Since the '70s, BMW has built a solid reputation as a producer of truly over-engineered vehicles that are widely sought after for their performance and reliability. The frequency of repairs, the severity of repair, and the maintenance cost are some factors that tell you about a car's reliability. That said, according to RepairPal, an average BMW car visits the repair shop about 0.9 times annually, which literally means the brand's vehicles are pretty reliable.
Updated August 2023: BMW doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to reliability, especially in recent years. We've updated this list with more reliable BMW models that show the opposite.
Now, you have an idea of what makes a BMW model reliable, the big question that comes to mind is, how does one choose the most reliable model? Well, the first thing to do is to avoid BMW models with complex technologies. The truth is, sophisticated parts tend to fail more often compared to simpler parts. Better still, you could use reliability ratings from trusted sites.
In this article, we used J.D. Power's consumer rating scores to determine the most dependable vehicles BMW has ever manufactured. Other sites we sourced useful data from include KBB, CarEdge, and RepairPal.
10 2017 BMW X3
Reliability Score: 86/100
Keeping things simple by sticking to basic models as we earlier advised, the BMW X3 is among the least problematic out there, thanks to the relative plainness of the early models. Launched in 2003, the X3 is now in its third generation and includes both M- and M Competition versions, further boosting its desirability.
2017 X3 Reliability
Narrowing things down, the 2017 X3 obviously seems like a BMW model that will stand the test of time. Notably, this model features an array of highly potent engines that include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 240 horsepower and a 300-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. These engines helped the 2017 BMW X3 earn a great reliability score of 86/100 on J.D. Power.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $879 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $17,711 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 5
- Worst BMW X3 Years To Buy Used: 2013 BMW X3 (Engine problems, drivetrain problems)
9 2007 BMW 7 Series
Reliability Score: 85/100
The BMW 750i is a full-size sedan with everything going for it in terms of performance, safety, and comfort, so it's not surprising that it found its way to a list of the most dependable Bimmers. Getting its power from a 4.8-liter, 360 hp V8 engine, the BMW 750i has a smooth, swift, and silent operation that rivals the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
2007 7 Series Reliability
Although there's no test data from regulatory agencies such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), nonetheless, earning an 85/100 score from reviewers on J.D. Power is enough to show how amazing this model is. The E65 BMW 7 Series didn't have the best of starts, but it turned out to be a pretty great model when BMW toned it down a bit.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,027 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $14,453 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 6
- Worst BMW 7 Series Years To Buy Used: 2012 BMW 7 Series (Engine problems, transmission problems,suspension problems)
8 2007 BMW Z4
Reliability Score: 85/100
The BMW Z4 is a luxury sports convertible that offers comfort, all-weather functionality, and safety. The 2007 model boasts a 3.0-liter inline-6 that sends out 215 horses and 185 lb-ft of torque to give drivers a surge of adrenaline while remaining relatively silent.
2007 Z4 Reliability
With a reliability score of 85/100 on J.D. Power, the 2007 BMW Z4 can easily go head-to-head with some of the most dependable sports cars, such as the 2012 Audi TT. It also looks pretty great and is one of those underrated roadsters which many sometimes forget about.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $698 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $13,999 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
- Worst BMW Z4 Years To Buy Used: 2003 BMW Z4 (Engine and steering problems)
7 2011 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Score: 81/100
Thanks to feedback and reviews from numerous gearheads who have encountered the BMW N52 engine, the mill is wildly judged as one of the most reliable BMW engines ever. A naturally aspirated straight-six gasoline engine, the N52 featured in BMW cars from 2004 to 2015, and looking back at the awesomeness of this mill, we believe the models that received it are a lucky bunch.
2011 3 Series Reliability
One of them is the 328i, a variant of the E90 3 Series that debuted in 2007. This model received the N52, an engine with relatively high reliability, which, among other factors, is due to its lack of an HPFP or direct injection, which caused problems in subsequent engine types. The 2011 model of car has a J.D. Power reliability rating of 81/100.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $821 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $13,219 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 8
- Worst BMW 3 Series Years To Buy Used: 2007 BMW 3 Series (Engine problems, cooling system problems, transmission problems)
6 2022 BMW X1
Reliability Score: 86/100
The production of alluring, yet potent luxury cars is one art BMW has mastered. However, with the X1, the German company has managed to add dependability to the package. Introduced in 2009, the X1 is a compact luxury crossover SUV designed for a wide range of automotive enthusiasts as the model offers increased efficiency, a more compact body style, and a relatively lower price tag.
2022 X1 Reliability
All models of the 2022 BMW X1 features a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an output of 228 horses. That's enough power to tug the rather compact X1 anywhere with ease. Thanks to its peppy mill, the 2022 X1 earned an 86/100 reliability score from reviewers on J.D. Power, attesting to its awesome reliability. Besides reliability, we also have 10 more things we'd want you to know before getting the BMW X1.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $915 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $17,516 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
- Worst BMW X1 Years To Buy Used: 2016 BMW X1 (Worst model according to CarComplaints.com)
5 2016 BMW 3 Series
Reliability Score: 83/100
The 3 Series is making a rare second appearance on this list, and for good reasons. Having been totally restyled for the 2016 model year, the BMW 3 Series was offered with a new engine and a revised chassis. Competition had gotten fiercer, as rival models like Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class were literally doing the most. Hence, the update that came with the 2016 model couldn't have been more timely.
2016 3 Series Reliability
For power, along with the N20 turbocharged fours, the 2016 BMW 3 Series features a then new 3.0-liter turbo six modular engine with an output of 320 horsepower at 6500 rpm and peak torque of 330 lb-ft, arriving at 1380 rpm. According to J.D. Power, these engines are bulletproof. They earned the car a reliability rating of 83/100 on the automotive review site.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $744 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $13,219 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 4
- Worst BMW 3 Series Years To Buy Used: 2007 BMW 3 Series (Engine problems, cooling system problems, transmission problems)
4 2017 BMW i3
Reliability Score: 82/100
The i3 is the first mass-produced zero-emission electric vehicle manufactured by BMW. The high-roof hatchback has been free of complaints, which is quite surprising, and it's another reason why we miss the BMW i3. So, if you are big on saving the environment, or just need a fun car to use around town or in the city, the BMW i3 is among your most reliable options.
2017 i3 Reliability
Besides being electric, the i3 has a chic and futuristic styling. It also has a high-tech platform with carbon fiber parts and battery electric propulsion. All these improvements helped make it a zippy vehicle that would do wonders in congested city traffic. To back these claims up, the 2017 BMW i3 received a reliability score of 82/100 on J.D. Power.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,173 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $5,304 (Edmunds)
- Total Recalls: 3
- Worst BMW i3 Years To Buy Used: 2014 BMW i3 (Interior accessories problems, electrical problems)
3 2016 BMW 5 Series
Reliability Score: 88/100
A cat with more than nine lives, the BMW 5 Series seem to be the longest produced bimmer on this list, and for good reasons. An incredibly dependable model, the BMW 5 Series won't let you down. Introduced in 1972, the 5 Series is BMW's second best-selling model ever, and the true cost of owning a BMW 5 Series isn't outrageous.
2016 5 Series Reliability
The 2016 model of the 5 Series seem to have a chokehold on bimmer enthusiasts. Powered by a range of potent mills that include the base 4-cylinder, mid-tier turbocharged inline-6, and the twin-turbo V8 among others, the 2016 5 series has a reliability score of 88/100 on J.D. Power, ranking it among the most dependable BMW models ever.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $892 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 5 Years: $13,530 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 6
- Worst BMW 5 Series Years To Buy Used: 2011 BMW 5 Series (Engine problems)
2 2017 BMW 2 Series
Reliability Score: 88/100
Although BMW is among the top German automakers, it doesn't have a strong sports car lineup as it mostly builds luxury vehicles. BMW has been trying to change that, which is why it built the 2 Series in 2014. The 2 Series has been a success since and is now in its second generation. There's a lot to love about the 2 Series - it has a sleek design, peppy engines, and with prices under $40,000, it's among the most affordable sports cars in the world.
2017 2 Series Reliability
The 2 Series is not only cheap to buy, but it's also cheap to run. Take the 2017 2 Series, for example. With a J.D. Power reliability score of 88, it's up there with the highest-rated sports cars in the reliability category.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Cost: $922 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $13,780 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst BMW 2 Series Years To Buy Used: 2014 BMW 2 Series (Interior accessories problems)
1 2018 BMW X5
Reliability Score: 84/100
Throughout its history, BMW has built certain models that drastically changed the course of its history. The X5 is one of those models. Introduced in the late '90s, the X5 was BMW's first SUV model, helping set it up for success in the current SUV-dominated market.
2018 X5 Reliability
If you own a BMW luxury car, you better have a flatbed driver on speed dial. At least that's what many gearheads seem to believe. However, while this may apply to some notorious BMW models, the truth is most bimmers can be reliable daily drivers if you follow the correct care and maintenance procedures to the letter. The 2018 X5, for example, has a J.D. Power reliability score of 84, which is excellent for a luxury SUV.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,186 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $18,390 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 4
- Worst BMW X5 Year To Buy Used: 2009 X5 (Engine problems, lights problems)