[IK6SPEED]

BMW moves #5 down to #8 in the annual Consumer Reports Reliabilty Study. BMW’s Average Reliabilty Score is also down 3 points from last year, 61 to 58.

Consumer Reports also removed its coveted CR Recommenced Rating from the X1 and X3, which, of course, had really been the bright spot of BMW Passenger Car sales.

BMW X1: The X1 dropped to below-average predicted reliability, with reported suspension problems, premature brake wear, and steering wheel vibrations.

BMW X3: BMW’s redesigned X3 was below average, with climate system problems including leaks, and seat controls that required the seatback to be replaced. A BMW spokesman said the automaker has not seen “any systemic issues related to either vehicle.”

The X1 and X3 are 2 of the 12 models that lost Consumer Reports’ Recommended Rating.

The BMW i3 is BMW’s most reliable model.

BMW’s Mini brand saw the Cooper improve to average and the Countryman to above average.