BMW 3 Series E92 (2006–2013)
Generation-specific owner insights from 150+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
7,008
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2006–2013
41
recall campaigns
air bags
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2006-2013 E92 3 Series generally describe it as a rewarding car to own and drive, with the naturally aspirated six-cylinder 328i earning the strongest praise for reliability and low running costs.
15 problems reported (7 recurrent, 8 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentHigh-pressure fuel pump failure on N54 335i
- RecurrentWater pump and thermostat failure
- RecurrentOil filter housing gasket leak
+ 12 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentValve cover gasket leak
- RecurrentTiming chain issues on the N20 four-cylinder
- RecurrentCooling system wear as a general weak point
- RecurrentOil leaks requiring expensive repair
- IsolatedRear window regulator failure
- IsolatedCabin fan/blower motor failure
- IsolatedFolding side mirror failure
- IsolatedPower steering pump failure
- IsolatedTransfer case issue on xDrive
- IsolatedSunroof sensor issues
- IsolatedBrake pad wear sensor triggering the brake light
- IsolatedO2 sensor failure
The version owners recommend
The 328i with the naturally aspirated N52 inline-six is the consensus pick for reliability and lower ownership cost. The 2011-2013 335i with the N55 engine is considered the better turbocharged choice over the earlier N54. Owners repeatedly steer buyers away from the 335i unless they can absorb expensive repairs.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Lexus IS350, Infiniti G37/Q50, Acura TL, Honda Accord and Honda Civic.
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2006-2013 E92 3 Series generally describe it as a rewarding car to own and drive, with the naturally aspirated six-cylinder 328i earning the strongest praise for reliability and low running costs. The dominant criticism is that maintenance and repairs are expensive, and that neglected or cheap examples become money pits. Owners consistently say the car is reliable if maintenance is kept up, but that parts, labor, and insurance cost more than Japanese rivals. Early N54-powered 335i models (2007-2010) draw the most concern over the high-pressure fuel pump, while later N55 cars (2011-2013) are viewed as more reliable. The 328i with the N52 engine is repeatedly called the safer, cheaper choice.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the E92 as more engaging and better handling than the Lexus IS350, Infiniti G37, and Acura TL, but less reliable and more expensive to run. The 328i is often compared favorably to the G37 on maintenance costs at independent shops, though the G37 is considered more reliable overall. Against the Accord, Civic, and Camry, owners say the BMW is far nicer to drive but carries higher risk and cost. The 335i is described as significantly more expensive to maintain than the 328i due to its more complex drivetrain.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the 328i over the 335i for anyone prioritizing reliability and lower costs. For turbocharged cars, the 2011-2013 N55 335i is preferred over the 2007-2010 N54. Rear-wheel drive is favored by enthusiasts over xDrive. Manual transmission is valued, though not required. Owners advise oil change intervals of 5,000-7,500 miles rather than the longer factory interval.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who genuinely enjoy driving and are willing to budget for maintenance, ideally with a local BMW or Euro specialist. Owners strongly advise a pre-purchase inspection, complete service records, and avoiding cheap, high-mileage, or neglected examples. Budget roughly $1,000-$2,000 per year for maintenance and repairs. Prefer the 328i N52, and if choosing a 335i, favor the later N55. Walk away from cars with unresolved warning lights or dealers unwilling to fix known faults.
Remarks
Owners note that low mileage does not eliminate age-related wear on rubber, plastic, bushings, and the cooling system, so a well-maintained higher-mileage car can be a better buy than a low-mileage garage queen. Several owners report these cars commonly reach 200,000 miles with proper care. Dealer service is frequently described as expensive, and independent BMW specialists are recommended. Analysis based on approximately 150 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 804 | 5 | engine |
| 2012 | 373 | 9 | engine |
| 2011 | 1,920 | 13 | engine |
| 2010 | 548 | 3 | air bags |
| 2009 | 388 | 2 | air bags |
| 2008 | 691 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2007 | 1,041 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2006 | 1,243 | 4 | air bags |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2013 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 20V017000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2013 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 14V627000
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
2013 · exterior lightingcampaign 15V520000
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."
2013 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuumcampaign 13V454000
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
2013 · engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pumpcampaign 24V608000
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.
2012 · engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)campaign 22V119000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
2012 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 23V707000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
2012 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 20V017000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2012 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 14V627000
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
2012 · exterior lightingcampaign 15V520000
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."
2012 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuumcampaign 13V454000
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
2012 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 24V513000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
12 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.