Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. Highlighted: 2000. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 3 Series | 0 | 1 |
| 2013 3 Series | 21 | 0 |
| 2012 3 Series | 7 | 3 |
| 2011 3 Series | 1 | 2 |
| 2010 3 Series | 30 | 2 |
| 2009 3 Series | 53 | 1 |
| 2008 3 Series | 68 | 2 |
| 2007 3 SeriesMost complaints | 115 | 1 |
| 2006 3 SeriesMost complaints | 202 | 3 |
| 2005 3 Series | 25 | 0 |
| 2004 3 Series | 77 | 0 |
| 2003 3 Series | 73 | 0 |
| 2002 3 Series | 26 | 0 |
| 2001 3 Series | 36 | 1 |
| 2000 3 SeriesMost complaints | 88 | 1 |
| 1999 3 Series | 6 | 1 |
| 1998 3 Series | 3 | 0 |
| 1997 3 Series | 5 | 0 |
| 1996 3 Series | 2 | 0 |
| 1995 3 Series | 3 | 0 |
| 1994 3 Series | 1 | 0 |
| 1993 3 Series | 0 | 0 |
| 1992 3 Series | 0 | 0 |
| 1991 3 Series | 0 | 0 |
| 1990 3 Series | 0 | 0 |
| 1989 3 Series | 0 | 0 |
| 1988 3 Series | 0 | 0 |
| 1987 3 Series | 0 | 0 |
| 1986 3 Series | 1 | 0 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Air bags259
- Electrical system147
- Exterior lighting100
- Engine73
- Power train68
- Structure66
- Steering49
- Latches/locks/linkages49
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Crash-test ratings by year
NHTSA 5-star results for 7 model-year variants; 6 of 6 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Year | Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2022 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | 9.2 % |
| 2021 | 2021 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | 9.2 % |
| 2020 | 2020 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD | — | 0.0 % |
| 2019 | 2019 BMW 3 Series SW AWD | ★★★★★ | 9.5 % |
| 2018 | 2018 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | 9.5 % |
| 2017 | 2017 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | 9.5 % |
| 2016 | 2016 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | 9.5 % |
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
In New Zealand
29,181 3 Series cars are on the New Zealand register; 69% arrived as used imports.
| Model year | Registered | Sold new in NZ | Used imports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75 | 75 | 0 |
| 2025 | 116 | 116 | 0 |
| 2024 | 133 | 131 | 2 |
| 2023 | 158 | 154 | 3 |
| 2022 | 143 | 137 | 6 |
| 2021 | 230 | 205 | 24 |
| 2020 | 257 | 180 | 74 |
| 2019 | 428 | 232 | 194 |
| 2018 | 226 | 136 | 90 |
| 2017 | 457 | 263 | 190 |
| 2016 | 673 | 258 | 407 |
| 2015 | 857 | 351 | 496 |
| 2014 | 1,409 | 475 | 917 |
| 2013 | 1,881 | 520 | 1,335 |
| 2012 | 1,481 | 317 | 1,138 |
| 2011 | 941 | 193 | 728 |
| 2010 | 1,371 | 248 | 1,081 |
| 2009 | 1,448 | 208 | 1,195 |
| 2008 | 1,979 | 109 | 1,793 |
| 2007 | 2,596 | 293 | 2,218 |
| 2006 | 2,025 | 265 | 1,689 |
| 2005 | 1,128 | 215 | 877 |
| 2004 | 484 | 212 | 251 |
| 2003 | 668 | 275 | 362 |
| 2002 | 775 | 218 | 526 |
| 2001 | 1,048 | 249 | 745 |
| 2000 | 781 | 197 | 552 |
| 1999 | 525 | 137 | 361 |
| 1998 | 537 | 120 | 396 |
| 1997 | 497 | 103 | 360 |
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
In the Netherlands
127,670 3 Series cars are on Dutch roads; 36% arrived later as imports, and 54,659 still have a recall open. Open a year for APK defects, odometer checks and colours.
| First registered | On the road | Median list price |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,448 | €69,027 |
| 2025 | 2,048 | €69,298 |
| 2024 | 3,199 | €66,038 |
| 2023 | 3,300 | €64,516 |
| 2022 | 4,999 | €62,315 |
| 2021 | 5,956 | €61,576 |
| 2020 | 5,992 | €61,766 |
| 2019 | 5,828 | €56,982 |
| 2018 | 3,603 | €51,838 |
| 2017 | 3,487 | €52,119 |
| 2016 | 4,793 | €53,884 |
| 2015 | 4,008 | €49,398 |
| 2014 | 4,773 | €48,946 |
| 2013 | 7,446 | €49,562 |
| 2012 | 5,189 | €46,240 |
| 2011 | 3,239 | €46,307 |
| 2010 | 3,830 | €44,453 |
| 2009 | 4,586 | €42,564 |
| 2008 | 4,715 | €42,927 |
| 2007 | 5,258 | €48,361 |
| 2006 | 5,452 | €46,648 |
| 2005 | 3,791 | €47,051 |
| 2004 | 2,342 | €51,699 |
| 2003 | 2,698 | €56,256 |
| 2002 | 2,940 | €58,143 |
| 2001 | 3,114 | €50,742 |
| 2000 | 2,703 | €53,675 |
| 1999 | 1,977 | €42,597 |
| 1998 | 1,615 | €43,388 |
| 1997 | 1,122 | €35,656 |
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles (CC0) · list price is the manufacturer's catalogue price when new
In Finland
41,034 3 Series cars were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026: 61% petrol, 39% diesel; 18% of all are hybrids. Mileage is the odometer reading at the last inspection.
| First registered | In use | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 96 | — |
| 2025 | 240 | 4,000 km |
| 2024 | 348 | 7,000 km |
| 2023 | 523 | 33,000 km |
| 2022 | 1,114 | 75,000 km |
| 2021 | 2,081 | 85,000 km |
| 2020 | 1,775 | 100,000 km |
| 2019 | 1,626 | 109,000 km |
| 2018 | 1,295 | 129,000 km |
| 2017 | 1,981 | 153,000 km |
| 2016 | 2,058 | 182,000 km |
| 2015 | 1,829 | 202,000 km |
| 2014 | 2,353 | 229,000 km |
| 2013 | 3,172 | 241,000 km |
| 2012 | 1,631 | 254,000 km |
| 2011 | 1,216 | 261,000 km |
| 2010 | 1,382 | 273,000 km |
| 2009 | 1,779 | 286,000 km |
| 2008 | 2,693 | 290,000 km |
| 2007 | 2,414 | 297,000 km |
| 2006 | 2,127 | 319,000 km |
| 2005 | 1,365 | 311,000 km |
| 2004 | 824 | 286,000 km |
| 2003 | 906 | 298,000 km |
| 2002 | 818 | 294,000 km |
| 2001 | 779 | 288,000 km |
| 2000 | 605 | 287,000 km |
| 1999 | 428 | 283,000 km |
| 1998 | 236 | 283,000 km |
| 1997 | 167 | 259,000 km |
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use, 30 Jun 2026 · CC BY 4.0
Road collisions in Great Britain
From 2021 to 2025, 11,267 3 Series cars were involved in road collisions in Great Britain that injured someone and were reported to the police. 184 of those collisions were fatal and 2,214 caused serious injuries. As with any count, models with more cars on British roads appear more often.
| Year | Cars in injury collisions | Fatal | Serious |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,986 | 36 | 435 |
| 2024 | 1,826 | 24 | 398 |
| 2023 | 2,277 | 46 | 423 |
| 2022 | 2,489 | 43 | 464 |
| 2021 | 2,689 | 35 | 494 |
Department for Transport, STATS19 road safety data 2021–2025 · Open Government Licence v3.0 · how we count
In the United Kingdom
472,359 3 Series cars were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, by year of manufacture.
| Built | Licensed | Off the road (SORN) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8,772 | 154 |
| 2024 | 13,458 | 134 |
| 2023 | 9,893 | 51 |
| 2022 | 10,222 | 76 |
| 2021 | 20,115 | 269 |
| 2020 | 18,700 | 277 |
| 2019 | 23,898 | 332 |
| 2018 | 23,525 | 448 |
| 2017 | 29,521 | 632 |
| 2016 | 30,713 | 667 |
| 2015 | 30,968 | 753 |
| 2014 | 31,438 | 1,114 |
| 2013 | 33,171 | 1,741 |
| 2012 | 30,867 | 2,329 |
| 2011 | 23,641 | 3,381 |
| 2010 | 21,301 | 3,617 |
| 2009 | 18,574 | 3,498 |
| 2008 | 16,974 | 5,348 |
| 2007 | 19,100 | 7,338 |
| 2006 | 13,611 | 6,601 |
| 2005 | 8,397 | 6,325 |
| 2004 | 6,976 | 7,435 |
| 2003 | 7,387 | 9,234 |
| 2002 | 5,620 | 9,279 |
| 2001 | 3,650 | 7,687 |
| 2000 | 1,892 | 6,132 |
| 1999 | 1,817 | 5,597 |
| 1998 | 1,475 | 4,413 |
| 1997 | 1,143 | 3,939 |
| 1996 | 854 | 3,245 |
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
509,614 3 Series cars took their annual MOT test in 2023; 75% passed first time, against 69% for all cars of the same ages. Older cars fail more often, so compare a year with the same year of other cars.
| First registered | Tests | Passed first time |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,560 | 91% |
| 2020 | 22,822 | 85% |
| 2019 | 26,442 | 87% |
| 2018 | 25,143 | 88% |
| 2017 | 31,240 | 86% |
| 2016 | 32,120 | 85% |
| 2015 | 32,145 | 82% |
| 2014 | 32,792 | 78% |
| 2013 | 35,432 | 76% |
| 2012 | 34,456 | 70% |
| 2011 | 30,355 | 70% |
| 2010 | 28,353 | 68% |
| 2009 | 25,345 | 67% |
| 2008 | 25,682 | 67% |
| 2007 | 30,104 | 67% |
| 2006 | 22,594 | 66% |
| 2005 | 14,731 | 65% |
| 2004 | 11,716 | 64% |
| 2003 | 12,204 | 64% |
| 2002 | 9,322 | 64% |
| 2001 | 6,143 | 63% |
| 2000 | 3,459 | 64% |
| 1999 | 3,163 | 64% |
| 1998 | 2,410 | 68% |
| 1997 | 1,816 | 67% |
| 1996 | 1,284 | 65% |
| 1995 | 864 | 69% |
| 1994 | 536 | 66% |
| 1993 | 536 | 70% |
| 1992 | 526 | 76% |
Why they fail
Share of all first tests that ended in a fail because of each part of the car (one test can fail on several).
| Area | 3 Series | All cars, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 8.4% | 13.1% |
| Tyres | 6.2% | 6.5% |
| Suspension | 6.2% | 10.5% |
| Brakes | 6.0% | 7.8% |
| Visibility | 3.3% | 5.2% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.6% | 3.7% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 1.2% | 4.3% |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.1% | 1.3% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests of cars only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
New registrations in Europe
1,714,816 new BMW 3 Series cars registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland between 2010 and 2022, from the European Environment Agency's CO₂ monitoring of every new car. In 2022 the largest markets were Germany (33,695), Belgium (5,295), France (4,556).
| Year | New cars | CO₂ g/km |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 64,609 | 98 (WLTP) |
| 2021 | 84,855 | 111 (WLTP) |
| 2020 | 115,619 | 123 (WLTP) |
| 2019 | 118,101 | 146 (WLTP) |
| 2018 | 97,729 | 167 (WLTP) |
| 2017 | 119,849 | 118 (NEDC) |
| 2016 | 137,748 | — |
| 2015 | 136,299 | — |
| 2014 | 160,527 | — |
| 2013 | 190,321 | — |
| 2012 | 166,496 | — |
| 2011 | 149,291 | — |
| 2010 | 173,372 | — |
Averages are weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value (NEDC until the WLTP switch). European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Real-world fuel consumption
110,170 BMW 3 Series cars registered in Europe between 2021 and 2024 report their fuel use through the on-board meter. Diesel hybrid versions average 6.3 l/100 km on the road, against 5.2 l/100 km in the official WLTP test — 21% more. Plug-in hybrids use 6.3 l/100 km against 1.5 l/100 km on paper, with 28% of their distance covered with the engine off.
| Fuel | Cars | On the road | WLTP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 18,176 | 7.9 | 6.8 | +16% |
| Petrol hybrid | 1,796 | 9.8 | 8.1 | +21% |
| Diesel | 1,660 | 6.0 | 5.2 | +14% |
| Diesel hybrid | 56,952 | 6.3 | 5.2 | +21% |
| Plug-in hybrid | 31,586 | 6.3 | 1.5 | +310% |
Litres per 100 km: total fuel used divided by total distance driven, from the car's own fuel consumption meter (OBFCM), collected in 2024 by the manufacturers, mostly remotely, and by national authorities. WLTP figures are the type-approval CO₂ values converted to litres. Hybrids, including mild hybrids, do not plug in; plug-in hybrid figures include the distance driven on electricity. European Environment Agency, Real-world CO₂ emissions from cars and vans · CC BY 4.0
What it costs in fuel
On real-world figures the diesel hybrid BMW 3 Series uses 6.3 litres per 100 km, so 15,000 km a year takes about 950 litres: €2,141 at this week's average price in Germany, its largest market in Europe.
| Country | Diesel hybrid | Petrol | Petrol hybrid | Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | €2,141 | €2,566 | €3,197 | €2,029 |
| United Kingdom | £1,884 | £2,056 | £2,561 | £1,785 |
| Italy | €2,121 | €2,373 | €2,957 | €2,010 |
| France | €2,217 | €2,625 | €3,270 | €2,101 |
| Belgium | €2,221 | €2,342 | €2,917 | €2,105 |
| United States | $1,567 | $1,333 | $1,660 | $1,485 |
Fuel for 15,000 km (9,300 miles) a year at real-world consumption. Pump prices with taxes, week of 19 October 2026: European Commission Weekly Oil Bulletin, UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, US Energy Information Administration. Non-euro EU prices are in euros as the Bulletin publishes them.
Work it out for your driving
EU safety alerts
Safety Gate, the European Union's rapid alert system, names the 3 Series in at least 12 alerts. European versions can differ from the North American car.
Water may enter the starter motor and cause damage. As a result, the engine may no longer start, or the starter motor may short-circuit or remain continuously activated. This could cause local overheating of the starter motor or thermal overload of surrounding…
The RSW22 starter with reinforced water tightness (RWT) may experience increased abrasion of the magnetic contact, causing deposits to build up at the lowest point inside the relay. These deposits may increase relay contact resistance, leading to starting fail…
The driver airbag inflator may malfunction due to long-term degradation. In this case, if the airbag is deployed in an accident, the internal pressure in the inflator may be too high. The inflator could burst. Metal fragments may cause injuries. The product do…
The accumulator in the head airbag inflator may not have been manufactured in accordance with specifications. Over time this could cause it to leak. If activated in an accident, the airbag would not fully deploy, as a result of which its restraining effect wou…
The engine starter’s electrical contacts may overheat and cause the vehicle to start improperly. Continued starting attempts can intensify the overheating and ignite surrounding components, potentially leading to a vehicle fire while driving or shortly after p…
The positive battery cable of the starter-generator may not have been manufactured correctly. This could result in a loose electrical connection, leading to excessive contact resistance. The vehicle cannot charge or start. Contact points in the starter-generat…
The propellant in the inflator of the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments of the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surv…
The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of mo…
The software-based overload protection function cannot sufficiently prevent the starter being overloaded in the event of repeated long start-up attempts. The starter may overheat or sparks may be produced as a result of an increased current flow. This increase…
A seam on the inflator housing of the driver airbag may not have been correctly welded. In case of accident, when the airbag is deployed, the inflator can burst, releasing metal parts which could cause injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation …
A defect on the cylinder head cover could allow oil to leak and spread through the engine compartment, creating a risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of…
The screw connection of the servo unit on the gear rack casing of the steering system may be faulty. This could cause the steering system to fail and become blocked, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the app…
Safety Gate (European Commission) · CC0
Recalls
8 campaigns cover the 3 Series.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 19, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 18, 2012, THAT HAVE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINTS THAT EXCEED THE DOWNWARD MOVEMENT LIMIT OF 25MM IN THE HIGHEST POSITION. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202A,"HEAD RESTRAINTS."
BMW IS RECALLING 2,350 MY 2008 1-SERIES AND 3- SERIES PASSENGER CARS. INCORRECT CRIMP CONNECTORS MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SIDE AIR BAG AND BELT TENSIONER WIRING. AS A RESULT SUFFICIENT CONTACT BETWEEN THE CRIMP CONNECTORS AND THE CORRESPONDING PLUG MAY NOT OCCUR WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.
BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ONE OF THE SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM AND SWIVEL BEARING CONNECTION BOLTS WAS NOT TIGHTENED CORRECTLY. THE BOLTED CONNECTION COULD LOOSEN.
NHTSA recalls