The Lemon Index2022 BMW 3 Series.
The 2022 BMW 3 Series is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 9 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 11, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about tires, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 25 to 30 mpg combined. It's the best BMW 3 Series year we track.
One of the most reliable. 9.1× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2007
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 16 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW 3 Series year. 2022 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.
Recalls 3
- electrical 2026
Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models.
- 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.
- transmission & drivetrain 2022
The mechatronics unit inside the transmission may not have been assembled properly, which could result in an internal leak.
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 90 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: Due to a software failure, there is the possibility that…
- BMW AG has issued an Emissions Recall (effective March 17, 2023) on a certain Model Year 2021…
- The gear selector switch (GWS) consists of the control electronics circuit and the selector lever
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| BMW 3 Series 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| BMW M3 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW M3 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2650–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2022 BMW 3 Series reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 9.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 11; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2022 BMW 3 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are tires (33%), transmission & drivetrain (11%) and brakes (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2022 BMW 3 Series have?
3 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 2022 BMW 3 Series get?
25 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2022 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 2022 BMW 3 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2022 BMW 3 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $2650 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2022 BMW 3 Series have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
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