Since its founding in 1916, the BMW brand has offered a variety of models, from sports cars to family sedans, to suit all lifestyles.
The company’s tagline, “the Ultimate Driving Machine,” sums up these highly appreciated cars perfectly; they have a reputation for being both opulent and sporty at the same time.
One could become puzzled about which type best suits them given the abundance of options.
The 3 Series is the best-all-around BMW because of its versatility, sporting reputation, and affordability. Anyone who requires a sleek and practical vehicle to suit their daily demands should choose it.
When compared as a whole, the 3 Series might come out on top, but each series has its own distinct advantages, so it truly depends on the kind of BMW you want.
The best, most dependable used BMW 3 Series under $25,000 is a non-turbo E90.
The 2007–2012 E90 335i is the first used BMW on the list. The 335i isn’t quite as dependable as the E90 3 Series, which is considered the most reliable used Bimmer. Although the N54 and N55 turbocharged inline-six engines are the most potent non-M E90 engines, they have numerous significant and expensive issues. High-pressure fuel pump failure was one of the most frequent, however the automaker produced a new model after 2011.
An E90 3 Series is still among the greatest secondhand BMWs available, though. Simply choose a naturally aspirated engine rather than a turbocharged one. The N52 inline-six, one of the brand’s most dependable engines, is available in the E90 325i, 328i, and 330i. These NA E90s are equally as enjoyable to drive despite not having the same amount of power as the 335i.
A 325i, 328, or 330i are equally well-built even though they lack some of the features of the 335i. They are reportedly better-looking and drive better than the F30 3 Series, according to Road & Track. In spite of criticism for being a little softer and heavier than its predecessor, the E90 3 Series is a roomier, more comfortable everyday driver.
Therefore, if you’re searching for one of the best used BMWs, consider purchasing a NA E90 3 Series.
Price range at present: $7,000.
For good reason, the BMW E36 is recognized as one of BMW’s greatest chassis. It ruled the racing world in the 1990s and still does in today’s AER, NASA GTS, and a host of other series. The M3 model built on the strengths of the chassis by adding an improved suspension, a higher-output engine, and slightly more aggressive design. The E36 M3 is a timeless classic that will attract aficionados wherever you go, even though it doesn’t mix in with contemporary vehicles as well as some of the other cars on this list.
The E36 M3 is available in the US in three different configurations: coupe, sedan, and convertible. These variations, unlike the E9X chassis, did not have unique codes and are all referred to as the E36. Convertibles have generally lost the greatest value, followed by sedans and then coupes. Since they are equally as good in both forms, the decision here is entirely up to personal preference.
While the US was forced to use the S50B30US, which was simply a modified M50, and the S52, which was practically a modified M52, while Europe was fortunate enough to receive the more potent S50B30 engine (and S52B30 after the facelift). With 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque and a starting weight of about 3,150 pounds, the US-spec car had more than enough power to go sideways when the accelerator was depressed.
Even now, the E36 M3 remains one of BMW’s most dependable M3s. The fact that it is one of the last easily serviceable BMW vehicles makes ownership genuinely very reasonable. You should inspect the cooling system, the shocks, and the rear subframe before making a purchase to make sure that nothing has been damaged. Other than that, there are small difficulties that are annoyances rather than serious problems, such as valve cover gasket leaks.
When it comes to the E36 M3, costs are extremely variable. As a reliable collector’s vehicle, clean, low-mileage models command high prices. With these cars, price is determined by a variety of criteria in addition to mileage and condition. Particularly when combined with Vader sport seats, paint hues like Dakar Yellow, Hellrot, Boston Green, and Estoril attract a premium. Currently, the prices for typical samples in the most popular paint colors range from $7000 to $14000 on Facebook Marketplace.
If you enjoy the idea of the M240i/M2 but can’t quite afford it yet, the BMW E36 M3 is for you. It’s a no-frills sports car with enough contemporary conveniences to drive it every day.