Known APK problem
BMW 3-serie G20: steering
On the BMW 3-serie G20 the APK inspector finds steering problems 8.1× as often as on cars of the same age: at 3–4 years 0.5%, against about 0.1% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Play or leaks in the steering rack, tie rods or power steering.
How to check it at the viewing
Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.
Ask the seller: Has any work been done on the steering rack or tie rod ends?
By age
Share of inspected BMW 3-serie G20s with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | 3-serie G20 | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 – 4 years | B | 0.5% | 0.1% | 8.1× |
| 5 – 6 years | B | 0.2% | 0.5% | 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.
Looking at a BMW 3-serie G20? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other BMW 3-serie G20s of the same age.
All weak spots of the BMW 3-serie G20 · Steering: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the BMW 3-serie G20 often have steering problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 3–4 years the inspector found a steering defect on 0.5% of inspected BMW 3-serie G20s, against about 0.1% of all cars of the same age (8.1×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the steering on a used BMW 3-serie G20?
Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.
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