Used BMW buying guide
- 128
- 135
- 228
- 230
- 320
- 328
- 330
- 330 Plug In Hybrid
- 335
- 340
- 428
- 430
- 435
- 440
- 528
- 530
- 530e Plug-in Hybrid
- 535
- 540
- 550
- 550 Plug In Hybrid
- 640
- 650
- 740
- 740 Plug In Hybrid
- 745 Plug in Hybrid
- 750
- 750 Plug-In Hybrid
- 760
- 840
- Activehybrid 3
- Activehybrid 5
- ActiveHybrid 7
- Alpina B6
- Alpina B7
- Alpina B8
- I3
- i4
- i5
- i7
- i8
- iX
- M2
- M235
- M240
- M3
- M340
- M4
- M440
- M5
- M550
- M6
- M760
- M8
- M850
- X1
- X2
- X3
- X3 Plug In Hybrid
- X4
- X5
- X5 Plug In Hybrid
- X6
- X7
- XM
- Z4
About BMW
BMW is a German car maker focused on building luxury vehicles. Whether you're shopping for a BMW convertible, coupe, sedan, or SUV, you can expect high-end touches and precision engineering. BMWs are known for being powerful, stylish, and fun to drive. More than 100 years ago, the company started manufacturing aircraft, and today, BMW boasts that it produces "the ultimate driving machine"—a sentiment many BMW owners tend to agree with. Today, BMW offers gas, electric, and hybrid vehicles.
What CarMax customers like
Ride and Handling
Power
Styling
What CarMax customers don’t like
Cost to Maintain
Fuel Economy
Technology and Entertainment
BMW FAQs
Many BMWs allow drivers to switch between three driving modes: Comfort, Sport, and Eco Pro. Comfort mode prioritizes smooth gear transitions and acceleration; Sport mode delivers faster acceleration and more precise handling; while Eco Pro mode prioritizes fuel economy by slowing the throttle response.
CarMax provides a free AutoCheck Vehicle History Report to help you understand the history of your BMW. The report contains many details, including title verification, mileage, collision history, and more, to help you make the most informed decision possible.
The BMW 7 Series and 8 Series are the most high-end and powerful of BMW's sedans and coupes. In addition, the M5 Sedan, X5 M Competition SUV, X6 M Competition SUV, and XM SUV are considered top-of-the-line. That said, all BMWs are considered luxury vehicles, so the best BMW for you will depend on your needs.
The best BMW year is the one that has the features you want. For example, BMW introduced the iX SUV during the 2021 model year, so if you're looking for an electric SUV, you'd want that year or newer.


1. BMW X1
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Fun to drive
High-tech infotainment
Split-folding middle seats
Cons
Above-average maintenance costs
Harsh engine stop-start system
Options soon add up

2. BMW 328
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Smooth and quiet ride
Upscale interior
Diesel power
Cons
Limited small-item storage
Tight elbow and shoulder room in the back seat
No Android Auto™ integration

3. BMW Z4
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Two available engine options
Luxurious interior appointments
Manual transmission offered for enthusiasts
Cons
No AWD option
Some driver-assistance features are not standard
Limited in-cabin storage and trunk space
Compare used BMW Models
The BMW 3 Series and 5 Series are iconic sedans that are powered by your choice of electric, hybrid, or turbocharged four- or six-cylinder engines. The 3 Series is a midsize sedan known for sharp handling and sleek exterior lines. If you need more interior space and executive-level features, the 5 Series provides a full-size driving experience with a longer wheelbase. Both models offer standard Bluetooth® capabilities and available all-wheel drive. The 3 Series is a sporty, well-built midsize that is fun to drive. The 5 Series balances performance with comfortable luxury and more rear legroom for long highway trips. Your choice will likely come down to whether you prioritize agility or spacious luxury.
Check out our list of the 10 best used luxury sedans. Or, if you’re still forming a short list of vehicles, compare the vehicles you’re considering with our car comparison tool.
Choosing between the BMW X3 and X5 will ultimately come down to your space requirements. The X3 is a versatile midsize SUV that is nimble for commuting or running errands. X3 models come equipped with hybrid engine options, either a 255-hp four-cylinder or a 393-hp inline six-cylinder. The X5 is a larger, plug-in hybrid SUV that provides about four cu-ft of cargo room for your luggage and the option of a powerful twin-turbo V8, a turbo V6, or a 483-hp hybrid V6. Both of these highly-rated SUVs feature several driver-assistance features. While the X3 is great for active lifestyles, the X5 offers more space for you and your passengers, and enhanced towing capability when properly equipped. Both provide Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM Bluetooth® device integration and a premium six-speaker sound system for your enjoyment.
Find your ideal match with our car comparison tool.
The BMW i4 and 3 Series share a similar body silhouette, but have different powertrains. The 3 Series is equipped with an internal combustion engine (ICE) that offers a traditional BMW sports sedan feel. In contrast, the i4 is a green-conscious, all-electric sedan that delivers faster acceleration and powerful torque. Both models share a focus on luxury, featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity, Bluetooth® integration, and advanced driver-assistance features. Your choice depends on whether you want a traditional sports sedan or the futuristic, smooth ride that only an EV can provide.
Check out our list of the 10 best used electric vehicles. Or see how the used vehicles on your list stack up by using our car comparison tool.
The flagship BMW X7 and XM are referred to as sports activity vehicles, and they are built to meet very different priorities. The X7 is a full-size luxury cruiser with three rows of seats, making it a great family (or carpooling) vehicle for long trips. The BMW XM, on the other hand, is a high-performance plug-in hybrid that has plenty of power and a bold, aggressive grille. The X7 provides luxurious, spacious passenger comfort, while the XM is built for the driving experience and has a technology-forward interior. Both vehicles share the same wheelbase and are nearly the same size on the outside. They each come with a standard rearview camera and a bunch of driver-assistance features. Yet if you frequently chauffeur a large group, the X7 is superior. If you want to turn heads with a statement-making performance SUV, you can’t go wrong with the XM.
Use our car comparison tool to find the vehicle that best suits your lifestyle. Or check out our list of the best SUVs.
The BMW iX and X5 are premium midsize SUVs with a range of powertrain options, including plug-in hybrid, electric, and internal combustion engines (ICE). The X5 is versatile with a spacious, luxurious cabin and a classic exterior shape. If you want the smooth, electric-drive feel, the iX is fast, comfortable, and has a sporty transmission. Both vehicles offer plenty of room for your suitcases and include standard driver-assistance features. While the X5 is a classic choice for the highway, the iX provides a futuristic design and instant electric power so you can jump in and drive. Choosing between them depends on whether you prefer the convenience of gas or the innovation of all-electric driving.
Compare the iX and X5 with our car comparison tool, and check out other highly rated SUVs.
Ready to find your used BMW?
RepairPal reliability ratings
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/18/2025. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
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Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.
























