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Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. BMW 3-Series Reliability Comparisons

Mazda MX-5 Miata Reliability vs. BMW 3-Series Reliability:
Mazda MX-5 Miata Reliability vs. BMW 3-Series Reliability:

You won't find Mazda MX-5 Miata or BMW 3-Series reliability information like this anywhere else. Actual repair frequencies, not just vague dots, to make it clear how much the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the BMW 3-Series truly differ in reliability. These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to much more closely track Mazda MX-5 Miata and BMW 3-Series reliability as the cars age. Others tell you how reliable the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the BMW 3-Series were a year ago, when the cars were a year younger and had 12,000 fewer miles on them. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the BMW 3-Series have been recently.

See Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. BMW 3-Series price comparison

See what people are saying about Mazda MX-5 Miata reliability

More about the
Mazda MX-5 Miata

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BMW 3-Series

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Mazda MX-5 Miata Reliability through December 31, 2012

An asterisk (*) marks results based on small sample sizes.

General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.

Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.

New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.

 

Year Make/Model Repair Frequencysuccessful repair trips per 100 cars per year Compared to all models for the same year  
2013 BMW 3-Series 4dr   25 3-Series 4drs, 2.6 months of data per 3-Series 4dr, average 2600 miles

Small sample size. Join or 25 3-Series 4drs, 2.6 months of data per 3-Series 4dr, average 2600 miles

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2012 BMW 3-Series 4dr   21 3-Series 4drs, 5.5 months of data per 3-Series 4dr, average 4600 miles

Small sample size. Join or 21 3-Series 4drs, 5.5 months of data per 3-Series 4dr, average 4600 miles

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2011 BMW 3-Series / M3 133 3-Series / M3s, 9.1 months of data per 3-Series / M3, average 16100 miles

24
20% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2010 BMW 3-Series / M3 48 3-Series / M3s, 9.1 months of data per 3-Series / M3, average 27800 miles

36
30% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2009 BMW M3   16 M3s, 9.9 months of data per M3, average 27600 miles

Small sample size. Join or 16 M3s, 9.9 months of data per M3, average 27600 miles

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2009 BMW 335 30 335s, 8.4 months of data per 335, average 33100 miles

38
30% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2009 BMW 328 56 328s, 8.4 months of data per 328, average 31800 miles

48
50% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 34 MX-5 Miatas, 10.6 months of data per MX-5 Miata, average 35000 miles

Like other sports cars, low average odometer reading.13
0% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2008 BMW 328 40 328s, 10.2 months of data per 328, average 48800 miles

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3. 335i has common problem with misfires.30
20% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2008 BMW M3 35 M3s, 9.7 months of data per M3, average 28600 miles

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3. 335i has common problem with misfires.67
60% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2008 BMW 335 54 335s, 9.3 months of data per 335, average 45200 miles

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3. 335i has common problem with misfires.74
70% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata   17 MX-5 Miatas, 9.0 months of data per MX-5 Miata, average 45400 miles

Small sample size. Join or 17 MX-5 Miatas, 9.0 months of data per MX-5 Miata, average 45400 miles

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2007 BMW 328 62 328s, 9.3 months of data per 328, average 58900 miles

48
40% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2007 BMW 335 60 335s, 9.7 months of data per 335, average 52600 miles

49
40% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata 40 MX-5 Miatas, 9.9 months of data per MX-5 Miata, average 42100 miles

Like other sports cars, low average odometer reading.15
0% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2006 BMW 3-Series 4dr 105 3-Series 4drs, 9.0 months of data per 3-Series 4dr, average 78200 miles

First year for the E90 4-door.57
40% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2006 BMW 3-Series 2dr   21 3-Series 2drs, 8.7 months of data per 3-Series 2dr, average 60900 miles

Small sample size. Join or 21 3-Series 2drs, 8.7 months of data per 3-Series 2dr, average 60900 miles

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2005 BMW M3   15 M3s, 9.3 months of data per M3, average 63000 miles

Small sample size. Join or 15 M3s, 9.3 months of data per M3, average 63000 miles

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2005 BMW 3-Series 39 3-Series, 8.5 months of data per 3-Series, average 82200 miles

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.58
40% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata   19 MX-5 Miatas, 8.5 months of data per MX-5 Miata, average 52400 miles

Small sample size. Join or 19 MX-5 Miatas, 8.5 months of data per MX-5 Miata, average 52400 miles

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2004 BMW M3   20 M3s, 9.6 months of data per M3, average 73200 miles

Small sample size. Join or 20 M3s, 9.6 months of data per M3, average 73200 miles

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2004 BMW 3-Series 50 3-Series, 9.5 months of data per 3-Series, average 93400 miles

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.81
60% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2003 BMW M3   15 M3s, 7.8 months of data per M3, average 82100 miles

Small sample size. Join or 15 M3s, 7.8 months of data per M3, average 82100 miles

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2003 BMW 3-Series 41 3-Series, 8.9 months of data per 3-Series, average 99400 miles

Average odometer reading much lower for the M3.122
100% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2002 BMW M3   12 M3s, 9.6 months of data per M3, average 90300 miles

Small sample size. Join or 12 M3s, 9.6 months of data per M3, average 90300 miles

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2002 BMW 3-Series 43 3-Series, 8.3 months of data per 3-Series, average 105600 miles

105
70% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata   10 MX-5 Miatas, 9.4 months of data per MX-5 Miata, average 65200 miles

Small sample size. Join or 10 MX-5 Miatas, 9.4 months of data per MX-5 Miata, average 65200 miles

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2001 BMW 3-Series 48 3-Series, 9.0 months of data per 3-Series, average 122500 miles

114
80% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2000 BMW 3-Series 28 3-Series, 9.0 months of data per 3-Series, average 142600 miles

96
50% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

1999 BMW 3-Series - E46   14 3-Series - E46s, 9.9 months of data per 3-Series - E46, average 154300 miles

Small sample size. Join or 14 3-Series - E46s, 9.9 months of data per 3-Series - E46, average 154300 miles

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1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata 26 MX-5 Miatas, 9.3 months of data per MX-5 Miata, average 102200 miles55
0% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

1998 BMW 3-Series / M3   23 3-Series / M3s, 8.4 months of data per 3-Series / M3, average 126800 miles

Small sample size. Join or 23 3-Series / M3s, 8.4 months of data per 3-Series / M3, average 126800 miles

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1995 BMW 3-Series / M3   13 3-Series / M3s, 5.5 months of data per 3-Series / M3, average 142700 miles

Small sample size. Join or 13 3-Series / M3s, 5.5 months of data per 3-Series / M3, average 142700 miles

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What People Are Saying about Reliability and the Mazda MX-5 Miata

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What Our Members Are Saying about Mazda MX-5 Miata Reliability and Durability

Reliability and Durability of the Mazda MX-5 Miata: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 2dr Convertible 167-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 Good reliability history according to all research.
2008 2dr Convertible 158-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 I only have about 15,000 miles so far. This car does not get driven in the winter because of road salt. Nothing has broken or needed repair yet.
2007 2dr Convertible 166-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 Knock on wood - the Miata has proven totally reliable so far. The maintenance bills are very low, and the Mazda dealer service is good.
2006 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 I haven ot had ANY problems with it. The car only goes to the mechanic for scheduled maintenance - what mroe can one say.
2006 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 Car had a major issue with its engine computer, fixed under warrantee. Other than that, no real issues.
2006 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 Flawless/bullet-proof drivetrain. Few gizmos and needless luxuries = fewer things to break. No need for repairs in 32k miles.
2006 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 its a mazda, it may be said to be too reliable, is there such a thing, this is my second masda mx-5, i ran my first one for 6 years, not one trip to the mazda garage
2006 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 I bought this car at about 40,000km and so far after 8,000km it has olny cost me gas, and 1 oil change that I will need to do this week.
2006 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 Mazda has closed the gap on Honda and Toyota. It hardly gets better than that. That plus the warranty and I have no worries.
2006 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 Has been 100% reliable over 6 years, 30,000 miles and two 2 month cross country trips.
2005 2dr Convertible turbocharged 178hp 1.8L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 Never have had a single issue in the last 30,000 miles that I have put on the car in the last 8 months.
2004 2dr Convertible turbocharged 178hp 1.8L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 Bulletproof reliability reputation with very few issues over the life of the car. Miatas with 200,000 miles on them are not uncommon.
2003 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 Except for a faulty engine part when it was brand new, I have never had to take this car into the dealership for service. 55,000 miles and I still love to drive it.
2003 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 Have had two (1996 and 2003) and have never had either one in the shop.
2003 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 Very low level of reported issues amongst my Miata driving peers. The engine is rock solid, and fairly simple to do relatively elementary work on yourself.
2002 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 I am now retired and have owned several brands of sports vehicles. I knew that the MX-5 would have the lowest maintenance costs.
2001 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 Among the most reliable series (certainly the first two) of mass-produced autos. Exceptionally reliable for convertibles.
2000 2dr Convertible 140-horsepower 1.8L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 The car can go forever. Excellent quality, reliable, well built.

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