The Best Used BMWs to Buy

Many buyers dream of owning a luxury car, and if a new or certified pre-owned model isn’t within reach, the used market, especially vehicles that are five to eight years old offers a more accessible path to purchase. 

While these cars may carry some mileage, they often still have quite a few years left. Though BMW’s have a reputation for higher maintenance costs, and that perception isn’t unfounded, certain model years have proven to be more dependable, giving shoppers (and dealers) a solid opportunity in the used luxury space. This list of the best used BMWs to buy is based on insights from trusted review sources such as J.D. Power, U.S. News & World Report, and Consumer Reports.

2016 BMW 3 Series

The 2016 BMW 3 Series is part of the sixth generation lineup, offering buyers a choice between a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (180–248 hp) or a 3.0-liter six-cylinder (320 hp), with fuel economy reaching up to 23 mpg city / 35 mpg highway. Designed to seat five passengers, it earned an 85 out of 100 from J.D. Power for reliability¹. Its long-standing popularity ensures that parts are widely available, helping to make maintenance and repairs more accessible and affordable than many other luxury vehicles.

2016 BMW 5 Series

The 2016 BMW 5 Series is part of the sixth generation, giving buyers options that range from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (240 hp) to a 3.0-liter six-cylinder (300 hp) and even a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 (445 hp) in higher trims. Fuel economy varies by engine, with up to 23 mpg city / 34 mpg highway on the four-cylinder models². Seating is designed for five passengers, blending comfort with executive-class refinement.

2018 BMW X3

The 2018 BMW X3, part of the third generation, stood out as a competitive compact luxury SUV with engine choices that included a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (248 hp) and a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder (355 hp). It delivers fuel economy of about 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway and seats five passengers comfortably. J.D. Power rated it 78 out of 100 for Quality and Reliability, and it offered more cargo space than many of its class rivals, adding to its practicality³.

2020 BMW X1

The 2020 BMW X1 belongs to the second generation, which received a refresh in 2019. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (228 hp) with an eight-speed automatic, it gets about 24 mpg city / 33 mpg highway and offers seating for five⁴. As BMW’s smallest SUV, the X1 delivers agile handling and everyday practicality, standing out in the entry-level luxury segment by offering strong value and premium features.

2018 BMW 2 Series ‍

The 2018 BMW 2 Series, part of the first generation (F22/F23), is celebrated for its agile handling and compact luxury design. Buyers could choose between a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (248 hp) in the 230i or a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder (335 hp) in the M240i. With the four-cylinder, fuel economy reached about 24 mpg city / 35 mpg highway, making it both sporty and efficient. As an accessible entry into BMW’s lineup, it earned a solid 84 out of 100 reliability score from J.D. Power⁵.

Find Quality Used BMW’s with ACV Auctions 

Whether your lot caters to buyers searching for an entry-level 2 Series, or families drawn to the X3, ACV Auctions connects you with thousands of wholesale BMW models nationwide. Our nationwide auctions run online so you can view them anytime from the comfort of your house or office. With detailed condition reports, including paint meter reads, engine sound recordings, and undercarriage views you know exactly what you’re bidding on. Sign up with ACV Auctions today and add more used BMW inventory for your dealership. 

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Notes

1. J.D. Power, “2016 BMW 3 Series Reliability Ratings,” J.D. Power, accessed August 22, 2025, https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2016/bmw/3-series.
2. "2016 BMW 5-Series." Https://Cars.Usnews.Com, 1 Jan. 2016, cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/bmw/5-series/2016. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
3. "2018 BMW X3 Values." JD Power, 1 Jan. 2018, www.jdpower.com/cars/2018/bmw/x3. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
4. "2020 BMW X1." Consumer Reports, 1 Jan. 2020, www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/x1/2020/overview/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
5. "2018 BMW 2." JD Power, 1 Jan. 2018, www.jdpower.com/cars/2018/bmw/2-series. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025