BMW 3 Series Touring estate (2012-2019) - Reliability & safety

The BMW 3 Series Touring features top-notch safety systems, although saloon owners report average reliability

Carbuyer Rating

3.7 out of 5

Owners Rating
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Reliability & safety Rating

3.5 out of 5

BMW 3 Series Touring owners tend to (understandably) expect a lot from their cars, so it’s disappointing to note it has only an average reputation for reliability, with an underwhelming 39th place finish out of 75 cars in our 2018 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey.

BMW 3 Series Touring reliability

The BMW 3 Series range was rated just above average for reliability in our 2018 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey of cars currently on sale in the UK. Of the owners who responded, 7.6% reported experiencing a problem with their car on one or more occasion.

Its engines and gearboxes attracted praise from owners, as did its infotainment and connectivity systems. Practicality and space, though, wasn't rated so highly, and its running costs fail to impress.

Safety

Naturally, the 3 Series Saloon (which is mechanically identical to the Touring) was awarded the full five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash safety tests, coming with mandatory equipment like electronic stability control and a tyre-pressure warning system, as well as the usual host of airbags as standard. You can also add further accessories to make it even safer, such as a system that helps you keep the car in your lane on the motorway, and another that tells you if there’s a car in your blind spot when you go to change lanes – although it’s a shame that these more advanced systems are optional, rather than standard.

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    318i SE 5dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £31,970

Most Economical

  • Name
    330e SE Pro 5dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £41,925

Fastest

  • Name
    M340i xDrive 5dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £49,570

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

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