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Used car guide
Used BMW 3 Series: the years to buy and the years to skip
Every BMW 3 Series from 2010 to 2025, across 3 generations: what each year typically sells for (about $9,000 to $40,000), its crash rating, and whether it's a year to target or skip. The best bets are 2010–2011, 2016–2025. Look harder at or skip 2012–2015.
2019–2025 BMW 3 Series
A sharper sport sedan with strong turbo engines, a quality cabin and good fuel economy.
Years to target: 2019–2025. It has an average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,500 | Target | Not rated | ~75,000 |
| 2020 | $24,000 | Target | Not rated | ~65,000 |
| 2021 | $26,500 | Target | Not rated | ~55,000 |
| 2022 | $28,500 | Target | Not rated | ~45,000 |
| 2023 | $32,500 | Target | Not rated | ~35,000 |
| 2024 | $36,000 | Target | Not rated | ~25,000 |
| 2025 | $40,000* | Target | Not rated | ~15,000 |
* Estimated from nearby years, since few were listed for sale.
Worth knowing
- Run-flat tires make the ride firm and are costly to replace. Budget for higher maintenance costs once the warranty ends.
- It requires premium fuel.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for a 330i with the Premium or Convenience Package: it adds heated seats and steering wheel, keyless entry and lumbar support. xDrive adds all-wheel drive for winter.
On the test drive
Pay for an inspection at an independent shop that specializes in the brand. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: standard from the start of this generation (2019).
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2019, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota Camry 2023–2024 · $27,500–$29,500
- Honda Accord 2024–2025 · $27,000–$29,000
- Lexus ES 2019–2020 · $27,000–$30,500
Find one near you
2012–2018 BMW 3 Series
A balanced sport sedan with turbo four or silky six power, plus diesel and plug-in versions.
Years to target: 2016–2018. Look harder at or skip: 2012–2015. It has a below-average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | $10,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~130,000 |
| 2013 | $10,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~120,000 |
| 2014 | $10,500 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~110,000 |
| 2015 | $10,500 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~100,000 |
| 2016 | $11,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~95,000 |
| 2017 | $11,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~85,000 |
| 2018 | $12,000* | Target | 5 of 5 | ~75,000 |
* Estimated from nearby years, since few were listed for sale.
Worth knowing
- Skip 2012–2015. The 2.0-liter turbo in these years is prone to timing chain guide failure, which can destroy the engine.
- Oil leaks from the valve cover and oil filter housing gasket are common with age. Repair costs run higher than mainstream brands.
- It requires premium fuel.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for a 328i or 330i with the Premium and Cold Weather packages: they add keyless entry, heated seats and lumbar support. Early four-cylinder engines had timing chain concerns.
On the test drive
Pay for an inspection at an independent shop that specializes in the brand. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: optional from 2014, never standard in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2012, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota Camry 2013–2015 · $10,000–$12,000
- Honda Accord 2014 · $11,500
- Toyota Corolla 2014–2015 · $11,500–$12,500
Find one near you
2010–2011 BMW 3 Series
The final years of this generation, known for great steering, balanced handling and strong six-cylinder engines.
Years to target: 2010–2011. It has a below-average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | $9,000 | Target | Not rated | ~135,000 |
| 2011 | $10,000 | Target | Not rated | ~125,000 |
Worth knowing
- Age-related oil leaks and cooling system repairs are common and expensive.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for a 328i or 328i xDrive with the Premium package: it adds leather and a power moonroof. Skip the 335i unless you want power, as its turbo engine costs more to maintain.
On the test drive
On the 335i, ask about fuel pump, water pump, and turbo service history before buying. Pay for an inspection at an independent shop that specializes in the brand.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: not offered in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2010, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota Camry 2011 · $8,500
- Lexus ES 2010 · $10,000
- Acura TSX 2011, 2013 · $8,500–$10,000
Find one near you
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Prices are typical dealer and private asking prices from used listings, collected in September and October 2026, for an average-mileage car. Years with too few listings are estimated from nearby years. Crash ratings, recalls and owner complaint counts come from NHTSA public records. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy. Spot something off? Let us know.