2020 BMW 330i Reliability: What To Know Before Investing In Your Purchase
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The BMW 3 Series 330i is an entry-level luxury sports sedan that offers a balance of precise handling, refined power, and everyday practicality. Now in its seventh generation, the iconic 3 Series sets the standard for the small premium sedan category. Equipped with BMW’s zesty turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, the 330i provides responsive acceleration and agile performance. It’s an appealing car, but buying one second-hand can cause uncertainty. Keep reading as we answer concerns about the 2020 BMW 330i’s reliability.
As with all 3 Series generations, the 330i features the brand’s hallmark driver-focused cockpit and handling tuned for spirited behind-the-wheel activities. The 330i maintains the 3 Series’ reputation for sophisticated styling inside and out. Though not the highest-performing variant in the current 3 Series lineup (that’s the six-cylinder BMW M340i and the potent M3 sedan), the 330i hits the sweet spot for buyers wanting a thrilling yet pragmatic small BMW sedan. Yet, all these exciting characteristics don’t mean much if you’re dealing with reliability issues and expensive repairs.
To get to the bottom of 2020 BMW 330i reliability, we’ll examine ratings from Consumer Reports and other review organizations. Also, looking at repair costs for the 2020 BMW 330i provides further insight, and highlighting common trouble areas offers clues to potential owners. We’ll also need to discuss the many recalls for the 2020 330i.
2020 BMW 330i Reliability: Ratings
Consumer Reports (CR) gives the 2020 BMW 3 Series a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, which is average for luxury compact cars. The most common trouble spots involve the brakes and the potential for major engine work. However, CR gives the 2020 above-average grades for the powertrain, steering, and suspension. The 330i’s mid-tier score places it between the 4-rated 2020 Audi A4 and the 2-rated Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
J.D. Power gives the 2020 BMW 3 Series 330i higher marks for quality and reliability. An 80 (out of 100) just edges out the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (79) but falls short of the 2020 Volvo S60’s score of 84. J.D. Power determines vehicle reliability by assessing each new model’s defects, malfunctions, and flaws. Every part of the vehicle is considered, from the engine to electronics. Vehicles score higher when owners report fewer problems overall. The ratings show how dependable models are based on owners’ experiences.
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RepairPal puts a different spin on BMW ownership. The automaker (there’s no separate ranking for the 3 Series) scores a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5.0, which is average among the 345 assessed models. While “average” may not sound too bad, this rating puts BMW 30th out of 32 brands for reliability.
Meanwhile, owners of the 2020 3 Series think more highly of their cars, according to feedback reported to Kelley Blue Book (KBB). This BMW’s 4.1 reliability score is behind the 2020 C-Class (4.3) and 2020 A4 (4.6).
Assessments of the 2020 BMW 3 Series present a mixed picture when it comes to predicted reliability. Some reviews rate it positively as an above-average vehicle in its class for dependability. However, others find it doesn’t meet expectations compared to rival luxury compact sedans. This range of ratings creates uncertainty that buyers should research further. These conflicting results also make a strong case for getting a pre-purchase inspection, something every used car buyer should do, regardless of the vehicle.
2020 BMW 330i Reliability: Maintenance & Repair
According to RepairPal, owners spend an average of $748 yearly for maintenance and repairs. That’s about 15% higher than the $652 average among all vehicles. Although a 2020 330i is relatively new, an owner might encounter problems common to the model.
One of these issues is a leaky valve cover gasket, which often occurs after 60,000 miles (not unusual mileage for a four-year-old car). Symptoms can include oil accumulation under the vehicle or a burning smell from the engine bay. Expect to pay $613-$761 for repairs.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE BMW 3 SERIES
In the automotive world, the BMW 3 Series is the benchmark vehicle for the sport sedan category. With this in mind, let’s find the most reliable BMW 3 Series years.
2020 BMW 330i Reliability: Trouble Areas
Several owners of the 2020 BMW 330i have filed complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding issues with their vehicles. One recurring problem is the failure of systems intended to protect passengers, with multiple reports of airbags not deploying correctly in collisions and a hood latch lacking adequate safety mechanisms. For example, the side airbags failed to deploy in a high-speed crash in Arizona, leading to driver injury.
Additional issues point to potential defects with the 330i’s key components and technology features. One driver reported a sudden acceleration event leading to property damage when the parked vehicle crashed into a garage.
While none of the complaints definitively show widespread or inherent issues with the 2020 330i, they highlight potential concerns for prospective used car buyers. Safety features not deploying correctly, unexpected acceleration, and multiple engine and tire issues represent risks worth investigating before purchasing.
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2020 BMW 330i Reliability: Recalls
The 2020 BMW 3 Series has ten recalls as of this writing. That’s an unusually high number, even by today’s standards, with so many automakers issuing recalls. What’s especially notable, and not in a good way, about the recalls for this BMW is that most have something to do with a safety system (like the seat belts, backup camera, or headlights). Equally troubling is some of these BMWs are vulnerable to engine damage or malfunctioning steering.
Here’s an overview of active recalls for the 2020 BMW 3 Series. Visit the NHTSA website to verify the recall status of any car.
- Seat Belt Audio Chime Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V584000, August 16, 2023): This recall was issued because the audible chime that alerts the driver to fasten their seat belt may not function properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Front Seats Not Properly Welded (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V211000, March 29, 2023): This could result in the seat frame not properly restraining the occupant during a crash, thereby increasing the risk of injury.
- Rearview Camera Image Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V096000, February 19, 2021): A missing or reduced rearview image can increase the risk of a crash or injury if the driver relies solely on the rearview camera.
- Steering Gear Tie Rods Damage (NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V355000, June 15, 2020): The recall concerns the possibility of the steering gear tie rods becoming damaged or fractured, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Seat Belt Sensors Issue (NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V164000, March 19, 2020): Improper deployment of the airbag or seat belt pretensioners in the event of a crash could increase the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Rear Seat Belt Pretensioners May Not Lock (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V912000): The rear seat belt pretensioners might fail to lock in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Loss of Headlight Function (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V850000): The headlight control units may fail, causing a loss of headlights and reducing visibility, which increases the risk of a crash.
- Improperly Installed Interior Trunk Release Cable (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V755000): The trunk release cable may be improperly installed, preventing opening from the inside and increasing the risk of injury.
- Counterbalance Shaft May Loosen (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V732000): Improper installation of needle roller bearings could cause the counterbalance shaft to loosen, leading to severe engine damage and an increased crash risk. BMW will replace the engine on the affected cars.
- No Backup Camera Display Image (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V684000): The backup camera display settings may not show an image, increasing the crash risk.
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