BMW 3 SERIES (2011)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 57,568 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Total Tests (2024)
57,568
Avg Mileage
119,984 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,577
Is the 2011 BMW 3 SERIES reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 13 years old, 81% of BMW 3 SERIESs from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 57,568 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 119,984 miles.
How does the 2011 BMW 3 SERIES compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2011 BMW 3 SERIES has 119,984 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Best year to buy a BMW 3 SERIES?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 77%. The 2011 sits between the two at 81%.
How much does a 2011 BMW 3 SERIES cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 3 SERIES by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 93% | 908 | 28,473 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 7,526 | 41,101 mi |
| 2019 | 91% | 27,338 | 48,949 mi |
| 2018 | 91% | 19,475 | 56,573 mi |
| 2017 | 90% | 8,077 | 67,957 mi |
| 2016 | 90% | 48,559 | 80,506 mi |
| 2015 | 88% | 61,659 | 89,425 mi |
| 2014 | 87% | 63,059 | 101,192 mi |
| 2013 | 85% | 71,326 | 106,062 mi |
| 2012 | 82% | 68,955 | 111,893 mi |
| 2011 | 81% | 57,568 | 119,984 mi |
| 2010 | 80% | 52,791 | 122,709 mi |
| 2009 | 80% | 49,275 | 121,100 mi |
| 2008 | 80% | 48,705 | 125,171 mi |
| 2007 | 80% | 55,686 | 130,265 mi |
| 2006 | 80% | 40,353 | 136,490 mi |
| 2005 | 78% | 24,924 | 133,038 mi |
| 2004 | 78% | 18,555 | 124,569 mi |
| 2003 | 78% | 19,201 | 122,025 mi |
| 2002 | 79% | 14,796 | 121,727 mi |
| 2001 | 77% | 9,406 | 117,601 mi |
| 2000 | 77% | 4,799 | 114,997 mi |
| 1999 | 78% | 7,815 | 113,190 mi |
| 1998 | 79% | 6,287 | 122,358 mi |
| 1997 | 79% | 4,853 | 120,261 mi |
| 1996 | 82% | 3,215 | 116,915 mi |
| 1995 | 80% | 2,059 | 114,256 mi |
| 1994 | 78% | 1,263 | 115,103 mi |
| 1993 | 82% | 1,173 | 110,323 mi |
| 1992 | 84% | 1,309 | 110,038 mi |
| 1991 | 82% | 1,861 | 119,331 mi |
| 1990 | 84% | 3,316 | 122,194 mi |
Checking a specific BMW 3 SERIES?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2011 BMW 3 SERIES
The 2011 BMW 3 SERIES is a premium with a 2000cc diesel engine. 57,568 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 119,984 miles at 13 years old, BMW 3 SERIES owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2011 BMW 3 SERIES Fuel Costs
The 2000cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2011 BMW 3 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,577 (£131/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 3 SERIES Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 3 SERIESs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2011 BMW 3 SERIES
At 13 years old, the BMW 3 SERIES is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 57,568 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2011 BMW 3 SERIES
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2013) 85% pass rate (+4%) from 103,434 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2013) 79% pass rate (-2%) from 101,969 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2010) 74% pass rate (-7%) from 75,715 tests
- AUDI A3 (2013) 84% pass rate (+3%) from 55,981 tests