2013 BMW 3 Series Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life Expectancy, MPG

The 2013 BMW 3 Series lasts around 200,000 miles with relatively minor engine sensor and fuel pump issues. At $13,134 to $32,380, it’s a good value for shoppers looking for an entry-level German sports car.

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The Good

The steering is extremely responsive, interior materials are nice for its price and the 6-cylinder engine is very powerful.

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The Bad

Stereo system is complicated to use, its new base engine is weak and there’s not a lot of storage room in the cabin.

Is the 2013 BMW 3 Series a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 8/10 – 2013 is a good year for the 3 Series and great reliability for a luxury car combined with the powerful engines give it a high overall rating. Owner reviews praise the performance, nice interior, and responsive steering.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – There are a lot of nice materials used in the cabin including upscale leather options available, the seats are firmer than other luxury sedans, and cargo space is average for a small car.
• Reliability 7/10 – 2013 is a good year for the 3 Series with only average problems for a sporty sedan. We recommend avoiding models from 2007 which have a lot of issues, and going with one from 2008–2020, which are all good choices.
• Performance 8/10 – The standard 4-cylinder engine is weak, however, the upgraded 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder options offer great power for its size.
• Safety 8/10 – The 3 Series gets an overall score of 5-stars in government crash tests, with the lowest being 4-stars in the frontal impact test. BMW Assist is included for automatic crash notifications and stolen vehicle recovery.
• Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, which should get owners about 440 miles of range out of the 15.8 gallon gas tank. Fuel costs are $3 more than average at $206 per month.
• Value 7/10 – The 2013 3 Series is a good value for buyers looking for attainable performance and luxury, although shoppers should be prepared for the high maintenance costs.

Positive Owner Reviews

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James T

I have a 328xi. I love that the car is fast and small with the prestige. It is a real driving machine

The car might be a bmw but it just as affordable as other cars.

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Darwin G

BMW’s answer to the entry level luxury, all wheel drive experience.

The vehicle consumes a lot of oil so it constantly needs to be topped off between oil changes. The car handles and drives very well as most of these cars do. The styling of the car looks very neat and classy, not over the top. The sport package provides extra styling to the body of the car even though the standard model looks good as well.

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Sharon M

BMW is the best vehicle to keep you safe on the road!

I highly recommend BMW 328i. Driving this car feels like using an iPhone. Once you are used to it, you do not want to switch it to another smartphone. The car drives so smoothly and is so quiet. Another benefit is that when you are on an uphill road waiting for a red light to turn green, your car stays there as opposed to going backward, which can be scary. You can also set up your speed limit and once you exceed that limit, you hear a beep and then you slow down. This is important because you will not get a speeding ticket. People say that BMW breaks down easily and fixing it is expensive. It is in a way true, however as long as you take care of your vehicle by not spending too much, you’ll be fine. I love my BMW 328i!

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Deb N

Best compact SUV, for all families and pets.

It is good, great speed and super comfortable and drives great. It is programmed and there is all wheel drive. Heated seats and steering wheel. I feel safe driving at all times and never felt I was driving a dangerous vehicle. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a great fast driving car.

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Micah H

Great car with a high cost for care.

Excellent performance, handles well. Gets decent gas mileage if you drive conservatively. Only cons are high cost of maintenance and repairs and gas. The car is comfortable and pleasant to use for a daily commute.

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Nicole W

Overall a fun car to drive.

Drives smooth. No issues with convertible top. It is important to keep maintenance in check on BMW vehicles. The only issue I have had to date was with coils. There was not a warning message, but my car started began rattling. I think something should have appeared in the vehicle status data.

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Nneka W

It the ultimate performer and something to experience.

I live my car. Hardly any problem and I feel confident in my car. The only thing I would change about my car is space. It a little too small on the inside. I can drive manual or when I am feeling frisky I can change to sport mode. In this car I feel like I am riding on doves.

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Lauren b

The ultimate driving machine that satisfies any experience desired in a vehicle

It has every option that was available including both an m-sport and dealer’s carbon fiber detail trim. Aesthetically beautiful and an absolute pleasure to drive

Negative Owner Reviews

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Vicky C

BMW is a truly beautiful car.

It is a premium car; maintenance is essential but is a wonderful car, a lot of extras, a sound system like no it just plain well built, some of the electronics controls take a while to learn and master and could be more intuitive, seats are comfortable, elegant and safe.

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Dan

Major Issue

I’ve owned my 328i XDrive for around 3 years. I’ve xompleted all maintenance as necessary and takes overall great care of the vehicle. It does drive nice (I’ve owned an Audi S4 and A8 in the past) and its in line with other German manufacturers as far as drivability goes. This model between 2012 & 2015 however have a major flaw in the engine that causes them to seize. I was driving back from lunch and pulling into my office and the car stalled. When I went to turn it back on, it didn’t do anything but make one big click (the starter couldn’t turn the motor)… Come to find out this is a somewhat common occurrence but BMW doesn’t cover this unless of you are working a certain mileage and your service advisor can build a case with BMW America…my advisor was aware of the issue and said that he wasn’t confident that BMW would cover the problem. He was right, BMW’s solution was for me to pay $23k (more than I paid for the vehicle when it was 2 years old) to replace the motor. I of course sid not so that but opted to swap the motor myself. I still paid $4,500 in parts to complete this swap myself! I’m disappointed that BMW has not stepped up to the plate to cover this very well known issue. If you’re considering purchasing this vehicle, purchase a late 2015 model or newer. My vehicle is a 2013 328i Drive with 134k miles. From what I’ve read and heard from master techs, this commonly occurs after 60k mikes and typically closer to the 70k mark. I guess I got “lucky” with the mileage I was able to achieve.The issue that occurs is that the motor loses oil pressure, which relieves the tension on the timing chain and causes an interference internally and ultimately seizes the motor or puts a rod though the block.

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Elsa J

Tire, radio,oil leak,window.

Oil leak, not the comfortable and that the steering wheel and that the windows have some scratches on it but it is not that bad. Also the radio does not work but I bought a new one. And I also have to fix the tire. But other than that there’s nothing else wrong it the car.

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Kenzi C

Keyless start! And backup camera.

Easy to drive looks good but it is not big enough for my family. Love the color and the back up camera.

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Devyn M

One important thing others should know about my car is that it drives well.

I like the color of it, and how comfy it is inside. It is easy to drive and nice to look at.

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Shay I

Three hours commute a day.

Been a reliable vehicle for the most part. When it breaks down it is extremely expensive to fix. Don’t expect to do any of the repairs yourself BMW has made sure that they get the service calls they have made everything so difficult to get to or require specialized tools. Gas mileage is decent if your just a normal driver I do love the drive train it handles well ac works great though I have had to get freon recharged which was expensive Sirius XM radio makes my three hours of commute a day easier.

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Barb H

Would not buy another BMW.

Maintenance costs too high. Parts too expensive. Uncomfortable seats for long drives. Pros. . Nice car to drive performance wise. Sporty and fun.

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Jeff J

Parking lamp sensor light warnings.

Lot of issues with the parking lamp warning sensor coming on all the time. Bulbs have been replaced but the warning light keeps coming on. Also have some issues with the entertainment system not pairing to my phone regularly. Engine is reliable and runs smoothly otherwise.

What Do Critics Say About the BMW 3 Series?

• Consumer Reports says the 3 Series is agile and steady with good tech and earns high owner satisfaction scores.
• Edmunds gives the 3 Series a 4.1/5, praising the upscale interior, but doesn’t like the lighter steering feel than older models.
• Kelley Blue Book users rate the 3 Series 4.5/5 and enjoy the power and performance, but owners don’t like the higher ownership costs.

What Common Problems Does the 2013 BMW 3 Series Have?

The most common complaints found on the 2013 BMW 3 Series include a check engine light, fuel pump failures, and excessive brake wear. Overall, these problems are similar to other luxury cars from 2013, although we find repair costs to be more expensive due to the high cost of parts.

Check engine lights are the most widespread complaint from owners at around 80,000 miles. There are many reasons a check engine light will turn on, and the most common source is a failed mass airflow sensor. Changing out the sensor costs around $450.

Fuel pump failures are another problem reported by owners at around 95,000 miles. The fuel pump overheats and fails on some models and the only way to fix it is to replace the entire assembly. Installing a new fuel pump costs about $900, depending on local labor rates.

Excessive brake wear is also mentioned by some owners at about 20,000 miles. The pads and rotors wear out faster than on other cars and it can lead to a reduction in brake force. Changing out the pads costs around $300, and a set of rotors is another $600 if they are scored or damaged.

There are 5 recalls, and most are not as severe as other luxury cars from 2013. The most serious recall is for the brake assist pump, which can result in a loss of brake pressure and increase the risk of an accident. BMW will add a locking ring to prevent a loss of pressure. Most of the other recalls are for airbags, which are common on other cars from 2013.

How Long Will the 2013 BMW 3 Series Last?

A well-maintained 2013 BMW 3 Series lasts around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than the top-rated Lexus IS. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average for a luxury car, according to data from Repair Pal, at $736 per year.

Since most used 2013 BMW 3 Series models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the coolant reservoir for $400, the idler pulley costing $300, and the transmission mounts which cost $150.

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Brandon L

It is reliable. I have too many miles on it, so it is starting to see some wear. I had to replace part in the motor recently but other than that, I cannot complain.

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Celine C

Yes, it is extremely reliable. We have only minor issues, nothing major. Cannot complain. As long as it is serviced on a regular basis.

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Nadia K

I would say reliable, but again my issue is the noisy brakes. If it wasn’t for that, I would rate it higher.

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Carlo B

Yes, though I seem to have a challenge with the locks opening consistently at times. Often they will, Sometimes not.

How Is the Technology?

The entertainment technology is very good in the 2013 BMW 3 Series and it includes a standard 6.5-inch screen for the stereo system. Where the 3 Series is lacking is with safety technology since it only has the BMW Assist notification suite, and no advanced features.

Is the 2013 BMW 3 Series a Good Value?

Yes, the 2013 3 Series is a great value for an entry-level luxury sports car. Blue book prices range from $13,134 to $32,380, making it similar in price to the Mercedes C-Class and Infiniti G37. When new, the price range was $32,550 to $69,050. Depreciation is average for a luxury car, losing around 12% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the BMW 3 Series?

There are four main models of the 3 Series offered for 2013, including the entry-level 320i, more luxurious 328i, as well as the stronger 335i and 335is models. It’s also offered with rear or all-wheel-drive.

320i is the entry-level model with:

• 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
• Leatherette Vinyl Seating
• Cruise Control
• Dual Zone Climate Control
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• 6.5-Inch iDrive Stereo System With AUX & USB

328i is a step up, adding:

• Power Driver’s Seats
• Rearview Camera
• Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
• Improved Suspension

335i is a higher-performance version with:

• 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
• Leather Seating
• Adaptive Xenon Headlights
• Sunroof
• LED Running Lights

335is is available as a coupe and has:

• Unique 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
• Sport Steering Wheel
• Firmer Suspension
• Sports Exhaust

What Engines Come In the BMW 3 Series?

• The base engine is a weak 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo which makes 180 horsepower and gets up to 28 MPG.
• A step up is the stronger 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, which generates 240 horsepower and gets up to 25 MPG.
• The flagship engine is the powerful 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo making 300 horsepower while getting up to 22 MPG. Performance is great, taking 5.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the BMW 3 Series Come In?

How Comfortable Is the BMW 3 Series?

The 2013 BMW 3 Series is very comfortable for a car its size, with high-quality materials used throughout the cabin. There’s seating for up to 5 people, and the seats are supportive and will hold people in place through tight turns.

Passenger room is excellent with enough legroom in the back seats of the sedan to easily fit taller adults.

How Is the Storage In the BMW 3 Series?

Cargo space is similar to other compact cars with enough room in the trunk for 3-4 suitcases in the sedan, and 2-3 in the coupe.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series was introduced in 2012, and was replaced by the seventh generation in 2019.

2011: Exterior minor restyling, new more efficient engine, and upgraded stereo system available.

2012: Fully redesigned sedan model launched, more interior room, and new engine options.

2013: Optional all-wheel-drive added, and new M Sport package.

2014: Coupe & convertible redesigned and moved to 4 Series.

2015: Bluetooth added as standard equipment across all models

2016: Minor exterior styling updates, new suspension, 335i model is now 340i.

How Does the BMW 3 Series Compare to the Competition?

The BMW 3 Series is sportier than the competition, and 2013 is a great year for the car with relatively few owner complaints compared to other luxury cars.

The BMW 5 Series is another car from BMW which costs about $1,000 more. Passenger room is better in the BMW 5 Series, but the steering is much more responsive in the BMW 3 Series. We recommend the BMW 3 Series since it’s more fun to drive, unless you need the space offered by the BMW 5 Series.

The Audi A4 is a competitor which costs about $1,000 less. Performance in the snow is better in the Audi A4 with its standard all-wheel-drive system, whereas the BMW 3 Series is quicker and more engaging to drive. We recommend the BMW 3 Series since it has an optional all-wheel-drive system available as well.

Ranks #8 Luxury Small Cars by Owners

1

car

2013 Audi S5

2

car

2013 Lexus IS

4.77

8

Tie

car

2013 BMW 3 Series

4.53

Do Owners Recommend the BMW 3 Series?

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Brandon L

Yes. It is been very reliable for the most part. Good gas mileage and is well made. Plus, it is a good looking car so that never hurts.

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Celine C

Yes, it is extremely reliable. xDrive nature gives peace of mind for winter weather. The interior design is also very good, giving you a sturdy and luxury vehicle feeling.

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Catherine B

Decent enough, I have some issues with the squeaky brakes. Compared to other high end vehicles this particular model is satisfactory.

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Catherine F

Yes; I really enjoy owning this car. The ride is sporty yet comfortable. The interior feels high end.