BMW E36: best and worst years
Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.
200313 complaints · 1 recalls19980 complaints · 4 recalls19970 complaints · 4 recalls19960 complaints · 4 recalls19951 complaints · 4 recalls19940 complaints · 4 recalls19930 complaints · 4 recalls19920 complaints · 4 recalls
Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.