Best BMW Years to Buy by Model
No BMW model year we track separates clearly as a "best" year in current federal data yet. Years to skip include the 2011 328i and 2019 X3. Based on 4,992 NHTSA owner complaints across 6 BMW models, rated model year by model year.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recall campaigns & service bulletins · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research · How we rate model years
Best BMW years, model by model
| Model | Best years | Years to skip | Years on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X5 | No standout year yet | 20082011201920212024 | 18 (2008–2025) |
| BMW 750Li | No standout year yet | 2008 | 18 (2008–2025) |
| BMW X3 | No standout year yet | 20082019202020212022 | 18 (2008–2025) |
| BMW X6 | No standout year yet | None rated avoid | 18 (2008–2025) |
| BMW 328i | No standout year yet | 20112013 | 18 (2008–2025) |
| BMW 335i | No standout year yet | 2011 | 18 (2008–2025) |
Verdicts are each model’s own, rated against that model’s history; counts behind them are raw federal filings, not adjusted for sales volume.
Years to skip, in detail
Frequently asked questions
What are the best BMW years to buy?
No BMW model year stands out as a clear "best" in the federal data yet; see each model page for the full spread.
Which BMW years should I skip?
By model: X5 2008, 2011, 2019, 2021 and 2024; 750Li 2008; X3 2008, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022; 328i 2011 and 2013; 335i 2011. The full breakdown is on the BMW years-to-avoid page.
Which BMW models have no years to avoid?
The X6 — no model year of it rates "avoid" in current federal data.
How are the best BMW years chosen?
Each model year's NHTSA owner complaints are weighted for severity, converted to a rate per year on the road and compared with the rest of that model's own history; the lowest rates among years with enough road time earn "best". Full method at /research/years-to-avoid/methodology.