Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the wheels and tires. The 7 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2022Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/7 checked
2022 BMW 3 Series: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
These years share the 2022's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2022 checks
Worth adding to your 2022 checks
Worth adding to your 2022 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2022 BMW 3 Series. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | AWD, RWD | 28–30 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylGas | AWD, RWD | 18–19 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylHybrid | AWD, RWD | 26 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cylPlug-in hybrid | AWD, RWD | 290–320 mi range |
NHTSA complaints for the 2022 BMW 3 Series, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Sidewalls split open without warning. Two of the 3 reports describe a sudden blowout at 75 mph on the highway. Pressure falls to zero, a dash warning appears, and the driver loses some steering control. In the third case, a gash shows up in the sidewall of a parked car, and the pressure warning never comes on. The cuts run from 2.5 to 6 inches, including on the inner sidewall. The reports cite P225/45R18 tires on clear roads with no hazards. Owners still pay for the replacement tire or the labor.
Excerpts from complaints 3 Series owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Approached my parked car and noticed a 2.5-inch gash in the sidewall of the tire. No warning light in dashboard. Tire pressure remained at recommended pressure. Previous driving was on 35 mph local roads with optimal driving conditions--clear weather and no road hazards. Drove vehicle to dealer to have tire replaced. Tire was covered under warranty but incurred labor expenses. (P225/45R18)
Filed with NHTSA, May 2023
Driving at 75 mph on highway, tire "exploded". Tire air pressure immediately dropped to zero, resulting in some lack of steering control. Warning message on dash appeared upon tire failure. Drove with caution lights to open gas station. A 4-inch slash was visible in the sidewall of the tire. Car was towed to dealership and tire was replaced at my expense.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2023
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2022 ranks seventh for owner complaints among 8 3 Series years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2022 is the fourth model year of the 3 Series's seventh generation (2019–2023).
It is also the first year of a mid-cycle update.
What changed for 2022
Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
Risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 330i, 530i, X3 xDrive30i, and X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The mechatronics unit inside the transmission may not have been assembled properly, which could result in an internal leak.
Risk: An internal transmission leak can result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics unit, free of charge. All of the vehicle population for this recall have been repaired. Owner notification letters were not mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Cars shoppers compare with the BMW 3 Series, with their own 2022 checklists.
2022 owner complaints, side by side
