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imitchellg5 · Oct 5, 2006, 08:26 PM

Which BMW should I buy? I will get a manual where available ( obviously not in the 7 series). I am looking for pretty good performance, a comfortable backseat for short trips, 20 or more MPG, and of course good looks ( which is every BMW). My budget is $16000. I've compiled a list of Bimmers that I can afford with this much. Thanks!

Zeeb · Oct 5, 2006, 08:29 PM

Don't buy a BMW, get a 1979 Pacer, much cooler and you'll get the chicks.

imitchellg5 · Oct 5, 2006, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by Zeeb

Don't buy a BMW, get a 1979 Pacer, much cooler and you'll get the chicks.

No thanks, had one of those already, and I didn't get one chick

Sealobo · Oct 5, 2006, 11:50 PM

why not spend the $ on a new jap car instead? you will get better fuel economy and resale value. and... it's new.

Spliffdaddy · Oct 5, 2006, 11:55 PM

the M3 coupe will hold its value better than the others on your list.

MOTHERWELL · Oct 6, 2006, 01:38 AM

I have a friend with a BMW that is not very old (less than 10 years) and he has all kinds of petty problems you shouldn't see on a car like that. i.e. the window doesnt go up properly.

OreoCookie · Oct 6, 2006, 02:38 AM

Well, these cars all have very different character … the 7 series is huge and relatively heavy (compared to your other choices that is). So if you are a cruiser-type of person, that may be it. If you are young and restless, an M3 coupé might do the trick. If you want a little more versatility, an M3 sedan sounds about right. Although the other choices also pack a pretty punch, you might not need to go with the ultimate sports version.

Y3a · Oct 6, 2006, 06:47 AM

545, or 330...maybe.

AMG MB is a good choice too!

Powerbook · Oct 6, 2006, 07:28 AM

E39 5 series is

If you want something technologically up-to-date, quite rare and strong like a bear, get one of the later E38 740 Diesel (1999-2001). To drive one of those is like flying.
I still haven't found my perfect 5 series BMW.

Regards,
PB.

Goldfinger · Oct 6, 2006, 08:39 AM

Yep. Get an E39 5-series. Don't bother with the older ones. They lack seriously on the safety front. Don't get an M model. They're a waste of money if you don't use it up to its potential. A 528i or 530i would be ideal.

Rumor · 01:00 PM

BMW's are too trendy. Get something really cool and unusual like this.

[removed oversize inline image --tooki]

imitchellg5 · Oct 6, 2006, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by Goldfinger

Yep. Get an E39 5-series. Don't bother with the older ones. They lack seriously on the safety front. Don't get an M model. They're a waste of money if you don't use it up to its potential. A 528i or 530i would be ideal.

I really do like the E39. They are beautiful. I looked at one in Denver the other day. It was a '97 528i 5spd with 95,000 miles on it. They wanted $7500. Looked nice. Maybe I'll look at some more. Although M3 coupe seems to be winning right now

d4nth3m4n · Oct 6, 2006, 08:29 PM

$16k? haha, do you have another $16k to spend on keeping it on the road for the next 2-3 years?

any one of those vintages of cars is getting more than ready to start being a handful.

although for $16k you could get one hell of an e30...

seriously though, i think you're in for a nightmare. get a used (newer) mini if you're looking for a BMW product.

imitchellg5 · Oct 6, 2006, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by d4nth3m4n

$16k? haha, do you have another $16k to spend on keeping it on the road for the next 2-3 years?

any one of those vintages of cars is getting more than ready to start being a handful.

although for $16k you could get one hell of an e30...

seriously though, i think you're in for a nightmare. get a used (newer) mini if you're looking for a BMW product.

Vintage? When is '90s vintage? And it can't be worse than my stupid piece of crap Volvo 850 Turbo...my friends who have BMWs haven't had any major issues with them like I have had with my Volvo.

d4nth3m4n · Oct 6, 2006, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by imitchellg5

Vintage? When is '90s vintage? And it can't be worse than my stupid piece of crap Volvo 850 Turbo...my friends who have BMWs haven't had any major issues with them like I have had with my Volvo.

it's not vintage, it's A vintage like a 2004 wine. i'm just saying that because you have $16k and BMW's fall into that price range doesn't necessarily mean you can afford one.

and at the very best, any car with a 90's model year is 8 years old. that's significant.

imitchellg5 · Oct 6, 2006, 08:54 PM

It should be noted that I would rather not spend my 16k. But that is how much I can spend if I want to.

Spliffdaddy · Oct 6, 2006, 09:31 PM

Well, I found my '93 MB 500E with less than 30,000 miles for $16,000.

Hard to beat that with a BMW.

macroy · Oct 6, 2006, 10:05 PM

Between the 5's and the 3's - I prefer the 3's. While the M5 serously hauls ass for a mid-sized sedan (the only 5 I've driven)... its still a big car to throw around. The 3's is real damn nimble. So it all depends on your main reason for getting this car, if you want comfort and speed.. the 5 will be good. If you want to throw your car around corners... go 3.

A E30 M3 would be nice... although that may involve a bit more work. As for reliability, I'm gonna say that that they're not terrible, but its not like nothing is ever going to break on them either. I've had mine for almost 3 years.... and the only problem was a differetial issue what was resolved fairly quickly. But that window issue mentioned earlier, I've heard that on a lot of them... but its an easy fix.

One thing about M3's though... not sure if the E30 and E36 are the same way - but the E46 will cost you $10 / quart of oil. It's about $200 for an oil change if you take it in. About $50 + time if you do it yourself (4.5 quarts + a $7 for a filter). The filter is right on top, so changing it is a cinch (especially if you get a top side oil extractor). Again, this is on a E46.

Edit:

Okay - I just saw this - its a bit higher than your limit... but its worth a peek.

simonjames · Oct 7, 2006, 04:16 AM

you've forgotten to factor in insurance and other costs - eg an M3 is a desirable car and therefore is more likely to be stolen than a std 5 series. Also - there are huge differences between a 3 and a 5 series - if you are considering both and only cars that are BMWs then you are not painting the most intelligent picture of yourself.

If you do buy a BMW get yourself a computer reset device for the model you bought and then get the car serviced by someone you know and trust and not by BMW - a Bimmer is like a boat at service time - empty your wallet into BMW's greedy hands.

imitchellg5 · Oct 7, 2006, 11:13 AM

I've considered VWs, Hondas, Nissans, and Benzes, but my favorite is BMW, which is why I want one.

cenutrio · Oct 7, 2006, 01:01 PM

Audi

imitchellg5 · Oct 7, 2006, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by cenutrio

Audi

I do like Audis but they seem to be problematic... especially in humid climates which is where I spend my summers. I see them all of the time with wrong taillights doing the wrong thing, I looked at one with a blown screen for the radio and odometre. My friend's A4's passenger and driver side window got stuck in the sill. I know that most Bimmers aren't that bad. Audis seem worse than my family Volvo.

Moderator · Oct 7, 2006, 05:17 PM

Personally....I think that getting a 10 year old BMW just to say you drive a BMW looks a lot worse than something less expensive but newer. You may trick a few chicks who don't know anything about cars but most people will see it for what it is...a desperate attempt to appear wealthier than you are.

I can see the draw...and I don't criticize that...I just don't think it works..most people will see a 10 year old car for what it is...unless it truly is a collectable.

cenutrio · Oct 7, 2006, 05:27 PM

I agree a bit, I love 20+ year old cars. They are expensive to mantain though.

imitchellg5 · Oct 7, 2006, 07:02 PM

Or maybe I just like BMWs or German cars in general? I am getting a BMW for looks. I hate all of the Hondas and Toyotas and Kias out there. Sure I could afford a nice one, but how exciting are they? A new 115hp Civic is about as fun to drive as a lawn mower, and looks uglier in my opinion.

Lateralus · Oct 7, 2006, 07:42 PM

Aren't you like... 16?

imitchellg5 · Oct 7, 2006, 08:39 PM

Yes I am. With $16k to spend, as well as cash from that Volvo thing whenever it sells.

tooki · Oct 8, 2006, 01:02 PM

German cars (all of them: BMW, VW/Audi, and above all Mercedes-Benz) are in a serious quality slump right now. BMW is the least-problematic German brand right now, but users of new BMWs are still plagued by the impenetrable iDrive user interface.

You'd likely be better served buying a Lexus or Acura. (And in terms of pure build quality -- though not luxury -- a Cadillac or Hyundai is unquestionably better than a BMW. Seriously.)

tooki

anonymac · 04:50 PM

all cars are problematic since all cars are just moving parts that wear out. at 16, you should have a beater car. don't get a bmw until you hit 40.

Goldfinger · Oct 8, 2006, 05:28 PM

Did you think about the runnig costs involved ? Maintenance, taxes (if applicable over there), insurance, petrol ?

BTW: 728i, 735i and 740i all exist in manual transmission versions. It's however possible that they never were imported in the US, not sure about that.

Do not get one that is older than 10 years. And try to stay under 90k miles.

imitchellg5 · Oct 8, 2006, 08:31 PM

America hasn't had a manual in the 7 series since 1994 or 1995, and that was the 735i and 728i. They are pretty hard to find nowadays especially in good condition.

CMYKid · Oct 8, 2006, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by tooki

German cars (all of them: BMW, VW/Audi, and above all Mercedes-Benz) are in a serious quality slump right now. BMW is the least-problematic German brand right now, but users of new BMWs are still plagued by the impenetrable iDrive user interface.

You'd likely be better served buying a Lexus or Acura. (And in terms of pure build quality -- though not luxury -- a Cadillac or Hyundai is unquestionably better than a BMW. Seriously.)

But he's not talking about buying a newer model, rather a 90's version when they were of arguably higher build quality. As far as insurance is concerned, mine actually went DOWN when I bought my Z3.

Spliffdaddy · Oct 8, 2006, 08:44 PM

Cars are not a good investment. If you want your used car to be worth something when it comes time to sell it - it needs to be no more than 5 years old in order to qualify for decent financing. Most people finance their new & used car purchases.

That being said, your best bet is a Toyota or Honda that won't be over 5 yrs old when you sell it.

There are vehicles that you can drive for several years and *not* lose any money when you sell them. But, they aren't head-turners. In fact, they're typically small pickup trucks that cost between $3,000 - $4,500. Also, older Honda Accords, Nissan Altimas, and Toyota Camrys hold their value extremely well.

If you're 16 years old, the cost of your liability insurance on a $16,000 BMW or other equivalent 'sports car' will be astronomical X 3.

Get a Jeep CJ, instead. I had one when I was 16. Chicks absolutely love them - and insurance is reasonable. Also, they hold their value very well.

imitchellg5 · Oct 8, 2006, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy

Cars are not a good investment. If you want your used car to be worth something when it comes time to sell it - it needs to be no more than 5 years old in order to qualify for decent financing. Most people finance their new & used car purchases.

That being said, your best bet is a Toyota or Honda that won't be over 5 yrs old when you sell it.

There are vehicles that you can drive for several years and *not* lose any money when you sell them. But, they aren't head-turners. In fact, they're typically small pickup trucks that cost between $3,000 - $4,500. Also, older Honda Accords, Nissan Altimas, and Toyota Camrys hold their value extremely well.

If you're 16 years old, the cost of your liability insurance on a $16,000 BMW or other equivalent 'sports car' will be astronomical X 3.

Get a Jeep CJ, instead. I had one when I was 16. Chicks absolutely love them - and insurance is reasonable. Also, they hold their value very well.

In Colorado Springs, they don't seem to hold any value at all... since every other person has one. But insurance is cheap, but my aunt's gets crappy gas mileage... about 16mpg or worse.

Spliffdaddy · Oct 8, 2006, 09:21 PM

But chicks love 'em.

That's the important part.

My CJ5 had a 304 V-8. It got about 12 MPG. And the gas tank held 10 gallons.

And the gas gauge didn't work.