Best And Worst Years For BMW 3 Series: You Need To Know Everything

Hello Friends, Today We will know the Best And Worst Years For BMW 3 Series. BMW 3 Series is a Compact Luxury Sedan that is coming into the Automotive market since 1975. It is one of the oldest and best Compact Sedans of Ever time which has been more successful. And now also, it is one of the best-selling sedans of BMW Motors.

For your knowledge let me tell you- Every Financial Year BMW sells more than 300k units of the 3-Series Sedan worldwide. And Recently BMW has launched it for the 2024 Model year with some new features and specs. That is now available to order online using its official website.

But If you want to buy a used BMW 3-Series Sedan in good condition and with fewer problematic models. Then you must read this article till the end. Because in this article we will tell you Everything about the Previous BMW 3 Series Sedan, Like Which BMW 3-Series Years to Avoid, Which BMW 3-Series Best Years to buy used. And Also we will know the number of complaints and recalls of Every Model year By which you will be easily able to decide which one will be best for you.

Which Are The Best and Worst Years For BMW 3 Series

By the Way, Every BMW 3 Series was one of the best Model years of that time. But Some Model years have gotten more complaints and recalls from their owners, and also got more problems. And according to that Number of recalls, Complaints, problems, and Owners’ feedback, here we have given its Worst and best Year for BMW 3 Series.

For example- 2023, 2022, 2021, 2017, 2016, 2012, and 2003 are the best Years for the BMW 3 Series Sedan. Because these models have got fewer recalls, Complaints and also got positive feedback from their owners. While 2000, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2013 are the BMW 3 Series Worst years Which you should Avoid to buy.

The Most Reliable BMW 3 Series Years

As we have told you The 2023, 2022, 2021, 2017, 2016, 2012, and 2003 Model Years are the most reliable BMW 3 Series years that you can buy used. Because According to the NHTSA Reports, Consumers Ratings, and other sources, these models have got only a few recalls, Complaints, and problems. That’s Why we have added these models to the Most Reliable BMW 3-Series years list. Here we will know the Best BMW 3 Series Years’ Consumer ratings, recalls and complaints, and other important information further in this article.

BMW 3 Series Best Years- 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2023 BMW 3 Series is the most recent Model year that is a part of the seventh generation launched for the 2019 Model Year. And now it has been carried over for the 2024 Model year without making any significant changes. The 2024 BMW 3 Series will be a new model but you want to buy a used one, so the 2023 BMW 3 Series could be best for you if your budget is good.

Because this will be the most recent Year by which later you can easily sell it with a good amount of money. That means its resale value will be good. It has more and latest updated exterior and interior design with modern technology and safety features. And BMW has refreshed its interior with a large curved touchscreen display with the latest infotainment system. So the 2023 BMW 3 Series is the most reliable year to buy.

Along with this, it is the least problematic year ever, according to NHTSA reports- it has got only two recalls and three complaints. And most of the trusted automotive websites and sources have given their top consumer ratings. As you can view its Consumer ratings below in the table-

2023 BMW 3 Series Consumer Ratings

Sources	Consumer Ratings of the 2023 3-Series
Edmunds	4.7/5.0
Kelley Blue Book	4.2/5.0
JD Power	81/100
Cars.com	N/A
CarandDriver.com	9.5/10

Read Next- You Need to know about the new BMW X3 2024.

2022 BMW 3 Series

The 2022 BMW 3 Series is also one of the most successful and popular BMW 3 Series Years. Which is also a part of the seventh generation. For the 2022 Model Year, BMW has added a digital instrument panel as standard for every Trim and also added a 48-V mild Hybrid system for its M340i model. So this is also the recently used Years BNW 3 Series which has more standard and optional safety and technology features.

We think it might be best a used BMW 3 Series sedan for you If you want to get the best resale value with the latest technology and safety features. It has also a hybrid powertrain with its M340i models that will give you excellent fuel economy. For example- it is capable to give a fuel economy of 23 MPG in the City and 32 MPG on the Highway with a more powerful six-cylinder engine.

If we talk about its features- With this BMW 3 Series sedan you will get an 8.8 inches touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a Navigation System, Power Sunroof, Automatic climate control, a ten-speaker audio system, and many more standard safety features.

Apart from this, it is the least problematic year, according to NHTSA Reports, it has got only one recalls and five complaints. And also most of the trusted sources give it top review ratings. As you can view its consumer ratings below in the table-

2022 BMW 3 Series Consumer Ratings

Sources	Consumer Ratings
Edmunds	4.7/5.0
JD Power	N/A
Kelley Blue Book	4.2/5.0
Cars.com	N/A
CarandDriver.com	9.5/10

2021 BMW 3 Series

BMW has added one 330e plug-in Hybrid trim for the 2021 Model year with an electric range of 23 Miles on a single charge. And also this model has the most powerful M340i trim that produces up to 382 Horsepower from a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine.

Along with this, it has more standard and optional features like a power sunroof, Automatic climate control, an 8.8-inch touchscreen display with the navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ten-speaker audio system as standard. And a sixteen-speaker premium Harman Kardon sound system, Premium instrument cluster, Heated Steering wheel, and Ambient interior lighting are also available as optional.

That means overall the 2021 BMW 3 Series is the best year to buy. And also you will get the best resale value. And according to NHTSA Reports- It has got only six recalls and six complaints which is acceptable. And the most trusted sources have given the best rating to it. As you can view below in the table-

2021 BMW 3 Series Consumer Ratings

Sources	Consumer Ratings
Edmunds	4.6/5.0
Cars.com	4.9/5.0
JD Power	81/100
Kelley Blue Book	4.2/5.0
CarandDriver.com	9.5/10

Read Next- BMW has launched its new 2024 BMW XM.

2016 & 2017 BMW 3 Series

The 2016 and 2017 BMW 3 Series has got a mid-cycle refresh with a new exterior, interior, and a new powertrain. BMW has refreshed it with a new updated exterior and interior with smattering suspension and steering tweaks to improve the handling.

The 2016 and 2017 BMW 3 series has got a new name 340i on the replacement of 335i. And a new more powerful powertrain has been added with more output and sixteen speaker Stereo sound system. And its previous ActiveHybrid 3 has been discontinued and replaced by a 330e plug-in hybrid powertrain. Also, BMW has added many more interior standards and optional features.

That means overall 2016 and 2017 are the best Year to buy a used BMW 3 Series sedan if your budget is a little low. According to NHTSA, the 2016 Model Year 3-Series has got four recalls and 67 complaints, whereas the 2017 BMW 3 Series has got three recalls and 42 complaints. So in terms of recalls and complaints, 2017 Years is the best Year for BMW 3 Series. Along with this most of the trusted Automotive websites gives the best ratings, as you can view below in the table-

2016 And 2017 BMW 3 Series Consumer Ratings

Sources	2016 BMW 3 Series Consumer Ratings	2017 BMW 3 Series Consumer Ratings
Cars.com	4.7/5.0	4.8/5.0
Edmunds	4.4/5.0	4.0/5.0
JD Power	82/100	80/100
Kelley Blue Book	4.5/5.0	4.5/5.0
CarandDriver.com	9.0/10	9.0/10.0

Read Next- View the Best and Worst Years for the Subaru Crosstrek.

2012 BMW 3 Series

The 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan is a fully redesigned Model year. BMW has completely redesigned its exterior and interior styling with some new features and specs. As well as BMW has added a new engine and transmission to give better fuel economy and performance.

The BMW 3 Series 2012 328i trim is powered by a 2.0-liter Four-cylinder engine that produces 240 Horsepower and 255 lb-ft of Torque. And this powertrain is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drivetrain but an eight-speed automatic transmission is also available as an option.

Along with this, it is the most Quicker BMW 3 Series, According to Edmunds testing, it can accelerate 0-60 MPH in just 5.9 seconds, So in terms of acceleration, it is quicker than all its rivals. And also in terms of fuel economy, it is the most fuel-efficient trim of the BMW 3 Series, it gives a fuel economy of 24 MPG in the City, 36 MPG on the Highway, and 28 MPG Combined.

According to the NHTSA, the 2012 BMW 3 Series also called BMW 328i has got seven recalls and 110 complaints, which is not too much but acceptable because in the 2012 Financial year, it has been sold more than 400k units. Below we have given its consumer ratings in the table-

Sources	Consumer Ratings
Edmunds	4.4/5.0
KBB	4.5/5.0
JD Power	81/100

2003 BMW 3 Series

In 2001, BMW gave a facelift to both the sedan and touring (wagon) versions, coinciding with the launch of the 325i and 330i models featuring the new M54 engine. During the same year, BMW unveiled the E46 M3, which marked the last M3 to possess a naturally aspirated inline-6 engine.

Notably, BMW addressed the rear subframe issues that had previously caused significant rear-end failures in the 2002 models, resulting in a considerable reduction in reported incidents.

The year 2003 saw further improvements, with BMW upgrading the 330i’s 5-speed manual transmission to a more advanced 6-speed Getrag gearbox. Additionally, the ZF Steptronic transmission was replaced with a GM unit, considered by many to be more dependable.

Furthermore, 2003 witnessed the introduction of the 330i ZHP Performance Package by BMW.

The E46 generation stands out by combining the appealing characteristics of the older E30 and E36 models with the comfort and modern amenities of newer cars. It also boasts a more straightforward and less electronics-laden design than newer models, making it relatively more affordable to maintain over time.

Sources	Consumer Ratings
Edmunds	4.7/5.0
KBB	4.5/5.0
JD Power	N/A

BMW 3 Series Years To Avoid

Above we have known about the most reliable BMW 3 Series years to buy used. But let’s know the BMW 3 Series Years to Avoid. That means now we will know the worst BMW 3 Series years which you should avoid buying used. Because these are such years which was gotten more recalls, complaints, and problems. For example- 2000, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2013 are the worst Years for the BMW 3 Series. Here we have known a short overview of these models with these some common problems-

2000 BMW 3 Series

The 2000 BMW 3 Series is a part of the Fourth Generation which was launched for the first time in 1997. It is one of the most problematic years of the BMW 3 Series, which has got 672 Problems and six complaints. That’s Why we have added this one to the Worst BMW 3 Series Years list. Here are the most common problems of the 2000 BMW 3 Series-

• Automatic Transmission Issues
• Cooling System Issues
• WideSpread airbags recall issues
• Vanos Issues
• Rear Subframe Problems

2006 BMW 3 Series

The 2006 BMW 3 Series is the second most problematic Year of the BMW 3 Series. According to CarProblemZoo.com, it has got 1593 Prombles and 29 complaints. That’s Why it is one of the worst BMW 3 Series Sedans, So you have to avoid buying this year. Below we have given its some common problems-

• Electrical Issues
• Takata Airbags recalls
• Steering wheel lock
• Hydraulic Lifter tick

2007, 2008, and 2009 BMW 3 Series

The 2009 BMW 3 Series is the first and most problematic BMW 3 Series. According to CarProblemZoo.com, It has got the most 2052 problems. While the 2007 and 2008 Model years have also got more problems 1380 and 1019 Problems. That’s why these are the worst BMW 3 Series Years. Below we have given some common issues of these models-

• High-Pressure Fuel Pump Issues
• Water Pump Failure Problem
• Turbo Issues
• Carbon Buildup
• Oil Leaks
• Fuel Injectors issues

2011 and 2013 BMW 3 Series

2011 and 2013 are also one of the most problematic Years of the BMW 3 Series. For example- according to CarProblemZoo.com The 2011 BMW 3 Series has got 971 Problems, while the 2013 has got 390. Along with these problems, some commons problems also are, which are given below in the lists-

• Oil Leaks Problem
• Timing Chain Problem
• and Water Pump failure problems

Read Next- Best SUVs with Sunroof For 2023 and 2024.

Conclusion

Hello Friends, In this article we have learned about the best and Worst years for BMW 3 Series. And also we have known about those models’ consumers’ ratings, numbers of recalls and complaints, and other important information. We hope this article will be helpful for you and your family. If yes, You must share it with your family and friends. Thank You.

FAQs- The Worst and Best Years for BMW 3 Series