2009 BMW 3 Series: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2009 BMW 3 Series
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Battery cable and blower wiring recalls
About 312,000 cars were recalled for a faulty positive battery cable and nearly 280,000 for a heater blower connector. Others covered side airbag wiring, the brake servo, the propshaft joint and VANOS units.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)
- Manual gearbox
Clutch and dual-mass flywheel
A faulty dual-mass flywheel can make the clutch seize. Both need replacing.
At the viewing: Feel for judder or a heavy, odd clutch, and listen for rattles at idle.
Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)
- All engines
Clunks over bumps in the cold
Worn front anti-roll bar bushes clunk, more in cold weather.
At the viewing: Drive over bumps and listen.
Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)
- All engines
Exhaust drone
A damaged exhaust flexi pipe drones when driving or idling.
At the viewing: Listen at idle and on the move.
Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)
Looking at a BMW 3 Series?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the BMW 3 Series compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | – | Too few tests |
| 2021 | 759 | Tyres 21% |
| 2020 | 9,771 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 34,846 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 25,493 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 10,906 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 73,403 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 91,029 | Tyres 28% |
| 2014 | 90,046 | Tyres 30% |
| 2013 | 97,821 | Tyres 30% |
| 2012 | 96,040 | Tyres 32% |
| 2011 | 81,787 | Tyres 33% |
| 2010 | 75,455 | Suspension 35% |
| 2008 | 66,671 | Brakes 40% |
| 2007 | 77,186 | Brakes 41% |
| 2006 | 57,039 | Brakes 46% |
| 2005 | 36,334 | Brakes 46% |
| 2004 | 27,771 | Brakes 44% |
| 2003 | 29,361 | Brakes 44% |
| 2002 | 22,806 | Brakes 42% |
| 2001 | 14,634 | Brakes 43% |
| 2000 | 7,767 | Brakes 43% |
| 1999 | 7,370 | Brakes 38% |
| 1998 | 5,623 | Suspension 35% |
| 1997 | 4,172 | Brakes 36% |
| 1996 | 2,941 | Brakes 37% |
| 1995 | 1,929 | Brakes 37% |
| 1994 | 1,187 | Brakes 34% |
| 1993 | 1,172 | Brakes 32% |
| 1992 | 1,287 | Suspension 28% |
| 1991 | 1,968 | Suspension 26% |
| 1990 | 3,254 | Suspension 25% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
| 1984 | – | Too few tests |
| 1983 | – | Too few tests |
| 1982 | – | Too few tests |
| 1981 | – | Too few tests |
| 1980 | – | Too few tests |
| 1979 | – | Too few tests |
| 1978 | – | Too few tests |
| 1977 | – | Too few tests |
| 1976 | – | Too few tests |