- Reliability Index score out of 100
- 65
- Average repair cost
- £1,307
- Most regular repair request
- Suspension
- Average age at repair
- 7 years
- Average mileage at repair
- 72,631 miles
The UK’s 7th most popular used car
Known for performance and quality, and accounting for 1/5th of all BMW cars currently on UK roads1, it isn’t a shock to see the BMW 3 Series is one of the most popular cars in the UK. It is the first BMW to enter the most popular used cars list, with Vauxhall and Ford dominating the top half. The 3 Series has secured the 7th spot in the top 10 list, with a total of 155,100 sales in 2023 [2], but how reliable is it?
What does the Reliability Index data say?
To give motorists insight into the BMW 3 Series’ reliability, we scored it against our index criteria, and it scored a very respectable 65 out of 100. Interestingly, this is a higher score than the Vauxhall Astra, Ford Focus, and Volkswagen Golf – all of which were more popular than the BMW 3 Series in 2023. The BMW does come with a higher price tag, so you’d expect it to achieve a higher reliability score than other used cars.
According to our data, the most regular BMW 3 Series repair request area is the suspension. Signs of a faulty suspension include pulling when driving, difficulty steering, and oily shock absorbers. Suspension faults can be serious, and repairs can be complex and costly, so safeguarding yourself with an extended warranty* could offer some peace of mind.
What is the average age of the BMW 3 Series when faults occur?
Our data shows that the average age of the BMW 3 Series at the time of requested repairs is 7 years. This is very similar to the majority of the cars on the SMMT list, albeit it is technically the lowest out of the group.
What is the average mileage of the BMW 3 Series when faults occur?
The average mileage at the time of requested repairs is 72,631 miles. As we’ve discussed, most cars function efficiently between 50,000 – 80,000 miles [3]. The 3 BMW Series sits at the higher end of this benchmark, indicating that it could be reliable. However, no car is immune to sudden faults, so it’s better to save yourself from the stress of repairs by protecting yourself with an extended warranty*.
What are the running costs of the BMW 3 Series
Our index data found that the average cost of a BMW repair request is £1,307, and the highest repair request we’ve received is £12,655. Repairing a luxury car like a BMW can sometimes be more expensive than repairing a budget model, as the higher-quality parts will be more expensive. Something to keep in mind before you buy.
It is a dependable executive car that’s versatile, comfortable, and fun to drive. The 3 Series comes with numerous engine options, so fuel economy is hard to estimate, but the average mpg is 28-59 combined. Most models fall between insurance groups 25 and 39, which is fairly high, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a good deal – just make sure to do your research.
The prices of the 3 Series vary widely. They start at a relatively affordable range for models like the basic 320i or 320d, but they can go up significantly for more high-performance options like the M340i or M340d. The M3, especially with its supercar-like speed, falls into the upper end of the price spectrum. A used 3 Series BMW can set you back anywhere between £6k to north of £40k depending on the age and model. If you want luxury and style you have to pay for it! So be sure to protect your investment with an extended warranty.
How practical is the BMW 3 series?
It’s no surprise that the BMW 3 Series is so popular. It offers a good amount of storage throughout the cabin, which is handy for families or regular business travellers. The 3 Series also provides a generous amount of leg and head room. While it’s quite a low car to get into, the rear doors are quite big, and there’s a good amount of headroom and legroom. A fifth passenger will struggle in the middle seat due to the transmission tunnel, but that’s not unusual for a mid-size executive car of this kind
In terms of boot space, there’s enough room for some medium-sized suitcases, a folded down buggy, and a bit of food shopping – again making the 3 Series a very practical option. The rear seats also fold down easily, should you need even more space for lots of large luggage or transporting furniture
Is it worth buying?
Although the BMW 3 Series is a fantastic car, the high potential repair costs are definitely something to be aware of. Should you opt for a 3 Series, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to protect yourself with an extended warranty*
With Warrantywise you’ll get unlimited repairs, emergency breakdown, car hire, onward travel and a UK based call centre as standard*. Check out our extended warranties for your BMW.
Reliability ratings for the 10 most popular cars in the UK
These are the most popular cars as purchased by you in 2023 (source SMMT top 10 used car sales 2023). We’ve given each car a reliability rating out of 100 along with key reliability insights such as average repair cost, most expensive repair request and average age at repair. Please note, since the SMMT does not report on MINI models, we cannot provide model-specific reliability data.
Source
Warrantywise Reliability Index Scoring and Data: Rank is measured by repair request frequency, average vehicle age at the time of fault, average mileage and average labour time, from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2023, and includes vehicles between three and ten years old where there are a minimum of 250 cars on plan. Average repair costs collated over a period between 1 January 2020 and 30 September 2023. Since the sample was selected, Warrantywise has seen a significant rise in the price of labour and parts, which will impact future repair costs. All data used is from Warrantywise’s proprietary internal research. Warrantywise believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.
Warranty FAQs.
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A used car warranty can help manage the cost of unexpected repairs after a manufacturer’s warranty ends. Warranty plans vary, so check the plan documentation carefully for listed components, exclusions, repair limits and any conditions you need to follow.
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A discretionary warranty means each repair request is assessed individually, based on its particular circumstances rather than relying on automated systems. This allows the full context of each request to be considered before a decision is made.
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An extended warranty can help you manage the cost of mechanical or electrical repairs once the manufacturer’s warrant has ended. Add-ons such as breakdown recovery, car hire or onward travel may also be available depending on the plan level.
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The warranty plan options available to you will depend on factors such as your vehicle’s age and mileage. You can then tailor selected features and limits to reflect your needs and budget.
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Yes. You can use a VAT-registered garage of your choice or a Warrantywise Authorised Repairer. If you use your own garage, check that the labour rate is within the limit shown on your plan schedule.
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Once Warrantywise has provided written authorisation, the garage can carry out the agreed repair. If further work or a change in cost is needed, the garage must contact Warrantywise and receive additional authorisation before continuing.
Payment arrangements depend on the garage you use. Warrantywise will normally pay the agreed repair contribution directly to an Authorised Repairer. If you use your own VAT-registered garage, you may need to pay first and provide the required documentation for reimbursement.
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If your car’s most recent service was completed in line with the manufacturer’s recommended schedule, you may not need to service it before your plan starts.
You will need to arrange a service within 14 days if you are unable to provide evidence of servicing, and you must follow the recommended schedule throughout the plan.
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Regular servicing helps maintain your vehicle and provides evidence that you have followed the plan requirements. Keep your service invoices and records, as Warrantywise may request them when assessing a repair request.
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Before the plan starts, the vehicle’s servicing must be brought up to date in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, including any recommended upkeep. You will need to provide evidence that the required service and any associated work have been completed.
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No, you do not usually need to have your car inspected before taking out a Warrantywise plan. However, you will need to provide accurate information about your vehicle such as its age, mileage and service history.
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Warrantywise plans may be available monthly or for fixed terms of 12, 24 or 36 months. The terms and prices available for your vehicle will be shown in your quotation.
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You can pay for your Warrantywise plan in full, spread the cost over four months or choose a monthly pay-as-you-go option. Before choosing, check the payment schedule so you understand how much you will pay, when payments are due and how the pay-as-you-go option works.
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You can receive a full refund if you cancel within 14 days, provided you have not asked Warrantywise to contribute towards a repair. Check your plan book for the full cancellation conditions.
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If your car breaks down outside Warrantywise’s repairs office hours, including at weekends or during bank holidays, call the 24-hour breakdown assistance line on 0800 054 2174. Always follow the out-of-hours repair procedure in your plan book before agreeing to any repair work.
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Stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so, as continuing could cause further damage. Contact the Warrantywise repairs team on 01254 648 212 for the next steps, ans do not authorise repair work until you have received written authorisation from Warrantywise.
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Electrical parts are components that use, generate, store or control electrical power within your car, for example sensors, control units and dashboard displays. For full details please refer to your plan booklet, as the parts listed will depend on your plan level.
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Mechanical parts are components that use movement or force to help your car operate, for example parts within the engine, steering and suspension systems. For full details please refer to your plan booklet, as the parts listed will depend on your plan level.
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If your car breaks down while you are travelling abroad, you will need to arrange and pay for recovery. If the vehicle requires repairs, contact Warrantywise as soon as possible and follow the repair procedure set out in your plan book.
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If your vehicle is off the road while an authorised repair is being completed, Warrantywise may contribute towards the cost of a hire car for up to 10 days. Check your plan book for full details, including any daily rate or vehicle-type limits.
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The plan cannot be transferred from your current car to another vehicle, however you may be able to cancel it and put any remaining balance towards a new Warrantywise plan for your own or a family member’s vehicle.
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If you are unhappy with the service you have received, you can contact us via post, online form or by phone. Visit our Complaints page for more information.
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Our customer service teams are based in our Blackburn office. When you contact Warrantywise about a repair request, complaint or question about your warranty plan, you’ll speak to a member of the relevant team who will guide you through the next steps.
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Edd China fulfils the role of expert adjudicator, this means he has the final say over any dispute that we cannot resolve between us, subject of course to your statutory rights.
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Quentin Willson was instrumental in working with Warrantywise from 2007 to 2023 to develop our extended warranty plans to ensure they are clear, transparent and comprehensive. In July 2023, he passed over the responsibility of expert adjudicator to Edd China who will use his ‘discretion’ to ensure a fair and equitable resolution on a case-by-case basis.