BMW 3 Series G20/G21 (since 2019): known problems and buying guide

Built
since 2024
Median price
€39,930
Listings
2,251
Running cost per month
€468–€565
Power
150–286 PS (110–210 kW)
Reliability
2/5
DIY
2/5

Several recalls, some with fire risk, plus steering and suspension wear. Prove the recall work by VIN and test the steering before you buy.

All versions

VariantRunning cost per monthMedian priceListingsFuelEngine codesGearboxProduction years
320d, 190 PS, 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive Research€472€39,999557Diesel B47D20BAutomatic (8)since 2024
320d, 190 PS, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Research€482€39,999557Diesel B47D20BAutomatic (8)since 2024
320i, 184 PS, 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive Research€490€39,404471Petrol (98) B48B20A, B48B20BAutomatic (8)since 2024
320i, 184 PS, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Research€518€39,404471Petrol (98) B48B20AAutomatic (8)2024–2026
318i, 156 PS, 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive Research€484€33,970428Petrol (98) B48B20AAutomatic (8)since 2024
330i, 245 PS, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Research€523€44,800267Petrol (98) B48B20BAutomatic (8)since 2024
330d, 286 PS, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Research€565€46,888131Diesel B57D30BAutomatic (8)since 2024
318d, 150 PS, 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive Research€468€34,585125Diesel B47D20BAutomatic (8)since 2024

At a glance

  • Built from 2019: the G20 saloon and G21 Touring, with diesel, petrol and 330e plug-in hybrid engines.
  • The issues that matter most: recalls with fire risk (330e battery, starter), steering knocks, iDrive reboots and suspension wear.
  • Reliability: 2/5. Several recalls, some with fire risk, and steering and suspension wear reported in the press.
  • DIY: 2/5. Software and recall work need a dealer.
  • Prefer: a car with dealer records that the recalls are done, and a test drive that checks the steering and the iDrive screen.
  • Avoid: a 330e built in 2020 with no proof of the battery recall work.

Engines and gearboxes

  • 2.0 B47 diesel (318d, 320d): the engine's own faults are in the B47 guide.
  • 3.0 B57 diesel (330d, M340d): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
  • 2.0 B48 petrol (318i, 320i, 330i) and 330e: coolant leaks from the hoses, expansion tank and thermostat housing (gebrauchtwagenberater.de, Za Rulem). No guide yet.
  • 3.0 B58 petrol (M340i): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
  • 3.0 S58 (M3, engine only): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
  • 8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP): shift faults and gearbox service are in the ZF 8HP guide.
  • 6-speed manual: no fault confirmed in the sources read.

Known issues

Issue Affects Typical km Repair cost
Steering knocks and rack wear All G20 and G21 About 100,000 km No confirmed price
Suspension ball joints and bushings All G20 and G21 60,000-120,000 km No confirmed price
iDrive screen reboots and navigation crashes iDrive 7 cars, 2019 to summer 2022 Not stated 0-150 EUR for the software update (fahrzeugschein.de, year not stated)

Before you buy

  1. Recall check by VIN. Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for open campaigns: the 330e battery (2020 cars), the starter, the 48-volt starter-generator cables, the brake discs and the front belt buckle. Bad result: an open campaign, or no record of the work.
  2. Steering knocks. Drive slowly at full lock in both directions, then over a few bumps. Bad result: a knock or creak from the rack or the joints.
  3. Suspension (needs a lift). Ask a workshop to lift the car and check the ball joints and bushings for play. Bad result: play in a ball joint or worn bushings.
  4. ZF 8HP shifts. On a test drive, pull away gently and change gears under light throttle. Bad result: jerks or delayed shifts.
  5. Coolant (petrol and 330e). With the engine cold, check the coolant level and look for wet hoses under the expansion tank. Bad result: coolant to top up between services.
  6. iDrive. Start the car cold and check that the screen comes on within about 20 seconds, Bluetooth pairs and the navigation runs. Bad result: a reboot, a dropout or a frozen screen.

Running costs

Operational€209
Workshop€104
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)€199
Total per month€512
New-car depreciation (not included)€708

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Market

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

Find offers on mobile.de

Listings
2,251
25th percentile
€36,450
Median price
€39,930
75th percentile
€44,490
Median mileage
21,000 km
Median first registration
2025
Dealer share
98.1%
Price at 100,000 km
€32,408

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.

Full guide with details