2006 BMW 3-Series exterior  BMW 3-Series interior

BMW 3-Series

BMW 3-Series Reliability

Want to more clearly know what the difference in reliability will be if you buy a BMW 3-Series rather than another vehicle? Concerned about your chances of getting a lemon?

TrueDelta provides this information in the form of "times in the shop" stats that make the actual repair rates clear and, in the future, "lemon-odds."

The latest Car Reliability Survey (CRS) results include BMW 3-Series reliability information based on owner experiences through June 30, 2010:

Successful Repair Trips per Year (per 100 vehicles)
YearMakeModel

Trips / Year
per 100

TS Cars
Mon/Car
Av Odo
2010BMW3-Series / M3

12

Fewest         Most

25
4.0
4200
2009BMWM3*

join to view

 14
5.6
6200
2009BMW335

87

Fewest         Most High failure rate for the High Pressure Fuel Pump in the 335i. 335d included with the 328. Low average odometer for M3.

32
7.8
9400
2009BMW328

25

Fewest         Most High failure rate for the High Pressure Fuel Pump in the 335i. 335d included with the 328. Low average odometer for M3.

34
7.1
10000
2008BMW328

40

Fewest         Most High failure rate for the High Pressure Fuel Pump in the 335i. 335d included with the 328. Low average odometer for M3.

40
6.8
22900
2008BMW335

86

Fewest         Most High failure rate for the High Pressure Fuel Pump in the 335i. 335d included with the 328. Low average odometer for M3.

48
8.4
19900
2008BMWM3*

join to view

 22
5.8
12800
2007BMW335

90

Fewest         Most By the time these cars are in their third year, high pressure fuel pump failures are much less common and no longer yield a much higher repair rate for the 335i than for the 328i.

74
8.4
28700
2007BMW328

73

Fewest         Most By the time these cars are in their third year, high pressure fuel pump failures are much less common and no longer yield a much higher repair rate for the 335i than for the 328i.

62
7.5
32700
2006BMW3-Series 4dr

75

Fewest         Most

92
7.7
49400
2005BMW3-Series

118

Fewest         Most Possibly a blip at the end of the standard warranty, to get things fixed before the warranty runs out.

29
8.4
57800
2004BMW3-Series

87

Fewest         Most Very low average odometer and/or very small sample size for M3 might explain low reported repair frequency.

54
7.4
63300
2004BMWM3*

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 10
7.3
36800
2003BMW3-Series

108

Fewest         Most

38
7.9
73700
2002BMW3-Series

99

Fewest         Most

37
7.5
85800
2002BMWM3*

join to view

 13
6.2
64200
2001BMW3-Series

141

Fewest         Most

47
8.0
94300
2000BMW3-Series*

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 19
6.2
133300
1999BMW3-Series - E46*

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 14
7.4
146200
1999BMW3-Series - E36*

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 10
6.4
99100
1998BMW3-Series / M3*

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 19
5.1
141100
1995BMW3-Series / M3*

join to view

 16
3.6
146800
 

To see how the BMW 3-Series's repair frequency compares to other model years and competing car models, and for a table key, click here. Updated quarterly.

We also have some new reliability stats for the BMW 3-Series. "Nada-odds" reports the percentage that required no repairs at all, not even a minor one--nada--in the past year, while "Lemon-odds" reports the percentage that required three (or more) repair trips.

Nada-odds     cars per 100 with no repairs (nada) in the past year; 100 is ideal
Lemon-odds     cars per 100 with 3+ repair trips in the past year; 0 is ideal
YearMakeModel

Nada-odds
per 100 cars

Lemon-odds
per 100 cars

Cars
Mon/Car
Av Odo
2008BMW335

join to view

28
11.6
23300
2007BMW335

50

11

46
11.5
30800
2007BMW328

join to view

29
11.4
36400
2006BMW3-Series 4dr

49

< 1

46
11.3
53000
2004BMW3-Series

join to view

26
11.5
64700
2001BMW3-Series

join to view

25
11.4
97700
 

To see how the BMW 3-Series's Nada-odds and Lemon-odds compare to competing car models, and for a table key, click here. Updated quarterly.

To provide comprehensive results, TrueDelta needs reliability data on all cars--not just the BMW 3-Series--from people like you. To encourage participation, those who help provide the data receive free access to the site's car reliability information. Find out the details.

BMW 3-Series Repair Histories

To supplement our Car Reliability Survey, TrueDelta collects BMW 3-Series repair histories, a list of all the repairs that have been performed on a vehicle. With these, no minimum sample is required and owners can report repairs that occurred before joining.

Individual responses to both the Car Reliability Survey and the Car Repair History Survey are posted here:

2011 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

2010 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

2009 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

2008 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

2007 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

2006 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

2005 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

2004 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

2003 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

2002 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

2001 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

2000 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

1999 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

1998 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

1997 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

1996 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

1995 BMW 3-Series Problems and Repair Histories

Think you might have a lemon, and want to see if other owners are having similar problems? Then this is the place to check.

BMW 3-Series Extended Warranty

Concerned about the BMW 3-Series's reliability? Considering an extended warranty? Warranty Direct is a 26-year-old company with nearly 2 million contracts sold and over $500 million in paid claims.

Like insurance, extended warranties are best bought to limit downside risk, and from a company that is almost certain to remain in business. While for most people extended warranties will not pay off, for some they will pay for themselves many times over.

If you are unsure about the BMW 3-Series's reliability, or simply want the peace of mind afforded by an extended warranty, you can click here to purchase one from Warranty Direct.

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BMW 3-Series MSRP and Invoice Prices

Whether comparing two vehicles or just pricing one, you can forget about digging through trim lines, option packages, prerequisites, and the like one by one -- the TrueDelta algorithm uniquely figures these out for you in one swift pass. Results include both MSRP and invoice prices for the BMW 3-Series. Price the BMW 3-Series.

BMW 3-Series Price Comparisons

Want quick, thorough MSRP (sticker price) and dealer invoice comparisons between the BMW 3-Series and another car, both similarly equipped to your specifications? Choose one of the most frequently performed BMW 3-Series price comparisons from the list in the sidebar.

If the comparison you are interested in is not listed, go here:
Price compare the BMW 3-Series.

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BMW 3-Series Dealer Price Quotes

Want to find out how much dealers are actually charging? Requesting free, no obligation dealer price quotes through PriceQuotes.com (sidebar) helps support TrueDelta while getting you a great price on a new car.

The process is easy and takes just a minute or two. You'll promptly receive price quotes from local approved dealers.

BMW 3-Series Gas Mileage

Everyone knows that government estimates often aren't indicative of the BMW 3-Series's gas mileage in the real-world.

In response, TrueDelta began collecting gas mileage data from owners of the BMW 3-Series, with the intent of providing real-world gas mileage estimates customized to how and where you drive.

BMW 3-Series Real-World Gas Mileage

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"Why (Not) the BMW 3-Series?" Reviews

For car buyers' reasons for buying a 3-Series--or not--click here.

Want another perspective? Since 1999, Michael Karesh, the developer of TrueDelta, has contributed reviews to Epinions, where he is one of two people who oversee the autos section.

Michael's most recent BMW 3-Series review.

Note: The older the review, the more likely it has become outdated owing to more recently introduced competitors.

BMW 3-Series Tire Reviews

The Tire Rack offers the Internet's most extensive collection of BMW 3-Series tire reviews, tire survey results, and tire tests. To see which tires are available for the BMW 3-Series--or for your car--and go from there to Tire Rack's comprehensive information, use the tool in the sidebar.

The Tire Rack can be especially useful as a source of winter tires, which I have strongly recommended ever since buying a set for my car. If you're unhappy with your car's handling and braking on snow and ice, you probably just need proper winter tires, not a new car.

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BMW 3-Series Forums (TrueDelta partners)

These forums have helped make our results possible. For discussions of the 3-Series by owners, visit:

bimmerforums.com -- BMW 3-Series forum

2006 BMW 3-Series Specifications

Body2-door Coupe4-door Sedan2-door Convertible4-door Wagon
Wheelbase107.3108.7107.3108.7
Length176.7178.2176.7178.2
Width69.271.569.271.5
Height53.955.954.055.8
Curb Weight3197328535603462
Fuel Capacity16.615.916.615.9
R1 Headroom36.337.438.037.4
R1 Shoulder Room54.555.454.555.4
R1 Legroom41.741.541.741.5
R2 Headroom36.237.136.438.0
R2 Shoulder Room52.755.145.955.1
R2 Legroom33.234.632.034.6
Cargo Volume,
Minimum
9.512.07.724.8
Cargo Volume,
Maximum
9.512.07.758.0
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2006 BMW 3-Series 2-door Coupe
Drivetrain, Tire, and Audio System Availability

Trim325Ci330CiM3
Standard Engine 2.5L I6
DOHC-4v
HP: 184@6000
TQ: 175@3500
3.0L I6
DOHC-4v
HP: 225@5900
TQ: 214@3500
3.2L I6
DOHC-4v
HP: 333@7900
TQ: 262@4900
Optional Engine(s)  3.0L I6
DOHC-4v
HP: 235@5900
TQ: 222@3500
 
Standard Transmission5-speed manual6-speed manual6-speed manual
Optional Transmission(s)5-speed manually-shiftable automatic6-speed automated manual6-speed automated manual
  5-speed manually-shiftable automatic 
Standard DrivetrainRWDRWDRWD
Standard Tires205/55HR16 tires205/50VR17 tires225/45ZR18 tires(front)
255/40ZR18(rear)
Optional Tires225/45WR17 tires  
   225/45ZR17 tires(front)
245/40ZR17(rear)
225/40ZR19 tires(front)
255/35ZR19(rear)
   225/40ZR18 tires(front)
255/35ZR18(rear)
 
Standard AudioUnbranded audio system, 10 speakersHarman/Kardon audio system, 12 speakers (including a subwoofer)Unbranded audio system, 10 speakers
Optional AudioHarman/Kardon audio system, 12 speakers (including a subwoofer) Harman/Kardon audio system, 12 speakers (including a subwoofer)
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2006 BMW 3-Series 4-door Sedan
Drivetrain, Tire, and Audio System Availability

Trim325i330i
Standard Engine 3.0L I6
DOHC-4v
HP: 215@6250
TQ: 185@2750
3.0L I6
DOHC-4v
HP: 255@6600
TQ: 220@2750
Standard Transmission6-speed manual6-speed manual
Optional Transmission(s)6-speed manually-shiftable automatic6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Standard DrivetrainRWDRWD
Optional Drivetrain(s)AWDAWD
Standard Tires205/55HR16 tires225/45HR17 tires
Optional Tires225/45HR17 tires 
  225/45VR17 tires(front)
255/40VR17(rear)
225/40WR18 tires(front)
255/35WR18(rear)
Standard AudioUnbranded audio system, 10 speakersHarman/Kardon audio system, 13 speakers (including a subwoofer)
Optional AudioHarman/Kardon audio system, 13 speakers (including a subwoofer) 
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2006 BMW 3-Series 2-door Convertible
Drivetrain, Tire, and Audio System Availability

Trim325Ci330CiM3
Standard Engine 2.5L I6
DOHC-4v
HP: 184@6000
TQ: 175@3500
3.0L I6
DOHC-4v
HP: 225@5900
TQ: 214@3500
3.2L I6
DOHC-4v
HP: 333@7900
TQ: 262@4900
Optional Engine(s)  3.0L I6
DOHC-4v
HP: 235@5900
TQ: 222@3500
 
Standard Transmission5-speed manual6-speed manual6-speed manual
Optional Transmission(s)5-speed manually-shiftable automatic6-speed automated manual6-speed automated manual
  5-speed manually-shiftable automatic 
Standard DrivetrainRWDRWDRWD
Standard Tires205/55HR16 tires205/50VR17 tires225/45ZR18 tires(front)
255/40ZR18(rear)
Optional Tires225/45WR17 tires  
   225/45ZR17 tires(front)
245/40ZR17(rear)
225/40ZR19 tires(front)
255/35ZR19(rear)
   225/40ZR18 tires(front)
255/35ZR18(rear)
 
Standard AudioUnbranded audio system, 10 speakersHarman/Kardon audio system, 11 speakers (including a subwoofer)Unbranded audio system, 10 speakers
Optional AudioHarman/Kardon audio system, 11 speakers (including a subwoofer) Harman/Kardon audio system, 11 speakers (including a subwoofer)
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2006 BMW 3-Series 4-door Wagon
Drivetrain, Tire, and Audio System Availability

Trim325i
Standard Engine 3.0L I6
DOHC-4v
HP: 215@6250
TQ: 185@2750
Standard Transmission6-speed manual
Optional Transmission(s)6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Standard DrivetrainAWD
Standard Tires205/55HR16 tires
Optional Tires225/45HR17 tires
  225/45VR17 tires(front)
255/40VR17(rear)
Standard AudioUnbranded audio system, 10 speakers
Optional AudioHarman/Kardon audio system, 13 speakers (including a subwoofer)
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