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Volvo V50 vs. BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo Reliability by Model Generation

Results are for year ending June 30, 2018. Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
Year and Model % of Average Repair Frequency  
2014 - 2018 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo Reliability by Generation2014 - 2018 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
35.714285714286% Best 100% Worst
See problems for this generation

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Volvo V50

Volvo V50 Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2007 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed manual FWD
We now have over 50k miles, and the car has nothing but routine maintenance. Very reliable. full 2007 Volvo V50 review
2006 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
We wanted a car that we could buy used and still keep for 8-10 years. Perhaps the kids can drive it then. full 2006 Volvo V50 review
2006 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Have had no troubles in 50,000 miles. None full 2006 Volvo V50 review
2005 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
These cars have a reputation of lasting a long time but the reliability is less sterling. full 2005 Volvo V50 review
2005 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
S40 has been rock solid - very few problems. full 2005 Volvo V50 review
Volvo V50 Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2006 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
A boxer with a glass jaw. Mechanically, the V50 is a solid, secure vehicle. HOWEVER, it is knit together by an immensly complex (to my 20th century mind) mix of three network busses and ~ fifteen interconnected processors. If this system fails to deliver, only the dealer can diagnose or repair the software side of the vehicle. Even a low battery can result in a bewildering array of symptoms, as various modules get their stories mixed up, with doors locking and unlocking, the CD changer cycling, etc... all due to (in my case) corrosion under the battery terminal! On a smaller note, the tail gate has an electrical ONLY latch. In my six months of ownership, there have been two times when I needed to open that tail gate while the battery was out of the car. full 2006 Volvo V50 review
2005 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
This car has seen lots of warranty repairs and service bulletins within the first 3 years of its life but it make much better since. This is likely because mine was the first year of production. full 2005 Volvo V50 review
2005 4dr Wagon turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
A lot of software updates. full 2005 Volvo V50 review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Volvo V50

Volvo V50 Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2007 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed manual FWD
We now have over 50k miles, and the car has nothing but routine maintenance. Very reliable. full 2007 Volvo V50 review
2006 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
We wanted a car that we could buy used and still keep for 8-10 years. Perhaps the kids can drive it then. full 2006 Volvo V50 review
2006 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Have had no troubles in 50,000 miles. None full 2006 Volvo V50 review
2005 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
These cars have a reputation of lasting a long time but the reliability is less sterling. full 2005 Volvo V50 review
2005 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
S40 has been rock solid - very few problems. full 2005 Volvo V50 review
Volvo V50 Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2006 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
A boxer with a glass jaw. Mechanically, the V50 is a solid, secure vehicle. HOWEVER, it is knit together by an immensly complex (to my 20th century mind) mix of three network busses and ~ fifteen interconnected processors. If this system fails to deliver, only the dealer can diagnose or repair the software side of the vehicle. Even a low battery can result in a bewildering array of symptoms, as various modules get their stories mixed up, with doors locking and unlocking, the CD changer cycling, etc... all due to (in my case) corrosion under the battery terminal! On a smaller note, the tail gate has an electrical ONLY latch. In my six months of ownership, there have been two times when I needed to open that tail gate while the battery was out of the car. full 2006 Volvo V50 review
2005 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
This car has seen lots of warranty repairs and service bulletins within the first 3 years of its life but it make much better since. This is likely because mine was the first year of production. full 2005 Volvo V50 review
2005 4dr Wagon turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
A lot of software updates. full 2005 Volvo V50 review