BMW 3 Series Problems

I've used the last versions of both those models for this comparison, which means a 2019 BMW 320d and a 2021 Mercedes-Benz 220d (I'm also assuming you're comparing diesels with diesels).

As such, the BMW holds a slim on-paper advantage with an official combined fuel consumption number of 4.4 litres per 100km, compared with 4.7 litres for the Benz. In the real world, that difference is a very, very small one and means the two vehicles are more or less line-ball for fuel economy.

Real world fuel consumption has a lot more to do with your driving environment and style than it does these laboratory-produced numbers. But the official numbers are valid on the basis that both vehicles were subjected to the same strict test regime, so they do provide a direct comparison, even if you'll almost certainly never match them in real life. Both, however, will surprise you with how frugal they can be.

That’s quite low mileage for a 2012 vehicle and, on the surface, suggests that it has led a pretty easy life. but you’d still only buy it if it is presented with a fully-stamped service book to prove that all the critical preventative maintenance has been carried out. These are complex, high performance cars and they won’t tolerate neglect in terms of skipped services.

The major mechanical problems with these cars were found in the engine’s variable valve timing (VANOS) system. Any 'Engine Malfunction' message or 'Check Engine' light in the dashboard could quite easily be caused by a fault in this system. The VANOS arrangement was also the first system to show the effects of poor servicing, so make sure it checks out before you hand over the cash. Fundamentally, though, these cars are not low-maintenance units, so make sure you budget for the necessary ongoing servicing.

Don’t forget, also, that this series of BMW was caught up in the Takata air-bag debacle. So make sure the car has been attended to as part of the global recall and don’t take a chance on any car with no proof of this air-bag replacement being carried out.

I would only replace the faulty one, unless the others are suspect in which case it’s probably best to replace all of them.

It depends on the variant and year of your 3 Series. You can get more information on quick and cheap key replacments from dealers or automotive locksmiths here.

With a turbocharged twin-cam six-cylinder, yes the BMW 335i is a great car! The key is to drive the car with an amount of mechanical sympathy, and get it serviced on the dot so it stays a picture of reliability. These are complex luxury cars so don't go in thinking you'll never spend a dollar on it, but they're well-made fast and fun cars.

BMW's 3-series models are all rear-wheel drive, with the exception of the X-drive all-wheel-drive model. There are no front-wheel drive BMW 320i models.

BMW's 3-series models are all rear-wheel drive, with the exception of the X-drive all-wheel-drive model.

There are no front-wheel drive BMW 320i models.

Between 2005 and 2013 more than 3,000,000 E9x-generation 3-Series BMWs were sold, across all engine types and body shapes. As the 335i was available in sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon body shapes we haven't been able to get an exact production figure for that model spec.