generation to recommend, but this BMW does come close to passing muster.
Sixth-Generation: Most Reliable BMW 3 Series Years (on sale: 2012-2018)
2012 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: A Split Decision
If you follow conventional advice about avoiding a first-year model, scratch the 2012 3 Series off your list and keep looking. However, Consumer Reports rates this edition as a 4 in the reliability department. Be cautious and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection before signing the paperwork for a 2012 3 Series. To be totally safe, keep looking
2013 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: Follow the Mechanic’s Guidance
Consumer Reports’ reliability rating drops to a 3 for the 2013 model year, but there are only a handful of engine-related reports via carcomplaints.com. Yet, NHTSA has its share of engine-related complaints. So, we can’t give this one a strong recommendation. Instead, rely on the inspection report (and ensure the mechanic thoroughly reviews the engine).
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2014 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: Sorry, Not This One
Carcomplaints.com ranks the 2014 model year as the worst 3 Series to buy due to its engine. Other reports are equally discouraging. Don’t spend your money on this edition of the 3 Series.
2015 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: Finally, A Winner
At long last, BMW builds a sixth-generation 3 Series worth buying. NHTSA engine-related complaints are down substantially. Meanwhile, other records don’t show a pattern of potentially wallet-crushing problems.
2016 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: Go For It
A top (5 out of 5) reliability score from Consumer Reports is hard to come by, but the 2016 3 Series aces this test. And nothing from other sources points to the contrary. Be sure to check out this model year.
2017 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: Another Strong Buy
The thumbs-up trend continues with the 2017 BMW 3 Series. A top reliability score from Consumer Reports and few complaints elsewhere make this a highly suggested example to shop for.
2018 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: Buy With Confidence
The 2018 BMW is basically a copy and paste of the 2017 model year (and with even fewer complaints filed with NHTSA, and most don’t involve critical components). BMW closes out the sixth generation with an excellent reliability record.
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Seventh-Generation: Most Reliable BMW 3 Series Years (on sale: 2019-Current)
2019 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: Keep Shopping
The redesigned seven-generation 3 Series looks sharp, but with so many new systems, we suggest skipping this model year to avoid those new-design bugs. And mediocre reliability scores aren’t encouraging, either.
2020-2022 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Ruling: Spend Your Money Here
We’re combining the 2020-2022 BMW 3 Series model years because they all get the same recommendation; a double thumbs up. Complaints with NHTSA are practically non-existent, and Consumer Reports gives these model years either a 4 or 5 for reliability. If the budget permits, you should park your BMW money in these model years.
A Note About The 2023 BMW 3 Series: The 2023 3 Series isn’t included in our recommendations because there isn’t sufficient data to pass judgment on the reliability of this car.
Frequently Asked Questions: Most Reliable BMW 3 Series Years
Q: Are there any reliable model years in the fifth-generation BMW 3 Series?
A: Unfortunately, none of the model years in the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series (2006-2011) can be considered reliable. These years were plagued with engine problems, electrical issues, and consistently low reliability scores from Consumer Reports. It’s best to avoid this generation altogether when searching for a used BMW 3 Series.
Q: Which model years are the most reliable in the sixth-generation BMW 3 Series?
A: The most reliable model years in the sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series are 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. These years received high reliability scores from Consumer Reports and had fewer complaints filed with the NHTSA. The 2016 and 2017 models, in particular, are highly recommended, with the 2016 3 Series earning a perfect 5 out of 5 reliability score from Consumer Reports.
Q: Is it wise to purchase a first-year model of a new BMW 3 Series generation?
A: Generally, it’s best to avoid purchasing a first-year model of any new vehicle generation, including the BMW 3 Series. These models often have design flaws or “gremlins” ranging from annoying to severe. For example, the 2012 BMW 3 Series, which was the first year of the sixth generation, received mixed reliability ratings.
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