BMW 3 Series - Problems, Statistics, and Analysis

BMW 3 Series owners have reported a total of 1,137 problems for their cars built in the 18 model years listed in the chart below. The chart shows the number of problems reported across all service years for each given model year of the BMW 3 Series. The 2006 BMW 3 Series cars have the most problems reported (274 problems).

Table 1. Total number of problems by model year for BMW 3 Series

Model Year	Number of Problems
2013 3 Series	32
2012 3 Series	12
2011 3 Series	1
2010 3 Series	41
2009 3 Series	76
2008 3 Series	91
2007 3 Series	179
2006 3 Series	274
2005 3 Series	29
2004 3 Series	93
2003 3 Series	93
2002 3 Series	39
2001 3 Series	49
2000 3 Series	109
1999 3 Series	6
1998 3 Series	4
1997 3 Series	6
1996 3 Series	3

🔍 Common problems of BMW 3 Series

The following chart shows the 25 most common problems for BMW 3 Series cars. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's air bags (262 problems). The second most common problem is related to the vehicle's electrical system (149 problems).

Table 2. Common problems of BMW 3 Series

Problem Category	Number of Problems
Air Bag	262
Electrical System	149
Exterior Lighting	103
Engine And Engine Cooling	99
Power Train	63
Structure	60
Equipment	55
Steering	48
Latches/locks/linkage	42
Other Fuel System	35

Visibility	30
Seat Belt	30
Service Brakes	27
Seats	26
Tire	24
Vehicle Speed Control	22
Suspension	19
Wheel	14
Gasoline Fuel System	14
Electronic Stability Control	9
Parking Brake	2
Child Seat	1
Air Brake	1
Unknown Or Other	1
Diesel Fuel System	1

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★ Safety Ratings of 3 Series Cars

☘ 3 Series Service Bulletins

⚑ 3 Series Safety Recalls

☤ 3 Series Defect Investigations