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CarsLore / Makes / BMW / 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

Model years 1986–2023 in the US safety record. Years that drew the most complaints: 2000, 2006, 2007. Fewest complaints: 1994, 1996, 2011.

843owner complaints
8recall campaigns
1,116service bulletins
29model years on record

Complaints by model year

Each bar is one model year. Highlighted: 2000. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.

’90’93’96’99’00’02’05’08’11’2388’90’93’96’99’00’02’05’08’11’2388

NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026

Year by year

Model yearComplaintsRecallsBulletinsCrashes · fires
2023 3 Series01310 · 0
2013 3 Series210412 · 0
2012 3 Series73430 · 0
2011 3 Series1260 · 0
2010 3 Series3021141 · 1
2009 3 Series531874 · 2
2008 3 Series682900 · 4
2007 3 SeriesMost complaints1151896 · 4
2006 3 SeriesMost complaints2023766 · 1
2005 3 Series250711 · 1
2004 3 Series770601 · 3
2003 3 Series730593 · 0
2002 3 Series260531 · 0
2001 3 Series361501 · 0
2000 3 SeriesMost complaints881493 · 2
1999 3 Series61270 · 0
1998 3 Series30210 · 0
1997 3 Series50240 · 0
1996 3 Series20231 · 0
1995 3 Series30231 · 0
1994 3 Series10230 · 0
1993 3 Series0070 · 0
1992 3 Series0080 · 0
1991 3 Series0080 · 0
1990 3 Series0080 · 0
1989 3 Series0060 · 0
1988 3 Series0070 · 0
1987 3 Series0060 · 0
1986 3 Series1060 · 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.

YearVariantOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
20222022 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★9.2 %
20212021 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★9.2 %
20202020 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD————0.0 %
20192019 BMW 3 Series SW AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★9.5 %
20182018 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★9.5 %
20172017 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★9.5 %
20162016 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 yearRegisteredSold new in NZUsed imports
202675750
20251161160
20241331312
20231581543
20221431376
202123020524
202025718074
2019428232194
201822613690
2017457263190
2016673258407
2015857351496
20141,409475917
20131,8815201,335
20121,4813171,138
2011941193728
20101,3712481,081
20091,4482081,195
20081,9791091,793
20072,5962932,218
20062,0252651,689
20051,128215877
2004484212251
2003668275362
2002775218526
20011,048249745
2000781197552
1999525137361
1998537120396
1997497103360

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 registeredOn the roadImportedMedian list price
20261,4481%€69,027
20252,04819%€69,298
20243,19927%€66,038
20233,30037%€64,516
20224,99958%€62,315
20215,95650%€61,576
20205,99245%€61,766
20195,82826%€56,982
20183,60321%€51,838
20173,48726%€52,119
20164,79324%€53,884
20154,00831%€49,398
20144,77335%€48,946
20137,44632%€49,562
20125,18924%€46,240
20113,23937%€46,307
20103,83043%€44,453
20094,58642%€42,564
20084,71541%€42,927
20075,25844%€48,361
20065,45245%€46,648
20053,79138%€47,051
20042,34231%€51,699
20032,69833%€56,256
20022,94032%€58,143
20013,11434%€50,742
20002,70336%€53,675
19991,97736%€42,597
19981,61528%€43,388
19971,12228%€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 registeredIn useAverage mileage
202696—
20252404,000 km
20243487,000 km
202352333,000 km
20221,11475,000 km
20212,08185,000 km
20201,775100,000 km
20191,626109,000 km
20181,295129,000 km
20171,981153,000 km
20162,058182,000 km
20151,829202,000 km
20142,353229,000 km
20133,172241,000 km
20121,631254,000 km
20111,216261,000 km
20101,382273,000 km
20091,779286,000 km
20082,693290,000 km
20072,414297,000 km
20062,127319,000 km
20051,365311,000 km
2004824286,000 km
2003906298,000 km
2002818294,000 km
2001779288,000 km
2000605287,000 km
1999428283,000 km
1998236283,000 km
1997167259,000 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.

YearCars in injury collisionsFatalSerious
20251,98636435
20241,82624398
20232,27746423
20222,48943464
20212,68935494

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.

BuiltLicensedOff the road (SORN)
20258,772154
202413,458134
20239,89351
202210,22276
202120,115269
202018,700277
201923,898332
201823,525448
201729,521632
201630,713667
201530,968753
201431,4381,114
201333,1711,741
201230,8672,329
201123,6413,381
201021,3013,617
200918,5743,498
200816,9745,348
200719,1007,338
200613,6116,601
20058,3976,325
20046,9767,435
20037,3879,234
20025,6209,279
20013,6507,687
20001,8926,132
19991,8175,597
19981,4754,413
19971,1433,939
19968543,245

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 registeredTestsPassed first timeAll cars that yearAverage mileage
20211,56091%91%29,600 mi
202022,82285%88%32,600 mi
201926,44287%86%39,100 mi
201825,14388%84%50,100 mi
201731,24086%82%62,000 mi
201632,12085%79%71,300 mi
201532,14582%75%80,700 mi
201432,79278%72%91,900 mi
201335,43276%68%97,400 mi
201234,45670%66%105,300 mi
201130,35570%63%115,200 mi
201028,35368%60%118,100 mi
200925,34567%59%116,300 mi
200825,68267%57%121,100 mi
200730,10467%57%126,500 mi
200622,59466%56%132,500 mi
200514,73165%56%131,500 mi
200411,71664%56%120,100 mi
200312,20464%57%119,300 mi
20029,32264%58%118,800 mi
20016,14363%59%115,800 mi
20003,45964%61%115,200 mi
19993,16364%63%112,600 mi
19982,41068%64%117,800 mi
19971,81667%64%115,900 mi
19961,28465%65%115,300 mi
199586469%67%110,300 mi
199453666%66%115,400 mi
199353670%67%112,000 mi
199252676%68%110,200 mi

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).

Area3 SeriesAll cars, same ages
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment8.4%13.1%
Tyres6.2%6.5%
Suspension6.2%10.5%
Brakes6.0%7.8%
Visibility3.3%5.2%
Noise, emissions and leaks2.6%3.7%
Body, chassis, structure1.2%4.3%
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems1.1%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).

YearNew carsLargest marketsMass kgCO₂ g/kmPower kW
202264,609Germany, Belgium, France1,79098 (WLTP)137
202184,855Germany, Belgium, France1,760111 (WLTP)143
2020115,619Germany, United Kingdom, Belgium1,712123 (WLTP)147
2019118,101Germany, United Kingdom, Italy1,636146 (WLTP)143
201897,729Germany, United Kingdom, Italy1,633167 (WLTP)133
2017119,849Germany, United Kingdom, Italy1,619118 (NEDC)133
2016137,748Germany, United Kingdom, Italy1,611—134
2015136,299Germany, United Kingdom, Italy1,594—132
2014160,527Germany, United Kingdom, Italy1,584—128
2013190,321Germany, United Kingdom, Italy1,568—128
2012166,496Germany, United Kingdom, France1,554—132
2011149,291Germany, United Kingdom, France1,576—140
2010173,372Germany, United Kingdom, France1,585——

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.

FuelCarsOn the roadWLTPDifferenceAverage distance so far
Petrol18,1767.96.8+16%28,000 km
Petrol hybrid1,7969.88.1+21%30,000 km
Diesel1,6606.05.2+14%60,000 km
Diesel hybrid56,9526.35.2+21%61,000 km
Plug-in hybrid31,5866.31.5+310%36,000 km

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.

CountryDiesel hybridPetrolPetrol hybridDieselPetrol per litreDiesel per litre
Germany€2,141€2,566€3,197€2,029€2.18€2.27
United Kingdom£1,884£2,056£2,561£1,785£1.75£1.99
Italy€2,121€2,373€2,957€2,010€2.02€2.24
France€2,217€2,625€3,270€2,101€2.23€2.35
Belgium€2,221€2,342€2,917€2,105€1.99€2.35
United States$1,567$1,333$1,660$1,485$1.13$1.66

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

Compare running costs of other models

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.

SR/02525/26 · Fire18 Sept 2026 · 3 series, 5 series, 7 series

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…

SR/02180/26 · Fire7 Aug 2026 · Series 2, Series 3, Series 4, Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, X3, X4, X5, X6, Z4

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…

SR/00583/26 · Injuries27 Feb 2026 · 3 series, M3

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…

SR/00372/26 · Injuries6 Feb 2026 · 2er, 3er, 4er

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…

SR/03823/25 · Fire31 Oct 2025 · X5, X6, X7, 7, 8 (Coupe, Cabrio, Cran Coupe), M340

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…

SR/01734/25 · Fire9 May 2025 · 3er, 4er, i4, 5er, i5, X3, G18 (X5), G68 (5er)

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…

SR/00620/25 · Injuries14 Feb 2025 · X3, 3series, M3, 1series, X1

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…

A12/02830/24 · Injuries11 Oct 2024 · 1 series, 3 series, X3, E91 with 8TP

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…

A12/02466/24 · Fire30 Aug 2024 · X5, X6, X7, 7, 8, M340

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…

A12/01981/24 · Injuries2 Aug 2024 · 3 series, 4 series, 5 series, 6 series, X3, X4, X5, X5M, M4, M5

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 …

A12/00441/24 · Fire1 Mar 2024 · 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series

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…

A12/03131/23 · Injuries22 Dec 2023 · 3 series, 2 series, X3, X4

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.

23V821000 · Power train6 Dec 2023 · 2023

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.

23V707000 · Engine and engine cooling20 Oct 2023 · 2010, 2011, 2012

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.

22V119000 · Engine and engine cooling2 Mar 2022 · 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

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.

21V401000 · Air bags27 May 2021 · 1999, 2000, 2001

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.

12V176000 · Seats20 Apr 2012 · 2012

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."

09V257000 · Seat belts8 Jul 2009 · 2008

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.

08V384000 · Air bags5 Aug 2008 · 2006

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.

06V400000 · Suspension18 Oct 2006 · 2006

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