10 BMW Models You Should Buy Used

• BMW

Few things are more nerve-wracking than buying a used German luxury vehicle and, despite BMW holding the current title as the most reliable German luxury brand, no automaker has a perfect track record. The last thing you want to do when you are about to spend your cold hard cash on a used BMW is choose the wrong model year or worse, an unreliable model/generation.

Lucky for you, we have done the research and analyzed all the data on the ten most reliable BMW models of the last decade. This is what we found by dissecting Consumer Reports' latest study based on data from five-to-ten-year-old models across the entire automotive market.

Despite being in a sea of long-term local rivals, BMW has still managed to provide the leading standard of reliability among the German giants. According to the study, BMW ranked the highest in reliability among any German brand with the 7th place spot, with rivals Mercedes-Benz in 10th, Audi in 16th, and Volkswagen in 14th place.

BMW is only beaten in the luxury category by Japanese rivals Acura in 4th and Lexus in 1st place. Yet, despite this fact, BMW models across the board have seen massive success in the last decade, many thanks to their reliability standards. There is no BMW model featured on this list that did not score at least a 4/5 "Reliability Verdict" and there are two models that have received the ultra-rare 5/5 "perfect" score.

For context, we just covered the 10 Mercedes-Benz Models You Should Buy Used, and there was not a single model that scored a 5/5 on that entire list. Join us as we break down which BMW models made the cut, how much they cost, and why they made the list.

2016 BMW F30 3-Series

Average Retail Price: $9,400 - $17,100

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 saw several significant updates, none more important than the introduction of the B-Series generation of turbocharged BMW engines, which is now the new standard across BMW's entire vehicle line-up.

F30 340i Performance Specifications

Both the 2016 and 2018 model years are top-picks in the generation for this reason, as 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 engine found in 340i models remain the most reliable turbocharged engines BMW has ever made (so far).

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: $9,925 - $12,875

Our second BMW on the list is the 2nd generation F25 X3, which was available from the 2011 to 2017 model years. 2015 is the LCI (facelift) year which saw several significant styling updates along with revised engine powerplants established across all model variants.

F25 xDrive 35i Performance Specifications

2016, the penultimate year of production, provided the highest reliability ratings of this X3 generation for this reason. Only two engine platforms were offered for the facelifted F25 X3, the predecessors to the current-generation B-Series engines, known as the N-Series. This includes the 2.0-liter N20 turbocharged inline-four that is found in the SDrive20i, xDrive20i, and xDrive35i models, along with the 3.0-liter N55 turbocharged inline-six found in xDrive35i models.

While the N20 is the more efficient engine (24 MPG combined) and provides solid performance for its size, the N55 inline-six only loses 3 MPG Combined to the four-cylinder and is one of the best engines in its class and era with incredible low-end torque that has to be felt to understand.

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: $11,575 - $19,325

The 1st generation F22 2-Series compact coupe that was available from 2014 to 2021 is the next BMW on our list. As you can see, 2016 was also a major year for the 2-Series (and BMW as a whole) as this sporty platform would also receive the updated and more reliable B-Series engines. A full aesthetic LCI refresh came the following year in 2017.

F22 230i Performance Specifications

The 2016 F22 BMW 2-Series is the last of its kind and the only true compact sporty BMW model remaining. With the updated B-Series engines, you can have the cake and eat it too, as reliability concerns that plagued the pre-LCI 2-Series became a thing of the past.

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: $24,525 - $46,350

Moving into the mid-range of our list, you will notice a significant price increase from the minimum average of almost $13,000 compared to the previous model. This newer and more expensive third generation of the X3 compact SUV was available from 2018 to the 2024 model year and in 2021 it saw its mid-cycle refresh.

G01 X3 M40i Performance Specifications

M40i models after 2020 received a healthy power bump up to 382 horsepower, giving this refined luxury SUV some real edge with a no-joke 4.9 second 60-mph dash time. BMW also impressed us by managing to find a way to make this generation over 100 pounds lighter than its predecessor all while promoting the average fit and finish quality levels.

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: $27,250 - $44,925

Our only BMW 5-Series Sedan on this list is the seventh-generation G30, which was available from 2017 to 2023 model years and saw a refresh in 2021. The bigger and more expensive 5-Series opens up additional high-octane engine options not found in smaller BMW models, such as the 500+ horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine found in the M550i xDrive and M5/M5 Competition models.

G30 M550i xDrive Performance Specifications

The G30 5-Series is unique among BMW's vehicle line-up because it offers the most diverse powertrain options. Yet, if reliability is your top priority, we suggest avoiding the V-8-powered models in favor of the 540i and 530i variants. If you don't need xDrive, and we mean need, don't get it. Your wallet will thank us later.

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 G20 3-Series

Average Retail Price: $28,225 - $46,500

The last 3-Series Sedan on our list is the seventh-generation G20, which was available from 2019 to 2023 with a refresh occurring for the 2022 model year. The industry standard B-Series inline-four and inline-six engines that solidified BMW's reliability title have been carried over from the previous generation.

G20 M340i Performance Specifications

The most notable change outside of exterior body upgrades for the LCI model is the massive BMW Curved Display that became standard across all 3-series variants. High-quality levels and welcome LCI upgrades give the 2022 model year both the best score in its reliability verdict and owner satisfaction levels across all available years in its 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 G01 X3

Average Retail Price: $29,525 - $57,675

The third generation of the X3 compact SUV was available from 2018 to the 2024 model year and in 2021 it saw its mid-cycle refresh. We previously discussed the 2021 model year, which achieved an impressive reliability verdict. Yet, it is the 2022 model year that received the distinct privilege of a 5/5 reliability verdict score, a rare feature you see at most once in a generation, if even.

G01 X4 M40i Performance Specifications

What separates this particular year from the rest? For the 2022 model year, the X3 M40i gained BMW's 48-volt mild hybrid system along with the discontinuation of lackluster models like the plug-in hybrid xDrive30e. This rebalancing retains the M40i as the best X3 model available as it aptly puts the "sport" in Sport Utility Vehicle, unlike the majority 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

2023 BMW G01 X3

Average Retail Price: $32,000 - $64,625

The consistency of the G01 X3's quality and reliability levels after the 2021 model year refresh is unprecedented territory among any other model in BMW's modern repertoire. The 2021 to 2023 LCI X3 model years are the absolute cream of the crop for the G01 X3, although this generation of the leading German compact SUV is not quite perfect.

G01 X3 M40i Performance Specifications

Part of this is due to the underwhelming performance experience found in the popular four-banger-powered 30i models. Anyway you look at it, the 30i models cannot match nor replicate the awe-inspiring nature of the M40i's engine, especially with their efficiency figures as close as they are. Sure, the 30i is quick, but you'd be in the wrong thinking it's worth saving a couple of dollars and buying the base model.

Despite this, the majority of G01 X3 models sold were 30i variants, but this is erroneous behavior for the well-informed BMW aficionado. If it wasn't clear, you are buying this generation of X3 because you want the best pound-for-pound engine money can buy right now, and that experience is only found in the M40i model.

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

2022 BMW G22 4-Series

Average Retail Price: $32,325 - $51,250

The second most expensive entry on our list is the current second generation of the BMW 4 Series, the G22, which has been offered since the 2021 model year. Of the three available model years, the 2022 model years scored impressively, with a 4/5 Reliability Verdict along with a 5/5 Owner Satisfaction rating. The B-Series engines of this generation are now being equipped standard with BMW's newer 48-volt mild hybrid system for newfound levels of efficiency and response.

G22 M40i Performance Specifications

The fact is that the 4-Series Coupe is BMW's best-selling car and has beaten the brand's staple 3-Series Sedan in recent years as far as sales are concerned. The problem with that is that BMW's nomenclature theory lost its validity a long time ago and the 4-Series Grand Coupe is a 4-door sedan, so the lines between models are blurred, to say the least. This makes the 4-Series Grand Coupe smaller than a 5-Series but bigger than a 3-Series. So, it's more the fact that the 4-Series offers more diverse body styles (2-door, 4-door, and convertible) compared to the sedan-only 3-Series.

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 grills

2023 BMW G05 X5

Average Retail Price: $40,075 - $89,525

BMW's current best-selling vehicle is none other than the fourth-generation G05 X5 mid-sized SUV, which has been available since 2018. The X5 in recent years has been in a neck-to-neck battle for BMW sales supremacy with its smaller SUV brother, the X3. Despite its higher price point and being the most expensive BMW on this list, it manages to sell like hotcakes and beat out a variety of more "affordable" BMWs.

Performance Specifications

The BMW X5 is similar to the 5-Series in the sense that you get a much wider variety of model variants available, most with the larger twin-turbo V-8 than is not found in smaller models like the X3. Yet, if reliability is a top priority, the xDrive40i with its turbocharged inline-six will take you to the moon and back and, although the outrageous power of the V-8 models may sound appealing, the informed choice is always xDrive40i.

Consumer Reports goes out of its way to call the G01 generation X5 "one of the best vehicles we've ever tested". The 2023 model year is the only time we have seen a vehicle achieve the "double perfect" score, which is a 5/5 rating in both the Reliability Verdict and Owner Satisfaction categories.

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

• $40,000 cash on the low end is a big ask
• BMW Curved Display not available until the 2024+ model year
• Even with the overpowered twin-turbo V-8, this is not a sports car