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 Hybrid
- 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
2. BMW 328
CarMax owner rating
3. BMW 528
CarMax owner rating
4. BMW 128
CarMax owner rating
5. BMW Z4
CarMax owner rating
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.
Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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.