10 BMW Models You Should Buy Used

Shopping for a used BMW has never been more tempting — or more treacherous. The pre-purchase checklist is long, the ownership costs can be eye-watering, and picking the wrong model year can turn a dream car into a money pit. The good news: used German luxury vehicles don’t have to be a gamble, and BMW — currently ranked as the most reliable German luxury brand — has a surprisingly strong track record when you know exactly which models and years to target.

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We’ve done the legwork for you, analyzing reliability data across ten standout BMW models. Our findings come from dissecting Consumer Reports’ latest study, which draws on data from five-to-10-year-old models across the entire automotive market. Even in a competitive field of long-established German rivals, BMW leads the pack in long-term dependability. According to the study, BMW ranked 7th overall in reliability among all brands — the highest of any German automaker — while Mercedes-Benz came in 10th, Volkswagen in 14th, and Audi in 16th place.

In the luxury segment specifically, BMW trails only Japanese rivals Acura (4th) and Lexus (1st). Every BMW model on this list earned at least a 4/5 “Reliability Verdict,” and two achieved the ultra-rare 5/5 perfect score. For perspective, when we covered the 10 Mercedes-Benz Models You Should Buy Used, not a single entry on that list scored a 5/5. Read on as we break down which BMW models made the cut, what they cost on the used market, and why each one earned its place here.

2016 BMW F30 3 Series

Average Retail Price: $10,650-20,400

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The first BMW on our list is none other than BMW’s own bread and butter, the 3 Series sedan. Specifically, the sixth-generation F30, which was available from 2012 to 2018. 2016 is the LCI (facelift) year, which brought several significant updates — none more important than the introduction of the B-Series generation of turbocharged BMW engines, now the standard across BMW’s entire vehicle lineup.

F30 340i Performance Specifications

Both the 2016 and 2018 model years are top picks within the generation for this reason. The B-Series engines — the 2.0-liter B48 turbocharged inline-four found in 330i models and the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six B58 found in 340i models — remain the most reliable turbocharged engines BMW has ever produced.

Pros

• Facelift models offer big updates with the robust B-Series engines
• Top-in-class performance and reliability
• Still the most sporty sedan in its segment

Cons

• Less dynamic than its predecessor
• Larger and heavier than its predecessor
• Non-M-Sport styling looks boring

2016 BMW F25 X3

Average Retail Price: $10,750-13,500

BMW

Our second BMW on the list is the second-generation F25 X3, which was available from the 2011 to 2017 model years. 2015 is the LCI (facelift) year, which brought meaningful styling updates and revised engine options across all variants.

F25 xDrive 35i Performance Specifications

2016, the penultimate year of production, delivered the highest reliability ratings of this X3 generation. Only two engine platforms were offered for the facelifted F25 X3 — the predecessors to the current B-Series engines, known as the N-Series. These include the 2.0-liter N20 turbocharged inline-four found in sDrive20i, xDrive20i, and xDrive28i models, and the 3.0-liter N55 turbocharged inline-six found in xDrive35i models.

While the N20 is the more efficient choice (around 24 MPG combined) and delivers solid performance for its displacement, the N55 inline-six gives up only about 3 MPG combined versus the four-cylinder and is one of the finest engines of its era, with low-end torque that has to be felt to be believed.

Pros

• Both available engine platforms are powerful and fun
• The 8-speed ZF automatic is quick and top-in-class
• Solid handling for its size

Cons

• A rearview camera is not standard
• Both engine platforms require diligent maintenance
• Certain repair costs can be expensive

2016 BMW F22 2 Series

Average Retail Price: $11,300-$15,068

BMW

The first-generation F22 2-Series compact coupe, available from 2014 to 2021, is next on our list. As with the 3 Series, 2016 was a pivotal year for the 2 Series: the platform received the updated, more reliable B-Series engines, while a full aesthetic LCI refresh followed the next year in 2017.

F22 230i Performance Specifications

The F22 BMW 2 Series represents the last of a dying breed — the only true compact sporty BMW coupe remaining. With the B-Series engines on board, the reliability concerns that shadowed pre-LCI models became a thing of the past, letting drivers enjoy the performance without the anxiety.

Pros

• As close as you can get to “old school” BMW sport compact feel
• Enjoyment prioritized before everything else
• A simple interior that works

Cons

• The rear seats exist and add weight
• Gran Coupe variant is not the same experience
• iDrive is a hate-it-or-love-it system

2021 BMW G01 X3

Average Retail Price: $20,400-$35,577

BMW

Moving into the mid-range of our list, you’ll notice a significant jump in price compared to the previous entries. This third-generation X3 compact SUV was available from 2018 through the 2024 model year, with a mid-cycle refresh arriving for 2021.

G01 X3 M40i Performance Specifications

M40i models built after 2020 received a welcome power bump to 382 horsepower, giving this refined luxury SUV genuine performance credentials — including a 4.9-second 0-to-60-mph time. BMW also managed to trim more than 100 pounds from this generation compared to its predecessor, while simultaneously raising fit and finish quality across the board.

Pros

• Lighter than its predecessor
• The M40i model is an impressive blend of sport and luxury
• Insane 500+ horsepower X3 M Competition does exist

Cons

• iDrive is improved, but it took this long to make Apple CarPlay standard
• The 30i model provides 24 MPG but lacks that extra kick

2021 BMW G30 5 Series

Average Retail Price: $23,800-$40,000

BMW

Our only BMW 5 Series Sedan on this list is the seventh-generation G30, which was available from 2017 to 2023 and received a refresh for 2021. The larger, more expensive 5 Series unlocks additional high-output engine options not found in smaller BMW models, including the 500+ horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 in the M550i xDrive and M5/M5 Competition variants.

G30 M550i xDrive Performance Specifications

The G30 5-Series stands out within BMW’s lineup for offering the most diverse powertrain options of any model here. That said, if reliability is your primary concern, we recommend steering clear of the V-8-powered variants in favor of the 540i or 530i. And if you don’t genuinely need xDrive, skip it — your maintenance budget will thank you.

Pros

• Expansive and versatile engine options
• 220 pounds lighter than its predecessor
• Improved infotainment (2021+)

Cons

• Android Auto is only now standard (2021+)
• LED headlights are only now standard (2021+)
• The 530e model needs more juice

2022 BMW G01 X3

Average Retail Price: $25,100-$37,459

BMW

The third generation of the X3 compact SUV ran from 2018 through the 2024 model year, with its mid-cycle refresh arriving for 2021. We covered the 2021 model year earlier in this list, where it posted an impressive reliability verdict. But it is the 2022 model year that earned the rare distinction of a 5/5 reliability verdict score — an achievement you see at most once per generation, if at all.

G01 X3 M40i Performance Specifications

What sets the 2022 model year apart? For starters, the X3 M40i gained BMW’s 48-volt mild hybrid system, while underperforming variants like the plug-in hybrid xDrive30e were quietly discontinued. This streamlining keeps the M40i firmly at the top of the X3 hierarchy — a model that genuinely earns the “Sport” in Sport Utility Vehicle, unlike most of its competition.

Pros

• Quality materials and finish across the board
• Sharp and balanced for its size
• The M40i model adds BMW’s 48-volt hybrid system, making the best better

Cons

• iDrive is improved, but BMW Curved Display is not standard
• The 30i model only provides two additional MPG over the M40i (31 MPG v. 29 MPG)
• The optional Adaptive Suspension is wonderful but expensive

2022 BMW G20 3 Series

Average Retail Price: $26,500-$42,200

BMW

The second 3 Series sedan on our list is the seventh-generation G20, which ran from 2019 to 2023 with a refresh for the 2022 model year. The proven B-Series inline-four and inline-six engines that cemented BMW’s reliability reputation carry over from the previous generation without missing a beat.

G20 M340i Performance Specifications

Beyond the exterior body revisions, the most notable LCI change is the addition of BMW’s Curved Display as standard equipment across all 3 Series variants. The combination of elevated build quality and meaningful refresh updates gives the 2022 model year both the strongest reliability verdict score and the highest owner satisfaction rating of any year in the G20 generation.

Pros

• Continues to be the sport sedan to beat in its seventh generation
• The signature M3 model with the S58 engine is dangerously fast and has 4-doors
• The B58 engine continues to be world-class well into its lifespan

Cons

• Can’t tell what is a 3-Series or a 5-Series anymore
• The 6-speed manual 3-Series is now extinct
• The 330i model is not as enjoyable or impressive as more premium variants

2022 BMW G22 4 Series

Average Retail Price: $29,500-$41,600

BMW

The second-most-expensive entry on our list is the current second-generation BMW 4 Series, the G22, which has been on sale since the 2021 model year. Among the available model years, the 2022 stands out with a 4/5 Reliability Verdict and a perfect 5/5 Owner Satisfaction rating. The B-Series engines of this generation now come equipped as standard with BMW’s 48-volt mild hybrid system, adding a noticeable improvement in both efficiency and throttle response.

G22 M40i Performance Specifications

The 4 Series Coupe has become BMW’s best-selling car, surpassing even the storied 3 Series Sedan in recent years. Part of the reason is the sheer breadth of body styles on offer: the 4 Series comes as a 2-door coupe, a 4-door Gran Coupe, and a convertible — compared to the sedan-only 3 Series. The Grand Coupe occupies an interesting middle ground, slotting between the 3 Series and 5 Series in size, which has admittedly blurred BMW’s model hierarchy considerably.

Pros

• Unrivaled raw performance and fuel economy combination
• The most versatile and configurable BMW model available
• There is no worthy competitor in the automotive space

Cons

• When does smooth become sterile?
• The long-term reliability of the mild hybrid system is still unknown
• You had better enjoy BIG kidney grilles

2023 BMW G01 X3

Average Retail Price: $31,200-$44,400

BMW

The consistency of the G01 X3’s quality and reliability following the 2021 refresh is unmatched by any other model in BMW’s modern lineup. The 2021 through 2023 LCI X3 model years represent the absolute cream of the crop for this generation — though even this class-leading compact SUV isn’t quite perfect.

G01 X3 M40i Performance Specifications

The weak link is the four-cylinder-powered 30i. No matter how you frame it, the 30i cannot replicate the M40i’s engine character — especially given how close the two models’ efficiency figures actually are. Sure, the 30i is quick enough, but it would be a mistake to think saving a few dollars on the base model is worth the trade-off.

Despite this, the majority of G01 X3 models sold were 30i variants — a choice the well-informed BMW buyer would avoid. If you’re shopping this generation of X3, you’re doing it for the best pound-for-pound engine experience available at the price point, and that means the M40i.

Pros

• BMW’s best-selling “compact” vehicle
• Putting Sport back into “SUV”
• Not a perfect SUV, but it’s close

Cons

• Minimal updates for the 2023 model year
• The lack of the BMW Curved Display as standard is a continued disappointment
• The interior is not as gorgeous as some of its rivals

2023 BMW G05 X5

Average Retail Price: $39,000-$53,800

BMW

BMW’s perennial best-seller is the fourth-generation G05 X5 mid-size SUV, which has been available since 2018. In recent years, the X5 has been locked in a tight sales battle with its smaller sibling, the X3. Despite commanding a higher price — and topping this list as the most expensive entry — it continues to sell in impressive numbers, outpacing many more “affordable” BMWs.

G05 X5 Performance Specifications

Like the 5 Series, the BMW X5 offers a wide range of powertrain choices, including larger twin-turbocharged V-8 options not available in the X3. But if reliability is the priority, the xDrive40i — with its turbocharged inline-six — is the clear choice. The V-8 models are undeniably exciting, yet the xDrive40i is the informed pick every time.

Consumer Reports goes out of its way to call the G05 X5 “one of the best vehicles we’ve ever tested.” The 2023 model year is the only instance we’ve seen a vehicle achieve a “double perfect” score — a 5/5 rating in both the Reliability Verdict and Owner Satisfaction categories simultaneously.

Pros

• The highest average quality level of any current BMW model
• Inline-four MPGs with inline-six power and capability
• BMW’s best-selling vehicle for a reason

Cons

• Starting prices on the used market remain a significant investment
• BMW Curved Display not available until the 2024+ model year
• Even with the overpowered twin-turbo V-8, this is not a sports car

Sources: BMW, KBB, Consumer Reports, J.D. Power