Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2013 BMW 3 Series
With an overall Carivo score of 7.0/10, the 2013 BMW 3 Series earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.8/10, while Reliability at 6.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.2/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.8/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.5/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.3/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $25,460–$33,624, 18 MPG, seating 5, the BMW 3 Series sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The value score of 6.3/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2013 BMW 3 Series, but it needs the right buyer. Its value and reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2013 BMW 3 Series ranks #1048 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 20% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $25,460 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 8%.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which 3 Series Year Should You Buy?
Across the 3 Series model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 18 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Common Questions — 2013 BMW 3 Series
Is the 2013 BMW 3 Series reliable?
We rate the 2013 BMW 3 Series's reliability 6.2/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2013 BMW 3 Series worth buying?
It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #1048 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 20% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2013 BMW 3 Series cost?
The 2013 BMW 3 Series starts at $25,460 and ranges up to $33,624 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which 3 Series years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest 3 Series years we've rated are 2014 (7.0/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.9/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — BMW 3 Series
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Similar Sedan to Consider
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
