BMW 3 Series saloon (2011-2018) | owner reviews: MPG, Problems & Reliability

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Great fuel economy, quick if required and looks great with very good reliability.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Overall, an excellent car that is quite powerful for a 2L diesel. The engine does sound agricultural at low speed, but it soon becomes unnoticeable. I had one problem with the car, which was down to the EGR valve failing at only 17k. It was fixed the same day under BMW drive assist, where the technician came out to my work and replaced it. He assured me it's supermarket diesel that causes this problem. Since then I've done another 11k with no problems whatsoever. I'm getting a consistent 54mpg at a fairly constant 70mph, which given the Xdrive four-wheel-drive system costs you around 7mpg, is pretty good. Talking of which, the Xdrive was absolutely superb in the snow we had in Feb/Mar. The 8 speed autobox is mostly seamless and it rarely gets caught out, although the car does seem to hold on to too high a gear occasionally (no doubt in the name of economy). A quick flick into manual mode brings a rapid down-shift though. Build quality is quite good, although I do get the odd vibration noise on newly laid, gritty type road surfaces. The tyre noise and what seems to me, wind noise, are quite high, I feel. It's been test driven and I'm told there's nothing wrong with it. Which lets the car down slightly, I feel. The cabin is mostly a nice place to be, but the seats are not particularly comfortable. Coming from a Rover 75 with it's brilliant seats, perhaps I expected too much. I keep coming back to the fact that 0-60 takes less than 7.5 secs, combined with 54mpg economy and this keeps me happy, although I occasionally wish I'd bought a 3 litre just for the pure grunt.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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This is the worst car I’ve ever owned. It looks great, which is just as well as your neighbors will certainly see a lot of it. Mine has been very unreliable – the 2.0 litre petrol engine is rubbish, constantly braking down with numerous faults. I've got rid now. Mine was an overpriced and overrated paperweight.

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No Red thumbs down

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One the best cars that I have owned in all respects. Amazing power and handling but economical for such a powerful engine and drivetrain. Tax and insurance are both very reasonable for what is for me an awesome sports saloon. For a drivers car in this sector I believe this is one of the best on the market, I may struggle to part with this which will be a first for me.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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An excellent blend of performance, handling, engineering and build quality/finish and I love the way it drives. This is my 7th BMW purchased new and each one is a subtle improvement over the last one. I always look at and try the competition when it comes to changing but I've yet to find something else that would tempt me away from BMW. It helps to have great service from my local and other BMW dealers.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Had this car for 2 years and been to bmw under warranty 3 times now. 2 sensors, flywheel failure( from start/stop they saed), and now is with them because the diff is leaking . Kinda too many issues in 2years. but apart from that is a nice car

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Ive now done 106,000 miles in this car. Never broken down, always puts a smile on my face. Every colleague I've let drive it has ordered one as it's quick, efficient and so comfy. I have the sport with M Sport adaptive dampers and auto box. One real down side of this model is the agricultural engine at idol. When moving on it's quite pleasing though. Auto box is smooth most of time but snatches when coasting to a junction then dabbing the gas to get moving. Very comfy on 18" rims. Sat nav is 99% good but redirections are often premature and take more time. Servotronic steering is qood but creaks and needs lubing every 30k miles. Get one! But be careful on the extras. I'd suggest the dampers, tinted glass and upgraded satnav. Rarely used paddle shifters so it's an expensive toy.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Superb car with plenty of power and excellent handling. Had the car a while now. Purchased the car as a replacement for my 2007 x type 2.0d se which was sublime on comfort. My expectations on the test drive were that the car would be uncomfortable due to BMW's renowned suspension. However, this was not the case. It's also plenty powerful albeit with the new 2 litre twin power turbo and 8 speed auto. I drove an 2.2 xf with the 8at and it was no where near as good. The gearbox and engine complement each other perfectly. Economy is also good. Do a lot of travelling to the Lake District and usually average 50mpg over the 105 mile run at 62mph. Achieved 56.3 on a run to London. Road tax is also good at £145.00 for a car which can keep up with the likes of focus STs and VXRs. Having owned a VXR, I will also say the power delivery is very smooth and progressive. Mine was a pre release car and was specced up with adaptive lighting, electronic leather sports seats, full park assist with auto park, 3 way split rear seat, Internet, nav pro, enhanced bluetooth to name some. Not many people like the lighter interior of the modern line, but for me it's perfect. Only thing I would change is the top dash colour to black so a black steering wheel could be fitted and not look out of place. The light oyster colour does get dirty quickly. Also looks stunning in sapphire black. Not had any major problems but will list what has been done. 1. You get the halo lights with adaptive lighting. One failed so had a new headlamp unit. 2. Early f30s suffered with some teething problems on the steering. So steering rack was replaced. Both there were done under warranty and very swiftly by the dealership. Even got a free software update when the rack was replaced!

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Yes Green thumbs up

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A simply stunning vehicle that is a pleasure to drive. The M Sport finish adds a touch or sportiness and masculinity to the car. The running costs are negligible, £35 a year road tax (first year free), three year warranty (everything but tyres included, even bulbs) and 5 year servicing! Once you own one of these machines you ain't going for any other manufactures!

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Engine developed rattle/knocking noise after about 7k, bought the car at 2.5k, have had it into two dealers who are maintaining it is a characteristic of the engine, but it sounds more like a diesel. If it had made that noise when I veiwed it I would not have bought the car. I am concerned something catastrophic will happen, hopefully before the warranty runs out, maybe then BMW will admit to there being a fault with the engine. Apart from that it is a good car.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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What a terrific engine, it just pulls away - it is so quick it is unbelievable. This car has it all, comfort and performance - and fuel economy is not too bad either. I use the car for short trips mainly, going to and from work and the shopping, and on occasion a longer journey. I see it doing 37mpg, which isn't too shabby for a 3-litre machine.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Best 3 series to date, feels more like a 5 series. Strong diesel engine with amazing economy in eco pro mode. Good handling and great place to be inside. Just a bit too much road noise at speed but tyres could be to blame.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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+ very good ride comfort, roomy interior, decent economy - numb steering, noisy (diesel rattle + tyres) All in all decent car but not perfect for the price. Excellent ride quality (rear suspension does its job very well) but poor noise insulation. Sufficient space for 2+1 family also at the rear seats. Poor body control discourages either from dynamic B road or high speed motorway drive.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Love this car. Autobox is faultless, very comfortable and economical. On long runs it's easy to achieve 60 - 65 mpg. Plenty of performance when you need it. Cheap to tax only £30 pa. Only fault so far were rusty seat bases (common on all early F30's) However these were replaced under warranty.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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I live in the US and I love this car! It is very fast ,I have raced pimped out 2 seaters and won. It may not be as comfortable as other cars but it gets good gas mileage and is fast. I have got it up to 140mph and it just cruses along.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Amazingly frugal if you take it easy. 1500 rpm at 70mph. When necessary it is a real performance machine, extremely quick when you need it to be. An understated car compared to mercs and audis. Comfortable in drive mode, fun in sport mode, but at any point power is available when you want it. 3rd bmw I have had and this is the best yet. The 3 litre straight 6 is the best diesel engine available in my opinion.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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No Red thumbs down

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No Red thumbs down

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Rear Light Bulb Required and oil top up. Had to return to dealer as bulb not replaced correctly and warning light came on again

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Yes Green thumbs up

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No Red thumbs down

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Yes Green thumbs up

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No Red thumbs down

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Generally reliable with occasional suspension problems. Bushes etc

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Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Faultless and no rattles

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Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Never had a single problem

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Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

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Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Touch wood - it starts and runs well every time

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No Red thumbs down

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No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

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No problems at all.

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No Red thumbs down

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had the car 3 months. Pretty bullet proof tbh - just had to have some of the surround on the windscreen replaced due to wind noise at speed.

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No Red thumbs down

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This is my 4th bmw and to date I have never had a problem with any of them.

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No Red thumbs down

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Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Nothing wrong so far.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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no problems yet

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Yes Green thumbs up

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good car not the best in snow/ice

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No Red thumbs down

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No problems to date

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Yes Green thumbs up

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One ignition coil failure

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Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Had coil pack issues, regular wear and tear

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Never had any problems. The easiest car to live with I've ever owned

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Yes Green thumbs up

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had a problem with balanced clutch

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No Red thumbs down

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Yes Green thumbs up

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No problems at all

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Not really had any problems

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No Red thumbs down

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Yes Green thumbs up

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What is there to say. It is reliable!

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Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Excellent other than tyre pressure sensors, access to tyres (had a nail in a tyre) and brake wear sensor that was reset

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Not one single problem since I've had it

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Yes Green thumbs up

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reasonable

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No Red thumbs down

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No problems so far!

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Has been perfect

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Yes Green thumbs up

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No problems at all

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Too early to tell.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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ignition coil pack and fuel injector problem.Known BMW weakness even if BMW UK will not admit this weakness,other than this car has been faultless

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Only a couple of known faults which have been fixed

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Yes Green thumbs up

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only had a broken rear spring and the usual tyres and brake pads. An exhaust as well

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No Red thumbs down

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No problems

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Has to go in for warranty work on fan. Leaves had got in- grill fitted. Why was grill not fitted at factory?

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Yes Green thumbs up

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keep's on breaking down on regular basis

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No Red thumbs down

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No problems so far.

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Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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No Red thumbs down

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Never had any problems

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Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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no major problems yet

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Yes Green thumbs up

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It's ok, not bad

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Never let me down. 1 minor fault in auto gearbox rectified under warranty.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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no issues so far, just tyres and servicing

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Yes Green thumbs up

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So far, so good

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Only had the car a few weeks but very good so far

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Never ever any issues at all

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

BMW 3 Series saloon (2011-2018): owner reviews

"The BMW 3 Series is the small executive saloon we judge others against. It has set the class benchmark for many years"

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