The Lemon Index2024 BMW 3 Series.
The 2024 BMW 3 Series has too few complaints to score: 11 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 26 to 29 mpg combined. The best BMW 3 Series year is 2022.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 11 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW 3 Series year. 2024 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 2
- electrical 2026
Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models.
- steering 2023
The steering gear may not have been tightened properly, which can allow it to loosen.
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 70 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Check Control message (CCM) indicates: (ID 213): Stop, exercising due care
- The Ethernet bus of the Body Domain Controller (BDC) is interrupted so that audio output, rear…
- The customer may hear an intermittent humming or foghorn type sound in vehicle
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 Hybrid Sedan 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 3 Series Hybrid Sedan 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 3 Series Sedan 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| BMW 3 Series Sedan 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2750–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Uncontrollable acceleration that caused a crash, bmw checked the vehicle and claimed nothing wrong even tho i have video proof recreating the problem.
2024 BMW 3 Series owner · NHTSA complaint 11763898
More owner reports
Yesterday 4pm try to park my car at infront of grage door i have been slow down with touch break pedal. But this car won't stop at all so this car hit home grage door and and side stone decorations.
NHTSA complaint 11700260
Quick answers
Is the 2024 BMW 3 Series reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 11 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2024 BMW 3 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (27%), brakes (18%) and backup camera (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2024 BMW 3 Series have?
2 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 2024 BMW 3 Series get?
26 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2024 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 2024 BMW 3 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2024 BMW 3 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $2750 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2024 BMW 3 Series have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What BMW 3 Series year is better than the 2024?
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