A used BMW: the very definition of a double-edged sword. Acquiring a used BMW is a call that may both be your crowning achievement or a everlasting hang-out in your nightmares. Choosing the appropriate mannequin will be pure automotive bliss. Choosing the improper one is a direct path to monetary break.

Some used BMW models are certified smash hits and others we would not contact in the event you paid us. Yet, in 2024, there have by no means been so many high quality choices for the discerning BMW fanatic in search of a fantastic deal. While reliability is all the time a lingering query in BMW possession, our record avoids the most important offenders and embraces essentially the most stable platforms. Join us in discovering essentially the most reliable bang-for-buck BMW fashions out there at the moment.

In order to provide the newest and correct data potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with BMW, Car & Driver, KBB, Classic.com, and Ultimate Specs.

10 2019 BMW F22 2-Series M240i

Used Car Prices: $25,000 – $35,000

The most costly BMW mannequin on this record is unsurprisingly the most recent as effectively. Yet, that top worth level will not be with out cause. The F-chassis F22 2-series Coupe provides the very best engine on this record, the B58 turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ultimate Specs)

Not solely is the B58 one of the best engine on this record, however it is without doubt one of the greatest engines available on the market, interval. It is with out query certainly one of BMW’s best-ever engines and the most effective engines of all time. Combine this easy inline-six coronary heart with a six-speed guide transmission– it is a match made in heaven. Because the F22 M240i is the most cost effective means into the B58 expertise, it earns its spot on our record.

Pros

• B58 turbocharged inline-six – the most effective engines ever made
• Six-speed guide out there
• Modern and improved infotainment in comparison with the earlier era

Cons

9 2014 F22 2-Series BMW M235i

Used Car Prices: $15,000 – $25,000

While the B58 engine may be one of the best BMW products ever, it was not out there within the 2-series till the 2017 mannequin yr refresh (LCI). Pre-LCI M235i fashions as a substitute featured the B58’s predecessor, the N55 turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ultimate Specs)

The N55 engine, even in its inventory kind, provides wonderful total efficiency. Although related in energy output compared to its B58 successor, it overall is not as robust. Thus, because the N55-powered fashions become old, diligent repairs, high quality fluids, and common upkeep will make sure the longest potential lifespan. Name one other inline-six engine that makes over 300 horsepower and averages over 30 mpg on the freeway. We’ll wait.

Pros

• Offers essentially the most highly effective variant of the stable N55 engine
• Six-speed guide out there
• The most compact BMW coupe of its era

Cons

• Cost – diligent repairs is a requirement as many fashions attain close to the 100,000-mile mark
• Electronic steering will not be as visceral or responsive because the earlier era
• Curb weight and total dimensional enhance in comparison with 1-series

8 2011 E82 BMW 135i Coupe

Used Car Prices: $10,000 – $18,000

Of all of the used BMW fashions on the record, the 2011 BMW 135i Coupe would be the overall best bang-for-buck package. Its present worth level is less expensive than any new automobile available on the market, not to mention a German efficiency coupe.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ultimate Specs)

The 2011 mannequin yr mixed each a part of what made the E-series era so particular. It was the smallest and lightest kind issue out there the place you might get a six-speed guide together with the N55 engine and LCI updates. The BMW 1-Series hydraulic steering rack is among the many greatest steering really feel in any BMW, ever. Pound for pound, the 2011 135i Coupe is without doubt one of the most stable driver’s vehicles BMW ever made.

Pros

• Best “bang for buck” mannequin on the record – total wonderful efficiency
• Legendary steering really feel
• The lowest curb weight of any BMW N55-powered mannequin

Cons

• Diligent repairs is a requirement as many fashions attain a median over the 100,000-mile mark
• Some frequent engine points aren’t low cost to repair (e.g. HPFP)
• Scarce availability in Six-speed guide

7 2011 E92 BMW 335i Coupe

Used Car Prices: $8,000 – $18,000

Our first BMW 3-series on the record can be a particular one. When stylized within the LCI M-sport trim with Coral Red Dakota leather-based, the 2011 335i Coupe provides all the things you might need out of a BMW sports activities coupe. While heavier total than its 1-series brother, the 3-series variant does supply usable rear seating and total practicality.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ultimate Specs)

Those who want much more consolation and house also have the option of the E90 sedan body. If you think about your self a BMW fanatic and have not pushed certainly one of these with the six-speed guide, you’re 100% lacking out. The hype is actual in regards to the 2011-2012 335i model being one of the most reliable 3-series 335i mannequin out there throughout all out there years.

Pros

• The solely mannequin yr to get an N55 engine in an E9X chassis
• Hydraulic steering really feel is simply shy of 1-Series high quality and suggestions
• Gorgeous total package deal in LCI M-sport trim, earlier than the 3-series obtained a lot bigger total dimensions

Cons

• Diligent repairs is a requirement as many fashions attain a median over the 100,000-mile mark
• Some frequent engine points aren’t low cost to repair (e.g. HPFP)
• Scarce availability in 6-speed guide

6 2009 E82 BMW 135i Coupe

Used Car Prices: $8,000 – $15,000

The 2009 BMW 135i Coupe is within the high three quickest vehicles on our record. This is due to the pairing of the bottom curb weight of any BMW mannequin that includes the twin-turbo N54 3.0-liter inline-six.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ultimate Specs)

The N54 engine was BMW’s first mass-produced turbocharged engine. Up up to now, BMW had mastered the naturally aspirated inline-six platform, however integrating turbos was the following problem. Thus, being the primary of its type and a primary for the model, it makes the N54 engine a guinea pig of types. This means the N54 is wonderful when it is working nice and a nightmare when it is not. Of all of the choices on the record, it’s the N54-powered fashions which are the least dependable regardless of their functionality.

• Insane tuning functionality, energy potential, and aftermarket assist
• Legendary steering really feel
• The lowest curb weight of any BMW mannequin that includes the twin-turbo N54 engine

Cons

• Extensive upkeep historical past is crucial earlier than buy, most examples will exceed the 100,000-mile mark.
• Common engine points might break the financial institution (gas injectors, HPFP, turbos)
• Scarce availability in Six-speed guide

5 2011 E91 BMW 328i Touring

Used Car Prices: $4,000 – $15,000

Our first naturally aspirated mannequin on the record is the 2011 E91 328i Touring. Featuring the N52 3.0-liter engine, it’s maybe essentially the most dependable engine on your complete record.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ultimate Specs)

There isn’t any scarcity of N52-powered fashions making it to 200,000+ miles. Most of the turbo fashions on this record can’t boast the identical. Thus, whereas rather more docile within the efficiency metrics in comparison with a 335i mannequin, the trade-off is a decrease repairs value and elevated reliability.

In the uncommon Touring variant with a six-speed guide, that is as good of a household Autobahn cruiser as you might think about. If BMW had made a 335i variant of the Touring model stateside, we’d have had no situation promoting a kidney for one.

Pros

Cons

• Scarce availability of Touring variant outfitted with six-speed guide
• No turbocharged high-performance variant
• Most examples will exceed the 100,000-mile mark

4 2010 E82 BMW 128i Coupe

Used Car Prices: $4,000 – $12,000

If you’re in search of the final word bare-bones E82 mannequin, that is the one. The 128i Coupe is the true no-frills chassis and the most cost effective means right into a 1-Series. These are rising in recognition as no-option 128i fashions are essentially the most lightweight 1-Series chassis out there.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ultimate Specs)

Just just like the bigger E9X 328i, the N52 engine within the E82 128i boasts reliability in comparison with its turbocharged counterparts. Yet, there’s a trade-off. The 128i loses the OEM BBK, bi-xenon headlights, and M-sport trim in comparison with the performance-focused 135i. Yet, if reliability and curb weight are extra useful than aesthetics and efficiency in your e book, you may’t go improper with the E82 128i Coupe.

Pros

• The final light-weight 1-Series mannequin
• The N52 engine is essentially the most balanced and dependable engine on your complete record
• Legendary steering really feel

Cons

• Justifying costs when contemplating the big efficiency hole to the 135i mannequin
• Unattractive exterior in comparison with M-Sport 135i counterpart
• Halogen head and taillights on a contemporary German luxurious coupe are embarrassing

3 2007 E90 BMW 335i Sedan

Used Car Prices: $3,000 – $10,000

Of all of the used BMWs on this record, that is the one with the best probability of breaking your coronary heart. The E90 335i Sedan is essentially the most prevalent BMW mannequin providing the desirable yet dangerous N54 engine. If there’s a double-edged sword that defines BMW, it’s this mannequin.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ultimate Specs)

It is frequent to seek out these pre-LCI high-performance fashions a dime a dozen under $10,000. Why? It’s as a result of they doubtless have one other $10,000 ready in repairs which are required to make them roadworthy. A tragic and cruel cycle happens as people who cannot afford possession develop into enticed by low costs. Sometimes you may’t “fix her”. Although there are well-maintained fashions nonetheless out there, it’s possible you’ll find yourself paying greater than you need for a clear instance with a guide transmission.

Pros

• The most cost-effective solution to N54 engine possession
• Insane tuning functionality, energy potential, and aftermarket assist
• Plentiful availability in comparison with different 335i fashions

Cons

• Most examples will exceed the 100,000-mile mark and lack a high quality upkeep historical past
• Common engine points might break the financial institution (gas injectors, HPFP, Turbos)
• Scarce availability in six-speed guide

2 2004 E46 BMW 330Ci Coupe

Used Car Prices: $3,000 – $10,000

The solely E46 on our record is a well-rounded efficiency package deal. The 2004 330Ci mannequin introduced a well-deserved energy bump in comparison with the 328i E46 mannequin, together with LCI refresh upgrades and the up to date six-speed guide transmission.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ultimate Specs)

The 330Ci is one of the best E46 models outdoors the uncommon ZHP package deal and the costly M3 mannequin. Yet, it is now 20 years previous in 2024 and its age reveals in contrast with the E9X mannequin. Interior high quality could be very disappointing and most E46 house owners think about working A/C a real luxurious. Infotainment? Not right here. Most could be proud of a working audio system.

Pros

• Best bang for the buck E46 mannequin in 2024
• The M54 engine energy output is similar to the extra trendy and environment friendly N52 engine
• Great 6-speed transmission and balanced chassis

Cons

• Justifying costs when contemplating the standard hole in comparison with any E9X mannequin
• Oil leaks, coolant leaks, leaks in all places
• Rear subframe reinforcement/rear diff bushing upkeep is non-optional

1 1997 BMW E36 328i Sedan

Used Car Prices: $3,000 – $10,000

The E36 328i is the BMW equal of taking part in with Lego. You can take elements from nearly another BMW mannequin and form your distinctive expression with the E36 because the canvas. It helps that costs for E36 fashions have bottomed out for a few years now.

However, it’s unlikely to discover a working guide transmission 328i mannequin for $3,000 with out combating any individual for it. Despite this, even the cleanest fashions will nonetheless require some work in some way, however that isn’t sudden for any automobile over 25 years of age.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ultimate Specs)

Yet, the 328i mannequin E36 nonetheless earns its place on this record if you’re in search of a easy and balanced expression of BMW excellence. A well-maintained instance can easily reach the 200,000-mile mark and past. Thus, one of the best deal you may get on the preliminary worth is crucial as you will want some more money reserves for issues as they break (they’ll).

Pros

• A well-sorted instance is all the things you might ever ask of a BMW 3-series
• Solid entry worth level and low cost to repair in comparison with newer generations
• Heavy aftermarket assist, modularity, and elements availability

Cons

• Slow by trendy requirements
• Rear subframe reinforcement/rear diff bushing upkeep is non-optional
• Rust