The Best BMW to Buy in 2025

Whether you've got €5,000 or €50,000, there's a BMW that makes sense. Here are our picks.

Under €10,000

Best Overall: E90 328i (N52)

• Reliable N52 engine, comfortable, good looking
• Avoid: N54 335i at this price (maintenance will eat you alive)
• Look for: Manual transmission, well-documented service history

Best Fun Car: E46 330i / 330Ci

• The last analog BMW. Hydraulic steering, naturally aspirated inline-six.
• Check: Cooling system, subframe (especially on Ci), VANOS
• Manual 330Ci is the sweet spot

Best Value: E60 530i (N52)

• Big, comfortable, reliable engine
• Depreciation makes these incredible value
• Avoid: 550i (N62 V8 problems)

€10,000-20,000

Best Daily: F30 328i/330i (N20 late or B48)

• Modern enough for daily comfort, old enough to be affordable
• Critical: Check timing chain status on N20 (2012-2014). B48 (2016+) is preferred.

Best Performance: E92 335i (N54)

• The tuner's dream. Stage 1 = 400 hp for €500.
• Budget for: HPFP, injectors, charge pipe, walnut blast
• Manual preferred, but DCT is fine

Best M Car: E46 M3

• Prices have risen but good examples are still findable
• Check: Rod bearings, subframe, VANOS, SMG pump (if SMG)
• Manual > SMG for value and enjoyment

€20,000-35,000

Best Daily: G20 330i (B48)

• Modern tech, reliable engine, great to drive
• The current 3 Series is genuinely excellent

Best Performance: F80 M3 / F82 M4

• S55 twin-turbo, 431-450 hp
• Must do: Crank hub fix before any tuning
• Competition package preferred (better suspension, LSD)

Best Sleeper: F30 340i / G20 M340i (B58)

• 340 hp stock, 420+ with a Stage 1 tune
• Looks like a normal 3 Series, drives like an M car
• The B58 is incredibly reliable

€35,000-50,000

Best Overall: G20 M340i xDrive

• 382 hp, AWD, B58 reliability, daily comfortable
• With a Stage 1 tune: 450+ hp. Ridiculous.

Best M Car: F87 M2 Competition

• S55 engine in a compact chassis
• One of the best driver's cars BMW has ever made
• Fix the crank hub and enjoy

The Golden Rule

Buy the best-maintained example you can afford, not the most powerful. A well-maintained 328i will bring more joy than a neglected 335i that's constantly in the shop.