Which BMW 3 Series is the Most Reliable?

Patrick Jackson
Jun 14, 2021

BMW’s 3 Series has been a core part of the Bavarian company’s range since launching in 1975. But which of the more recent versions is best? We strive to find out here.

2019 BMW 3 Series

Ask any car enthusiast what springs to mind when they think of BMW, and it’ll almost certainly be the rear-wheel drive sports sedans the company is best known for. Although predated by the 5 Series, the smaller 3 Series – which was, until recently, the smallest sedan offered by the company before the launch of the 2 Series Gran Coupé – has long been the best-selling of its sedan offerings. And it was, until the advent of SUVs becoming the core part of BMW’s lineup, the company’s best-selling model overall.

After debuting in 1975 with the launch of the E21 3 Series, the replacement for the 02 Series, the model gained iconic status with the second-generation E30 and the legendary M3 version it spawned that helped paved the way for the immense success of BMW’s M division that would be particularly well encapsulated with the E46 M3 in the early 2000s.

Now in its seventh generation, known as the G20, around 4.5 million have been sold globally since its launch, and despite the growth in popularity of BMW’s SUVs – and all SUVs in general – it remains a relatively strong seller, if one that’s seen its sales figures fall in recent years.

Having already analyzed every generation of the 3 Series right back to the E21, here, we’re going to be focusing in greater depth on the more recent 3 Series models – from 2006 to the present day in 2021 – that you might be considering buying as a daily driver, and we’ll establish which version is the best using the measures of reliability and dependability, practicality, safety, and value for money.

2011 BMW 335i Sedan - Photo by BMW

E90 (2006-13): The Budget Buy

When the E90 3 Series arrived in 2005, it had big shoes to fill following on from the incredibly warmly-received E46 generation. Although it was a larger and heavier car than the model it replaced, it managed to offer far more room for rear seat occupants and a larger trunk as well making it more comfortable and practical than its predecessor.

Available in sedan (E90), wagon (E91), coupé (E92), and convertible (E93) body styles, it was an immediate success with it quickly being named the 2006 World Car of the Year among a host of other awards from the global motoring press at the time.

In North America, the lineup was primarily concentrated towards six-cylinder gas engines, with the 325i and 328i featuring naturally-aspirated units, and the 335i featuring a twin-turbo one in pre-LCI (facelift) models and updated single-turbo engine in LCI versions.

Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options were available, as were manual and automatic transmissions. Curiously, one oddity in the range was the relatively rare 335d offered exclusively in sedan form that featured a torque-rich six-cylinder turbo diesel engine.

With the 325i and 328i versions being powered by the highly-regarded N52 engine (in 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter sizing respectively) these are regarded as being among the most reliable BMW 3 Series models you’ll find, with Instamotor naming the 328i in particular one of the five best used BMW models you can buy.

However, the N52 isn’t without its concerns – on earlier examples of it, the ‘VANOS’ variable valve timing system can have issues although this is common on BMW’s of the era, and the hydraulic lifters can also get oil-starved in earlier examples as well, although BMW redesigned the cylinder head for 2009 to alleviate this issue.

However, the turbocharged 335i versions – while certainly a lot faster than the 325i and 328i – are known to be incredibly problematic, with Car Complaints even listing the 2007 and 2008 twin-turbo versions as being among the five worst BMWs based off the number of customer complaints it has received.

In particular, turbo failure, overheating issues, and failing ABS and high-pressure fuel pumps are commonly reported problems, and all of them will cost thousands to fix.

In terms of what you can expect to pay for an E90 these days, Kelley Blue Book cites an average private party value of $9,717 and trade-in value of $7,503 for a good-condition 2009 328i sedan, making them a very affordable proposition.

2016 BMW 3 Series

F30 (2012-19): Changing Things Up

When the F30 3 Series launched for the 2012 model year, it marked some big changes for the 3er. For the first time, the volume-selling model was available exclusively with a range of turbocharged engines, while hydraulic power steering was swapped out in favor of electrically-assisted power steering instead.

Compared to the E90 that it replaced, many complained of the F30 generation not being as driver-focused and satisfying to drive as its predecessor, including R0ad & Track, while Motor Biscuit highlights that it had lower quality interior materials and more intrusive cabin noise as well.

The N20 turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 320i and 328i proved to not be a particularly reliable engine as well, with early F30 examples being notorious for catastrophic timing chain guide failures which could destroy the engine.

Thankfully, when an updated model arrived in 2017, the 328i was replaced by the 330i which brought with it the new B48 engine that’s still in use today, while the 335i and its N55 six-cylinder engine – the successor to the infamous N54 of before – was replaced with the award-winning B58.

Three F30 body styles were on offer – the standard sedan (F30), the ‘Touring’ wagon (F31), and the GranTurismo with a hatchback design and more rear headroom (F34); the previous coupé and convertible options were renamed as the 4 Series (F32 and F33 respectively, along with the new F36 GranCoupé) with the introduction of this generation.

To give an idea of used F30 values, a good-condition 2017 330i sedan (the mid-point of the range) in white with 40,000 miles is valued at an average trade-in value of $20,985 and a private party sale value of $24,081 according to Kelley Blue Book, so you can expect higher or lower-spec’d versions to bring slightly more or less respectively by comparison. This represents depreciation of a hefty 58.2 percent over the past five years.

G20 (2019-Present): A Proper 3 Series Again

The current 3 Series, the G20, marked a big upgrade over the outgoing F30 when it debuted in 2019, even being called “a proper 3 Series again” by Automobile.

Based on the new scalable CLAR platform that underpins all of BMW’s current vehicles with a north-south engine layout, the current model manages to be 121 pounds lighter than its predecessor due to more extensive use of aluminium components, between 25 to 50 percent more rigid thanks to the new platform, and more aerodynamic thanks to a covered flat underbody that reduces drag from 0.26 Cd to 0.23 Cd according to Evo.

Since its introduction, the G20 3er has swept up numerous in-class and overall Car of the Year awards in Germany, the U.K., and Australia, while the ‘B58’ 3.0-liter turbocharged engine used in the M340i variant has been named one of Wards 10 Best Engines in both 2019 and 2020. It was awarded an IIHS Top Safety Pick award in 2020 as well.

However, while critics have praised it, owners have not all been quite as complimentary. J.D. Power‘s Consumer Verified scoring of it shows that the 3 Series ranks last in its class due to having the lowest scores for reliability and dependability, and for resale value.

Pricing for the current 3 Series starts at $41,250 for a base 330i while stepping up to the plug-in hybrid 330e – which boasts fuel economy of an impressive 75 mpge and produces slightly more torque than the 330i – will cost $44,550. The best-performing model in the standard 3er range, the M340i, starts at $54,700.

All models can also be optioned with “xDrive” all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000.

Unlike previous 3 Series models, a sedan body is all that’s offered in the U.S., so the fact there’s no practical wagon may sadden some buyers – although with many moving to SUVs like the X3, it will be a very small minority. Check out Doug DeMuro‘s take on the M340i, above.

2007 BMW 325i coupe convertible

What is the Best BMW 3 Series?

If you’re in the market for a relatively new BMW 3 Series, the answer as to which ones you should be looking at seems really clear cut. If you’re buying a new or very lightly used model, we’d suggest the current M340i with its award-winning engine as being the best pick on offer. It might be the most expensive standard 3 Series model, but BMW’s expertise in making straight-six engines is clearly on display with it.

If you’re looking at going used though, it’s impossible to pass up the E90 328i models which easily rank as the best used BMW 3 Series’ you can buy, although we’d suggest models made in 2009 or later with the redesigned cylinder head so that hydraulic lifter issues are not a concern.

So as not to ignore the F30 generation entirely, though, the later 340i versions with the famed B58 engine will be the pick of the bunch from that era.

Photos: BMW

Frequently Asked Questions

Apr 8, 2022

What is the best 3 Series BMW to buy?

When it comes to picking the best 3 series to buy the number one factor is going to be your budget. The current generation of the 3 series was announced in 2018 and models have been rolling out to dealerships since 2019. If you want to buy a new 3 series then the best option is going to be an M340i. This is just one step down from the M3 and provides you with a lot of the performance that you want from BMW.

If you are looking at a used BMW 3 series then the generation that has the highest overall reliability rating is the 2006 through 2011. If you get one of the 328i sedans or coupes from this era you will have a long-lasting car. The 335i from this generation had the N54 motor from 2006 through 2010, and that was known to be a motor that was powerful, but fragile. In 2011 BMW upgraded it to the N55 motor and fixed many of the problems.

Is the 3 Series BMW reliable?

The reliability rating on a BMW 3 series is pretty average, but it does increase as you step up in the model range. The base 3 series for the 2021 model year is the 330i sedan and it has a 2.0L 4 cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and can be paired to either a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive system. This is the model that scores average in terms of overall reliability.

If you upgrade to the M340i you get the B58 3.0L inline 6 cylinder engine that makes 382 horsepower and again is available with either rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive. The M340i scores higher in terms of reliability because the engine is regarded as one of the best inline 6 cylinder engines on the market these days. It is the same base engine that is used in the Toyota Supra as well.

BMW has had times in the past where their reliability was questionable, but now they are getting better. If you want a BMW just be prepared to have higher than average maintenance costs on it.

Is BMW 3 Series expensive to maintain?

A BMW 3 series can be relatively expensive to maintain compared to a lot of the other compact sedans that are on the market as they get older. BMW does cover all of the maintenance costs, aside from brake pads, for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles on them. This leads to BMWs being very affordable to own for the first few years.

Once you are out of the maintenance program range, either by age or mileage, you can expect to spend about $1,000 a year on maintenance for a 3 series. BMWs have pretty complex engineering and electronics in them and it leads to them being expensive to take care of.

The parts for BMWs are also unique to them so they can't easily be swapped out for generic parts, which leads to repair costs being higher. BMWs can be great cars, but typically they do have higher overall ownership costs compared to a lot of the competition.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Pat E on July 18, 2021
Fun to drive 2008 BMW 3 Series that is reasonably priced.
Very reliable car, the BMW 328xi is all wheel drive, 3. 0 6 cylinder 230 hip plenty of power and it corners very well, I get about 17 mpg city 24 mpg hwy. It looks very good and fun to drive. Plenty of room in the front. Seats are very comfortable. The back seat is kind of cramped but plenty of room for children or small adults. Only issues I have with the car is finding parts. I have only had a few repairs that needed to be done and I did find the parts but it took me a little bit and some repairs need special tools.
accountCircle Nick P on June 15, 2021
2008 BMW 3 Series 335i has pretty good performance
Performance-wise this car has so much potential. From the factory you get a fairly quick quarter mile time. As long as you take good care of it by performing standard oil changes and make sure you put the right kind of oil, gas, and engine coolant, then you really shouldn't run into any major problems. My car has 140k miles on it and I've only had to replace the fuel pump, water pump, and some oil gaskets. Not bank-breaking maintenance, although I have to replace the tires often and that can be expensive.
accountCircle Morgan H on July 2, 2021
I love how smooth my 2006 BMW 3 Series 325xi drives. I feel like I am gliding when I drive it.
My car has a lot of electrical issues. The windows don't roll up sometimes and the dash does random things. I drive an all wheel drive stick shift car and it's really great, I have great control and it drives great in the snow. I'm throughout impressed by the quality of the car even though it's a used car and an older model. I really enjoy my car. The interior is beautiful and very luxurious. I've owned it for over a year and haven't had any issues.
accountCircle Alex H on July 3, 2021
The 2008 BMW 3 Series experience.
I haven't came across any problems with my vehicle except for, there is not a spare tire place in the trunk. The tires that came with the car are suppose to last until you can replace them, even if you run over something. I do like my car because its small and rides very smoothly. It's great on gas and loves that it tells me when something is wrong with the car, for example, it tells me when my cooling is low and when my tires need air.
accountCircle Gabrielle P on July 16, 2021
2007 BMW 3 Series: Dual climate, leather seats, and greet steering!
Our BMW 328i is a great highway cruiser, we get almost 30 mpg with cruise control while on the highway. The inside of the BMW is large, and has plenty of room to stretch during a long ride. The smooth braking, and steering make for a fantastic ride. We've never had a smoother ride besides a BMW. The only downsides is that the cupholders can break easily, and parts are not cheap. But in the long run, a BMW is a perfect ride.
accountCircle Benedicta D on June 24, 2021
2018 BMW 3 Series 320i is awesome.
The body is stiffer and larger now. The suspension principles, the seats, electronics and so on cascade down from the bigger cars BMW has launched in the past couple of years. The suspension and drivetrain use more aluminum than before, and the bonnet and front wings are aluminum too. Overall the weight saving is beyond 50kg in most models, and it is more slippery through the air too.
accountCircle Sydney S on July 11, 2021
I truly love having my 2011 BMW 3 Series 328i.
Very low car, be careful driving over potholes! Tires are not the best. However, it is a great ride and it is very smooth. Nice features include heated seats, heated steering wheel, satellite radio, and all wheel drive. When in the car you feel safe and secure. You can definitely tell it is a luxury car from looking at the exterior and interior.
accountCircle Farrior R on July 1, 2021
2018 BMW 3 Series 320i xDrive. This car has great interior technology, and riding comfort.
This car has great performance it is a smooth driving car and fast with 255 horsepower. Its reliability, you can rely on it 100% to get anywhere you need safe and quickly. Some common problem I have with it is its oil which I usually have to refill every two months and sometimes the software but other than that, it is great car to purchase.
accountCircle Kat W on June 16, 2021
2007 BMW 3 Series 328xi includes all wheel drive which is great for the snow rain and sun.
Car performance is great. I would recommend this car to everyone due to its sporty sleek look, quick pick up and fairly good gas mileage. It's very reliable for everyday use as well as a great weekend car. It's very comfortable with all of the seat adjustment options and features leather seats, sports shift, and a sunroof.
accountCircle Sara K on July 5, 2021
Comfort and flexibility all rolled in 2019 BMW 3 Series 330i xDrive.
Love the comfort factor of my vehicle. From heated seats to sunroof it makes me happy to drive. Having GPS is a necessity for me these days, and BMW makes it easy by having an app I can send addresses to directly from my calendar. I can even remote start my car from my phone which makes a huge difference in a cold day.
accountCircle Brittany L on July 10, 2021
You must take care of the 2008 BMW 3 Series.
BMW 335i is very comfortable and reliable. I have never had any issues with breaking down or anything of that sort. It's a very smooth ride. The right side view mirror will turn to the ground so you can see as you reverse. There is a sunroof, AUX connect, charging port, 3 cup holders available upfront. Twin turbo.
accountCircle Rhonda D on June 26, 2021
2019 BMW 3 Series 330i: Beautiful body style and interior lighting.
My car gives me peace of mind, knowing it's one of the safest cars on the road. It handles well, and has every feature to make for a comfortable and smooth ride. The technology and roadside assistance is to notch. The navigation is state of the art. I can see well at night with the special headlights that swivel.
accountCircle Christopher S on June 25, 2021
2018 BMW 3 Series 340i: Great in performance.
This car gives me the most premium feel ever. I usually do not feel any problem with this car. Acceleration and braking is just perfect. My whole family fits good in this. Sometimes I just feel little shaky in off road, otherwise it is all perfect. My vehicle is just perfect, I am very happy with this.
accountCircle Luke H on June 30, 2021
2008 BMW 3 Series is a lot more powerful than you would expect, so be careful!
It is very comfortable! And it is also very reliable, and functional, and fast. The leather seats help to keep it cool if it is in the right amount of shade, and it is also very easy to clean and take care of. The only issue I have got is the cost of maintenance and gas, but even that is doable.
accountCircle Tracy T on July 8, 2021
The fabulous 2006 BMW 3 Series 325i comfort.
This is a smooth driving, very comfortable car. It has all the bells and whistles = heated seats, sunroof, automatic seats and mirrors and side mirrors that move down to see the road while in reverse. It has pull down shades on the rear window and the rear seat windows. It also looks nice!
accountCircle Josh L on July 10, 2021
Overall I would recommend everyone if they have the chance to get a 2007 BMW 3 Series 328i.
I've had my BMW for about 2 years now and so far it has been a fantastic car. Spent very little on maintenance and it runs great. It has relatively high miles and is still getting me around reliably. It is a very comfortable car inside as well, great stereo system and very good leather.
accountCircle Gaurav K on June 29, 2021
Great and comfortable luxury 2019 BMW 3 Series 330i.
I really love the car. It is a BMW i330 drive. In my experience so far, I found the car to be really comfortable with great mileage. The car has the comfort of a luxury car and it stands out in crowd. I would definitely recommend anyone who is interested to buy this car.
accountCircle Jeffrey M on July 13, 2021
2010 BMW 3 Series 328i reliable, exciting and fun to drive.
BMW 328i runs smooth and gets to accelerates to high speed pretty quickly. So long you keep basic maintenance on the vehicle such as oil and tires, it will not fail you at all. Only drawback would be the expensive oil changes but other than that no complaints.
accountCircle Bob M on June 30, 2021
2010 BMW e90 328i xDrive model review.
Comfortable, good performance and gas mileage, electronics and body are excellent. Oil leaks are a common occurrence on this car. Dealer and specialty repair shops are expensive. If you cannot afford the shops or cannot do the work yourself then get a Honda.
accountCircle Lynda D on July 13, 2021
2006 BMW 3 Series 325i still kicking over 180,000 miles.
The vehicle drives beautifully, smooth ride, quick response, corners very well at multiple speeds. I have over 180,000 miles on it. Leather cracks. Never cheap to fix, it's always a part connected to something else so the whole thing needs to be replaced.
accountCircle Meg H on July 14, 2021
There’s nothing like a 2011 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive.
Sunroof, leather interior, automatic doors and power window, automatic and manual transmission. Sports car that accelerates from 0 to 40 mph or more in seconds. Smooth drive that hugs the road. The body/model still looks fresh after 9 years. Love it.
accountCircle Desiree B on July 18, 2021
It is an exhilarating experience to drive the 2006 BMW 330xi.
My BMW 330xi is fun to drive and very sporty. It has great acceleration, tight cornering, and it is very responsive. I do wish the suspension was no so rigid because I feel every pothole and bump.
accountCircle Janin B on June 24, 2021
German parts are much pricier than other cars so buyer beware when purchasing a 2007 BMW 3 Series.
I love the luxury elements and the bmw reputation but I've had it many years now and it needs regular expensive repairs. Other than how old the car is, I still think BMW is a great brand.
accountCircle Michelle M on June 28, 2021
2006 BMW 3 Series is very reliable and has lasted many years. I have had no problems with it.
Love the way it handles, smooth, quiet ride and reliable. Never had any issues with it. Has a lot of miles but no problems. Gets me where I need to go.
accountCircle Shane K Hardcastle on April 3, 2022
Ssshardcastle@gmail.com
2009 E93 Convertible. Prrformance and a classic style. 3.0 litre motor smooth. Sport Package loves the corners highly recommend.
avatar Patrick Jackson
Patrick Jackson is a freelance journalist currently based in Adelaide, Australia, with over five years of experience in print, radio, and online media. Having road-tested and reviewed over 230 new and classic cars in that time, he has extensive first-hand experience with the most popular vehicles on the market along with desirable modern classics, particularly from the 1990s and early 2000s. Patrick has written for Drive Tribe Force GT, and Which Car, among other titles. He also runs his own website, Drive Section. He is a graduate of the University of South Australia with a degree in Communication and Media.
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