Which is more reliable, BMW or Chrysler?
BMW leads on our inspections: 67/100 average condition vs 56/100 for Chrysler, from 375 real pre-purchase inspections.
BMW leads on our inspections: 67/100 average condition vs 56/100 for Chrysler, from 375 real pre-purchase inspections. The average car we check scores 61/100.
Head to head
| BMW | Chrysler | |
|---|---|---|
| Cars inspected | 341 | 34 |
| Average condition | 67/100 | 56/100 |
| In good shape (60+/100) | 66% | 47% |
| Repainted or replaced panel | 71% | 88% |
| Structural repair found | 2% | 3% |
| Fault codes recently cleared | 27% | 21% |
Green = the better number of the pair. Condition reflects the mix of cars that came to us — age, price, model — so treat small gaps as a tie.
How they score
How long do they stay good?
Good cars by mileage
▬ BMW▬ Chrysler▬ all cars
Good cars by age
▬ BMW▬ Chrysler▬ all cars
Share in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; a band under 20 cars follows the nearby bands, so a run above the all-cars line stays above it, and a band of 20 or more uses the rate we measured; where a band has too few cars, the line follows the trend between the bands on either side; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). Dashed grey = all cars we check. Not enough Chrysler data at this granularity yet.
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
54%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
37%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
34%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
26%
Electronic components issues · Engine
16%
Oil leaks · Engine
79%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
47%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
41%
Oil leaks · Automatic transmission
29%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
24%
Trajectory by generation
BMW
▲ Newer BMWs are holding up better
Chrysler
Not enough Chryslers at the 5–10 year checkpoint yet to draw a generation trend.
Share in good shape when inspected at the same age (5–10 years, age-adjusted), by model-year generation; dashed = all-brand average. All brands →
FAQ
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What are the most common problems with used BMWs and Chryslers?
On BMWs we flag oil leaks (54%), active error codes (37%), tires condition & wear (34%). On Chryslers: oil leaks (79%), tires condition & wear (47%), active error codes (41%).
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How many BMW and Chrysler vehicles have you inspected?
341 BMWs and 34 Chryslers — 375 real pre-purchase inspections. Updated Oct 27, 2026.
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Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection?
Yes. Badge averages don't sort the good car from the tired one. We still find repainted panels on 71% of BMWs and 88% of Chryslers, and recently cleared fault codes on 27% / 21%.
Buying a used BMW or Chrysler? Get a pre-purchase inspection before you pay.
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Based on 375 inspections · updated Oct 27, 2026
