The 5 Best Years for a Used BMW 3 Series

1E21 (1975-1982)

This was the first generation ever released. The first model of this generation was introduced to the market in 1975, and the last model debuted in 1982, which was nearly three decades ago. As such, you should expect models from this generation to come with rust.

This generation was known for shot suspension with a shonky gearbox and blowing engine. While there might be nothing much particular about the E21 production generation, the transmission alone will beat your expectations. If you can find one without much rust, a tidy manual is a great choice to buy.

2E30 (1982-1992)

This is another generation that has been around for decades, meaning models have suffered rust and probably declined in function. Other than this, the E30 has models of excellent performances. However, ensure there is no issue of oil leakage or signs of overheating. The last thing you want is battling with gasket issues.

Excellent models to consider under this generation include the 320i, 323i, and the 325i. Though the generation is much pricey at £11,750, you will get the value for your money.

3E36 (1992-1999)

Other than the old age of models under this generation, there have been reported issues with early model years. Issues with the timing chains characterized the 1992 and 1993 model years. While the issues have been addressed in later years (from 1994), the tensioner can fail and cause disaster.

Other than these, there is nothing to stop you from buying any model of this generation. One major reason to shop for this is the affordable price. You can find an E36 model with a great engine at just £9995.

4E90 (2005–2012)

There have been negative reviews about the modern BMW 3 series, which give the impression that new models are not as reliable as previous ones. As the E90 is concerned, there have been reported cases of issues with the Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) filters. As such, it is recommended to be on the lookout for blowing diesel turbo.

Owners of the E90 have also reported issues with the time chains, claiming that failure to service the vehicle regularly resulted in failing timing chains. Though the original 17in and 19in alloy wheels should have been revisited, they were reported for being prone to cranking on run-flats.

Other than these issues, the automatic 2010 325i is an excellent choice at £10,500.

5F30 (2012–2018)

Though the F30 might not be as strong as older generations, many long-term owners have nominated it as the most reliable generation for a used BMW 3 series. Most models under this generation have 19,000-mile service intervals, which emphasizes regular servicing. However, chain issues in the previous generation seem to have been addressed with fewer complaints from owners.

Buying the 2016 12,000-mile at £18,995 won’t be a wrong decision.