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BMW 3-Series and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Lemon Odds and Nada Odds for the Year Ending June 30, 2018

An asterisk (*) marks results based on small sample sizes.

Year Make/Model Nada Odds per 100 Cars Lemon Odds per 100 Cars    
70 vehicles, 11.3 months per vehicle, 12900 miles driven2017 Volkswagen GTI and Golf R
[?] see reported repairs
  70 vehicles, 11.3 months per vehicle, 12900 miles driven
51 vehicles, 11.3 months per vehicle, 17500 miles driven2017 Volkswagen Golf 1.8T
[?] see reported repairs
  51 vehicles, 11.3 months per vehicle, 17500 miles driven
50 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 22200 miles driven

Refresh. Most of the reported repairs are minor creaks and rattles, plus some minor electrical problems.
2016
BMW 3-Series / M3
[?] see reported repairs
  50 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 22200 miles driven

Refresh. Most of the reported repairs are minor creaks and rattles, plus some minor electrical problems.
39 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 28600 miles driven

A year ago the 2015 Golf 1.8T had a similarly high repair frequency, while the GTI has generally been better.
2016
Volkswagen Golf 1.8T
[?] see reported repairs
  39 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 28600 miles driven

A year ago the 2015 Golf 1.8T had a similarly high repair frequency, while the GTI has generally been better.
87 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 21700 miles driven

A year ago the 2015 Golf 1.8T had a similarly high repair frequency, while the GTI has generally been better.
2016
Volkswagen GTI and Golf R
[?] see reported repairs
  87 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 21700 miles driven

A year ago the 2015 Golf 1.8T had a similarly high repair frequency, while the GTI has generally been better.
51 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 31100 miles driven

Includes 4-Series.
2015
BMW 3-Series / M3
[?] see reported repairs
  51 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 31100 miles driven

Includes 4-Series.
56 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 38900 miles driven

Redesigned. Golf 1.8T initially had a higher repair frequency than the GTI, and the TDI still does. Unclear why. All might have a somewhat common problem with failing AC compressors.
2015
Volkswagen GTI and Golf R
[?] see reported repairs
  56 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 38900 miles driven

Redesigned. Golf 1.8T initially had a higher repair frequency than the GTI, and the TDI still does. Unclear why. All might have a somewhat common problem with failing AC compressors.
62 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 48000 miles driven

Includes 4-Series.
2014
BMW 3-Series
[?] see reported repairs
  62 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 48000 miles driven

Includes 4-Series.
37 vehicles, 11.1 months per vehicle, 62500 miles driven2013 BMW 3-Series 4dr
[?] see reported repairs
  37 vehicles, 11.1 months per vehicle, 62500 miles driven
36 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 57900 miles driven2013 Volkswagen GTI
[?] see reported repairs
  36 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 57900 miles driven
38 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 70800 miles driven2012 Volkswagen GTI
[?] see reported repairs
  38 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 70800 miles driven
66 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 72200 miles driven

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3. Common problem with the water pump in the 335i.
2011
BMW 328
[?] see reported repairs
  66 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 72200 miles driven

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3. Common problem with the water pump in the 335i.
27 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 96900 miles driven2007 BMW 328 Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  27 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 96900 miles driven
25 vehicles, 11.2 months per vehicle, 99000 miles driven2007 BMW 335 Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  25 vehicles, 11.2 months per vehicle, 99000 miles driven
30 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 120700 miles driven

First year for the E90 4-door.
2006
BMW 3-Series 4dr Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  30 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 120700 miles driven

First year for the E90 4-door.
31 vehicles, 10.9 months per vehicle, 146500 miles driven

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.
2004
BMW 3-Series Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  31 vehicles, 10.9 months per vehicle, 146500 miles driven

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.
26 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 143000 miles driven

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.
2002
BMW 3-Series Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  26 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 143000 miles driven

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.

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BMW 3-Series vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Lemon Odds and Nada Odds

Other sources of BMW 3-Series and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI reliability data provide only averages, which can conceal as much as they reveal. So we also report the percentage of BMW 3-Seriess and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTIs with no repairs at all in the past year and the percentage of BMW 3-Seriess and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTIs that are lemons (required three or more repair trips in the past year). These figures might surprise you.

These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to closely track BMW 3-Series and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI lemon odds as the cars age. Others can be over a year behind. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the BMW 3-Series and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI have been recently.

To see how frequently BMW 3-Series and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.

What Our Members Are Saying about the Brand Reputation of the BMW 3-Series

BMW 3-Series Brand Reputation: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
see full BMW 3-Series review
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Acura = Honda Audi = VW Mercedes = Chrysler (still) Lexus = Toyota Infinity = Datsun BMW = BMW see full BMW 3-Series review
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
BMW proved once again the 3 series is the ultimate driving machine see full BMW 3-Series review
2008 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
well regarded by most enthusiasts see full BMW 3-Series review
2008 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
BMW 3 series regularly makes lists as a "drivers car" and best in its class. see full BMW 3-Series review
2008 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Looks are amazing. see full BMW 3-Series review
2008 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
Built solidly and lasts see full BMW 3-Series review
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
exclusivity see full BMW 3-Series review
2008 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
The 3-series is considered the benchmark for sporty sedans. see full BMW 3-Series review
2007 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
the 3-series really seems to be the sport sedan icon to which all other brands are compared. It feels good owning the best-of-the-best. And did I mention great re-sale value? A truly great, dependable and well-handling car. see full BMW 3-Series review
BMW 3-Series Brand Reputation: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 265hp 3.0L I6 Diesel
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
You know. But hey, you buy it because of how it drives, irregardless of others perceptions. see full BMW 3-Series review
2002 2dr Coupe 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
5-speed manual RWD
When you drive a BMW, everyone on the road assumes you're the biggest a$$hole on the face of the Earth. Sure there are some bad actors out there, but the majority of us are really nice people...I promise! see full BMW 3-Series review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Brand Reputation of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Brand Reputation: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
I always see Volkswagens as great, reliable cars. The GTI is special because of its utility and performance. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2008 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
german built, soild car see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2008 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
Like the 2004 R32, the 2008 R32 had a limited production run of 5000, most of which are now sold. The R32 is really a well balanced "mini grand touring" car; without the stigma of being a "rice racer" like the Evo or STi. A great car for road and track! see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2005 2dr Hatch 200-horsepower 2.8L V6
6-speed manual FWD
VW builds a quality car, besides their electrical issues, which I have not had in either of my last two GTIs. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2004 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
VW, to me, means smart and sophisticated; while, at the same time, being practical and understated. Owning one shows you know automobiles without having to shout about it. VWs are not appliances. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Brand Reputation: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2016 2dr Hatch turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Low reliability see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2013 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
VW does not have that great a reputation in the U.S. This is a shame because the Golf really seems to be a well-made vehicle. Time will tell whether it holds up, but there are many horror stories of poor service, poor dealers, and the factory not standing behind their warranties. I'm hoping that VW has improved their ways, but this remains a major sticking point. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2009 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
VW dealerships have one of the worst reps. for fair service prices. The dealer I saw was great on the test drive front, but I feared the service desk a few years down the line. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2007 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Too many people, VW are still seen as nice cars that break often see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review