The Lemon Index2019 BMW 3 Series.
The 2019 BMW 3 Series is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 10 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 13, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 9 recalls, and it gets 23 to 30 mpg combined. The best BMW 3 Series year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 41 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW 3 Series year. 2019 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 57K miles on the car (15 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 9
- electrical 2025
The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
- seat belts 2023
The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt.
- seats 2023
The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
Show all 9 recalls
- back over prevention 2021
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- steering 2020
In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.
- seat belts 2019
The outboard rear seat belt pretensioners may not lock as intended during a crash.
- engine 2019
The needle roller bearings of the counterbalance shafts may have been improperly installed, potentially causing the counterbalance shaft to loosen.
- back over prevention 2019
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- airbags 2019
The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and assembled.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 390 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Check engine oil level message
- Service Information May 2019 Engine B11 07 19 Technical Service RATTLING NOISE FROM ENGINE IN…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 3 Series SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| BMW 3 Series GT 5 HB AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2650–3450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2019 BMW 3 Series reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 7.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 13; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW 3 Series year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2019 BMW 3 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (20%), wheels (20%) and stability control (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 BMW 3 Series have?
9 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 BMW 3 Series get?
23 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 BMW 3 Series safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2019 BMW 3 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 BMW 3 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $2650 to $3450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 BMW 3 Series have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW 3 Series year is better than the 2019?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2019 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works