2019 BMW 3 Series
2019 model shown · Photo: DieselFordMondeo, CC BY-SA 4.0

Luxury cars & SUVs · G20 generation

2020 BMW 3 Series: reliability, problems and cost to own

Think twice Well below average

It scores 7 out of 100 for reliability compared with other luxury cars and SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $21,591 to own, including $8,946 in repairs.

Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the BMW 3 Series.

Reliability

7/100

Well below average

Repairs, 5 years

$8,946

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$6,800

30 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$18,100

$15,928 – $20,272, estimate

Recalls

15

on record

Owner complaints

110

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$6,691
Transmission & drivetrain$647
Electrical system$620
Body, glass & interior$341
Driver-assist & stability$217
Airbags & seat belts$100

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the BMW 3 Series

Of the years we rate, the 2022 scores best (63/100) and the 2015 worst (6/100).

YearReliability
202459/100
202362/100
202263/100
202128/100
20207/100
201958/100
201833/100
201736/100
201619/100
20156/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2020 BMW 3 Series a year to avoid?

Yes. It scores 7 out of 100, among the least reliable luxury cars and SUVs of 2015–2024. The 2022 and 2023 3 Series scored much better.

Is the 2020 BMW 3 Series reliable?

It scores 7 out of 100 against other luxury cars and SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is well below average. Based on 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $8,946 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2020 BMW 3 Series cost to own?

About $21,591 over 5 years: $5,845 in lost value, $8,946 in repairs and $6,800 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $18,100 today.

What are the best years of the BMW 3 Series?

Of the years we rate, the 2022 scores best (63/100) and the 2015 worst (6/100).

How many recalls does the 2020 BMW 3 Series have?

15 recalls on record with NHTSA.