I'm all over the place trying to pick a new car. So I turn to my bf.c friends, what should I get?


Would like to stay under $25k
Will be a daily driver
Can be new or used
Would like to be easy on maintenance, but depends on the car



I keep looking at e46 m3, e39 540i/6, e34 540/6 or m5, 996, boxster S, or just a truck and saving some cash. I'm open to suggestions.

http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.autobytel.com/images/carpics/testDrv/suemead/400/05.toyota.corolla.XRS/05.toyota.corolla.xrs.frpass34.jpg&usg=AFQjCNH8dNNFGk251TY2UJkJxY6IJVSGwQ

Buy that e34 540i/6 it was nice

if you're looking at e34/e39 540s, i also suggest looking into e46 330s, seriously, probably the best DD out of all cars mentioned above. Gets good gas milage, very easy to work on you can get one and save cash too. E90 325s can be had for $25k all day long now too. Those or a brand new truck, @ $25k there are plenty of options when it comes to trucks.

here's how i look at it:
1. E34/39 540s - German V8, not the best thing in the world although can be reliable if maintained. Dont expect the reliability of I6 out of them especially with S62.
2. E34 M5 - DD? ....i think its far from it.
3. e46 M3 - very good car, very refined and should be reliable if maintained. Obviously valve adjustment is needed, which most of the current owners ignore.
4. Boxster - no comment
5. 996 - easy to work on? sure as long as you dont work in the "trunk" area. Knowing you, I'd expect you to get something better than just a plain 996, turbo or GT3/2.

just my .02

if you're looking at e34/e39 540s, i also suggest looking into e46 330s, seriously, probably the best DD out of all cars mentioned above. Gets good gas milage, very easy to work on you can get one and save cash too. E90 325s can be had for $25k all day long now too. Those or a brand new truck, @ $25k there are plenty of options when it comes to trucks.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/643099500.html


not alot of info, but just a phonecall away.

Have you considered an 04+ Mercedes E55 AMG?

Is that W211 or W210. I have no doubt W210s are available at that, not so sure about W211s...

Granted...I have seen only a couple W211 E55 AMGs for $25k. I suppose thats not the best bet then.

The W210s are nothing to scoff at, my father used to have one. Torque monster. Nice sounding V8 too.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/643099500.html


not alot of info, but just a phonecall away.

wayyyyy tooo much. those guys have been trying to get rid of that car for months now. no one is going to buy a zhp at those prices anymore.

i had looked at some w210's, didn't know i could get a w211 for that.

wayyyyy tooo much. those guys have been trying to get rid of that car for months now. no one is going to buy a zhp at those prices anymore.

Huh, didn't know. I don't know the E46 market.

i had looked at some w210's, didn't know i could get a w211 for that.


It's a pretty good sleeper. Understeers really bad if you push it hard though. That's what merc gets for putting it on top of the front axle, if not further forward. It's like they tried to isolate the driver from the engine noise....in their performance car...

It's a pretty good sleeper. Understeers really bad if you push it hard though. That's what merc gets for putting it on top of the front axle, if not further forward. It's like they tried to isolate the driver from the engine noise....in their performance car...

a car of that size, or even a size of your car is far from a performance car. 4 door GT cruiser with a badass v8. In fact, i think i'd rather have a merc v8 before i get a BMW v8.

if you're looking at e34/e39 540s, i also suggest looking into e46 330s, seriously, probably the best DD out of all cars mentioned above. Gets good gas milage, very easy to work on you can get one and save cash too. E90 325s can be had for $25k all day long now too. Those or a brand new truck, @ $25k there are plenty of options when it comes to trucks.

here's how i look at it:
1. E34/39 540s - German V8, not the best thing in the world although can be reliable if maintained. Dont expect the reliability of I6 out of them especially with S62. Sean we see these very often in the shop
2. E34 M5 - DD? ....i think its far from it. We have a selected few with e34 M5's and they are dailys, ones even a euro m5
3. e46 M3 - very good car, very refined and should be reliable if maintained. Obviously valve adjustment is needed, which most of the current owners ignore. No SMG please
4. Boxster - no comment Don't get a boxster
5. 996 - easy to work on? sure as long as you dont work in the "trunk" area. Knowing you, I'd expect you to get something better than just a plain 996, turbo or GT3/2. Yeah i have to agree everything in the 996 is hard to get to haha, 996tt wasn't that much a pain to work on

just my .02

Have you considered an 04+ Mercedes E55 AMG? From what i've seen... these aren't toooo easy on maintenance

GL w/ the find sir!

what you are going to find in a 996 under $25k will need some work and parts are not cheap and it's not as easy as the BMW to work on. Of all the cars listed the 996 is easily the biggest head turner but the least practical. It's not a good daily at all - it's totally impractical because there is zero storage space and they are expensive to maintain BUT they are fun (300hp and handles like a go-cart...how's that for "plain"!). If you can bounce up to $30k+ then reconsider the 996. The Boxster would be a great daily - you can find GREAT Boxsters for well under $25k - but there's that stigma if you will.
The e46 M3 or e39 540 would be far more practical for a daily. Easy to work on, affordable and there is a good selection out there - esp of M3's. For a daily you can't go wrong with either one.

Out of those options, I'd say E39 540i/6. I don't think they're unreliable compared to other BMW engines of the era. Just a few issues to look at as usual(valve covers leaking, cooling system, etc.). You can get a comparable year/mileage 540i/6 for about half the price of an E46 M3 now... pretty good value there. My friend's non-VANOS '98 540i/6 got about 20-22 mpg where my E36 M3 got about 23-24 mpg, so not a big change there.

E46 M3 would be in the running too, but for a DD I might just say get an E46 330 and pocket the change since there's a pretty big difference between the price on those too(and performance... but hey, E46 330 probably isn't bad to cruise in).

I'm still waiting on some E90 prices to drop. I just don't see anything really catching my eye out there.

I'd vote smg m3. the rest are going to be more in price and way more in maint. costs.

Is300?

Dakar Yellow 95 M3

Dakar Yellow 95 M3

w/ a euro in it?

w/ a euro in it?

flux capacitor

a car of that size, or even a size of your car is far from a performance car. 4 door GT cruiser with a badass v8. In fact, i think i'd rather have a merc v8 before i get a BMW v8.

I'll actually agree with you fully on that one. The V8 in the W211 AMG sounds awesome, better than the S62 imo(haven't heard the S65 enough to decide). In the W210 it has a lot deeper of a sound, but still good.


Only problem is autobox only and the tiptronic system asks you to fax in your request 2 to 3 weeks before execution.


As for my car not being a performance car. Yeah, I suppose not. Though with a good suspension it can get close. (eibach rear sway, some new shocks, lowering springs, etc)

What about a 2006 GTO? 400hp/400trq. Easy to live with and reliable.

Can be had for under $20k and still under warranty. Car isnt going to depreciate less than $10k in 5 years.

What you guys think??? :alright

What about a 2006 GTO? 400hp/400trq. Easy to live with and reliable.

Can be had for under $20k and still under warranty. Car isnt going to depreciate less than $10k in 5 years.

What you guys think??? :alright

I tried to convince myself to get a GTO before I bought my E46 M3. I kept telling myself "heads, cams and exhaust for cheap=500hp" but I couldn't get past the cavalier looks and the crappy interior.

They sound good though.

Jeff, it's an Australian car.

Their interior design is definitely getting better though.

Their interior design is definitely getting better though.

It's better than any high-performance vehicle produced domestically (sans the C6).

^ lol...
E46 M3 is my vote sir.

e46 330 + cash to keep the race car actually running.

It's better than any high-performance vehicle produced domestically (sans the C6).

cts-v?

cts-v?

Thats one to consider for sure, it looks good and has plenty of power. No clue on costs or reliability though.

Diff is made of glass, I wouldn't ever buy another CTS.

if you're looking at e34/e39 540s, i also suggest looking into e46 330s, seriously, probably the best DD out of all cars mentioned above. Gets good gas milage, very easy to work on you can get one and save cash too. E90 325s can be had for $25k all day long now too. Those or a brand new truck, @ $25k there are plenty of options when it comes to trucks.

here's how i look at it:
1. E34/39 540s - German V8, not the best thing in the world although can be reliable if maintained. Dont expect the reliability of I6 out of them especially with S62.

BMW V8's are extremely reliable and so far easier to work on than the 6's

2. E34 M5 - DD? ....i think its far from it.

agreed.

3. e46 M3 - very good car, very refined and should be reliable if maintained. Obviously valve adjustment is needed, which most of the current owners ignore.

crappy mileage

4. Boxster - no comment

Impossible to do stuff yourself on

5. 996 - easy to work on? sure as long as you dont work in the "trunk" area. Knowing you, I'd expect you to get something better than just a plain 996, turbo or GT3/2.

Where's Mark? Hope you like taking it in for service

just my .02

see bold. My 540i/6 is for sale Sean if you're interested. Might not be what you're looking for, but I figured i'd throw the offer out

e46 330 + cash to keep the race car actually running.
+1, make sure it's a jet black 01 330Ci though, that way I can bum parts off of it.

cts-v?

I actually just clicked on this thread to say CTS-V . :)

They have plenty of power and are backed up with a nice T56 6speed and big brakes .
If you can get past the semi chessy American interior and pick-up style foot e-brake then it would make a perfect daily to putt around in .

cts-v?

I rather have a G8 GXP over a CTS-V.

Yeah I'm biased/

i actually drove a CTS-V yesterday, its fast and nice, but i believe the interior designer only had $100 to work with.

'06 GTO 6spd and add the Monaro HSV bumpers/sideskirts.
http://www.totalvauxhall.co.uk/resources/totalvauxhall/205902.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9c/Popemobile_May_2007.jpg

it's an '02 but the bulletproof glass is a nice option

Can someone confirm if the diffs are the same between the top engine CTS(Not the Direct Injection, but the old CTS, the biggest V6 it had) and the CTS-V? If they are the same, or of even the same design, run away.

We went back to the dealer four times for four different diffs in a 2 month period.

Can someone confirm if the diffs are the same between the top engine CTS(Not the Direct Injection, but the old CTS, the biggest V6 it had) and the CTS-V? If they are the same, or of even the same design, run away.

We went back to the dealer four times for four different diffs in a 2 month period.
highly doubt it.

i have a loud ass diesel i'll make a great deal on. j/k

Alex Lipowich is trying to sell an E34 M5, at least according to his signature line

highly doubt it.

The last gen ones shared the diff. One of my dads work friends went on a test drive, the salesman told him to do a burnout and busted the diff. Heh.

'06 GTO 6spd and add the Monaro HSV bumpers/sideskirts.
http://www.totalvauxhall.co.uk/resources/totalvauxhall/205902.jpg

+9894934890803830830080320

I have been doing some research for a family member with similar criteria.

Here is the short (or long) list:
E39 530i or maybe 525i but it feels underpowered (she previously owned an E39 530i)
E46 330i (has to be sport packaged or ZHP)
Pre-facelift X5
Later E38
X3 with the 2006 suspension upgrade (which I would perform myself for her)
E60 5 series
03/04 E500
Audi S4
Audi Allroad
Caddilac CTS-V

Ok now I am getting a little beyond...
Porsche Cayenne S (a little more than the 25)
Volkswagon Tourag

Goodluck!

If you want to keep it under $25k and want to go the X5 route we're thinking of selling ours in favor of a 05 black one BMW of Dallas has on the lot. Just kicking the thought around but pm me if you're interested.

mmm CTS-V


http://youtube.com/watch?v=D6N80z7-6g8

Also, if i remember correctly only thing breaking on this car is rear axles...

Sean,

I'm in the same boat as you. Trying to decide to get either a e39M5 or a 335i. sometime next year. Budget is around mid 30kish, give or take couple g for a mint condition. Does your mom still have that e39M5? How's the maintenance on that car?

If you can persuade her to sell/give it to you, that'll be a pimp DD. I just love the Kellener exhaust on that car...sounds like a beast!!!

Sean,

I'm in the same boat as you. Trying to decide to get either a e39M5 or a 335i. sometime next year. Budget is around mid 30kish, give or take couple g for a mint condition. Does your mom still have that e39M5? How's the maintenance on that car?

If you can persuade her to sell/give it to you, that'll be a pimp DD. I just love the Kellener exhaust on that car...sounds like a beast!!!

I don't think she will give up that M5 anytime soon, she likes it too much

Sean,

I'm in the same boat as you. Trying to decide to get either a e39M5 or a 335i. sometime next year. Budget is around mid 30kish, give or take couple g for a mint condition. Does your mom still have that e39M5? How's the maintenance on that car?

If you can persuade her to sell/give it to you, that'll be a pimp DD. I just love the Kellener exhaust on that car...sounds like a beast!!!

She' still has it, but has her eye on a 135i. Its a great car, we've done nothing to it. It just had inspection II done, other than that no unscheduled maintenance.

I'm still lost as to what to get. So far e46 m3 is the leader, normal 3 series or 5 just seems so boring to me. X5 4.6is up there, or a diesel truck(f250, duramax)

e46 330 and more race budget.

Sean..PM me bro...if she wants to sell the car to get a 135i...what color is it?

Sean..PM me bro...if she wants to sell the car to get a 135i...what color is it?

Thought you were waiting til next year. :nono

F250, if you need someone to talk you into one, come on by :stickoutt

335d or ban