2015–2024 · 10 model years · 61 recalls
Avoid the 2015, 2016 and 2020 BMW 3 Series: they score lowest for reliability, with the most owner complaints for each car sold. The best years to buy are 2022 and 2023.
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $9,961 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $6,545 over 5 years. 8 recalls, 215 owner complaints.
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $8,946 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $6,691 over 5 years. 15 recalls, 110 owner complaints.
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $7,598 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $4,843 over 5 years. 5 recalls, 105 owner complaints.
Above average for its class. Expected repairs: $4,023 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $2,193 over 5 years. 3 recalls, 13 owner complaints.
Above average for its class. Expected repairs: $4,018 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $2,249 over 5 years. 3 recalls, 7 owner complaints.
| Generation | Years | Average score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| F30 | 2015–2018 | 24/100 | Below average |
| G20 | 2019–2024 | 46/100 | About average |
| Model year | Reliability | Complaints | Recalls | Best mpg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 3 Series | 59/100 · About average | 8 | 2 | 29 |
| 2023 3 Series | 62/100 · Above average | 7 | 3 | 29 |
| 2022 3 Series | 63/100 · Above average | 13 | 3 | 30 |
| 2021 3 Series | 28/100 · Below average | 40 | 8 | 30 |
| 2020 3 Series | 7/100 · Well below average | 110 | 15 | 30 |
| 2019 3 Series | 58/100 · About average | 41 | 9 | 30 |
| 2018 3 Series | 33/100 · Below average | 66 | 5 | 28 |
| 2017 3 Series | 36/100 · Below average | 68 | 3 | 28 |
| 2016 3 Series | 19/100 · Well below average | 105 | 5 | 28 |
| 2015 3 Series | 6/100 · Well below average | 215 | 8 | 28 |
Reliability compares each year with similar cars from 2015 to 2024, using owner complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold. Complaint counts on their own aren't a score: popular cars get more of them.
Avoid the 2015, 2016 and 2020 BMW 3 Series: they score lowest for reliability, with the most owner complaints for each car sold. The best years to buy are 2022 and 2023.
The 2022 scores best for reliability (63/100) of the years we rate.
The 2020, with 15 recalls on record with NHTSA.