Used BMW buying guide for dealers: models and engines
Used BMW buying guide for dealers: which 3 and 5 Series and X models sell, engines to avoid such as the N47 and N20, and auction checks.
· 9 min read
A used BMW makes good dealer stock when you buy the right model and engine at the right price. The 3 Series, 5 Series and X3 with B47 or B48 engines sell fastest across Europe, while early N47 diesels and N20 petrols carry known timing-chain risks. Check history, recalls and the cold start, and work out your margin before you bid.
Which used BMW models sell fastest across Europe?
The 3 Series, 5 Series, X1 and X3 are the used BMWs that turn fastest in most continental markets, because there are plenty of buyers for them at every price level. They are also the models that come back in the largest numbers from leasing and company fleets, so supply is steady.
A rough guide by model:
- 3 Series (F30/F31 2012–2019, G20/G21 from 2019): the core of BMW used-car demand. The Touring estate is especially easy to sell in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy.
- 5 Series (F10/F11 2010–2017, G30/G31 from 2017): ex-company cars at high mileage, popular with private buyers who want a big car for the price of a new compact.
- X1 and X3: SUVs with broad appeal, and xDrive versions sell well in Alpine regions and Scandinavia.
- 1 Series and 2 Series: easier entry price, but buyers are more price-sensitive and compare with Golf and A3 stock.
Larger and more specialised models (X5, X6, 7 Series, M cars) can earn more per car, but they take longer to sell and need a buyer who knows exactly what they want.
Used BMW prices: what the market data shows
Used BMW prices depend heavily on mileage and fuel type, so compare like with like before you set a bid. According to listings tracked by MyCarDealer in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Poland, France, Austria and Spain in October 2026:
| Model and years | Listings | Median asking price | Middle half of prices | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Series diesel, 2018–2020 | 619 | €18,945 | €15,700–22,900 | 138,000 km |
| 3 Series petrol, 2018–2020 | 415 | €22,500 | €17,247–26,850 | 111,933 km |
| 5 Series diesel, 2017–2020 | 898 | €20,990 | €17,985–24,990 | 153,732 km |
| X3 diesel, 2018–2021 | 480 | €25,500 | €22,500–29,000 | 123,295 km |
Country differences are real. The same X3 diesel had a median of €26,350 in Germany, €24,990 in Belgium, €24,890 in Italy and €32,990 in Austria, although the Austrian sample was only 25 cars. For the 5 Series diesel, Germany (485 listings) sat at €21,490 against €19,900 in Belgium and €19,340 in Italy. These gaps are what make cross-border buying worthwhile, but transport, registration taxes and preparation eat into them, as covered in our guide to used car prices across Europe.
For car dealers
Know your margin before you buy
MyCarDealer compares any car from an auction or listing with the market in your country and shows the net margin after VAT, transport and costs – and the maximum bid.
Request accessWhich BMW engines should dealers avoid or check carefully?
The BMW engines that cause the most trouble for dealers are the N47 four-cylinder diesel and the N20 four-cylinder petrol, both because of their timing chains. Later B-series engines (B37, B38, B47, B48, B58) are generally considered more robust.
| Engine | Typical models | Known issue | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| N47 2.0 diesel (2007–2014) | 116d–120d, 316d–320d, 520d, X1, X3 | Timing chain wear at the back of the engine; worst on early engines | Listen for rattle on cold start, ask for proof of chain replacement |
| N20 2.0 turbo petrol (2011–2015) | 320i, 328i, 520i, X1, X3 | Plastic timing chain guides wear and break | BMW revised the parts in 2015; check for noise and records |
| N57 3.0 diesel and early 4- and 6-cylinder diesels | 330d, 530d, X5 | EGR cooler recall (see below) | Confirm the recall was carried out for the VIN |
| B47 2.0 diesel (from 2014) | Most later diesels | Fewer reported chain problems | Normal checks; AdBlue system on Euro 6d cars |
The N47 problem is worst on engines built between 2007 and early 2009, and BMW revised the engine in 2011 and again before replacing it with the B47 in 2014. We cover the symptoms and repair costs in detail in our BMW N47 timing chain guide.
For the N20, the cause was timing chain guides made from a plastic that broke down; pieces could end up in the chain drive and destroy the engine. BMW changed the parts in 2015, so cars built after that are a lower risk.
In 2018 BMW also extended a recall over leaking EGR coolers to about 1.6 million diesel cars worldwide, covering 3, 4, 5 and 6 Series and X3 to X6 models. The leak could, in rare cases, lead to a fire. Any BMW dealer can check whether the work was done on a specific VIN.
Petrol vs diesel: how BMW residual values differ
Diesel BMWs still dominate supply, but petrol cars of the same age often ask more because they have covered fewer kilometres. In the data above, a 2018–2020 petrol 3 Series had a median asking price about €3,500 higher than a diesel, with roughly 26,000 km less on the clock.
That does not mean petrol always holds its value better. The petrol sample includes some faster versions, and diesels are often ex-company cars with high mileage. What it does show is that you should never value a diesel 320d against a petrol 320i, or a 150,000 km car against an 80,000 km car.
Some practical rules:
- Diesel remains the default for 5 Series, X3 and X5 buyers who drive long distances. Euro 6 diesels are fine; older Euro 5 cars face restrictions in some cities, which is reflected in the price. See our article on diesel values and low-emission zones.
- Petrol 3 Series and 1 Series sell well to private buyers with lower annual mileage, especially in the Netherlands, where petrol listings outnumber diesel.
- Plug-in hybrids (330e, 530e, X3 xDrive30e) need a battery and charging check before you buy and sell best where company car taxation or local incentives favour them.
What should I check on a used BMW at auction?
Check the history, the timing chain, the recalls and the electronics before you bid on a used BMW. A remote purchase leaves no room for a test drive, so the condition report and service data have to do the work.
- Service history. BMW stores service data electronically; a BMW workshop can read it. Gaps or very long oil-change intervals on N47 and N20 engines are a warning sign.
- Cold-start noise. Ask the auction house or a local inspector for a cold-start video. A rattle from the back of a diesel or a whine from a petrol N20 needs investigating.
- Recalls. Confirm the EGR cooler campaign on affected diesels and any other open campaigns.
- xDrive. Mismatched tyres on all-wheel-drive cars can strain the transfer case. Look for four tyres of the same make and wear.
- Run-flat tyres and brakes. Many BMWs run on run-flats, which cost more to replace. Budget for tyres if the report shows low tread.
- Electronics and iDrive. Check that the condition report lists no warning lights. Retrofitting or coding issues are expensive to sort out.
- Bodywork. Paint depth readings help spot accident repairs, which reduce value even when the repair is good.
Our guide on auction condition reports explains how to read the damage codes that most remarketing platforms use.
How to calculate the margin before you buy a BMW
Calculate your expected selling price first, then subtract VAT on the margin, reconditioning, transport and a buffer, and the result is your maximum bid. Working backwards protects you from being carried away in a live auction.
A worked example for a German dealer buying a 2019 320d Touring under the margin scheme:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Expected selling price (close to the market median) | €18,900 |
| Purchase price at auction (margin scheme, all fees included) | €15,000 |
| Gross margin | €3,900 |
| VAT on the margin at 19% (3,900 × 19/119) | €623 |
| Reconditioning (tyres, service, smart repair) | €800 |
| Profit before overheads | €2,477 |
Under the margin scheme in Articles 311–343 of the VAT Directive 2006/112/EC, you pay VAT only on the difference between purchase and selling price, at your own country's rate. If the car is VAT-qualifying (for example from a leasing company that shows VAT on the invoice), the calculation is different, because you reclaim input VAT and charge full VAT on the sale. Our VAT margin scheme guide explains when each applies.
MyCarDealer does this calculation automatically for each car: market price in your country from comparable listings, VAT on the margin at your rate, transport and preparation, and the maximum bid. You can value a car for free to see how it works.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a good idea to buy a used BMW for stock?
Yes, if you choose models with steady demand and avoid engines with known faults. The 3 Series, 5 Series and X3 sell well across Europe, and B47 and B48 engines have a better reputation than the earlier N47 and N20. The risk is in older cars with unclear history.
Which BMW engines should dealers avoid?
The N47 diesel built from 2007 to early 2009 has the worst timing-chain record, and the N20 petrol built before 2015 has known chain-guide failures. Neither has to be avoided completely, but you should price in the risk unless there is proof of repair.
What is the best second-hand BMW to buy as a dealer?
For most dealers, a 3 Series Touring or X3 with a B47 diesel or B48 petrol from 2016 onwards is the safest choice. These cars sell in most countries, parts are easy to get and the engines have fewer known problems.
How do BMW residual values differ between petrol and diesel?
In October 2026 listings, 2018–2020 petrol 3 Series cars asked more than diesels, mainly because they had lower mileage. Diesel still sells better in large cars like the 5 Series and X3, while petrol is stronger in small and mid-sized models and in markets like the Netherlands.
Where can dealers buy used BMWs in Europe?
Dealers buy used BMWs at online trade auctions, from leasing and fleet remarketing, from franchised dealers' part exchanges and from listings in other countries. Germany has the largest supply, but Belgian and Italian prices can also be competitive.