10 Used BMWs With Low Maintenance Costs

Breaking the stigma that all BMWs are unreliable, these cars made by the Bavarian automaker can last you a lifetime if properly taken care of

BMW prides itself on making the ultimate driving machine to the point where it's used as the brand's slogan. While some would argue that, there's no denying the Bavarian carmaker knows how to make a proper driver's car.

BMW's more recent models may be somewhat controversial due to their styling and their reliance on tech rather than balance and lightness, but if we go back in time, there are plenty of Beamers that pack great performance in a more driver-centric package. Back when lightness and old-school German engineering were still a part of BMW's repertoire, we got performance cars that aren't about the numbers but were all about providing an unadulterated driving experience.

But regardless of the era, BMW is a premium brand and as such, you always pay for the brand. If we go back to the period 1970s to 2000s, we will find some of BMW's most iconic models, which even today are sought-after by enthusiasts. Among them are examples that are less appreciated than others, which is why they are still affordable to buy. While BMW's reliability record isn't spotless, these 10 models are easy on the wallet and represent the brand's highlights in build quality.

We collected data from sources such as Consumer Reports, RepairPal, Cargurus, and J.D. Power to come up with this list of used BMWs with low maintenance costs.

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The BMW E36 is a blast from the 1990s that's globally recognized for its balanced chassis and near-50/50 weight distribution, making it one of the best 3 Series models to date. Combined with a lightweight, the E36 chassis makes for a great race or drift car, which is why many enthusiasts go for the platform. While the M3 is, without a doubt, a capable performance car, much of the same qualities that make it great spill down to the lesser models.

Engine

2.8-liter inline-6

Transmission

4-speed auto/ 5-speed manual

Drivetrain

RWD

Power

193 hp

Torque

206 lb-ft

0-60 MPH

6.4 seconds

In the period 1991 to 1999, the 328i was the second most powerful version of the E36 3 Series you could get. The M52B28 engine is praised for its smooth work and capable performance even if the official output figures do not suggest it. The straight-six makes for a great baseline and it can take abuse. Parts are plentiful, and aftermarket support is generous with upgrades.

Most BMWs that are relatively easy on the wallet are from before the 2000s era. In the 1970s and 1980s, it didn't get much cooler than the BMW E24, and is one of the best BMW cars of all time. Although the original 6 Series is more of a grand tourer, BMW's models always have sportier aspirations than most of their competition. The 635 CSi is no exception. The BMW E24, endearingly referred to as "the Shark", is an appreciating classic, but you can still get them relatively cheap.

Engine

3.4 and 3.5-liter inline-6

Transmission

3-speed auto/ 5-speed manual

Drivetrain

RWD

Power

182-217 hp

Torque

214-229 lb-ft

0-60 MPH

7.0 seconds

The best part is that, if you get an example that isn't heavily rusted, the mechanicals are very dependable. The M30 engine is carried over from the BMW E9 and is under-stressed regardless of the size and power. The 635 CSi is the second most powerful version after the M88-powered M6, although "lesser" variants are also desirable. Despite the car being a classic, parts are still available and at good prices.

The BMW M5 E39 is considered, by many, to be the best generation of high-performance sedan. It's also one of the most reliable BMW M-cars out there. Unfortunately, those are expensive nowadays so, the next best thing is the 540i. The M62 V-8 is one of the most reliable BMW V-8 engines, and it's also underrated in terms of its horsepower figure. In reality, this application of the engine is said to make 305 horsepower - 19 more than advertised.

Engine

4.0-liter V-8

Transmission

5-speed auto/ 5-speed manual

Drivetrain

RWD

Power

286 hp (claimed)

Torque

324 lb-ft

0-60 MPH

6.2-5.9 seconds

The best part is, while most examples are automatic, you can get the 540i with a manual. The E39 platform is stout and the design has aged well. E39s are built like tanks, but high-mileage examples can suffer from cracked suspension bushings due to age and faulty sensors - typical for any old car, really.

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The 2000s saw the Chris Bangle era of BMW design. While not all cars wore it well, the E63 6 Series, somehow, worked. BMW's second generation of the grand tourer was a successful model and still a reliable car (most of the time). While your safest bet would be the inline-six petrol and diesel options, the 6 Series was built for a V-8. This is where the N62 comes in. Ideally, you want later versions that have the bigger, N62B48 unit.

Engine

4.8-liter V-8

Transmission

6-speed auto/ 6-speed manual

Drivetrain

RWD

Power

367 hp (claimed)

Torque

361 lb-ft

0-60 MPH

4.8 seconds

While mostly reliable, leaking seals are a common issue with these V-8s. The valve stem seals are the worst offender as they are the most expensive to do. Chances are, you'll probably get an example that has already had that done, but something that's worth keeping an eye out for, for peace of mind. Aside from that, the BMW 650i packs near-M6 levels of performance. These were also available with a manual, which is a lost art in BMW's grand tourers.

The BMW E46 doesn't need an introduction. The M3 E46 is still considered one of the very best driver's cars on the planet, but like all M-cars, it has its own issues. If you want a piece of the M3 E46's capabilities, but at a much lower cost, the 330 Ci is your best bet. The M54 inline-six engine is considered the last reliable, BMW six-cylinder with normal aspiration, capable of 300,000 miles. The engine is not without issues, but most of them are typical for most BMW models. It is also one of the best BMWs to be offered with a manual.

Engine

3.0-liter inline-6

Transmission

5-speed auto/ 5 and 6-speed manual

Drivetrain

RWD

Power

225-231 hp

Torque

214-221 lb-ft

0-60 MPH

7.0-6.2 seconds

Faulty thermostats are a common problem, but they are typically designed to go out in an open position, so as not to overheat the engine. Water pumps feature brittle, plastic impellers that can break, and problems with the PCV and VANOS are also to be expected. Even in non-M-form, the E46 still features one of the most balanced and nimble chassis.

In a way, the Z4 is a future classic owes its existence to the Mazda MX-5, the success of which prompted other carmakers to develop their own compact roadsters. BMW introduced the Z3, which was followed by the Z4 E85. Its M-version shares an S54 engine with the M3 E46 so, naturally, nothing about it is affordable. If you want a fast BMW Z4 that's relatively inexpensive to maintain, the 30i is your best bet. Its N52 inline-six is considered one of the best BMW inline-six units ever made.

Engine

3.0-liter inline-6

Transmission

6-speed auto/ 6-speed manual

Drivetrain

RWD

Power

265 hp

Torque

232 lb-ft

0-60 MPH

5.4 seconds

Like the M54, the engine's longevity is quite good, but it is recommended you use only genuine OEM parts, when something, eventually, breaks. There isn't much that could go wrong with the Z4 E85, which is why people are starting to warm up to the sleek, Bavarian coupe/roadster.

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The BMW E30 is where performance got infused into the 3 Series. The E30 generation saw the first ever M3, nicknamed "The God's Chariot", and this was the first time a 3 Series can be had as a sedan, station wagon, or convertible, instead of just a two-door coupe. While the E30 M3 is out of most people's reach, the 325i isn't. The M20 inline-six's power output isn't that far from early E30 M3 variants and packs two more cylinders.

Engine

2.5-liter inline-6

Transmission

4-speed auto/ 5-speed manual

Drivetrain

RWD/ AWD

Power

171 hp

Torque

164 lb-ft

0-60 MPH

7.9 seconds

Manual versions have a dog-leg first gear, which combined with a lightweight chassis and the E30's compact size, makes the 3 Series ideal for autocross. The 325i E30 features simple and robust mechanicals, which is why many rally schools are using them as learner cars. Because they were mass-produced, parts are plentiful and inexpensive.

BMW's 1 Series was met with controversy when it first arrived in 2004. It was an expensive hatchback that offered less practicality than a Golf, but on the other hand, it was the only rear-wheel-drive hatchback you could buy. Things became better with the introduction of the coupe and convertible variants, which greatly helped popularize BMW's entry-level model. Moreover, the compact Bavarian shared most engine options with the E92 3 Series, including the N55 turbocharged inline-six.

Engine

3.0-liter inline-6

Transmission

6-speed auto/ 6-speed manual

Drivetrain

RWD

Power

218 hp

Torque

199 lb-ft

0-60 MPH

6.5 seconds

The cars are fairly reliable, fun, and easy to maintain, but if you want something that's even easier on the wallet, the 125i is the one to go for. The N52 unit from the Z4 E85 can be found here but in a de-tuned state. The six-cylinder engine is under-stressed and allows for performance that would rival most modern-day hot hatchbacks.

BMW's original answer to the Mazda MX-5 Miata came in the form of the Z3. The model debuted in 1995 and was a parts-bin special, combining parts from the E30 and E36 models. There was an M version that came with an S50 engine, but if low maintenance costs are what you are after, you'd best go for the 28i and 30i models. Those still pack great performance and come with the M52 and M54 six-cylinder engines, familiar from the E36 and E46 models.

Engine

3.0-liter inline-6

Transmission

5-speed auto/ 5-speed manual

Drivetrain

RWD

Power

231 hp

Torque

221 lb-ft

0-60 MPH

5.7 seconds

Parts are plentiful and cheap, but if you go for a roadster, know that chassis rigidity isn't the best. Rear sub-frames are prone to cracking, but by this point in time, owners should have addressed the issue. If a cheap project car is what you are after, four-cylinder models are dirt-cheap, since nobody wants them.

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The 1990s is considered, by many, to be the golden era of BMW engineering. The second-generation 7 Series, internally-dubbed E38, was tasked with stealing sales from the Mercedes S-Class W140. An tall order and yet the E38 7 Series managed to gain enough popularity to remain relevant even today. Like its Stuttgart rival, the E38 was built like a tank, which is why most examples are still on the road today. The 740i's M60 V-8 engine is reliable and relatively simple since it was a pre-VANOS unit.

Engine

4.0-liter V-8

Transmission

5-speed auto/

Drivetrain

RWD

Power

286 hp

Torque

295 lb-ft

0-60 MPH

7.0 seconds

The M60's dual-row timing chain is, sadly, a thing of the past, and can last as long as 175,000 miles. Those cars are desired even today and have stood the test of time. Very high-mileage examples may require a major overhaul so, beware of those. The only thing to look out for is the air suspension, but if you don't want to deal with it, coil-spring conversions are available.

Dim’s fascination with cars began when he was just six. Born into a family of car enthusiasts and racing drivers, he started learning basic mechanics and driving from an early age. While he loves writing for any car, Dim is most interested in exploring obscure and forgotten cars as well as finding the best deals on the enthusiast car market. His passion took him to car restoration in the Malta Classic Car Museum, where he briefly worked on a 1964 Jaguar E-Type and an Alfa Romeo Junior. In Malta, he also graduated Media and Communications, which further improved his skills as an automotive journalist. Dim is always ready to get behind the wheel of any car and tell you all about it later.