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BMW Série 3 VII (G20/G21) faults

4 faults documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.

Good choice, check first
Reliability
5.0/5

4 known faults

318d

  1. Steering tie rods: recall of cars built up to mid-2019

    Manufacturer recall

    The steering tie rods of G20 cars built between 30 October 2018 and 5 July 2019 (US campaign) can become damaged and break, which affects handling and increases the risk of an accident; the repair consists of replacing both tie rods. An equivalent recall exists for 2018-2019 3 Series cars in the UK. The safety defect is corrected by the recall; confirm using the VIN.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    318d, 320d BVA8, 330i BVA8, 330d xDrive BVA8, 330e BVA8
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Diesel: EGR clogging and particulate filter, AdBlue sensors

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    On the diesels, the sources point to the EGR valve and cooler, the particulate filter (incomplete regenerations in urban use) and NOx or AdBlue level sensors that are sometimes temperamental; Euro 6d diesels combine a particulate filter with AdBlue injection (SCR). The same sources consider the car reliable if properly serviced, with mixed use rather than strictly urban driving.

    Versions
    318d, 320d BVA8, 330d xDrive BVA8
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

320d BVA8

  1. Steering tie rods: recall of cars built up to mid-2019

    Manufacturer recall

    The steering tie rods of G20 cars built between 30 October 2018 and 5 July 2019 (US campaign) can become damaged and break, which affects handling and increases the risk of an accident; the repair consists of replacing both tie rods. An equivalent recall exists for 2018-2019 3 Series cars in the UK. The safety defect is corrected by the recall; confirm using the VIN.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    318d, 320d BVA8, 330i BVA8, 330d xDrive BVA8, 330e BVA8
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Diesel: EGR clogging and particulate filter, AdBlue sensors

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    On the diesels, the sources point to the EGR valve and cooler, the particulate filter (incomplete regenerations in urban use) and NOx or AdBlue level sensors that are sometimes temperamental; Euro 6d diesels combine a particulate filter with AdBlue injection (SCR). The same sources consider the car reliable if properly serviced, with mixed use rather than strictly urban driving.

    Versions
    318d, 320d BVA8, 330d xDrive BVA8
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

330i BVA8

  1. Steering tie rods: recall of cars built up to mid-2019

    Manufacturer recall

    The steering tie rods of G20 cars built between 30 October 2018 and 5 July 2019 (US campaign) can become damaged and break, which affects handling and increases the risk of an accident; the repair consists of replacing both tie rods. An equivalent recall exists for 2018-2019 3 Series cars in the UK. The safety defect is corrected by the recall; confirm using the VIN.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    318d, 320d BVA8, 330i BVA8, 330d xDrive BVA8, 330e BVA8
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. 330i balance shafts: recall with engine replacement

    Manufacturer recall

    In the United States, 217 BMW 330i and 330i xDrive cars built between November 2018 and August 2019 were recalled: the needle bearings of the balance shafts may have been fitted incorrectly, and the shaft can work loose and cause severe engine damage. BMW replaces the engine free of charge. Fiches-auto also mentions a January 2020 recall for a balance shaft defect that could seize the engine on cars built up to September 2019.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    330i BVA8
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

330d xDrive BVA8

  1. Steering tie rods: recall of cars built up to mid-2019

    Manufacturer recall

    The steering tie rods of G20 cars built between 30 October 2018 and 5 July 2019 (US campaign) can become damaged and break, which affects handling and increases the risk of an accident; the repair consists of replacing both tie rods. An equivalent recall exists for 2018-2019 3 Series cars in the UK. The safety defect is corrected by the recall; confirm using the VIN.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    318d, 320d BVA8, 330i BVA8, 330d xDrive BVA8, 330e BVA8
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Diesel: EGR clogging and particulate filter, AdBlue sensors

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    On the diesels, the sources point to the EGR valve and cooler, the particulate filter (incomplete regenerations in urban use) and NOx or AdBlue level sensors that are sometimes temperamental; Euro 6d diesels combine a particulate filter with AdBlue injection (SCR). The same sources consider the car reliable if properly serviced, with mixed use rather than strictly urban driving.

    Versions
    318d, 320d BVA8, 330d xDrive BVA8
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

330e BVA8

  1. 330e high-voltage battery: recall for fire risk

    Manufacturer recall

    Debris may have got into cells of the high-voltage battery during manufacture at the supplier, which can cause a short circuit and a fire risk; the affected modules are replaced (NHTSA, BMW). An extension of the recall states that the battery may not have been built to specification, with a possible short circuit while charging, and BMW asked owners not to charge it until it was repaired. The production dates quoted (from March 2020 to early 2021 depending on the documents) vary from one source to another, and these campaigns are American: check the VIN with BMW France.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    330e BVA8
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Steering tie rods: recall of cars built up to mid-2019

    Manufacturer recall

    The steering tie rods of G20 cars built between 30 October 2018 and 5 July 2019 (US campaign) can become damaged and break, which affects handling and increases the risk of an accident; the repair consists of replacing both tie rods. An equivalent recall exists for 2018-2019 3 Series cars in the UK. The safety defect is corrected by the recall; confirm using the VIN.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    318d, 320d BVA8, 330i BVA8, 330d xDrive BVA8, 330e BVA8
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Price and diagnose repairs

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the BMW Série 3 VII (G20/G21) (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

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