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what is a fast nice cheap bmw to drive?

harrison j asked:

a older M3 or M5? id like a coupe with 4 seats. maybe the new 1 series?

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 31st, 2008 at 11:30 pm and is filed under BMW M5. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

7 Responses to “what is a fast nice cheap bmw to drive?”

  1. if you can find one, check out the first generation m3, from 88-91. they are rare, but still relatively inexpensive. it has an inline 4 cyl engine, rated at 190 horsepower, and will do 150 all day. the exterior styling, however, is an aquired tatse.

  2. Cheap rarely goes with BMW and almost never goes with M, either it costs up front or costs down the road. The M5 is a four door but the E30, most E36s and all E46 M3s were 2 door coupes. The E30s tend to be expensive for what they are and if you don’t worship them are not worth the effort. The E36 is a high 5 second 0-60 car with a top speed of ~137 (US version) and the E46 is a high 4 sec 0-60 car and limited to 155mph. The E36 can be had in the mid teens for a solid car, make sure the pattern issues are fixed and it would be a good performer. The 135 will probably have acceleration in the same range as the E46 M3 (4.8 0-60 low 13s in the 1/4) probably be US limited to 155mph and run you in the high $30s.

  3. An older M3 or M5 may be cheap to buy but it won’t be cheap to own.

    The M specific parts are far more expensive than their normal counterparts.

    For example a water pump for a 1991 M5 costs over $200, while a water pump for a 1991 535i costs about $55. A rebuilt S engine for an M car may cost more than you paid for the entire car. And the S series engines don’t last nearly long as the engines used in regular BMWs
    Newer M cars like the e46 M3 even require their own special oil.

    Cheap and fast? Hmmm The e30 325i with some after market performance parts comes to mind. The e30 M3 is a great car but it is approaching cult status. In my opinion they are selling for more than they are worth.

    New? In the US, I’d look at the Z4 3.0si coupe. I’ve seen them for at more than $10,000 off MSRP. No back seat though and that is on your list.

    The 135i coupe will be a decent option once the initial demand dies down. Right now it is hard to find one below MSRP. Most of the initial batch are spoken for. You may have to wait or pay $45,000 or more. However early indication are that the 135i will turn in better track times than an e46 M3.

    The 335i coupe is another one to consider. If you use all the available discounts, including European Delivery, you may be able to pick up a 335i coupe for less than a 135i coupe.

  4. 88 528e is a great fun for the money. Great gas mileage and plenty of power on tap. I used to race 1, nice looking 4 door but way underrated.

  5. Try 635i or 6 series from early 80s. This is also known/commonly called as M6 back in 80s because it is designed for speed. Rare, but you should be able to find one under $5000. My next choice would be E34 535i.

    E30 M3, E36 M3, E28, E34 M5, 850i if you have the money. Used one should run you over 10K unless car has major problems (like blown engine or slipping transmission)

  6. What’s not clear in your question here and is almost contradictory is your definition of what “cheap” is.
    There are plenty of reasonably priced BMWs that are FAST, but what is cheap to you?
    Mentioning the new 1 series which could cost $35,000 for the 135 isn’t a cheap BMW so I think this question needs more refinement for a true answer.

  7. BaraMessiArgentina on September 11th, 2008 at 3:24 pm

    new 1 series coupe
    google new 1 series coupe

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