THE WEEKLY DRIVER

AUTOMOTIVE NEWS, CAR REVIEWS, AND PODCAST

Reliability Database

BMW

Engine Reliability & Known Problems

Based on 24,446 NHTSA complaints. Updated August 2026.

23 Models
216 Engines Rated
49 Generations
24,446 NHTSA Complaints
Engine Ratings Overview
92 recommended 66 caution 58 avoid

Compact

2 models
1 Series
1 generation · 2 engines
2008-2013
1 caution 1 avoid
2 Series
1 generation · 3 engines
2014-2021
2 recommended 1 caution

Grand Tourer

2 models
6 Series
2 generations · 10 engines
2004-20102012-2018
4 recommended 3 caution 3 avoid
8 Series
1 generation · 3 engines
2019-2025
2 recommended 1 caution

Compact EV

2 models
i3
1 generation · 2 engines
2014-2021
2 caution
i4
1 generation · 1 engine
2022-2025
1 caution

Subcompact SUV

2 models
X1
3 generations · 7 engines
2013-20152016-20222023-2025
2 recommended 4 caution 1 avoid
X2
1 generation · 1 engine
2018-2023
1 caution

Compact SUV

2 models
X3
4 generations · 22 engines
2004-20102011-20172018-20242025-2026
12 recommended 5 caution 5 avoid
X4
2 generations · 7 engines
2015-20182019-2025
4 recommended 3 caution

Midsize SUV

2 models
X5
4 generations · 27 engines
2000-20062007-20132014-20182019-2025
9 recommended 9 caution 9 avoid
X6
3 generations · 9 engines
2008-20142015-20192020-2025
4 recommended 5 caution

Roadster

2 models
Z3
1 generation · 6 engines
2000-2002
5 caution 1 avoid
Z4
2 generations · 9 engines
2003-20082009-2016
4 recommended 3 caution 2 avoid

Compact Sedan

1 model
3 Series
4 generations · 31 engines
2000-20062006-20112012-20182019-2025
12 recommended 5 caution 14 avoid

Compact Coupe

1 model
4 Series
2 generations · 7 engines
2014-20202021-2025
3 recommended 2 caution 2 avoid

Midsize Sedan

1 model
5 Series
5 generations · 33 engines
2000-20032004-20102011-20162017-20232024-2026
12 recommended 8 caution 13 avoid

Full-Size Sedan

1 model
7 Series
6 generations · 29 engines
200020012002-20082009-20152016-20222023-2025
20 recommended 4 caution 5 avoid

Sports Car

1 model
Alpina Roadster
1 generation · 1 engine
2003
1 caution

Midsize EV

1 model
i5
1 generation · 1 engine
2024-2025
1 caution

Full-Size EV

1 model
i7
1 generation · 1 engine
2023-2025
1 caution

Midsize EV SUV

1 model
iX
1 generation · 1 engine
2022-2025
1 avoid

Full-Size SUV

1 model
X7
1 generation · 3 engines
2019-2025
2 recommended 1 avoid
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