The Most Reliable BMW 3 Series, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the BMW 3 Series you think is the most reliable!

Updated on May 2, 2024 06:54

Choosing a reliable car can significantly reduce the stress and unexpected expenses often associated with vehicle ownership. For many, the BMW 3 Series stands out as a beloved model due to its impressive blend of performance, comfort, and durability. However, with numerous models released over the years, identifying the most reliable can be daunting. By voting on this list, you contribute to a community-driven guide that helps potential buyers discern which BMW 3 Series model might best serve their needs and lifestyle. Each vote helps paint a clearer picture of satisfaction and dependability, directly benefiting others who seek the same level of quality in their next vehicle purchase.

What Is the Most Reliable BMW 3 Series?

1

32
votes
BMW 328i (E46)

This model was produced from 1998 to 2006 and is considered to be one of the most reliable 3 Series ever made. It features a strong inline-six engine, excellent handling, and a comfortable ride.
The BMW 328i (E46) is a reliable model from the BMW 3 Series, known for its sporty and stylish design. It was produced between 1998 and 2006, offering a balanced blend of performance and comfort.

Engine: 2.8L inline-6

Power: 193 horsepower

Torque: 206 lb-ft

Transmission: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic

0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
2

37
votes
André Karwath aka Aka · CC BY-SA 2.5

BMW 330i (E90)

BMW

Produced from 2006 to 2011, the E90 330i is known for its smooth and powerful inline-six engine, great handling, and reliability. It also has a well-designed interior with plenty of features.
The BMW 330i (E90) is a luxury compact executive car that is part of the BMW 3 Series line-up. It is known for its sleek design, advanced technology, and impressive performance.

Engine: 3.0L inline-6

Power: 255 horsepower

Torque: 220 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic

Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
3

21
votes
Rudolf Stricker · Attribution

BMW 335i (E92)

BMW

This model, produced from 2007 to 2013, is known for its powerful turbocharged engine and excellent handling. It also has a comfortable interior with high-quality materials.
The BMW 335i (E92) is a highly regarded model of the BMW 3 Series, known for its sleek and sporty appearance, exceptional performance, and luxurious features. It is a two-door coupe that offers a perfect blend of style, power, and comfort.

Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6

Horsepower: 300 hp

Torque: 300 lb-ft

0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds

Top Speed: 155 mph
4

16
votes
BMW 320d (F30)

The F30 320d, produced from 2011 to 2019, is a reliable and fuel-efficient diesel model. It has a comfortable ride, good handling, and a spacious interior.
The BMW 320d (F30) is a model from the BMW 3 Series, specifically the sixth generation (F30/F31/F34). It is a compact executive car known for its excellent performance, fuel efficiency, and luxury features.

Engine: 2.0L TwinPower Turbo Diesel

Power: 181 hp

Torque: 280 lb-ft

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.2 seconds
5

12
votes
BMW 328i (F30)

BMW

Produced from 2011 to 2016, the F30 328i features a smooth and powerful four-cylinder engine, great handling, and a well-designed interior.
The BMW 328i (F30) is a luxury compact executive car produced by BMW. It is a part of the sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series, which was introduced in 2012. The 328i (F30) is known for its stylish design, strong performance, and excellent handling.

Engine: 2.0L TwinPower Turbo inline-4

Power: 240 horsepower

Torque: 255 lb-ft

Transmission: 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual

Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds
6

13
votes
Darren · CC BY 2.0

BMW M3 (E46)

The E46 M3, produced from 2000 to 2006, is considered to be one of the best M3s ever made. It has a high-revving inline-six engine, excellent handling, and a well-designed interior.
The BMW M3 (E46) is a high-performance sports car version of the BMW 3 Series, specifically the fourth generation (E46) model. It was produced from 2000 to 2006 and is highly regarded for its balanced combination of power, handling, and luxury.

Engine: 3.2L inline-6

Power: 343 horsepower

Torque: 269 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed manual

0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
7

12
votes
Darren · CC BY 2.0

BMW M3 (E90)

BMW M GmbH

The E90 M3, produced from 2007 to 2013, is known for its powerful V8 engine, great handling, and comfortable interior. It also has a high-quality sound system.
The BMW M3 (E90) is a high-performance sports sedan and a variant of the BMW 3 Series. It is part of the fifth generation of the BMW M3 series and was produced from 2007 to 2013. The E90 M3 is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and engaging vehicles in the BMW M3 lineup.

Engine: 4.0L V8

Power: 414 horsepower

Torque: 295 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch SMG

Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.6 seconds
8

10
votes
André Karwath aka Aka · CC BY-SA 2.5

BMW 330d (E46)

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

The E46 330d, produced from 1998 to 2005, is a reliable and fuel-efficient diesel model. It has a smooth inline-six engine, great handling, and a comfortable interior.
The BMW 330d (E46) is a reliable and high-performance variant of the BMW 3 Series, specifically the E46 generation. It is renowned for its strong and smooth diesel engine, impressive fuel efficiency, and excellent driving dynamics.

Engine: 3.0L inline-6 diesel

Power: 184 horsepower

Torque: 292 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic

Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.2 seconds
9

6
votes
Theodor de Bry · Public domain

BMW 320i (E90)

BMW

Produced from 2005 to 2011, the E90 320i is a reliable and fuel-efficient model with a smooth four-cylinder engine, good handling, and a comfortable interior.
The BMW 320i (E90) is a compact executive car produced by German automaker BMW. It is part of the 3 Series lineup and was introduced in 2005 as the fifth generation of the 3 Series. The E90 320i was known for its reliability, performance, and comfortable ride.

Seating Capacity: 5 passengers

Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder

Power: 168 horsepower

Torque: 155 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
10

8
votes
BMW 328i (E36)

BMW

Produced from 1992 to 1999, the E36 328i is a reliable and affordable model with a smooth inline-six engine, good handling, and a comfortable interior.
The BMW 328i (E36) is a highly regarded model from the BMW 3 Series lineup. It was produced between 1995 and 1999 and is considered one of the most reliable versions of the 3 Series. The 328i (E36) is known for its excellent performance, driving dynamics, and stylish design. It offers a perfect balance between sportiness and luxury, making it a popular choice among BMW enthusiasts.

Engine: 2.8L Inline 6-cylinder

Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic

Power: 190 horsepower

Torque: 206 lb-ft

Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.7 seconds

Missing your favorite BMW 3 Series?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable BMW 3 Series

Engine reliability

The engine is the heart of the car, and a reliable engine is essential for overall vehicle reliability.
Transmission reliability

The transmission is another critical component that can greatly affect the reliability of the car.
Electrical and electronic components reliability

Modern cars have complex electrical and electronic systems, and any faults or failures in those systems can cause significant issues with the car's reliability.
Build quality

The build quality of the car - including the quality of materials and construction - is an important factor that can influence the car's reliability.
Maintenance and repair costs

Higher maintenance and repair costs can indicate lower reliability, as well as making the car less affordable to own.
Recall history

The number and severity of recalls a car has had can indicate potential reliability issues and affect the car's overall ranking.
Customer reviews and ratings

Finally, customer reviews and ratings can provide valuable insight into a car's reliability and overall satisfaction from real car owners.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable BMW 3 Series. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or BMW 3 Series is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

4108 views
167 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each BMW 3 Series once every 24 hours. The rank of each BMW 3 Series is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable bmw 3 series

The BMW 3 Series is a popular luxury car model that has been in production since 1975. Known for its superior performance, sleek design, and advanced technology features, the 3 Series has become a top choice for car enthusiasts and professionals alike. Over the years, BMW has released several variations of the 3 Series, each with its own unique features and capabilities. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most reliable. In this article, we'll explore the most reliable BMW 3 Series models, based on expert opinions and consumer reviews.