BMW

230i

Subcompact Cars · model years 2017 to 2026

Includes 230i Convertible, 230i Coupe, 230i xDrive Convertible and 1 more as listed by the EPA.

The verdict

Best year: 2025. complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Worst year: 2017. complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Year by year

Year by year summary for the BMW 230i
Year	Trims	MPG	HP	Fuel cost	Recalls	Complaints	Investigations	TSBs
2017	5Gas	27	248	$2,850	0	0	1 (1 open)	157
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file open NHTSA investigations: 1 Score: 87 of 100, where higher is better.
2018	5Gas	27	no data	$2,850	0	0	1 (1 open)	108
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file open NHTSA investigations: 1 Score: 87 of 100, where higher is better.
2019	5Gas	27	no data	$2,850	0	0	0	40
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2020	5Gas	25	248	$3,100	0	0	0	46
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2021	5Gas	25	248	$3,100	0	0	0	29
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2022	1Gas	29	no data	$2,650	0	0	0	21
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2023	2Gas	28.5	255	$2,700	0	0	0	35
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2024	2Gas	29	255	$2,650	0	0	0	34
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2025	2Gas	29	255	$2,625	0	0	0	34
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2026	2Gas	29	no data	$2,625	no data	no data	0	no data
no complaint or recall data on file for 2026

How the numbers moved

Combined MPG, median2017: 27 to 2026: 29

Owner complaints2017: 0 to 2025: 0

How we score each year

We compare each year of the BMW 230i to the model's own typical numbers, not to other cars. A year reads solid when its recalls, owner complaints, and federal investigations sit at or below what is typical for this model, mixed when some of those numbers run above typical, and avoid when they run far above it. Deaths, reported fires, and an NHTSA advisory to park outside count against a year no matter what this model's baseline looks like.

A year is scored only when NHTSA has both complaint and recall counts for it. Complaint data often lags for the newest years, so a recent year can read not enough data even while its recall count already shows in the table. When the history is too thin, we say not enough data instead of guessing. Service bulletins are routine maintenance guidance from the manufacturer and do not lower a year's score.

Scores run 0 to 100, higher is better. Recall, complaint, and investigation figures come from NHTSA records. Fuel economy, fuel cost, and horsepower figures come from the EPA, shown as the median across the year's trims.

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.