BMW 3 Series E90
2005 to 2010
Based on 2 sources, each with its own reference date
No documented known problems found. That does not mean the car is problem free
Key points to know
- Insurance loss
5 results · IIHS/HLDI, data up to and including 2010
Recalls
Our EU Safety Gate feed only goes back to 17 July 2026
We could not check NHTSA for this model
No recall found in EU Safety Gate, checked up to and including 2010
Safety rating
American crash test (NHTSA)
No safety rating found at NHTSA SafetyRatings, checked through 2010
Insurance loss
Compared with the US average. Not a chance of defects
IIHS/HLDI loss index: 3 series 2dr
According to IIHS/HLDI, the "all coverages combined" loss index for 3 series 2dr is 122. Basis 100 is the US national average for all passenger cars under this coverage. Note: this is an index figure or rating class, an insurance statistic about the whole model. It is not a chance of defects and not a prediction for this car.
IIHS/HLDI loss index: 3 series 2dr
According to IIHS/HLDI, the "all coverages combined" loss index for 3 series 2dr is 112. Basis 100 is the US national average for all passenger cars under this coverage. Note: this is an index figure or rating class, an insurance statistic about the whole model. It is not a chance of defects and not a prediction for this car.
IIHS/HLDI loss index: 3 series 2dr
According to IIHS/HLDI, the "all coverages combined" loss index for 3 series 2dr is 121. Basis 100 is the US national average for all passenger cars under this coverage. Note: this is an index figure or rating class, an insurance statistic about the whole model. It is not a chance of defects and not a prediction for this car.
IIHS/HLDI loss index: 3 series 2dr
According to IIHS/HLDI, the "all coverages combined" loss index for 3 series 2dr is 134. Basis 100 is the US national average for all passenger cars under this coverage. Note: this is an index figure or rating class, an insurance statistic about the whole model. It is not a chance of defects and not a prediction for this car.
IIHS/HLDI loss index: 3 series 2dr
According to IIHS/HLDI, the "all coverages combined" loss index for 3 series 2dr is 135. Basis 100 is the US national average for all passenger cars under this coverage. Note: this is an index figure or rating class, an insurance statistic about the whole model. It is not a chance of defects and not a prediction for this car.
Inspection statistics for these model years
- 15 to 19 years: 144,844 inspections
- 20 to 24 years: 76,862 inspections
15 to 19 years: 144,844 inspections
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 49512 of the 144844 Czech inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 38149 of the 144844 Czech inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 33384 of the 144844 Czech inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 31245 of the 144844 Czech inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Steering
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 16686 of the 144844 Czech inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Show more age groups (1)
20 to 24 years: 76,862 inspections
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 29431 of the 76862 Czech inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 25209 of the 76862 Czech inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 21729 of the 76862 Czech inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 16913 of the 76862 Czech inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Steering
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 12882 of the 76862 Czech inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
- 15 to 17 years: 35,449 inspections
- 18 to 20 years: 18,932 inspections
- 21 to 23 years: 3,322 inspections
15 to 17 years: 35,449 inspections
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 11821 of the 35449 British MOT statistics, age 15-17 yr.
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 8389 of the 26697 British MOT statistics, age 15-17 yr.
Show more age groups (2)
18 to 20 years: 18,932 inspections
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 6562 of the 18932 British MOT statistics, age 18-20 yr.
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 6571 of the 20987 British MOT statistics, age 18-20 yr.
21 to 23 years: 3,322 inspections
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1240 of the 3322 British MOT statistics, age 21-23 yr.
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 6220 of the 19196 British MOT statistics, age 21-23 yr.
- 15 to 19 years: 32,817 inspections
- 20 to 24 years: 17,470 inspections
15 to 19 years: 32,817 inspections
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 6204 of the 32817 Dutch inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 6149 of the 32817 Dutch inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 3315 of the 32817 Dutch inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Visibility
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1375 of the 32817 Dutch inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 773 of the 32817 Dutch inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Show more age groups (1)
20 to 24 years: 17,470 inspections
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 3824 of the 17470 Dutch inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 3544 of the 17470 Dutch inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 2087 of the 17470 Dutch inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 767 of the 17470 Dutch inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Visibility
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 658 of the 17470 Dutch inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
- 15 to 19 years: 3,942 inspections
- 20 to 24 years: 1,347 inspections
15 to 19 years: 3,942 inspections
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1854 of the 3942 Norwegian inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1575 of the 3942 Norwegian inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1498 of the 3942 Norwegian inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 708 of the 3942 Norwegian inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Nuisance
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 535 of the 3942 Norwegian inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Show more age groups (1)
20 to 24 years: 1,347 inspections
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 724 of the 1347 Norwegian inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 715 of the 1347 Norwegian inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 562 of the 1347 Norwegian inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 294 of the 1347 Norwegian inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Nuisance
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 247 of the 1347 Norwegian inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
- 15 to 19 years: 11,862 inspections
- 20 to 24 years: 1,669 inspections
15 to 19 years: 11,862 inspections
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels and suspension
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 7335 fail items across 11862 Finnish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting and electrical equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 6801 fail items across 11862 Finnish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking systems
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 3841 fail items across 11862 Finnish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Environmental nuisance
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 2040 fail items across 11862 Finnish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Test drive and visibility
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 2016 fail items across 11862 Finnish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Show more age groups (1)
20 to 24 years: 1,669 inspections
Official inspection point: Lighting and electrical equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 1353 fail items across 1669 Finnish inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels and suspension
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 1121 fail items across 1669 Finnish inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking systems
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 787 fail items across 1669 Finnish inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Environmental nuisance
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 541 fail items across 1669 Finnish inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Test drive and visibility
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 373 fail items across 1669 Finnish inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
- 15 to 19 years: 7,841 inspections
- 20 to 24 years: 1,038 inspections
15 to 19 years: 7,841 inspections
Official inspection point: Steering, suspension, wheels and tyres
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 5002 fail items across 7841 Irish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 2952 fail items across 7841 Irish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 2942 fail items across 7841 Irish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Steering
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 2314 fail items across 7841 Irish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Official inspection point: Nuisance
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 1277 fail items across 7841 Irish inspection data, age 15-19 yr.
Show more age groups (1)
20 to 24 years: 1,038 inspections
Official inspection point: Steering, suspension, wheels and tyres
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 602 fail items across 1038 Irish inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 600 fail items across 1038 Irish inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 540 fail items across 1038 Irish inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Steering
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 278 fail items across 1038 Irish inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
Official inspection point: Nuisance
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 253 fail items across 1038 Irish inspection data, age 20-24 yr.
See the inspection statistics for all generations of 3 Series
Go to 3 SeriesInspections by country and age
This table shows, per age, how many cars of this model fail inspection, by country. An index of 100 is that country's average for that age.
| Age | Netherlands | United Kingdom | Czechia | Ireland | NO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15-19 years | 39.3% failed (12885 of 32817) | 32.7% failed (33343 of 102065) | 7.5% failed (549 of 7309) | 68.3% failed (5358 of 7841) | 71.6% failed (2823 of 3942) |
| 20-24 years | 42.6% failed (7434 of 17470) | 33.1% failed (7460 of 22518) | 9.2% failed (768 of 8345) | No data | No data |
Czechia only counts serious defects, severity B or C. The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Norway count every inspection with a real defect.
Finland is not in this table. Finland counts defect points, not cars with a defect.
Buyer knowledge and checklist
Before you buy: the inspection requirement in this country, plus a checklist for the test drive.
Periodic inspection: STK (Stanice technické kontroly, the Czech periodic inspection): every 2 years
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
What are the known problems with a BMW 3 Series E90?
Insurance loss: 5 results (IIHS/HLDI, data up to and including 2010). Each point is worked out below with its source and reference date.
Which defects are found most often at inspection for a BMW 3 Series?
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments. Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 29431 of the 76862 Czech inspection data, age 20-24 yr. CZ STK, data up to and including 03/07/2026. More age groups and categories are available in the inspection statistics on this page.
Where does this data come from?
CZ STK (data up to and including 03/07/2026), DVSA MOT-statistiek (data up to and including 2025), NHTSA Manufacturer Communications (data up to and including 2010), IIHS/HLDI (data up to and including 2010), GDV Typklassenverzeichnis (data up to and including 2024), Dutch inspection data (data up to and including 03/09/2026), Norwegian inspection data (data up to and including 31/12/2025), Finnish inspection data (data up to and including 31/12/2025), Irish inspection data (data up to and including 31/12/2025). Every fact here has its own source and reference date.