BMW is the most popular premium brand on UK roads, and it's also one of the most commonly financed. Whether you're looking at a used 3 Series for your commute, an X5 as a family, or an M4 well for the fun of it, the chances are you'll be financing it rather than paying cash. The problem is that dealer finance on a used BMW can be more expensive than what the wider market can offer. BMW dealers typically quotes between 7.9% and 13.9% APR on approved used stock, and independent dealers regularly charge even more. Through Prefinance, specialist brokers offer rates from 7.9% APR on vehicles over £40,000 and from 8.9% APR below that. On a car you're paying for over three or four years, that rate difference adds up fast. Try our
BMW finance calculator to see what you could save on the specific model you're after.
The Most Popular Used BMWs on Finance in the UK
BMW's range is broad, but a handful of models account for the majority of used finance enquiries. Here's how the most popular ones sit in the market and what to consider when financing each.
BMW 3 Series
The 3 Series has been the default premium saloon for decades, and the used market reflects that - there are thousands available at any given time, with prices ranging from around £15,000 for older F30-generation cars to £45,000 or more for well-specified G20 M Sport and M340i models. Its popularity means strong residual values on PCP, and lenders are comfortable financing them. The sheer volume of 3 Series stock also means dealers aren't always motivated to offer their sharpest rate, which is exactly where comparing through Prefinance pays off. Run the numbers through our BMW PCP rates calculator before you visit the showroom.
3 Series finance calculator
BMW 5 Series
The 5 Series attracts a slightly different buyer - often a business user or someone stepping up from a 3 Series who wants more space and refinement. Used values range from around £20,000 for early G30 models to £55,000+ for the latest i5 and M550i variants. The 5 Series holds its value reasonably well, particularly in M Sport and xDrive specifications. PCP works well here, but HP can be a good choice if you can afford the payments and want lower overall interest than PCP. Cars up to 6 years old are typically eligible for PCP. Over that it's generally hire purchase, although some lenders to fund older cars on PCP, but rates may be higher.
BMW X3 and X5
BMW's SUVs are among the brand's strongest sellers, and used examples are in constant demand. The X3 sits in the £20,000-£50,000 bracket for most used buyers, while the X5 ranges from around £25,000 for older models to £70,000+ for recent xDrive40i and M50i variants. Both models hold their value well, which benefits PCP customers through competitive GFV figures. On higher-value X5 models above the £40,000 mark, the 7.9% rate available through some lenders via Prefinance becomes particularly valuable compared to a dealer quoting 12% or more.
BMW M3, M4, and M2
BMW's M cars occupy a different tier. Used M3 and M4 prices start from around £30,000 for F80/F82 generation cars and climb beyond £80,000 for low-mileage G80/G82 Competition models. The M2 has become a modern classic, with used values holding firm. These cars attract enthusiast buyers who often know exactly what they want, which means they're also more likely to accept whatever rate the dealer offers without shopping around. That's a missed opportunity. A used M4 Competition at £55,000 financed at 7.9% rather than 10.9% saves you roughly £3,000 in interest over 48 months. Check the exact figures on our BMW finance calculator.
BMW i4 and iX
BMW's electric models are now appearing in volume on the used market. The i4 starts from around £35,000 used, while the iX ranges from £40,000 to well over £90,000 depending on variant. EV residual values have stabilised after a period of steeper depreciation, but lenders still tend to set conservative GFV figures on electric models - which can make PCP monthly payments higher than you'd expect for the sticker price. Comparing rates across multiple brokers is especially worthwhile here, as not all lenders price EV risk the same way.