Is a 2012 BMW 3 Series a reliable car?
Reliability. The 2012 BMW 3 Series has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 11 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 2. Luxury Midsize Cars. What Are Used 328i So Cheap? BMWs have a high repair cost, making them hard to maintain for many people looking for a reliable, used vehicle. The used BMW market is also heavily saturated, making it harder to keep resale values up.Long Term Repair Costs The average driver can expect to have their vehicle for about 7 to 10 years. Therefore, it is important to consider the overall long-term maintenance costs. As a German luxury vehicle, BMWs will tend to have higher than average overall long-term maintenance costs.High maintenance costs bmws are known for their performance and luxury, but this sometimes comes with higher maintenance and repair costs at dealership garages. Even with a warranty, you might find that routine maintenance and non-warranty repairs are more expensive compared to non-luxury brands.BMW Maintenance Cost – FAQs The BMW 3 Series—especially the 320i and 330i—is widely considered the cheapest to maintain due to its reliable 4-cylinder engine, simple RWD layout, and wide availability of parts.
Is the 2012 BMW 3 Series expensive to maintain?
The BMW 328i Reliability Rating is 3. The average annual repair cost is $773 which means it has higher than average ownership costs. BMW’s maintenance costs are comparable to other German luxury brands, such as Audi ($987/year) and Mercedes-Benz ($908/year). The cost of owning a BMW varies by vehicle. The BMW 3 Series is one of the cheapest models to maintain, which is why it is also one of the most popular.Why Are BMW Oil Changes So Expensive? It’s a question many owners ask. The answer lies in the quality and precision of the vehicle itself. BMW engines are finely tuned and require high-grade synthetic oil, specialized filters, and expert handling.The Cost of Maintaining a BMW 320d Routine maintenance costs are higher compared to non-luxury brands. Turbochargers, DPFs, and fuel injectors are expensive to repair or replace.BMW is a leading car brand known for its product innovations, diversified portfolio, and strong market presence. However, it faces challenges such as intense competition, brand dilution from cheaper models, and high debt levels.
What are common BMW 3 Series problems?
This one’s a big deal—and if you drive a 2012–2015 BMW 328i or 320i, you need to pay attention. The N20 and N26 four-cylinder engines used in those years have a known weakness: the timing chain and its plastic guides wear out prematurely. In some cases, it’s a quiet issue that shows up around 80,000 miles. Problematic BMW Engines with a Reputation for Breaking Down Some specific engine issues have been observed in the BMW 320d 2. Diesel, 520D 2. Diesel, and X5 330D 3. Diesel variants. The BMW 320d 2. Diesel engines, particularly the N47D20A and N47D20C variants, have been prone to timing chain problems.Models equipped with inline-six engines like the M54, N52, or B58—and diesel workhorses like the M57 or B57—frequently reach 300,000 miles or more. From million-mile E30s tested under lab conditions to 500,000+ mile M5s driven daily, the high-mileage BMW isn’t a myth—it’s a well-documented reality.The N47 had the timing chain placed at the rear of the engine as BMW felt that access to it would not be needed for the life of the vehicle. BMW usually consider lifetime to mean 100,000 miles. Replacement of the timing chain on the 1 series, 3 series and 5 series engines normally require removal of the engine.The BMW N47s engine is an upgraded version of the well-known N47 diesel engine, fitted in popular BMW models like the 320d, 520d, and X1. While offering excellent performance and fuel efficiency, it suffers from similar reliability issues as the standard N47 — particularly the infamous timing chain problem.
Which BMW 3 Series to stay away from?
Among late-model 3 Series, 2014 to 2018 and 2020 to 2023 models have the highest reliability ratings and the fewest problems. What are the worst BMW 3 Series years? Generationally, the worst 3 Series is probably the fifth-generation “E90” model built from 2005 to 2011. The BMW 320i engine continues to be a standout choice for drivers who want a premium balance of performance, efficiency, and refinement. As the heart of one of BMW’s most popular models, the 320i engine offers enough punch for everyday driving while maintaining the fuel economy needed for long-distance commutes.Durability: The BMW 3 Series is built with high-quality materials and engineering that promote longevity. Many owners report that their vehicles remain reliable well into the 200,000-mile range, with some even exceeding 300,000 miles with appropriate care.The B57D30B is widely considered the most reliable BMW diesel engine today. It’s a 3. L inline-six with modern technology, a long-lasting timing chain design, and low failure rates. It’s built for high mileage and smooth power delivery, making it perfect for daily use, long trips, and even towing.With proper maintenance, BMW engines can last well over 200,000 miles. Many owners report reliable performance for even longer, especially with models equipped with durable inline-six or well-engineered diesel engines.
How long will a 2012 BMW 3 Series last?
You can expect your 3 Series to last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles when properly maintained. Is the BMW 3 Series reliable? Due to its meticulous craftsmanship and precision engineering, the 3 Series is a durable, long-lasting, and dependable car. Reliability. The 2012 BMW 3 Series has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 11 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 2. Luxury Midsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.In general, BMWs tend to be reliable cars, and if they are looked after they can go well past the 100,000 KM mark, often even past the 200,000 KM mark or more without major issues. There are a number of factors that will impact how reliable a BMW is likely to be, especially in the higher mileage range.The F30 BMW 3 Series (2012-2019) The BMW 3 Series, particularly the F30 generation, is one of the most reliable and best-selling models BMW has ever produced. It strikes a perfect balance between sporty handling, luxury features, and long-term reliability.The BMW 328xi sedan has proven to be a reliable car for the past 10 years. Its classic styling makes it look newer than it is because it’s hard to tell it apart from newer models. Xi means good handling on snow and ice. My only complaint is that Xi also makes it slow on acceleration.