BMW 3 Series vs Lexus Is
Side-by-side reliability, price, and known-issue comparison for used-car buyers. Composite scores come from TÜV (Germany), ADAC (pan-European), NHTSA (US-sold variants), and DVSA MOT (UK inspections).
⭐ Better composite reliability
B
BMW 3 Series
2015–2017
Reliability composite
75
/ 100
Good
ADAC + MOT + NHTSA
Estimated used price
€10,000–€17,700Documented issues
2
• Plastic coolant fittings degrade — €200
• Run-flat tyre harsh-ride / sidewall failure — €150
L
Lexus Is
No catalogue listings
Reliability composite
—
/ 100
No data
Documented issues
1
• Cooling fan resistor failure — €200
Bottom Line
The BMW 3 Series wins on composite reliability across TÜV, ADAC, NHTSA, and DVSA MOT data — typically a sign of lower ownership risk and fewer recurring failure modes at age. The other car isn't necessarily wrong; check its issue list and price-to-condition ratio before deciding.