- The 2019 and 2021 3 Series are the most reliable of the bunch
- Getting a CPO BMW is the best way to save money on maintenance
- Buy the newest, nicest example you can afford
We all know BMW can make great sports cars and sedans. The BMW 3 Series is a great example of that talent the brand has worked so hard to aquire over the years. But is the brand’s most prominent model worth it as a used car? In some ways yes, and in others, no. We took a look at the most reliable used BMW 3 Series models out there.
The 2020 and 2021 3 Series seriously improved reliability | BMW
Which BMW 3 Series is the best?
Unsurpisingly, it turns out the newer 3’er you buy, the better off you are. At least in terms of reliability. Consumer Reports scores reliabilty on a scale from 1-5, and generally speaking, the newer the Beamer, the less time it’ll spend at a dealer. That’s doubly true for the 2021 BMW 3 Series. The 2021 3’er scored an impressive 4/5 for reliability, and the same for owner satisfaction.
While those aren’t Toyota Camry scores in either category, they are impressive given how unreliable the rest of the used 3 Series models on the market. Historically, the 3 Series is not a very reliable car. Thankfully, some of the newer models have sought to turn that around. The 2016 and 2019 3 Series are notable exceptions, both scoring a similar 4/5 in reliability and owner satisfaction.
Is a CPO BMW worth it?
Some 2019 BMWs can still be had under CPO | BMW
Now, let’s talk about how to turn that 4/5 reliability score into a non-issue. The answer here could lie in CPO cars, or Certified Pre-Owned cars. And, as luck would have it, there’s plenty of 2021 and 2019 used BMW 3 Series out there under CPO. So, what is CPO? In short, it gives you a manufacturer-backed warranty on a used car. And we all know how useful a warranty can be.
However, there’s another benefit to a certified pre-owned car (or specifically, a used BMW 3 Series). Generally, manufacturers and dealers will repair and refurbish any used car they consider to be worth turning to CPO. Obviously, the hitch is that you pay for it up front. CPO cars, especially one like a used BMW 3 Series, command a premium because of that additional repair work and warranty. So, if you’ve got the coin up front, a CPO BMW is absolutely worth the peace of mind you’ll get out of it.
The best used 3 Series is the newest one you can afford
The most reliable used car is a used car with a warranty | BMW
Really, that strategy applies to buying any used BMW. Buy the newest, nicest BMW 3 Series you can get. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending far more money than you want to. And, if possible, try to swing for a CPO 3’er. If you can’t, the most reliable BMW 3 Series models are the 2019 and 2021 model years.
Keyword: The Most Reliable Used BMW 3 Series Model Years According to Consumer Reports