The Best Used BMWs Known For Reliability (Under $20K)

German cars, especially BMWs, get a bad reputation for reliability, and while there’s some truth to this stereotype, that’s not always the case. In fact, some of the most reliable German cars ever made wear the BMW roundel. Think the 1990 BMW 325is (E30), 1998 BMW M5 (E39), or the 2000 BMW M3 (E46). Even today, the new BMW models are highly reliable, and the only thing you should worry about is repair bills in case things go wrong. There’s no denying that BMW cars are expensive to maintain.

But you don’t have to spend a bomb just to enjoy an ultimate driving machine that’s also reliable, nor do you have to go for old classics that are now soaring in value. There are plenty of used Bimmers that are cheap but still offer high reliability scores, ranging from the nimble little Z4 roadster to the stately 7 Series full-size sedan. Yes, they may be more expensive to maintain than a Toyota, but that’s the price you have to pay for getting a BMW experience. So, here are ten of the best used BMWs under $20k that are also very reliable.

2017 BMW i3

Reliability Score: 83/100

Back when the 2017 BMW i3 came out, it was the only luxury electric car that could go a hundred miles without a Tesla badge on it. While that range is no longer anything to write home about, especially when you consider the base model’s 81-mile range, the i3 is now best suited for short urban commutes. The ones where you want something small and electric while still enjoying the premium BMW feel for under $10k. Just don’t expect it to be the ultimate driving machine, and it can be a great urban runabout.

BMW i3 Reliability

We’ve picked the 2017 model year not only for its high reliability scores but also because it’s one of the later model years with many of the earlier issues ironed out. So, the i3 is generally considered reliable for its class with above-average dependability scores. Owners report that the electric drivetrain is reliable, but specialized repairs can be expensive, and parts available can sometimes be a concern. Other common issues are related to sunroof leaks, charging system, and Range Extender REx engine maintenance, if not used often.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,173 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: Not Available
• Total Recalls: 3

2016 BMW 3 Series

Reliability Score: 83/100

If you’re looking for an affordable used BMW that’s also a regular car, look at the 2016 BMW 3 Series, which can be had for as low as $9k in the used market. This model is part of the F30 sixth-generation facelift, featuring sharp styling and an updated chassis, which is said to improve its driving dynamics. It came in a variety of trims and engine options, including the N20 turbo four, N58 turbocharged straight six, and a four-cylinder diesel, along with the option between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. It’s one of the best used BMWs under $10k that offers a balance of luxury, performance, and fuel economy.

BMW 3 Series Reliability

With a J.D. Power reliability and quality score of 83 out of 100, the BMW 3 Series is often considered quite dependable by BMW standards. This generation’s facelift fixed many of the problems with the earlier models, so you don’t have to worry much about rust, coolant problems, or oil leaks. Some owners do report timing chain failure with high mileage. It’s still not light on maintenance, with hefty repair costs, but it can go the distance if you stick to routine maintenance.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $744 to $833 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $14,345 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 5

2011 BMW 7 Series

Reliability Score: 84/100

Do you want to experience flagship luxury without spending a bomb on a brand-new model? The 2011 BMW 7 Series is your answer. Depreciation has brought its value down to as low as $7k, but it can still cocoon you in first-class luxury even after 15 years. Its muscular stance hides plenty of space and exceptional luxury, along with cruise control, Driving Dynamics Control, and airbags. It’s also said to handle way better than you’d expect a car of its size to. Spend a bit more, and you can even get one powered by a 6.0-liter turbocharged V12.

BMW 7 Series Reliability

This generation of the 7 Series was designed to fix the issues with the E65 generation, so it can be quite a reliable pick today. It’s dependable, and common issues are limited to high-pressure fuel pump issues, oil leaks, and air suspension failure. But make no mistake, the repair costs can get astronomical with this flagship sedan. It was a technology demonstrator when it was new, so it has all the tech that can cost you a bomb if things go wrong. Put simply, the 7 Series proves that reliability can sometimes be demanding.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $827 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: Not Available
• Total Recalls: 2

2018 BMW X5

Reliability Score: 84/100

One of the best used BMWs you can buy today is the 2018 BMW X5, which is not only dependable but also new enough to have not been worn down by age. It’s BMW’s mid-size SUV, powered by capable drivetrains, including a V8, plug-in hybrid, and diesel inline-six. On the inside, it has a clean interior design with enough space for a family and an optional third row. Owners do complain about the cargo space being limited and driving dynamics not being on par with other BMW SUVs, so that’s something you should keep in mind. In any case, if you’re looking for reliable used BMW models under $20k, the X5 is hard to beat.

BMW X5 Reliability

The 2018 BMW X5 belongs to the model’s third generation, which is also its most reliable generation. It introduced an array of updates that addressed many of the issues of the older generation. Still, common issues to watch out for are unintended braking, draining battery, or sunroof noises or leaks. Owners report that this X5 is one of the best reliable used BMWs under $20k, but it can be expensive to maintain, nonetheless, with its ten-year ownership cost almost touching $20k. Only buy this SUV to save money on depreciation, not maintenance costs.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,166 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $19,460 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 5

2007 BMW Z4

Reliability Score: 85/100

Just because you’re looking for affordable used BMWs does not mean you have to settle for family haulers; you can still get something sporty, like the 2007 BMW Z4. Don’t let its age fool you, as it’s still capable enough and dependable. This two-seater sports car is still celebrated for its sharp handling and iconic design that has aged quite well, and you can get this in either a coupe or roadster body style. Under the hood, you get an inline-six engine producing 215 or 255 horsepower. For under $10k, the BMW Z4 can be a terrific project car without being outright unreliable.

BMW Z4 Reliability

Speaking of reliability, the BMW Z4 models generally tend to be more reliable than their stablemates, and so is the case here. The Z4 gets generally positive reviews for its build quality and engine dependability, but you need to stick to the maintenance schedules to avoid common issues like coolant and oil leaks. One common problem owners report is the convertible top motor failure, which can be expensive to repair. Many owners simply live with it or swap it out for a manual system.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $698 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $14,915 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 2

2017 BMW X3

Reliability Score: 86/100

Here’s yet another sensible, versatile option: the 2017 BMW X3. This is BMW’s luxury compact SUV that’s known for its versatility, playful character, and handling. Owners often praise its linear steering, responsive handling, and compliant suspension, as well as the choice of multiple engine options and available all-wheel drive. On the inside, it gets a simple interior that’s attractive and spacious, with enough cargo room, though tech-savvy buyers may find the features list a bit skimpy. Still, the X3 remains one of the top BMW cars under $20k that balances practicality and driving enjoyment.

BMW X3 Reliability

The second-generation X3 is not the most reliable out there, but the 2017 model year stands out among them as one with one of the highest BMW reliability ratings. By the time this model year was out, BMW had fixed the common issues of the earlier models, including broken timing chain guides, coolant pump failure, and engine niggles. In fact, according to owners, this is probably the most reliable X3 you can buy, which is capable of getting to 250k miles with just regular service.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $879 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $19,052 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 6

2016 BMW 5 Series

Reliability Score: 88/100

The 2016 BMW 5 Series is a decade-old executive sedan that still holds up to time and remains one of the best affordable used BMWs in the US. Part of the F10 sixth-generation facelift, this 5 Series model offers stately looks and an understated cabin design that’s all about elegant restraint. The interior is spacious, attractively trimmed, and features a 10.2-inch iDrive infotainment system. It’s also praised for being one of the most comfortable 5 Series models ever. It was powered by multiple engine options, ranging from a 240-horsepower turbo four to a 445-horsepower V8.

BMW 5 Series Reliability

Like many models on this list, the 2016 5 Series was the last model year of the generation and had many of the earlier issues fixed. As a result, it gets a high J.D. Power reliability score of 88 out of 100, making it one of the best reliable used BMWs under $20k. Despite the high reliability rankings, don’t expect it to be cheap to run. This is a good, dependable car only if you are on your toes with routine maintenance. Common issues to watch out for include spark plugs, water pumps, stretched timing chains, overheating turbos, and valve cover leaks.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $697 to $892 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: Not Available
• Total Recalls: 7

2020 BMW 2 Series

Reliability Score: 88/100

If you’re looking for the most reliable BMW models under $20k from this decade, you should consider the 2020 BMW 2 Series. It’s BMW’s smallest sports coupe and also the least expensive model, which is why it’s available for under $20k today. It is powered by either a 248-horsepower turbo four or a 355-horsepower turbocharged straight-six, and owners praise it for being super fun to drive. It does compromise on rear legroom and luxury, so it’s best considered an affordable used BMW for enthusiasts.

BMW 2 Series Reliability

The BMW 2 Series is highly regarded for two things: handling and reliability, as it has one of the highest BMW reliability ratings. The 2 Series uses many time-tested components borrowed from other models, including the engines, which have been in production for much longer and have proven their mettle. Common issues are limited to water pump problems and oil leaks for the most part, and owners report that recommended oil changes and EGR cooler system checks can keep most problems at bay.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: Not Available
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $14,489 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 2

2013 BMW 1 Series

Reliability Score: 89/100

The 2013 BMW 1 Series is an oddball Bimmer; it’s a compact luxury car that prioritizes quick, nimble handling and affordability instead of space and all-out fancy interiors. It shares some of the chassis with the larger 3 Series, but its smaller footprint and rear-wheel drive give it engaging handling characteristics. Meanwhile, its straight-six engines producing 230 to 320 horsepower give it enough pep to be entertaining for most drivers. The only thing you might miss with this is limited rear legroom and interior storage.

BMW 1 Series Reliability

Being one of the most reliable used BMW models under $20k, the 2013 BMW 1 Series is a great pick if you’re looking for an affordable used BMW. It has proven itself over the years, and owners report that major mechanical failures are rare. You should still watch out for high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) issues in turbocharged models, timing chain problems, and coolant leaks. And it will be expensive to maintain, despite being a compact car, so expect to pay more for annual maintenance than its rivals.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $748 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: Not Available
• Total Recalls: 3

2017 BMW 4 Series

Reliability Score: 90/100

The 2017 BMW 4 Series, available as a coupe and convertible, strikes an impressive balance between being athletic and relaxed. It’s powered by two capable engine options: a 248-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four and a 320-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six. It’s also said to offer excellent handling, especially with all-wheel drive, and a comfortable ride. On the inside, it’s roomy despite its coupe design, featuring powered sports seats, Harman Kardon speakers, dual-zone climate control, and more. You can have this car for as low as $12k on the used market.

BMW 4 Series Reliability

According to J.D. Power, the 2017 BMW 4 Series might just be the most reliable used BMW under $20k, with a “Best” rating of 90 out of 100. It doesn’t have the leaking coolant pump and other common issues of the earlier models, and some owners report issues with the crankshaft position sensor and some electric niggles, but they’re not as common. The engines are also generally robust and can last for a long time with regular maintenance. That makes the 4 Series one of the best-used BMWs on the market today.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $968
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $15,009
• Total Recalls: 3

Source: BMW, J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, NHTSA