Used BMW cars for sale

Used BMW cars overview

A BMW can make a great used buy. Second-hand BMWs usually appeal to keen drivers. Just about any BMW model you can think of is enjoyable to drive, although some models are sportier than others.

Choose an ‘i’ badged car if you want to go electric, while the ‘X’ models are SUVs. If you want a high-performance BMW, look for a car from the M-division.

A used BMW tends to be quite expensive compared with second-hand cars from mid-market brands. While reliability is generally good, BMW doesn’t have the indestructible reputation of a Lexus.

Even so, there are few BMWs we wouldn’t recommend to used car buyers.

Popular used BMW models

Here’s everything you need to know about BMW’s most popular used cars.

Used BMW 1 Series

The baby BMW. A used 1 Series is more town-friendly than one of BMW’s larger models, with low running costs too. The 1 Series is one of the most affordable routes to BMW ownership. Choose an older 1 Series for rear-wheel drive and a sporty drive, the more recent front-wheel-drive version is more practical but a bit conventional compared with the earlier car.

Used BMW 3 Series

The 3 Series is a sought-after used buy. For generations, this BMW saloon and estate car - called the 3 Series Touring - has been the benchmark for mid-sized executive cars. Diesel models are ideal for high-mileage drivers, while the petrol models perform well and sound great if you choose one of the six-cylinder cars. You can buy similar cars with more rear-seat space if you can live without an upmarket badge, though.

Used BMW X1

The X1 is BMW’s smallest SUV. The first generation was a little cramped inside, but the latest model has grown to a more family-friendly size. The ride is firm but not harsh, and the X1 is more fun to drive than most SUVs. There’s some wind and road noise on the motorway, but around town the X1 is easy to drive and quiet, especially if you choose one of the plug-in hybrids.

Used BMW X3

For many used car buyers, the X3 is the sweet spot in BMW’s SUV range. It’s big enough to make a practical car, but not so large as to be unwieldy around town or difficult to park. The X3 is more rewarding to drive than most SUVs, and every version performs strongly. Strong resale values are good news for the first owner but make these cars quite pricey as used buys.

Used BMW X5

The X5 used to be BMW’s biggest SUV, a position that’s now occupied by the gargantuan X7. That car is so large that it’s better suited to American boulevards than British B-roads – the X5 is a more manageable size. There’s plenty of space for five, and seven-seat versions are available. The diesels are best if you cover a lot of miles, while the plug-in hybrids make most sense if you can recharge at home.