GradeBMW 3 Series Reliability Grade
Above-average reliability
Grade a specific BMW 3 Series
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The BMW 3 Series earns a B+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and a B+ for its transmission. It ranks 7th of 17 luxury vehicles we grade. The engine (B-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 1,419 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
BMW 3 Series reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2005, 2019, 2022 and 2023
Years to avoid: 2000–2002 (transmission slipping / rough shifting), 2003–2004 (stalling / loss of power), 2007–2009 (stalling / loss of power), 2011 (stalling / loss of power) and 2014 (stalling / loss of power)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the BMW 3 Series last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
BMW 3 Series vs. other luxury vehicles
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RX | A | A | A |
| Lexus ES | A | A | A |
| Lexus GS | A- | A | A |
| Lexus NX | A | A | A |
| BMW 5 Series | B | A- | A- |
| Audi A4 | B+ | A | A- |
| BMW 3 Series | B- | B+ | B+ |
| BMW X3 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | B | A- | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Audi Q5 | B | A- | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | C+ | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | B | B | B |
| Acura RDX | B+ | B | B |
| BMW X5 | C | C+ | C+ |
| Acura MDX | B- | D | C |
| Acura TLX | C | D | C- |
Own a BMW 3 Series?
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Rate your 3 SeriesBMW 3 Series reliability FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series reliable?
Above-average reliability. The BMW 3 Series earns a B+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and a B+ for its transmission. It ranks 7th of 17 luxury vehicles we grade. The engine (B-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 1,419 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a BMW 3 Series last?
We estimate a well-maintained BMW 3 Series lasts around 180,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the BMW 3 Series?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable BMW 3 Series model years are 2005, 2019, 2022 and 2023.
What BMW 3 Series years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the BMW 3 Series years to be most careful with are 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2014. The 2001 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting. The 2007 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission C), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power.
Is the BMW 3 Series transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the BMW 3 Series transmission a B+ (above-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the BMW 3 Series engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the BMW 3 Series engine a B- (average reliability).