The Most Reliable Old BMW, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the old BMW you think is the most reliable!

Updated on May 10, 2024 06:57

Finding a dependable old BMW can be a challenge filled with uncertainty. For enthusiasts and potential buyers, reliable information on which models stand the test of time is invaluable. This is why compiling user-generated rankings of the most trusted older BMWs provides a crucial resource that assists in making informed decisions. By participating in this vote-driven ranking, you not only learn which vehicles have pleased other owners, but also contribute to a broader community knowledge base. This feedback loop enhances the accuracy and usefulness of the data, ensuring that future visitors can benefit from the collective experience reflected in the rankings.

What Is the Most Reliable Old BMW?

1

55
votes
Rudolf Stricker · CC BY-SA 3.0

BMW E30 (1982-1994)

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW)

The E30 is considered one of the most reliable BMWs ever made. It's simple, well-built, and easy to maintain. It's also a blast to drive.
The BMW E30 (1982-1994) is a popular classic car known for its reliability and timeless design. It is a compact executive car that was produced by the German automaker BMW. The E30 is part of the BMW 3 Series and has gained a cult following among automotive enthusiasts.

Engine Options: Various petrol and diesel engines

Transmission Options: Manual and automatic transmissions

Body Style: Sedan, coupe, convertible, and estate

Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive

Suspension: Front MacPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms
2

20
votes
IFCAR · Public domain

BMW E36 (1991-1999)

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW)

The E36 is another classic BMW that's known for its reliability. It's also affordable and easy to find parts for.
The BMW E36 (1991-1999) is the third generation of the BMW 3 Series, a compact executive car. It was produced in a wide variety of body styles, including sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon. The E36 is known for its sleek and timeless design, solid build quality, and excellent driving dynamics.

Engine Options: Petrol and diesel engines ranging from 1.6L to 3.2L

Transmission Options: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic

Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive

Suspension: Independent front and rear suspension

Brakes: Disc brakes on all four wheels
3

35
votes
Les Chatfield from Brighton, England · Public domain

BMW E39 (1995-2003)

The E39 is a great all-around BMW. It's reliable, comfortable, and has great driving dynamics. It's also one of the best-looking BMWs ever made.
The BMW E39 (1995-2003) is a mid-size luxury car produced by the German automaker BMW. It is a part of the BMW 5 Series lineup and is considered one of the most reliable old BMW models.

Engine Options: Inline-6, V8, V10

Power Output: 193 - 493 horsepower

Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic

Fuel Type: Gasoline

Fuel Efficiency: Up to 27 mpg
4

14
votes
André Karwath aka Aka · CC BY-SA 2.5

BMW E46 (1998-2006)

BMW

The E46 is a popular BMW that's known for its reliability. It's also a great-looking car and a joy to drive.
The BMW E46 (1998-2006) is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, a compact executive car. It was one of BMW's most successful models, offering a combination of performance, luxury, and practicality.

Safety Features: ABS, stability control, airbags

Engine Options: Petrol: 1.6L - 3.2L, Diesel: 2.0L - 3.0L

Power Output: 114 - 338 horsepower

Transmission: 5 or 6-speed manual, 4 or 5-speed automatic

Rear-wheel drive: Standard
5

7
votes
"stream" from E60-forum (see above) · CC BY-SA 3.0

BMW E60 (2003-2010)

BMW

The E60 is a great all-around BMW that's known for its reliability. It's also a comfortable and spacious car.
The BMW E60 (2003-2010) is a mid-size luxury car that belongs to the BMW 5 Series. It was designed to have a sleek and modern appearance while offering a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

Engine Options: Various engine options were available, including inline-6 and V8 engines.

Transmission: Equipped with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Power: Power output ranged from approximately 184 horsepower to 500 horsepower, depending on the engine variant.

Fuel Efficiency: Achieved decent fuel efficiency considering its performance, with average ratings ranging between 14 to 25 MPG.

Safety Features: Included features such as stability control, traction control, ABS, multiple airbags, and optional adaptive headlights.
6

14
votes
Rudolf Stricker · Attribution

BMW E90 (2005-2013)

BMW

The E90 is a great BMW that's known for its reliability. It's also a great-looking car and a lot of fun to drive.
The BMW E90 (2005-2013) is a compact executive car model of the BMW 3 Series. It was produced by the German automaker BMW and is the fifth generation of the 3 Series. The E90 is highly regarded for its performance, luxury, and solid build quality.

Engine Options: Various gasoline and diesel engines ranging from 1.6L to 4.4L

Power Output: Up to 414 horsepower

Transmission Options: 6-speed manual or automatic

Fuel Efficiency: Up to 36 mpg (combined)

Safety Features: Multiple airbags, stability control, traction control
7

15
votes
IFCAR · Public domain

BMW E92 (2006-2013)

The E92 is a fantastic BMW that's known for its reliability. It's also a great-looking car and a lot of fun to drive.
The BMW E92 (2006-2013) is a highly regarded and reliable model from BMW's 3 Series lineup. It is a two-door coupe version with sleek and sporty styling, designed for both luxury and performance.

Engine Options: Various gasoline and diesel engines, including 2.0L inline-4, 3.0L inline-6, and 4.0L V8

Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic

Power Output: Ranges from approximately 168 horsepower to 414 horsepower

Acceleration: 0-60 mph in as low as 4.3 seconds (M3 model)

Top Speed: Up to 155 mph (limited)
8

5
votes
Michael Gil from Calgary, AB, Canada · CC BY 2.0

BMW E34 (1988-1996)

The E34 is a classic BMW that's known for its reliability. It's also a great-looking car and a lot of fun to drive.
The BMW E34 (1988-1996) is a mid-size luxury car produced by the German automaker BMW. It is the third generation of the BMW 5 Series and was a popular choice among enthusiasts for its reliability and solid build quality.

Engine Options: Various engine options including straight-six, V8, and diesel engines.

Transmission: Available with 5-speed manual or 4 or 5-speed automatic transmission.

Suspension: Independent front and rear suspension for improved handling and ride comfort.

Safety Features: Equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), airbags, and traction control.

Interior: Well-appointed cabin with comfortable seating, high-quality materials, and intuitive controls.
9

8
votes
Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0

BMW E28 (1981-1988)

BMW

The E28 is a classic BMW that's known for its reliability. It's also a great-looking car and a lot of fun to drive.
The BMW E28 (1981-1988) is the second generation of the BMW 5 Series executive car. It was produced from 1981 to 1988 and is known for its reliability and solid build quality. The E28 is often considered a classic and popular choice among BMW enthusiasts.

Engine Options: Various petrol and diesel engines

Transmission: 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, or 4-speed automatic

Power Output: 109 - 286 horsepower

Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive

Suspension: Independent front and rear suspension
10

10
votes
nakhon100 · CC BY 2.0

BMW E32 (1986-1994)

BMW

The E32 is a classic BMW that's known for its reliability. It's also a great-looking car and a lot of fun to drive.
The BMW E32 (1986-1994) is the second generation of the BMW 7 Series, a line of full-size luxury vehicles. It was produced by the German automaker BMW. The E32 represented a significant leap forward in terms of technology, comfort, and luxury compared to its predecessor.

Engine Options: Various inline-6 and V8 engines

Transmission Options: 5-speed manual or 4 or 5-speed automatic

Body Styles: Sedan

Wheelbase: 110.2 inches

Length: 195.4 inches

Missing your favorite old BMW?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable old BMW

Model year

Generally, the older a BMW model is, the more problems it is likely to have. Look for models that fall within the years where BMW had high marks for reliability.
Maintenance history

Look for vehicles that have a clear and consistent maintenance history. Regular maintenance improves the car's reliability and longevity.
Mileage

Lower mileage cars tend to be more reliable than high mileage ones. Cars with high mileage may have more wear and tear, which can lead to frequent breakdowns.
Known issues

Certain BMW models have known reliability issues. Research these models to see if the issues have been addressed before purchasing.
Vehicle condition

Look for cars that are in good condition inside and out. The better the overall condition of the vehicle, the more reliable it is likely to be.
Owner reviews

Read online reviews from other BMW owners to see which models have good reputations for reliability.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable old BMW. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or car is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3960 views
170 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each car once every 24 hours. The rank of each car is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable old bmw

When it comes to classic cars, BMWs are a popular choice among enthusiasts. From the iconic 2002 to the powerful E30 M3, BMW has produced some of the most beloved vehicles in automotive history. However, when it comes to reliability, not all BMWs are created equal. When searching for the most reliable old BMW, it's important to consider a few factors. Firstly, the year and model of the vehicle can greatly impact its reliability. Some of the most reliable BMWs were produced in the 1990s, including the E36 3-Series and the E39 5-Series. These vehicles were known for their solid build quality and dependable engines. Another important factor to consider is maintenance. Regular maintenance and upkeep can go a long way in keeping a BMW running smoothly. It's important to keep up with oil changes, tune-ups, and other routine maintenance tasks to ensure the longevity of the vehicle. Overall, the most reliable old BMWs are those that were built with quality in mind and have been well-maintained over the years. With the right care and attention, these classic cars can provide years of driving enjoyment.