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    BMW 3 Series

    EPA MPG: 28 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 3 Series will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models and the BMW brand score.

    The 2015 BMW 3 Series has been recalled 8 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 BMW 3 Series owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "The valve cover started leaking engine oil at around 32,000 miles. It's plastic, and is a chronic problem with cars that do more than 60-70k miles, but ours got warped earlier, probably age also plays a role and not just a certain amount of temparature changes through the life of the cover."

    Anonymous A., FL (2015 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "My mechanic informed me that many 3 series BMW's have an oil leak of an engine seal."

    Anonymous A., (2015 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    "The oil leak from the oil pan under the car was caused by overtightening of the oil drain bolt on a previous oil change. This maybe an issue with any car and could therefore not be specific to this model or brand. It was resolved temporarily by tapping the threads to a larger diameter hole but this did not fix the issue. It needs a new oil pan and gasket and will be fixed soon with this solution. It is probably a user error and a common issue with most cars but something I feel should not have occurred."

    Anonymous, TX (2015 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    "Oil was leaking from the valve cover gasket and dripping onto the exhaust manifold. Was told it was best to replace the valve cover as it could have been cracked or warped."

    Anonymous A., CA (2015 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Had valve cover leaks and oil pan leaks that required replacement. Also had a rear main seal leak that needed replacement."

    Anonymous, NC (2015 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    "Developed an oil pan leak which was repaired"

    Anonymous, OH (2015 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other minor engine problem

    "Continued false oil level alarm on an extended drive. Required service technician to correct."

    Anonymous, ON (2015 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Electric engine coolant malfunction drained the battery. It was difficult for BmW to determine and I had to call AAA several times to jump start the car."

    Anonymous A., FL (2015 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    "Driver side front window regulator failed with window down. Replaced."

    Anonymous, RI (2015 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Driver and passenger doors intermittently fail to unlock when opened from the inside. This has already been repaired once and has failed again."

    Anonymous, PA (2015 BMW 3 Series 320i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Powertrain cooling leaks

    "Collant leaks from a couple of spots since 21,000 miles. I haven't fixed it because it is slow enough to ignore for weeks, and the repairs due to complexity of the engine bay is not worth the cost."

    Anonymous A., FL (2015 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    "Window seal has broken and leaks into the cabin. Fixed with some silicon"

    Anonymous, NC (2015 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "There is a rattle in the front dashboard."

    Anonymous A., (2015 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "Timing chain came off and the engine needed to be replaced. It was 26k to replace. BMW covered some of the cost, but we still had to pay 11k for a new engine."

    Anonymous, CA (2015 BMW 3 Series 328d xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
    Turbo or supercharger

    "Turbo went out $10000. To repair"

    Anonymous, MT (2015 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Emission control devices (includes EGR)

    "check engine light on and dealer cchecked and said it was diesel emissions and would cost $2000 to repair. We chose not to repair and it has run fine for 4000 miles with check engine light on"

    Anonymous, WA (2015 BMW 3 Series 328d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

    "An injector was faulty. The diagnostic assessment and the replacement a few moths later were covered by an extended warranty."

    Anonymous, NS (2015 BMW 3 Series 328d xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Refrigerant leaks

    "Refrigerant dad leeked for two years until the auto shop found the leak and replaced the part.."

    Anonymous A., RI (2015 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Developed a lead they could not find so they put in a refrigerant that can be seen under black light"

    Anonymous, OH (2015 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Backup or other camera/sensors

    "The backup camera spontaneously went out a year ago. The authorized BMW dealer really had no in-depth experience with it and suggested it was either the camera, a module or the cable run. He estimated the repair cost at $5,000. (replace everything). I never scrimp on anything, especially car maintenance, but spending that much on a 9-year old car, a third of the car value, is just too painful. l so I have not fixed it but I miss it. It could be just the cable or a bad ground but there are no dealer diagnostics , Really annoying for an otherwise great car. I am considering finding a stereo dealer to install an after market top of dash replacement which would be perhaps $1,000 at most."

    Anonymous A., NY (2015 BMW 3 Series 328d xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "Navigation system stopped working 2 years ago, about the same time as it did in my Venza. Did not fix. Too costly to fix."

    Anonymous A., RI (2015 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission sensor or solenoid

    "At times when stationary car will shift into park and wont move. After short duration I can shift back into drive"

    Anonymous, TN (2015 BMW 3 Series 328i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Bushings

    "Lower control arm bushings were replaced when the vslve cover was replaced, the the recommendation of the mechanic."

    Anonymous A., CA (2015 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Rotors

    "My brakes were extremely squeaky and the rotors felt grooved to the fingers. I had everything replaced and consider it normal wear."

    Anonymous A., NY (2015 BMW 3 Series 328d xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    2015 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    BMW vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
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    NA

    NA
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    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
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    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    NA
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    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Aug 13, 2024
    An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed October 11, 2024. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V608000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 720796
    AIR BAGS
    Jul 11, 2024
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
    What should you do:
    The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V527000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1145
    AIR BAGS
    Apr 24, 2024
    An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V288000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 5761
    FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
    Nov 19, 2021
    A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V907000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 50404
    FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
    Jul 29, 2021
    Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V586000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 11216
    POWER TRAIN
    Mar 26, 2020
    A loss of power to the rear wheels can affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the vehicle is parked after a loss of power to the rear wheels and the parking brake is not engaged, unintended rollaway can occur, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2016 328d xDrive sedans and 2013-2015 328d xDrive station wagon vehicles. The constant-velocity joint which transfers power between the transfer case and the rear drive shaft, may become damaged, possibly resulting in loss of power to the rear wheels.
    What should you do:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the constant-velocity joint and inspect the transfer case, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 22, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V185000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 8536
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Oct 25, 2018
    The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
    What should you do:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V755000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 44368
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING
    Aug 17, 2015
    If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
    What should you do:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V520000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 7727
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