THE WEEKLY DRIVER

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Reliability Database
BMW

3 Series

Compact Sedan
Best Engine ✅ Recommended (4.1)
4 Generations
31 Engines Rated
9,360 Total Complaints
Engine Ratings
12 recommended 5 caution 14 avoid

Generation Timeline

2000-2006 E46
12 engines
4,308 complaints 🔥 165 ☠ 5
3.2L 6-cyl ⚠️ Caution (2.4)
→
2006-2011 E90
7 engines
3,432 complaints 🔥 192 ☠ 1
4.0L 8-cyl ❌ Avoid (1.6)
→
2012-2018 F30
8 engines
1,422 complaints 🔥 45
2.0L 4-cyl ✅ Recommended (4.0)
→
2019-2025 G20
4 engines
198 complaints 🔥 8
2.0L 4-cyl ✅ Recommended (4.1)
→
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