Is the BMW 3 series reliable?
The BMW 3 Series is one of the most coveted cars on the roads – but is it reliable?
)
BMW reliability
BMW reliability as a whole is often praised, but if you’re in the market for the desirable 3 Series model, you might be wondering ‘Is the BMW 3 Series reliable?’.
Benefitting from years of BMW tried-and-tested manufacturing, the 3 Series is a reliable model that’s high quality and built to last.
It scores highly on popular reliability surveys and is rated impressively for safety as well.
)
BMW 3 Series reliability
The BMW 3 Series has always been known as a reliable car. It’s built from high-quality parts and is made to last.
It’s appeared on many reliability surveys and usually finds its way toward the top.
Models from 2019 onwards scored 78% on the 2023 What Car? reliability survey, with BMW as a brand in 12th place (above fierce rivals Audi).
Reviews of the 3 Series are promising. Minor complaints seem to come from the car’s infotainment setup, so are typically easy and inexpensive to fix.
Petrol and hybrid 3 Series models seem to get the best reviews for reliability, while diesel options lag slightly behind.
Overall, the 3 Series is considered to be a reliable car with positive reviews to back it up.
BMW 3 Series servicing and maintenance
German cars have a long-standing rep for being reliable if they’re maintained properly, and the same is true for the 3 Series.
Staying on top of maintenance is key for keeping things shipshape (or, carshape?), so regular servicing and attending to any lights on the dash is a must.
All cars should be serviced every year or every 12,000 miles, but you might want to get your 3 Series serviced more often.
For example, you can get an interim service every six months for an oil change and safety checks.
Maintenance in premium cars like the 3 Series can be more expensive, but you’re investing in quality parts that should last longer.
)
Safety ratings and features
Safety can often be a measure of build quality, and the 3 Series predictably scored a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2019. It had an impressive 97% for adult occupants and 87% for children.
NCAP ratings are awarded after a series of tests, including frontal impact, whiplash, speed assistance and seatbelt reminders, plus pedestrian and child protection.
The BMW 3 Series includes safety equipment like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
You also get automatic emergency braking, assisted driving systems, and automatic high beams.
Are BMW 3 Series good cars?
The BMW 3 Series is a superb car with a dedicated fanbase.
Whether you love the sporty M3 options, or are happy driving an older model that’s a timeless cruiser, there’s little not to love about a 3 Series.
You might also pay more up-front for such a premium car, but you can keep running costs low. Plug-in hybrids like the 330e (good for 30 miles of electric driving) or the 320d (which gets up to 60mpg).
The most efficient petrol is the 318i, achieving up to 44.1mpg.
Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, says: “We love how the 3 Series feels as much at home on a twisty B-road as it does on the motorway. It’s a superb all-rounder with a great choice of engines, gearboxes and a couple of body styles that give it broad appeal.
Choosing a reliable BMW 3 Series
The best way to choose a reliable BMW 3 Series is to buy from a reliable source. Choosing a trusted retailer means you have somewhere to go back to if something goes wrong.
All of our used BMW 3 Series models are given a full inspection by trained technicians, so you’ll know you’re getting a high-quality model.
We list plenty of important information with each of our 3 Series on sale, but you can double-check this information on the DVLA website.
Take a look at our full range of used BMW 3 Series models to find a reliable option.