BMW 3 SERIES (2017)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 8,077 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Total Tests (2024)
8,077
Avg Mileage
67,957 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,772
Is the 2017 BMW 3 SERIES reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.
At 7 years old, 90% of BMW 3 SERIESs from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 8,077 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 67,957 miles.
How does the 2017 BMW 3 SERIES compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2017 BMW 3 SERIES has 67,957 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-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 2017 sits between the two at 90%.
How much does a 2017 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 2017 BMW 3 SERIES
The 2017 BMW 3 SERIES is a premium with a 1998cc petrol engine. 8,077 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2017, the average MOT pass rate is 87%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 67,957 miles at 7 years old, BMW 3 SERIES owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2017 BMW 3 SERIES Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2017 BMW 3 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,772 (£148/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2017 BMW 3 SERIES
At 7 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 8,077 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2017 BMW 3 SERIES
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2015) 85% pass rate (-5%) from 129,337 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (+2%) from 89,653 tests
- FORD KUGA (2018) 90% pass rate (same) from 67,605 tests
- MINI COOPER (2018) 92% pass rate (+2%) from 55,706 tests