Bmw 3
Reliability, running costs, and MOT data across 3 years from 185 real MOT tests.
Avg Pass Rate
88%
Total Tests
185
Best Year
2009 (91%)
Years Covered
3
How reliable is the Bmw 3?
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About the Bmw 3
The Bmw 3 has been tested 185 times in 2024 MOT data across 3 model years (2009 to 2014), with an average pass rate of 88%. That's comfortably above the national average of 82%, making it a reliable choice. Available as hybrid and petrol and diesel.
Best and Worst Years
The 2009 model is the most reliable with a 91% pass rate from 34 tests. The 2013 model has the lowest at 86%. With just a 5 point spread, the 3 is consistently reliable regardless of year.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (2009) averages 101,097 miles, while the newest (2014) averages 71,139 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Click any year in the table above to see detailed running costs, individual reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.