We pulled car insurance quotes from top insurance companies to find that the average monthly cost to insure a BMW 3 Series is $201.15 — or $2,413.80 annually. However, your actual costs depend on your driving history, vehicle model, ZIP and other factors. And some older models may cost more to insure than others depending on which safety features your vehicle has and which insurer you choose.
Model Year
Progressive
Geico
State Farm
Farmers
Average
2011 BMW 3
$143.25
$116.88
$178.37
$160.25
$149.69
2016 BMW 3
$131.41
$138.84
$220.74
$204.60
$173.90
2021 BMW 3
$151.58
$171.40
$245.07
$236.55
$201.15
How we got these rates
Our rates are based on a single 30-year-old driver with a clean driving history living in California. California is one of seven states that doesn’t use gender to determine car insurance costs. We chose full coverage car insurance with liability limits that exceed the California state minimum requirements, which include:
Shopping for auto insurance is an unavoidable drawback of owning a vehicle. Almost all 50 states require auto insurance, so while you won’t be able to forego coverage, you can save a lot of money if you know what to look for.
Here are a few factors to consider when you’re shopping around.
Price. Enter the same details every time you get a quote from providers. This will allow you to accurately compare your options by price.
Deductible. Your deductible amount will likely influence the cost of your monthly premiums. A higher deductible will cost more when you file a claim, but you’ll spend less on premiums. Lower deductibles cost more on a monthly basis, but you’ll pay less out of pocket if you file a claim.
Minimum coverage. Outside of New Hampshire and Virginia, every state has a mandatory minimum amount of coverage. Before signing up for a policy, make sure your state’s minimums are met.
Additional coverage. Consider whether or not you need additional coverage. Personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage are two of the many possible options.
Extras. Extras like accident forgiveness or vanishing deductible can improve your policy and provide peace of mind. Find out what extra policy features are available when shopping around.
Restrictions. Some providers have restrictions or limitations on your car insurance policy. Find out if any apply to you to avoid denied claims or gaps in coverage.
Manufacturer offer or loyalty discount. Some automakers have manufacturer offers or loyalty discounts through insurance providers. Speak with BMW to find out if you are eligible.
Warranty. Find out what’s covered by your manufacturer or extended warranty to avoid paying for overlapping coverage.
What factors affect car insurance rates for BMW 3 Series?
While your driving history, location and other variables can influence the cost of insurance, the vehicle you drive has a considerable impact. This is because each vehicle has different repair costs, theft rates, performance and so on. Here’s how the BMW 3 Series’ characteristics could affect the cost of insurance.
Body type. The 3 Series is a four-door sedan, best suited for families, commuting and other forms of daily driving. This low-risk driver profile could help reduce auto insurance rates.
Type of car. BMW makes luxury performance vehicles and the 3 series is no exception. This classification could lead to higher insurance rates.
Theft. Sedans are the most frequently stolen type of vehicle, meaning you’ll likely be charged a premium to insure this vehicle.
Repairs. BMW is best known for its cutting-edge technology and luxurious design. Parts and service for the 3 series can be expensive, which may increase your auto insurance rates.
Safety ratings. The 2018 BMW 3 series won the IIHS top safety pick and holds great crashworthiness ratings. This could reduce the cost of insurance.
Compare the BMW 3’s insurance factors to similar cars
The BMW 3 achieves lower insurance rates than other sports sedans, possibly because of its 5-star safety and lower price tag for a luxury ride. A low price tag means that your insurance company will pay less to replace the car after an accident.
Models similar to BMW 3 Series
Monthly insurance cost
Car value
Safety rating by NHTSA
Theft rate
BMW 3 Series
$201.15
$42,245
5-star
Not available
Audi S6
–
$75,445
Not rated
0
BMW 7 Series
$265.79
$87,795
Not rated
Not available
2020 Lexus GS F
–
$86,035
Not rated
0.88
Mercedes-Benz CLS Class
$270.11
$71,350
Not rated
0.72
We found safety ratings and theft rates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Theft rates are not available for all models or model years. We also found 2021 car values from Car and Driver’s car model reviews.
Does the BMW 3 Series qualify for auto insurance discounts?
Your vehicle may be eligible for various auto insurance discounts depending on which provider you choose. However, the exact discounts you receive may vary depending on location, provider, options, and other factors. Here are a few that should apply to the BMW 3 Series:
How do trim packages and extra build options affect insurance cost?
Insurance providers consider your risk of filing claims and the cost of paying them out when calculating your insurance premiums. Since every vehicle is different, the make and model you drive can directly influence your chances of filing a claim.
But beyond your actual vehicle, the trim package you choose can affect performance and safety — all important details to disclose when getting quotes. Based on the standard 320i RWD model, here’s how various build options could affect your insurance rates.
Trim
xDrive. xDrive is BMW’s all-wheel-drive system. It can improve traction and handling, which could translate to better auto insurance rates.
330i/340i. The 330i and 340i models come with more powerful engines and higher price tags. Choosing either of these models could increase the cost of insurance.
Diesel. Both diesel options could cost more to insure since diesel vehicles generally have higher average accident repair costs.
Plug-in Hybrid. While the hybrid model can help you save on gas, you’ll probably end up paying more for insurance since these types of vehicles can be expensive to repair.
Packages
Sport design. These packages add LED fog lights and a rearview camera among other features. The improved visibility and handling could help you save on auto insurance.
Driving Assistance Package. This bundle of features significantly enhances driver, passenger and vehicle safety and therefore might help you get better rates.
Track Handling Package. Performance tires, steering and suspension can improve your vehicle’s handling, which could lead to cheaper auto insurance.
Safety options. Adding park distance control or active blind spot detection can reduce your chances of an accident and may help decrease your premiums.
BMW 3 Series money-saving safety features
You could save money on car insurance for your BMW 3 Series if it comes equipped with these safety features.
Airbags
Antilock brakes
Antitheft device
Parking sensors
Surround view camera system
Daytime running lights
Electronic stability control
Seatbelt pretensioners
Rear backup sensors
Lane-departure warning systems
Adaptive cruise control
How reliable is the BMW 3 Series?
According to U.S. News and J.D Power, the 2018 BMW 3 Series received a 3.5/5 star rating for reliability. This is slightly better than most vehicles in its class, but your experience may vary depending on numerous factors.
The BMW 3 series has been in production since 1975, but there are very few recalls despite its lengthy production history.
2012-2015. A number of various 3 Series models produced between 2011 and 2015 were recalled due to a software issue that could prevent the side marker lights from operating when the parking lights or headlights were active.
2012-2014. Some 2012-2014 BMW 3 series models were recalled due to issues stemming from insufficient lubrication on the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance. A number of vehicles were also recalled due to a failing fuel pump that could cause vehicles to stall.
1998-2006. A large number of 3 Series models were part of the Takata Airbag Recall. This involved airbag inflators used in various BMW models that could fail to inflate or spray metal fragments when activated.
Since there have been so many models and variants of the BMW 3 Series, it’s tough to pinpoint the most common issues. With that being said, the 320, which is one of the more common models, has a history of engine and transmission issues, especially on 2013 and 2014 versions.
BMW 3 Series maintenance
As a luxury vehicle manufacturer, BMW strives to provide a comfortable and convenient driving experience. Many BMWs are considered quite reliable and do not require much maintenance to keep them on the road.
However, considering that the 3 Series is a high-end vehicle, routine service appointments can help ensure your vehicle operates as it should. Here’s what to expect in terms of oil changes, maintenance schedules, mileage and more.
BMW suggests an oil change every 10,000 miles or 12 months. Depending on how you drive your vehicle, you may want to consider having it changed more often.
Oil changes should cost between $100 to $200, but your cost may vary.
The 2018 320i (Automatic transmission) gets an average of 28 miles per gallon, with 24 in the city and 35 on the highway.
The 2018 BMW 320i Coupe (Manual transmission) gets an average of 27 miles per gallon, with 23 in the city and 35 on the highway.
The 2018 BMW 320i xDrive gets an average of 27 miles per gallon, with 23 in the city and 34 on the highway.
The 2018 BMW 3 Series comes with a standard four-year/50,000-mile warranty.
Newer BMW models come equipped with a Condition Based Servicing system and a Service Interval Indicator. Both of these systems will monitor your vehicle and let you know when parts need replacing and when the vehicle should be brought in for service.
Is an extended warranty worth it for the BMW 3 Series?
The 3 Series comes with BMW’s four-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty that covers problems due to defective parts or improper service. New vehicles also come with a special corrosion warranty along with free roadside assistance.
If you’d like to increase your coverage, the extended warranty is available in multiple terms ranging from five to seven years. By purchasing the extended warranty, you’ll receive service from certified BMW technicians, OEM part replacements, mechanical breakdown towing and more.
Additionally, eligible 3 Series vehicles come with BMW Ultimate Care, which is a three-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan. There are other extended maintenance plans available for an extra fee.
How safe is the BMW 3 Series?
Like many other BMW vehicles, the 3 series holds great safety ratings in almost every category. It was the IIHS 2018 top safety pick and it received the highest possible ratings in most crashworthiness tests. According to U.S News and J.D Power, the 2018 3 series was awarded an impressive safety rating of 9.5/10.
The BMW 3 Series model has been around since 1975. The 3 Series model accounts for approximately 30% of BMW’s total annual sales, making it the top-selling BMW model.
In 2016, there were over 106,000 models sold in the United States. The 2017 model was awarded Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and given a 5-Star Overall Rating from the National Highway Safety Administration.
BMW hybrid/electric 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is now available in a plug-in electric-hybrid version. The average annual car insurance cost for the 330e is $1,171, depending on your unique driver and vehicle factors.
The 330e iPerformance Plug-In Hybrid model features 65 city and 77 highway MPG in hybrid mode and about 17 miles of range in full electric mode. Regenerative braking plus optional charging keep fuel costs low.
About the BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series first debuted in the U.S. in 1977, with the E21. Known as a sport sedan, the BMW 3 Series today has something for just about everyone. For the 2022 3 Series model year, you can choose from a core model, performance model, and an electrified trim. Over the decades the 3 Series continues to draw in luxury buyers in need of a stylish sedan.
All 2022 3 Series models are available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, and all hit 60 mph in under six seconds. The base 330i begins at $41,450, which isn’t bad for a luxury sedan.
If you crave performance, the M340i starts at $54,700. For green buyers, an electrified 330e Sedan will run you $42,950.
Both the 330i and the 330e come with a 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder, and the electric is equipped with an integrated rear-wheel drive electric motor. The M340i, though, comes with a 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder, which boasts 382 horsepower. All engines have an eight-speed automatic transmission, and if you want all-wheel drive, it’s an extra $2,000.
Bottom line
Starting at around $41,000, the BMW 3 Series is an impressive luxury sedan that’s available in multiple styles. While its great safety and driver assistance features make it a great daily driver, build options allow you to customize the vehicle to suit your needs. However, the model and options you choose can affect the cost of insurance, so you should compare your options to find out how much coverage for your 3 series will cost.
Peter Carleton is a writer that covers banking and investing, breaking down what you need to know about where you put your money. When Peter's not thinking about cutting-edge banking apps and robo-advisors, he runs a creative agency and spends his spare time cooking or reading.
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