How Many Miles Can a BMW 3 Series Last?
The BMW 3 Series has a loyal following among luxury car lovers. Its high performance and stylish design make it stand out on the road. However, if you intend to buy one, you might wonder about its durability. Therefore, the question arises: How many miles can a BMW 3 series last?
If you take good care of your BMW 3 Series and drive it responsibly, it can last 200,000 to 250,000 miles. This translates to about 13 to 17 years without expensive repairs, with 15,000 miles of annual mileage. Some owners have even reported their cars exceeding 300,000 miles.
Let’s look more closely, where we’ll explore how it compares to similar models and the maintenance schedule to get the best out of the mileage.
Contents
How Many Miles Can a BMW 3 Series Last?
To determine the average mileage a BMW 3 Series can last, we conducted research on several websites, such as Autotrader, RepairPal, Consumer Reports, and Edmunds, among others, and considered a variety of factors.
When evaluating a car’s reliability, we’d expect its mileage to be above a certain threshold. For the BMW 3 Series, the percentage of vehicles that reached this threshold was higher than 3%. Therefore, the 3 Series seems to have a longer lifespan than other models.
BMW 3 Series Mileage Before Being Sold
We aimed to provide you with reliable, factual data rather than the idealized information provided by the manufacturer.
The table below shows the mileage of BMW 3 Series vehicles before they were sold away. We found that 4.36% of units had reached or exceeded 150,000 miles, which is impressive.
We assessed the mileage of 10,395 BMW 3 Series vehicles for sale. Of these, 453 had reached or exceeded 150,000 miles, with many even surpassing 200,000 miles. 12.03% had mileage between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, while 31% had mileage between 45,000 and 100,000 miles.
The remaining 51.75% had mileage below 45,000 miles. These findings suggest that the BMW 3 Series has a relatively long lifespan and can hold up well over time with proper maintenance.
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BMW 3 Series Reliability Compared to Its Competitors
Understanding how the BMW 3 Series compares to its competitors regarding reliability can be valuable for prospective buyers.
Overall, the 3 Series seems to perform quite well compared to other models in its class.
With the assistance of repairpal.com, the table below shows the Lexus LS ranks first, followed by the Mazda 6 and the BMW 3 Series. The Audi A4 comes next, followed by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the Acura TLX occupies the last spot on the list.
BMW 3 Series Reliability Compared to Other BMW Models
Besides comparing the BMW 3 Series to other models in its class, we also compared it to other vehicles within the BMW family through repairpal.com. The mileage percentages we’ve provided can give you a sense of how long a vehicle may last before it needs to be retired.
How Many BMW 3 Series Recalls Have There Been?
According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), the BMW 3 Series has been subjected to 56 recalls since 2010.
To check if your BMW 3 Series has any outstanding recalls, you can use the NHTSA website’s VIN lookup tool. Alternatively, you can search for recalls by make and model. This is a good way to stay informed about any potential safety issues with your vehicle.
Below is a summary of the number of recall campaigns issued each year for the BMW 3 Series since 2010.
BMW 3 Series Maintenance Schedule for Best Mileage
A car’s mileage and reliability are largely influenced by how well it is maintained. Therefore, it is important to adhere to the maintenance schedule provided by BMW.
Here’s an outline of the maintenance schedule for every 10, 20, and 40 thousand miles:
Every 10 thousand miles:
- Replace the oil filter
- Change engine oil and oil filter
- Check tire pressure
- Inspect brake pads, discs, lines, and other brake components
- Check coolant level and concentration
- Diagnose the check engine light
Every 20 thousand miles:
- Replace the air filter
- Inspect the spark plugs
- Replace the fuel filter
- Inspect the brake fluid level and condition
- Check the drive belts
- Check the transmission fluid level
- Check the suspension system
- Check for fuel line leakage
Every 40 thousand miles:
- Replace the brake pads
- Flush and replace the engine coolant
- Inspect the power steering system
- Service the transmission
- Repair the fuel injector
- Replace brake discs and rotors
- Check and replace the gaskets on the valve cover
Following this maintenance schedule can help ensure your BMW 3 Series lasts for as long as possible. It is also important to take your vehicle in for regular inspections and maintenance to identify and address any issues before they become major problems.
Read Also: How Reliable is BMW X3 Adaptive Cruise Control? Explained!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have more questions about the BMW 3 Series, the following compilation of frequently asked questions may help.
What Is Considered High Mileage For A BMW 3 Series?
The average high mileage for a BMW 3 is 150,000 miles. However, many have exceeded 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and care. If you do your regularly scheduled maintenance and service, you should expect your BMW 3 Series to last a long time.
How Reliable Is The BMW 3 Series?
JD Power and Associates gave the BMW 3 Series an overall reliability score of 80 out of 100. On the other hand, Repairpal.com rates the BMW 3 Series with 4.0 out of 5 stars. This suggests that it is pretty reliable compared to other vehicles in its class.
How Often Should I Change The Oil In My BMW 3 Series?
It is generally recommended to change your oil every 5,000 – 7,000 miles; however, the BMW 3 Series requires an oil change every 10,000 miles. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for oil changes and other maintenance is important, as it can prolong the life of your vehicle.
How Long Do The Brakes Last On A BMW 3 Series?
Your brakes should last anywhere from 25,000-75,000 miles. It is important to keep an eye on your brakes and have them inspected regularly to ensure they are in good condition. If your brakes are wearing out prematurely, it could signify a larger issue that needs to be addressed.
How Long Does The Transmission Last On A BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 3 Series transmission is built to last the car’s lifetime with regular maintenance. However, it may need to be replaced after 60,000-100,000 miles due to wear and tear. Keeping up with regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of all vehicle components.
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Conclusion
Ultimately, driving a car for 200k miles is less about the car’s make, model, or year and more about taking care of what you owe. By maintaining your car’s schedule and following the basics of good maintenance, you can ensure that it will last for years.
Overall, the BMW 3 Series is reliable and can last for quite a long time if well-maintained. While every car is different, and mileage can vary based on factors such as driving habits and climate, the 3 Series generally fares well compared to its competitors in terms of reliability.
Be sure to follow the outlined maintenance schedule above to get the most out of your car, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a long-lasting BMW 3 Series.
