Known APK problem
BMW 3-serie E90/E91: exhaust and emissions
On the BMW 3-serie E90/E91 the APK inspector finds exhaust and emissions problems 2.3× as often as on cars of the same age: at 13–15 years 1.0%, against about 0.4% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
A leaking exhaust, high emissions or problems with the catalytic converter or particulate filter.
How to check it at the viewing
Start the engine cold and watch for smoke and an uneven idle. Listen for blowing noises under the car.
Ask the seller: Has any work been done on the exhaust, catalytic converter or particulate filter?
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% | 0.4% | 2.3× |
| 13 – 15 years | B | 2.5% | 2.8% | 0.9× |
| 16+ years | A | 1.1% | 0.8% | 1.4× |
| 16+ years | B | 2.2% | 5.5% | 0.4× |
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 13–15 years
| Model | Exhaust and emissions | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 3-serie E90/E91 | 1.0% | 2.3× |
| Volvo V60 I / S60 II | 0.9% | 2.1× |
| Volvo V70 III / XC70 II | 1.1% | 2.6× |
| Škoda Octavia II | 0.4% | 0.8× |
| Opel Insignia A | 0.5% | 1.1× |
| Škoda Superb II | 0.6% | 1.3× |
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 · Exhaust and emissions: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the BMW 3-serie E90/E91 often have exhaust and emissions problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 13–15 years the inspector found a exhaust and emissions defect on 1.0% of inspected BMW 3-serie E90/E91s, against about 0.4% of all cars of the same age (2.3×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the exhaust and emissions on a used BMW 3-serie E90/E91?
Start the engine cold and watch for smoke and an uneven idle. Listen for blowing noises under the car.
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