Are BMWs reliable?
Newer BMWs (128i, 135i, 228i, 230i, 320i, 328d, 328i, 330e, 330i, 335i, 428i, 430i, 435i, 528i, 528xi, 530e, 530i, 535d, 535i, 540i, 550i, 640i, 650i, 740Li, 740i, 750Li, 750i, 760i, 840i, M2, M235i, M240i, M3, M340i, M4, M440i, M5, M550i, M6, M8, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, XM, Z4, i3, i4, i5, i7, i8, and iX) do not share one complaint pattern. 17 of the 28 models average fewer owner complaints per year in the newer years than in the older years. 640i, M235i, M3, X1, X4, X5, X6, and X7 average more owner complaints per year in the newer years than in the older years. 740i, X3, and i3 are about the same in the newer years as in the older ones. 128i, 135i, 228i, 230i, 320i, 328d, 330e, 330i, 428i, 430i, 435i, 528xi, 530e, 530i, 535d, 540i, 760i, 840i, M240i, M340i, M440i, M8, XM, i4, i5, i7, and iX do not cover enough model years for that comparison.
Models
55
Model years
2012–2026
Data as of 2026-10-16.
Record by model
528xi 2012–2013
Total recalls 1
Total complaints 110
Fewest complaints 2012, 0 per year · 2013, 0 per year
Most complaints 2013, 0 per year
Photo: IFCAR, Public domain
M6 2012–2019
Total recalls 5
Total complaints 13
Fewest complaints 2017, 0 per year · 2018, 0 per year · 2013, 0 per year
Most complaints 2014, 0 per year
Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0
M3 2012–2026
Total recalls 11
Total complaints 46
Fewest complaints 2022, 0 per year · 2017, 0 per year · 2021, 0 per year
Most complaints 2018, 1 per year
Photo: Yu Chu Chin, CC BY-SA 4.0
M240i 2017–2026
Total recalls 7
Total complaints 11
Fewest complaints 2018, 0 per year · 2022, 0 per year · 2017, 1 per year
Most complaints 2017, 1 per year
Photo: Makizox, CC BY-SA 4.0
750Li 2012–2022
Total recalls 2
Total complaints 41
Fewest complaints 2015, 0 per year · 2014, 0 per year · 2013, 0 per year
Most complaints 2012, 1 per year
Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0
i8 2014–2020
Total recalls 6
Total complaints 10
Fewest complaints 2014, 0 per year · 2016, 0 per year · 2020, 0 per year
Most complaints 2015, 1 per year
Photo: Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0
M5 2013–2026
Total recalls 13
Total complaints 33
Fewest complaints 2016, 0 per year · 2014, 0 per year · 2020, 0 per year
Most complaints 2013, 1 per year
Photo: Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0
750i 2012–2022
Total recalls 3
Total complaints 30
Fewest complaints 2021, 0 per year · 2012, 0 per year · 2014, 0 per year
Most complaints 2013, 1 per year
Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0
330e 2016–2024
Total recalls 9
Total complaints 6
Fewest complaints 2022, 0 per year · 2021, 0 per year
Most complaints 2021, 0 per year
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0
530e 2018–2023
Total recalls 6
Total complaints 15
Fewest complaints 2021, 0 per year · 2020, 0 per year · 2019, 1 per year
Most complaints 2019, 1 per year
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0
535d 2014–2016
Total recalls 6
Total complaints 64
Fewest complaints 2015, 0 per year · 2014, 1 per year
Most complaints 2014, 1 per year
Photo: nakhon100, CC BY 2.0
M8 2020–2025
Total recalls 4
Total complaints 5
Fewest complaints 2020, 0 per year
Most complaints 2020, 0 per year
Photo: Kidfly182, CC BY 4.0
740Li 2012–2022
Total recalls 3
Total complaints 16
Fewest complaints 2015, 0 per year · 2012, 0 per year · 2014, 0 per year
Most complaints 2013, 1 per year
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
M235i 2014–2024
Total recalls 5
Total complaints 19
Fewest complaints 2022, 0 per year · 2014, 0 per year · 2015, 0 per year
Most complaints 2016, 1 per year
Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0
X2 2018–2026
Total recalls 9
Total complaints 25
Fewest complaints 2022, 0 per year · 2023, 0 per year · 2020, 0 per year
Most complaints 2018, 1 per year
Photo: Jecis369, CC0
640i 2012–2019
Total recalls 6
Total complaints 22
Fewest complaints 2012, 0 per year · 2013, 0 per year · 2014, 0 per year
Most complaints 2015, 1 per year
Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0
Z4 2012–2026
Total recalls 16
Total complaints 16
Fewest complaints 2021, 0 per year · 2022, 0 per year · 2016, 0 per year
Most complaints 2020, 1 per year
Photo: Green Yoshi, CC BY-SA 3.0
650i 2012–2019
Total recalls 4
Total complaints 46
Fewest complaints 2015, 0 per year · 2012, 0 per year · 2014, 1 per year
Most complaints 2013, 1 per year
Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0
M550i 2018–2023
Total recalls 4
Total complaints 28
Fewest complaints 2021, 0 per year · 2020, 0 per year · 2022, 0 per year
Most complaints 2018, 2 per year
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0
X6 2012–2026
Total recalls 37
Total complaints 62
Fewest complaints 2023, 0 per year · 2017, 0 per year · 2015, 0 per year
Most complaints 2024, 3 per year
Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0
M4 2015–2026
Total recalls 12
Total complaints 46
Fewest complaints 2021, 0 per year · 2015, 0 per year · 2020, 0 per year
Most complaints 2016, 2 per year
Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0
228i 2014–2025
Total recalls 9
Total complaints 7
Fewest complaints 2014, 1 per year
Most complaints 2014, 1 per year
Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0
M440i 2021–2026
Total recalls 7
Total complaints 5
Fewest complaints 2021, 1 per year
Most complaints 2021, 1 per year
Photo: Harvey Bold, CC BY 4.0
X4 2015–2025
Total recalls 28
Total complaints 73
Fewest complaints 2018, 0 per year · 2017, 0 per year · 2021, 0 per year
Most complaints 2019, 2 per year
Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain
740i 2012–2026
Total recalls 14
Total complaints 21
Fewest complaints 2014, 0 per year · 2013, 0 per year · 2015, 0 per year
Most complaints 2016, 2 per year
Photo: Rudolf Stricker, Public domain
128i 2012–2014
Total recalls 5
Total complaints 70
Fewest complaints 2012, 0 per year · 2013, 2 per year
Most complaints 2013, 2 per year
Photo: OWS Photography, CC BY 4.0
135i 2012–2014
Total recalls 6
Total complaints 31
Fewest complaints 2013, 0 per year · 2012, 2 per year
Most complaints 2012, 2 per year
Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0
335i 2012–2017
Total recalls 7
Total complaints 100
Fewest complaints 2015, 0 per year · 2012, 1 per year · 2014, 1 per year
Most complaints 2013, 2 per year
Photo: IFCAR, Public domain
M340i 2020–2026
Total recalls 14
Total complaints 71
Fewest complaints 2022, 1 per year · 2021, 1 per year · 2020, 1 per year
Most complaints 2020, 1 per year
Photo: Harvey Bold, CC0
550i 2012–2017
Total recalls 6
Total complaints 62
Fewest complaints 2014, 0 per year · 2015, 0 per year · 2013, 1 per year
Most complaints 2012, 3 per year
Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
540i 2017–2026
Total recalls 11
Total complaints 25
Fewest complaints 2017, 1 per year · 2024, 2 per year
Most complaints 2024, 2 per year
Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0
XM 2023–2026
Total recalls 9
Total complaints 11
Fewest complaints 2023, 0 per year · 2024, 2 per year
Most complaints 2024, 2 per year
Photo: Wikisympathisant, CC BY-SA 4.0
320i 2013–2018
Total recalls 7
Total complaints 94
Fewest complaints 2013, 1 per year · 2015, 1 per year · 2014, 3 per year
Most complaints 2014, 3 per year
Photo: Ghostofakina, CC BY-SA 4.0
328d 2014–2018
Total recalls 8
Total complaints 179
Fewest complaints 2015, 0 per year · 2014, 3 per year
Most complaints 2014, 3 per year
Photo: HLW, CC BY-SA 3.0
528i 2012–2016
Total recalls 9
Total complaints 295
Fewest complaints 2013, 0 per year · 2014, 1 per year · 2015, 1 per year
Most complaints 2012, 4 per year
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0
M2 2016–2026
Total recalls 6
Total complaints 26
Fewest complaints 2023, 0 per year · 2018, 0 per year · 2016, 1 per year
Most complaints 2017, 5 per year
Photo: Yu Chu Chin, CC BY-SA 4.0
428i 2014–2016
Total recalls 7
Total complaints 113
Fewest complaints 2014, 1 per year · 2015, 3 per year
Most complaints 2015, 3 per year
Photo: Saptarshi Pal, CC BY-SA 4.0
435i 2014–2016
Total recalls 5
Total complaints 38
Fewest complaints 2015, 1 per year · 2014, 3 per year
Most complaints 2014, 3 per year
Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0
535i 2012–2017
Total recalls 5
Total complaints 145
Fewest complaints 2015, 0 per year · 2014, 3 per year · 2012, 3 per year
Most complaints 2013, 4 per year
Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0
530i 2017–2026
Total recalls 18
Total complaints 31
Fewest complaints 2017, 2 per year · 2024, 4 per year
Most complaints 2024, 4 per year
Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0
i4 2022–2026
Total recalls 11
Total complaints 9
Fewest complaints 2022, 3 per year
Most complaints 2022, 3 per year
Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0
i3 2014–2021
Total recalls 8
Total complaints 181
Fewest complaints 2016, 1 per year · 2015, 2 per year · 2014, 4 per year
Most complaints 2017, 5 per year
Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0
X1 2012–2026
Total recalls 20
Total complaints 523
Fewest complaints 2022, 0 per year · 2019, 1 per year · 2021, 2 per year
Most complaints 2023, 22 per year
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
i5 2024–2026
Total recalls 7
Total complaints 28
Fewest complaints 2024, 7 per year
Most complaints 2024, 7 per year
Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0
X7 2019–2026
Total recalls 33
Total complaints 291
Fewest complaints 2019, 1 per year · 2021, 3 per year · 2020, 3 per year
Most complaints 2024, 17 per year
Photo: LuvsMG481, CC BY-SA 4.0
328i 2012–2016
Total recalls 10
Total complaints 707
Fewest complaints 2015, 3 per year · 2012, 6 per year · 2014, 8 per year
Most complaints 2013, 14 per year
Photo: HLW, CC BY-SA 3.0
X3 2012–2026
Total recalls 54
Total complaints 803
Fewest complaints 2023, 3 per year · 2018, 6 per year · 2016, 8 per year
Most complaints 2019, 17 per year
Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0
iX 2022–2026
Total recalls 12
Total complaints 113
Fewest complaints 2022, 8 per year · 2024, 11 per year · 2023, 12 per year
Most complaints 2023, 12 per year
Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0
X5 2012–2026
Total recalls 65
Total complaints 933
Fewest complaints 2018, 3 per year · 2016, 4 per year · 2020, 5 per year
Most complaints 2024, 48 per year
Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0
230i 2017–2026
Total recalls 10
Total complaints 0
Fewest complaints 2026, 0 per year (too early to compare)
Most complaints 2024, 0 per year
Photo: Calreyn88, CC0
330i 2017–2026
Total recalls 20
Total complaints 0
Fewest complaints 2026, 0 per year (too early to compare)
Most complaints 2024, 0 per year
Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0
430i 2017–2026
Total recalls 17
Total complaints 6
Fewest complaints 2026, 0 per year (too early to compare)
Most complaints 2024, 0 per year
Photo: Johannes Maximilian, CC BY-SA 4.0
760i 2023–2026
Total recalls 8
Total complaints 0
Fewest complaints 2026, 0 per year (too early to compare)
Most complaints 2024, 0 per year
Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0
840i 2020–2026
Total recalls 8
Total complaints 0
Fewest complaints 2026, 0 per year (too early to compare)
Most complaints 2024, 0 per year
Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0
i7 2023–2026
Total recalls 12
Total complaints 1
Fewest complaints 2026, 0 per year (too early to compare)
Most complaints 2024, 0 per year
Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0
The table gives each model up to three years with the fewest complaints per year, and the year with the most, each counted from complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left off that list. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market cars on this page. A model with more cars on the road produces more filings. How we count.
Complaints per year
Each bar is the median of the models with complaints on file for that year, not weighted by how many of those cars were sold. A year with no complaint file is left blank.
Recalls by model year
A campaign that covers more than one model is counted on each.
What owners file about
Frequently asked questions
Are BMWs reliable?
Newer BMWs (128i, 135i, 228i, 230i, 320i, 328d, 328i, 330e, 330i, 335i, 428i, 430i, 435i, 528i, 528xi, 530e, 530i, 535d, 535i, 540i, 550i, 640i, 650i, 740Li, 740i, 750Li, 750i, 760i, 840i, M2, M235i, M240i, M3, M340i, M4, M440i, M5, M550i, M6, M8, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, XM, Z4, i3, i4, i5, i7, i8, and iX) do not share one complaint pattern. 17 of the 28 models average fewer owner complaints per year in the newer years than in the older years. 640i, M235i, M3, X1, X4, X5, X6, and X7 average more owner complaints per year in the newer years than in the older years. 740i, X3, and i3 are about the same in the newer years as in the older ones. 128i, 135i, 228i, 230i, 320i, 328d, 330e, 330i, 428i, 430i, 435i, 528xi, 530e, 530i, 535d, 540i, 760i, 840i, M240i, M340i, M440i, M8, XM, i4, i5, i7, and iX do not cover enough model years for that comparison.