Known APK problem
BMW 3-serie E90/E91: brake lines
On the BMW 3-serie E90/E91 the APK inspector finds brake lines problems 4.6× as often as on cars of the same age: at 16+ years 5.3%, against about 1.2% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Rusty or leaking brake lines. An A-problem at the APK because braking is at risk.
How to check it at the viewing
Use a torch to look along the lines near the wheels and rear axle: no thick rust or wet spots.
Ask the seller: Have the brake lines ever been (partly) replaced?
By age
Share of inspected BMW 3-serie E90/E91s with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | 3-serie E90/E91 | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 – 15 years | A | 1.0% | 0.6% | 1.7× |
| 13 – 15 years | B | 0.6% | 0.2% | 2.7× |
| 16+ years | A | 1.6% | 1.3% | 1.2× |
| 16+ years | B | 5.3% | 1.2% | 4.6× |
A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.
Comparable cars at 16+ years
| Model | Brake lines | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 3-serie E90/E91 | 5.3% | 4.6× |
| Volvo V70 III / XC70 II | 0.2% | 0.2× |
| Škoda Octavia II | 0.3% | 0.2× |
| Toyota Avensis III | 1.4% | 1.0× |
| Volkswagen Passat B6 | 0.3% | 0.2× |
| Audi A4 (B8) | 1.6% | 1.4× |
Looking at a BMW 3-serie E90/E91? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other BMW 3-serie E90/E91s of the same age.
All weak spots of the BMW 3-serie E90/E91 · Brake lines: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the BMW 3-serie E90/E91 often have brake lines problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 16+ years the inspector found a brake lines defect on 5.3% of inspected BMW 3-serie E90/E91s, against about 1.2% of all cars of the same age (4.6×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the brake lines on a used BMW 3-serie E90/E91?
Use a torch to look along the lines near the wheels and rear axle: no thick rust or wet spots.
Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.
Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know