The BMW 3 Series Years to Avoid
We examine the different generations of the BMW 3 Series to identify which years you should avoid, taking into account commonly-reported problems.
For decades, the BMW 3 Series has been the go-to choice for buyers looking to dip their toes in the waters of luxury automobiles, thanks to its combination of sophistication, performance, and affordability. As the entry-level model in BMW’s lineup, the 3 Series has consistently set the standard in its class, just one of the reasons why it’s the German automaker’s best-selling model.
While it may not have all the flashy features of its pricier siblings, the 3 Series still offers a driving experience that is quintessentially BMW – precise, engaging, and undeniably premium. But let’s face it – not every model year has been a home run. In this article, we’ll look closer at the BMW 3 Series years to avoid based on consumer complaints, expert reliability ratings, etc. Let’s take a look.
Which BMW 3 Series Years to Avoid?
The BMW 3 Series has a rich history dating back to the 70s, with each generation pushing the boundaries of performance and luxury. However, while older models are undeniably cool and make for great conversation pieces, they may not be the most dependable choice for daily driving. So, we’ll focus on more recent generations.
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Fifth Generation (2006-2011): A Series of Unfortunate Events
The fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series, which spanned from 2006 to 2011, is a prime example of what can go wrong when a manufacturer fails to address common issues. At a high level, avoid these model years from the fifth generation:
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
From the very first year, the 2006 model was riddled with engine problems, with thousands of complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Consumer Reports gave it a mediocre 3 out of 5 reliability rating, but the engine issues alone are enough to make this year a hard pass.
Unfortunately, the problems didn’t stop there. The 2007 model saw an increase in engine troubles and a drop in Consumer Reports’ reliability score to 2 out of 5. It also earned the dubious honor of being the most complained about model year of the generation on CarComplaints.com. The 2008 model fared even worse, with Consumer Reports’ reliability rating sinking to a dismal 1 out of 5 and reports of electrical issues adding to the already numerous engine problems.
The latter half of the fifth generation didn’t show much improvement. The 2009 and 2010 models received poor reliability scores from Consumer Reports and continued to experience engine issues, albeit at a slightly lower rate than their predecessors. The 2011 model, the last of the generation, saw a quadrupling of engine complaints filed with NHTSA compared to the previous year.
In summary, the entire fifth generation of the 3 Series is not the best moment of BMW and is best avoided. The persistent engine problems and low reliability ratings make these cars the worst BMW 3 Series years to avoid, no matter how tempting the price tag may be.
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Sixth Generation (2012-2018): A Mixed Bag
The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series, which ran from 2012 to 2018, is a bit more of a mixed bag in terms of reliability. For this generation, you’ll have to approach these years with caution:
- 2013
- 2014
The 2012 model, being the first year of a new generation, received a surprisingly good reliability rating of 4 from Consumer Reports. However, conventional wisdom suggests skipping the first year of a new model to avoid potential design flaws and early production issues.
The 2013 model saw a slight dip in reliability, with Consumer Reports giving it a score of 3 out of 5. While there were fewer engine-related complaints on CarComplaints, NHTSA still received many engine problem reports. Interested buyers should proceed cautiously and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the engine.
The 2014 model is one to avoid entirely. Carcomplaints ranks it the worst 3 Series year to buy due to its engine issues, and other reports are equally discouraging. It’s best to steer clear of this model year altogether.
Thankfully, the 2015 model began to turn things around, finally offering a reliable option in the sixth generation. NHTSA engine-related complaints decreased substantially, and other sources showed no significant patterns of major problems. The 2016 model continued this positive trend, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 reliability score from Consumer Reports and minimal complaints from other sources.
The 2017 and 2018 models maintain the high standards set by their immediate predecessors. Both receive top marks from Consumer Reports and have few, if any, critical component complaints. These model years are excellent options for those in the market for a used sixth-generation BMW 3 Series.
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Seventh Generation (2019-Present): Cautious Optimism
The seventh and current generation of the BMW 3 Series began with the 2019 model year. As with any new generation, it’s wise to approach the first year with caution. For this generation, we recommend skipping this model year:
- 2019
The 2019 model’s mediocre reliability scores and the potential for new mechanical and electrical bugs make it one to skip for now. On the other hand, the 2020-2022 model years have shown significant improvement. Consumer Reports has given these years a solid 4 or 5 for reliability, and complaints filed with NHTSA are almost nonexistent. If your budget allows, these newer model years are a reliable choice.
The 2023 BMW 3 Series is generally regarded as reliable, with J.D. Power awarding it a reliability score of 80 out of 100, which is considered “great.” This model has undergone extensive testing under extreme conditions to ensure its durability and performance. Additionally, it comes with a comprehensive 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. The 2023 3 Series is predicted to last up to 200,000 miles and beyond with proper maintenance, such as regular oil changes and tire replacements.
Wrapping Up
That concludes our list of the BMW 3 Series years to avoid. When shopping for a used BMW 3 Series, it’s essential to consider the model year’s reliability reputation. By avoiding the problematic fifth generation and carefully navigating the sixth and seventh generations, you can find a used 3 Series you can depend on.
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