Buying a used modern BMW? They may be more reliable than you think

JD Power recently released its 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which showed that vehicle reliability has increased with an industry average of 186 problems per 100 (PP100) vehicles, an improvement of 6 PP100 from 2022.

For context, a lower PP100 score is better. Even premium marques scored an improvement, lowering their score by 23 PP100. Vehicles from the 2020 model year were the focus of this study.

Unsurprisingly, Lexus took the top spot of dependability in the premium brands segment with 133 PP100 while Genesis (144 PP100), Cadillac (173 PP100) and BMW (184 PP100) make up the top 4.

But we’d like to draw some attention to BMW, which received four segment awards for the BMW 4 Series, BMW X2, BMW X5 and MINI Hatch. With a score of 184 PP100, BMW has an above industry average dependability, scoring ahead of Volvo, Audi, or even Porsche.

Also read: Used F30 BMW 3 Series - From 316i to 335i, which variant is the best?

Looking at the models that won an award, one common factor shared between all models would be engine. Specifically the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and the B58 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine.

After all, the B58 engine was subjected to extensive reliability tests by Toyota for the GR Supra to ensure that it’s up to their standards. By extension, so would the B48 engine that’s offered in the lower rung variants of the GR Supra.

Also read: Review: 2023 Toyota GR Supra 6MT - A swansong salute to manual fans, but is it better than the 8AT?

Naturally, vehicles with strong dependability scores will nurture a positive brand perception and drive used car sales. And if you’re interested in recent BMWs (within 5 years of age, give or take), the study has shown that they’re well worth considering.

Browse CARSOME's listings of BMW models via this link here.

Check out the upcoming CARSOME Autofair 2023 to enjoy discounts and get the best deals, happening on the 17th to 19th March at Carsome PJ Automall. Register here.

Also read: Used German cars: A Mercedes-Benz is more reliable than a BMW, fact or myth?