OT - Which 7k BMW car do I buy?
05-17-2004 | 07:56 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,003
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From: lost in the Land of Enchantment..
OT - Which 7k BMW car do I buy?
I have a need for a commuter car - 4 door - reliable - easy DIY's - clutch - I know a lot of you guys and girls have driven BMW's - I've never had one and thought I might take the plunge and ask - I really want to spend about 7k for a 11k car!! Anyway, all makes considered but of late I have been favoring German engineering (BMW motorcycle, Miele appliances, and of course Porsche). I am looking for an all time fav regarding the above attributes. As always, thanks in advance. 
05-17-2004 | 09:59 PM
#3
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Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 6
From: Virginia
Agreed....the E36 3 series is a standup car......I had a 2 door 325is and beat on it daily. 180k on the clock before I sold it to a local kid for $6k and he's got 230k on it now....beating like a drum !!!!
Good Luck !!!!
Good Luck !!!!
05-17-2004 | 10:25 PM
#4
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,663
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E34 535i (1989-1991)!!!
'89's had some new model (E34 replacing E28) issues, 90's and '91's are pretty much bombe proof. The E34 535's are the last BMW's with the classic BMW big inline 6. In a similar way to the 911, the big BMW six has many years of improved engineering. Gobs of torque with looonnnng legs...
I currently have a '90 5sp. as my daily driver. I take it pretty much anywhere. Paid $5K for it in Dec. 2002 with 139K miles. Basic oil changes only so far. Has 156 K miles on it now and is driven daily to/from work as well as hauls the family most everywhere on the weekends.
With the extra room of the "5" it's a great, cheap family four door!
'89's had some new model (E34 replacing E28) issues, 90's and '91's are pretty much bombe proof. The E34 535's are the last BMW's with the classic BMW big inline 6. In a similar way to the 911, the big BMW six has many years of improved engineering. Gobs of torque with looonnnng legs...
I currently have a '90 5sp. as my daily driver. I take it pretty much anywhere. Paid $5K for it in Dec. 2002 with 139K miles. Basic oil changes only so far. Has 156 K miles on it now and is driven daily to/from work as well as hauls the family most everywhere on the weekends.
With the extra room of the "5" it's a great, cheap family four door!
05-17-2004 | 10:34 PM
#5
AutoX
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Belmont, CA
E34 525, 1991 to 1995 would be my vote
The '91 - '95 has the M50 engine which has performance and maintenance benefits over the previous M20 engine.
These really are the ultimate BMW in terms of reliability. I have been commuting in a '92 which now has 210K. It has been totally solid and reliable. You can find an excellent low mileage example in your price range. The 5 speeds are fairly rare.
These really are the ultimate BMW in terms of reliability. I have been commuting in a '92 which now has 210K. It has been totally solid and reliable. You can find an excellent low mileage example in your price range. The 5 speeds are fairly rare.
05-18-2004 | 06:42 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 3
From: Yorkville IL
We owned a E30 convertible for about 3 years. It was a blast to drive in fair weather and basically pretty inexpensive to own. The only problems encountered were with the power top but once I figured out how to adjust the limit switches, no more issues.
The E30 cars were the 3 series which were available in many different configurations from 1987 to 1991 (87-93 for conv. only) as a 2 or 4 door sedan, convertible, and 2 and 4 door 4WD versions. I'm on the lookout for a 89-91 lower mileage 325ix, if you see one let me know.
The E30 cars were the 3 series which were available in many different configurations from 1987 to 1991 (87-93 for conv. only) as a 2 or 4 door sedan, convertible, and 2 and 4 door 4WD versions. I'm on the lookout for a 89-91 lower mileage 325ix, if you see one let me know.
