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BMW 3-Series Powertrain and Chassis 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    
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.
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.
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
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 Lemon Odds and Nada Odds

Other sources of BMW 3-Series reliability information provide only averages, which can conceal as much as they reveal. So we also report the percentage of BMW 3-Seriess with no repairs at all in the past year and the percentage of BMW 3-Seriess 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 lemon odds as the cars age. Others can be over a year behind. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the BMW 3-Series has been recently.

To see how frequently BMW 3-Series 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