- 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, 24/7 breakdown cover, car hire, onward travel and a UK based call centre as standard*. Check out our extended warranties for your BMW.
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 cover. 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 FAQ’s.
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A car warranty, or an extended car warranty as you may also see it called, can help to pay for the cost of fixing your car if something goes wrong with it, like a mechanical or electrical problem.
New cars usually come with a warranty that lasts for 3 years. This means the manufacturer will fix any problems during that time. After this period any repairs or problems will need to be fixed by the vehicle owner.
For peace of mind, after your manufacturer’s warranty expires to help you seek to manage repair costs effectively, you can purchase an extended warranty.
Warranties do not include all defects. Most warranties will never pay for accidental damage or premature failure of a part.
You must read the plan terms and conditions of any warranty before you take it out.
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Our warranties are discretionary. This discretion allows for flexibility, as in each case we exercise our discretion to decide whether and how to resolve repair claims.
We have appointed an independent arbiter, Edd China, to ensure that any disputes with customers are resolved in a fair and un-biased manner. In the event of a dispute between us, Edd China has the final ‘discretion’.
This is what makes Warrantywise unique.
With access to our network of approved repair centres, you can rely on professional and reliable repairs.
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An extended car warranty from Warrantywise provides protection for your vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, shielding you from unexpected repair costs that can arise due to mechanical or electrical failures. With additional benefits including recovery, car hire and onward travel, to name but a few, our warranty gives you peace of mind, eliminating the stress and hassle associated with unforeseen repairs and expenses. With access to our network of approved repair centres, you can rely on professional and reliable repairs. By choosing Warrantywise, you can budget more effectively and avoid unexpected costs with cover you can be confident in.
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Our warranties are designed to provide the widest potential scope of repairs for the age and mileage of your vehicle. We automatically select the most appropriate level of plan for your vehicle, which you can then tailor to meet your specific needs during the online quote process or by speaking with one of our team of warranty experts on 0800 001 4990, who will help you through the process.
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At Warrantywise, we aim to make the repair process hassle-free for everyone. When If you choose one of our Authorised Repairers to carry out an approved repair, we will handle the settlement of the repair cost directly with them, eliminating the need for you to make any payments.
We always recommend using one of our Approved Repairers. Their repair facilities undergo careful monitoring to guarantee the best workmanship and service quality.
However, we understand that you may have a preferred garage in mind. If that’s the case, please ensure they are VAT registered and follow our provided ‘Repairs Procedure’ outlined in the plan booklet. It’s also crucial to verify that their labour rate aligns with your warranty schedule.
If you decide to use your preferred garage, you may be required to pay the bill in full. However, rest assured, once the repair work has been agreed by us, we will promptly reimburse you directly for the agreed expenses. Our aim is to provide convenience and financial peace of mind throughout the repair journey.
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As long as your car has an up to date service history you don’t necessarily need to service the car before we issue a warranty. However, if the vehicle doesn’t have evidence that the last service was performed at the correct time, you will need to arrange to have the car serviced to the manufacturer’s recommendations before your warranty cover is effective. Please refer to Section G – Servicing your vehicle for full details.
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It is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to maintain their vehicle. Following the manufacturer’s service schedule ensures that vehicles are properly maintained.
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It is important to thoroughly check the service history of a second-hand vehicle before purchasing. Where the previous owner has missed a service, we’ll still provide a warranty if the service history is brought up to date according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (including any recommended remedial work). This must be brought up to date immediately and proof of the service provided.
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No, you don’t have to have a car inspected before it can go on cover.
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Our warranties are available in lengths to suit your needs. From monthly warranties to 12, 24 or 36 month warranties.
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You can choose to pay for your warranty in full, over 4 month or PAYG (monthly pay as you go).
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All Warrantywise plans come with a no question 14 day money back guarantee. You can cancel the plan at any time within the first 14 days and providing you have not requested that we meet the cost of any repairs, we will cancel the plan and refund your payment without deduction.
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We always recommend using one of our Approved Repairers. These repair facilities undergo careful monitoring to guarantee the best workmanship and service quality. However, we understand that you may have a preferred garage in mind. If that’s the case, please ensure they are VAT registered and follow our provided ‘Repairs Procedure’ outlined in the plan booklet. It’s also crucial to verify that their labor rate aligns with your warranty schedule.
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Our repairs office hours are 8.30am-5.00pm Monday – Friday (except bank holidays). If you breakdown out of hours, please phone our 24/7 breakdown service on 0800 054 2174. For full details on what to do with regards to repairs out of hours, please refer to your plan book.
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It is important to stop driving the vehicle immediately, and call our repairs team on 01254 355102. The lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. In the case of an emergency breakdown out of hours, please call 0800 054 2174. If you continue to drive after you suspect a fault, it could affect your warranty. Rest assured, we are here to assist you throughout the process.
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The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘Electrical’ as: (1) concerned with, operating by, or producing electricity. This means it has to be powered by, use, or produce electricity in order to function. NB: There are some items listed under our Additions that we will never pay for under the warranty.
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The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘Mechanical’ as: (1) relating to or operated by a machine or machinery. (2) relating to physical forces or motion. This basically means it has to be a part that moves, is moved and/or is acted upon by something else that makes it do that motion. NB: There are some items listed under our Additions that we will never pay for under the warranty.
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If, during a journey, your Vehicle suffers a Breakdown within Great Britain you can telephone 0844 693 1910 (24h service) and we will arrange for an engineer to attend. If your Vehicle suffers a breakdown whilst in the European Union, you will need to make your own recovery arrangements and submit a claim under the warranty.
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If your repair is approved and you need a hire car, because your vehicle is off the road, we may reimburse you for up 10 days for car hire, please refer to the terms of your warranty for details.
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If you purchased your warranty directly, then yes. If you sell your car, you can transfer the remainder of your warranty to your new vehicle. Depending on the make, age and mileage of your new car additional charges may apply. Call our admin team on 0800 001 4990 for full details.
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We take complaints very seriously and all complaints are thoroughly investigated by our Customer Relations Team. Our commitment to customer satisfaction means that if you are dissatisfied with the initial response, we have an escalation process in place to address your concerns further. We value your feedback and strive to continuously improve our services, ensuring that your experience with Warrantywise is of the highest standard. For more information on the escalation process, please refer to our complaints page, and if we cannot resolve your complaint between us, you can refer it to Edd China for consideration in his role as Final Arbiter.
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All calls are answered directly from our UK offices by our knowledgeable and experienced customer advice teams. We take pride in providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that your enquiries and concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently. Our dedicated teams are here to assist you with any questions you may have, offering expert guidance and support.
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Edd China fulfils the role of independent arbiter, 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 final arbiter to Edd China who will use his ‘discretion’ to ensure a fair and equitable resolution on a case-by-case basis.