BMW 3 Series Compact E46 (2001–2005)

4.8/5
Reliability score Good
Email-verified reliability report

Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

4 Verified owner reports

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Most reported affected parts

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No affected parts have been reported yet.

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
316i (116 Hp) (N42B18) No reports 0 No issues reported
316i (116 Hp) Steptronic (N42B18) No reports 0 No issues reported
318ti (143 Hp) (N42B20) No reports 0 No issues reported
318ti (143 Hp) Steptronic (N42B20) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 2 more engines
325ti (192 Hp) (M54B25) No reports 0 No issues reported
325ti (192 Hp) Steptronic (M54B25) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
318td (115 Hp) (M47D20) No reports 0 No issues reported
320td (150 Hp) (M47D20) No reports 0 No issues reported
320td (150 Hp) Steptronic (M47D20) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

7 Series E65

The best models are those up to 2003, preferably in a basic version – then you can be sure nothing will break (as is the case for me – nearly 500k on the clock). Otherwise, you must accept that this model is terribly unreliable and astronomically expensive. Let's not hide the fact that this isn't a car for those earning an average national wage. If you have patience, a fat wallet, and ideally a second (backup) car, the sight of an E65 parked outside the shop makes it all worthwhile. I've driven newer ones and...

Pros: Reliable in early models (pre-2003), Impressive presence, justifies cost for enthusiasts, High mileage achievable with proper care
Cons: Extremely unreliable in later models, Prohibitively expensive to buy and maintain, Requires significant financial commitment and backup vehicle
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

7 Series E65 Review

Opinion from 2024: I don't know where to start. I've owned the car for 3 months, but this model has been in the family for 6 years with my brother, and I've had many opportunities to drive it. I regret not letting him convince me to buy this car sooner! I knowingly bought this car in a mega well-equipped version (memory seats, sunroof, ventilated, comfort, heated, memory, heated rear seats, sunshades), but it required some investment. The car is very comfortable, there's mega space under the hood to work on, and the electrics...

Pros: Very comfortable, Spacious engine bay for maintenance, Luxurious features (memory, sunroof, ventilated/heated seats)
Cons: Requires significant initial investment
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

5 Series E39

The perfect car for me. I bought a well-maintained automatic with the 3.0 231hp engine. The car performs great for its age. Comfortable, dynamic, safe, reliable.

Pros: Comfortable, Dynamic, Safe, Reliable
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

BMW 5 Series E39: Timeless Elegance

My BMW E39 530i with automatic transmission performs excellently. It's reliable and dependable, yet dynamic and fun to drive. The M54B30 engine is sensational, and the ZF 5HP19 gearbox is durable and trustworthy. I have the Exclusive version, so comfort is absolutely delightful. In one sentence: THE BEST BMW EVER.

Pros: Reliable and dependable performance, Dynamic and fun to drive, Sensational M54B30 engine, Durable and trustworthy ZF 5HP19 gearbox, Exceptional comfort in Exclusive trim

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