BMW Years to Avoid by Model
BMW years to avoid: the 2011 328i (678 complaints), 2019 X3 (164 complaints), 2011 335i (146 complaints), 2024 X5 (141 complaints) and 2008 750Li (94 complaints). 5 of the 6 BMW models we track have at least one avoid-rated year. Based on 4,992 NHTSA owner complaints, rated model year by model year.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recall campaigns & service bulletins · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research · Methodology
BMW years to avoid, model by model
| Model | Years to avoid | Best years | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X5 | 20082011201920212024 | — | 1,810 (2008–2025) |
| BMW 750Li | 2008 | — | 309 (2008–2025) |
| BMW X3 | 20082019202020212022 | — | 1,120 (2008–2025) |
| BMW X6 | None rated avoid | — | 101 (2008–2025) |
| BMW 328i | 20112013 | — | 1,379 (2008–2025) |
| BMW 335i | 2011 | — | 273 (2008–2025) |
Verdicts are each model’s own, rated against that model’s history (see the methodology); counts are raw federal filings, not adjusted for sales volume.
The worst year for each BMW model
2011 BMW 328i: 678 NHTSA owner complaints · all avoid-rated years: 2011 and 2013 · Full 328i breakdown →
2019 BMW X3: 164 NHTSA owner complaints · all avoid-rated years: 2008, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 · Full X3 breakdown →
2011 BMW 335i: 146 NHTSA owner complaints · Full 335i breakdown →
2024 BMW X5: 141 NHTSA owner complaints · all avoid-rated years: 2008, 2011, 2019, 2021 and 2024 · Full X5 breakdown →
2008 BMW 750Li: 94 NHTSA owner complaints · Full 750Li breakdown →
Looking for the years to buy instead?
Frequently asked questions
What BMW years should you avoid?
By model: X5 2008, 2011, 2019, 2021 and 2024; 750Li 2008; X3 2008, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022; 328i 2011 and 2013; 335i 2011. Each verdict matches that model's own years-to-avoid page, built from NHTSA owner-complaint and recall records.
What are the best BMW years to buy?
No BMW model year stands out as a clear "best" in the federal data yet; see each model page for the full spread.
Which BMW model has the most years to avoid?
The BMW X5, with 5 avoid-rated model years (2008, 2011, 2019, 2021 and 2024) across 18 years on record (2008–2025).
How are BMW years to avoid rated?
Each model year's NHTSA owner complaints are weighted for severity, converted to a rate per year on the road, compared with the rest of that model's own history and adjusted for recalls. Full method at /research/years-to-avoid/methodology.
Where does the BMW data come from?
Federal records: 4,992 NHTSA owner complaints across 6 BMW models, plus NHTSA recall campaigns and manufacturer service bulletins filed with NHTSA. Counts are raw federal filings, not adjusted for sales volume.