3 Best BMWs for the Money (+Cost Calculation)
When you need to buy the best car for the money, there are some important things to consider before buying such as price, engine, fuel economy, reliability, features concerning safety, driving experience, interior & exterior portions, and ownership costs.
BMW is one of the most popular luxury car brands in the world because of the best value for money in luxury segments, premium build quality, reliability, higher resale value, research & development; in short – excellence in everything. As there are different models of BMW available in the automotive market, I’ll discuss elaborately 3 BMWs that can be chosen if the best BMWs for money is your main concern.
1. BMW 4 Series (2014 – Present)
Price
The BMW 4 Series offers four different trims from a price range of $45,800 to $58,700. The base trim named 430i Coupe starts from $45,800 considering the MSRP. The highest configuration named M440i xDrive Coupe will cost you $58,700 to start with.
Engine
Four different coupe models of BMW 2022 4 Series are 430i Coupe, 430i xDrive Coupe, M440i Coupe, and M440i xDrive Coupe. The base model offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine of four cylinders that can produce 255 hp and 295 lb-ft amount of torque. The most upgraded model of the 2022 4 Series has an 8-speed automatic transmission with a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine of six cylinders. The 0-60 mph is possible only in 4.3 seconds in this engine.
Fuel Economy
- 430i Coupe – 25/34/28 mpg city/highway/combined
- 430i xDrive Coupe – 23/33/27 mpg city/highway/combined
- M440i Coupe – 25/34/28 mpg city/highway/combined
- M440i xDrive Coupe – 23/32/26 mpg city/highway/combined
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.6 gallons
Reliability
The BMW 4 Series has predicted 87 out of 100 considering the reliability score. According to the J.D. Power reliability score, 81-90 range is considered as great. So, 4 Series is satisfactory if you consider reliability.
Driving
The 4 Series is very much enjoyable to ride. The road grip, steering control is good enough to provide a solid riding experience. The M440i models are slightly livelier with sporting enhancements. The comfortable ride quality of the 4 Series will force you to go beyond.
Features
- Cruise Control
- Electric Power Steering
- Keyless Ignition
- Telescopic & Tilt Steering Wheel
- Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System)
- Interior Air Filtration
- Leather Steering Wheel
Safety Features
- 2 Front & 2 Rear Headrests
- Brake Drying
- Child Seat Anchors
- Emergency Braking Preparation
- Pre & Post Collision Safety System
- Stability Control
- Traction Control
- Blind-Spot Alert
- Tire Pressure Monitoring
- Speed Limit Recognition
- Driver Attention Monitoring
- Pedestrian Detection
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Interior & Exterior
The BMW 4 Series offers high-quality materials in the cabin. You can choose anyone from leather-covered dashboard and aluminum or wood model pieces. The exterior part is fabulous to look at and oddly satisfying to give inner comfort of mind.
Ownership Cost – 5 Years
According to Edmunds, the ownership costs of the 4 Series Convertible 430i 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) are given below considering 15k mileage on average per year:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total | |
| Insurance | $1,149 | $1,189 | $1,231 | $1,274 | $1,319 | $6,162 |
| Maintenance | $0 | $0 | $540 | $2,825 | $3,024 | $6,389 |
| Repairs | $0 | $0 | $0 | $907 | $1,391 | $2,298 |
| Depreciation | $5,287 | $5,867 | $4,793 | $5,375 | $4,694 | $26,016 |
| Fuel | $1,871 | $1,927 | $1,985 | $2,044 | $2,105 | $9,932 |
Also read: Mercedes vs. BMW- Which is Cheaper to Maintain?
2. BMW 3 Series
Price
The BMW 3 Series Sedan offers 6 different trim levels to choose from. The base trim level is 330i and other fives are 330i xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, M340i, and M340i xDrive. The base price is $41,450 and the highest trim of the series named M340i xDrive costs $56,700.
Engine
Every 3 Series of BMW offers eight-speed automatic transmission ensuring launch control, paddle shifters, and both sport and manual shift modes. The base trim has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine of four cylinders that can produce 255 hp. The amount of torque produced in the base trim is 294 lb-ft. The highest trim offers a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine of six cylinders that can produce 382 hp and an amount of 368 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy
- 330i – 26/36/30 mpg city/highway/combined
- 330i xDrive – 25/34/28 mpg city/highway/combined
- M340i / M340i xDrive – 23/32/26 mpg city/highway/combined
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.6 gallons
Reliability
A reliability score of 79 out of 100 has been predicted for the 2022 BMW 3 Series. The 71 to 80 range is considered as average and the 81 to 90 range is considered a great reliability score. It means the 3 Series is above average considering reliability.
Driving
Even the base trim has paddle shifters for more engagement of the drivers. The 2022 3 Series is great at driving and goes up from there on the driving fun-o-meter where some cars start from acceptable and then rise to great.
Features
- Satellite Radio
- Cruise Control
- Electric Power Steering
- Keyless Ignition
- Telescopic & Tilt Steering Wheel
- Interior Air Filtration
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
- Dual Zone Front Climate Control
Safety Features
- 2 Front & 3 Rear Headrests
- LED Headlamp
- Brake Drying
- Child Seat Anchors
- Daytime Running & Concerning Lights
- Front & Rear Head Airbags
- Emergency Braking Preparation
- Pre & Post Collision Safety System
- Anti-Theft Alarm System
- Tire Pressure Monitoring
- Traction Control
- Turn Signal Mirrors
Interior & Exterior
The BMW 3 Series comes with the premium build quality and top-notch materials. The overall design of the cabin provides a minimal look. The in-car entertainment and instrumentation facilities are something you’ll love to have and experience. The 3 Series comes with recognized design touches of BMW with satisfactory colors to choose your desired one.
Ownership Cost – 5 Years
According to Edmunds, the ownership costs of 3 Series Sedan 330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) are given below considering 15k mileage on average per year:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total | |
| Insurance | $997 | $1,032 | $1,068 | $1,105 | $1,144 | $5,346 |
| Maintenance | $0 | $0 | $578 | $3,397 | $2,739 | $6,714 |
| Repairs | $0 | $0 | $0 | $907 | $1,391 | $2,298 |
| Depreciation | $3,866 | $5,198 | $4,249 | $4,764 | $4,160 | $22,237 |
| Fuel | $1,745 | $1,797 | $1,851 | $1,907 | $1,964 | $9,264 |
Also read: 5 Best BMWs with Over 300 HP (with Costs)
3. BMW M3
Price
The base trim of the BMW M3 comes with an MSRP of $70,895. It comes in three trims named M3, M3 Competition, and M3 Competition xDrive. M3 Competition xDrive is the highest trim and comes with an MSRP of $77,895.
Engine
The base trim comes with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine of six cylinders that can produce 473 hp and 406 lb-ft torque. The M3 Competition trim can produce 503 hp and 479 lb-ft which is greater than the base trim.
Fuel Economy
- 16/23/19 mpg city/highway/combined
- 5.3 gallons/100 miles
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.6 gallons
Reliability
Reliability varies from model to model, year to year. The newest G80 M3 can be said as the safest, fastest M3 we have ever had. On the other hand, it’s wise to avoid the E36 & F80 as they aren’t recommended by enthusiasts because of issues related to engines.
Driving
The balance of the BMW M3 is excellent and the standard launch control system performs well. The braking and steering system are Impressive too in M3. It’ll give you an overall solid driving experience without compromising the crucial things.
Also read: Is it Hard to Steal a BMW? Which One is the Easiest?
Features
- Cruise Control
- Electric Power Steering
- Keyless Ignition
- Telescopic & Tilt Steering Wheel
- Universal Remote Transmitter
- Interior Air Filtration
- Leather Steering Wheel
Safety Features
- 2 Front & 3 Rear Headrests
- Brake Drying
- Child Seat Anchors
- LED Headlamp & Concerning Lights
- Front & Rear Head Airbags
- Emergency Braking Preparation
- Pre & Post Collision Safety System
- Anti-Theft Alarm System
- Stability Control
- Traction Control
- Blind-Spot Alert
Interior & Exterior
The BMW comes with a modern interior with a very attractive dashboard. The interior provides some creature comforts to experience the journey better. There are various satisfying and eye-catching color options to choose from lineups.
Ownership Cost – 5 Years
According to Edmunds, the ownership costs of the M3 Sedan 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M) are given below considering 15k mileage on average per year:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total | |
| Insurance | $1,495 | $1,547 | $1,601 | $1,658 | $1,716 | $8,017 |
| Maintenance | $0 | $0 | $600 | $3,226 | $1,624 | $5,450 |
| Repairs | $0 | $0 | $0 | $907 | $1,391 | $2,298 |
| Depreciation | $5,069 | $4,657 | $3,804 | $4,260 | $3,722 | $21,512 |
| Fuel | $2,754 | $2,836 | $2,921 | $3,009 | $3,099 | $14,619 |
