HELP! What BMW for Under $5.5K with Manual/ Reliable!

Grande D · 08-06-2009, 10:15 AM

I am looking for a BMW for a buddy. He has realistically around $5K, maybe $6K to spend. It has to be a manual for reliability. I know that some 328/325/323 e46's have started to go just barely into that range, but with around 200,000 miles. I am okay with mileage up to probably 170,000. What car should it be? Help fanatics! I considered e30 but that may be too old. Anything to look for in an e36? How about e34's? Anything else? Another brand such as a nice acura/audi(?) would be okay. Audi's would worry me as far as problems. Once again it has to be a manual and please no hondas/toyotas/subis/etc! Thanks

teamdfl · 08-07-2009, 06:14 AM

A 200,000 mile E30 is more reliable than a 200,000 E46.

firefirefire90 · 08-07-2009, 01:23 PM

i'd look at an e36. Can find a low mile e36 in the 4k range easily

aggieE46 · 08-07-2009, 01:57 PM

You could probably get a 99 323i for that. It'd need some work, but so will any e46 you'd buy.

@@@BAYAREA@@@ · 08-12-2009, 12:03 AM

i agree with firefirefire he says to look into e36 low miles its a good choice go for a 328i u can find some under 100k miles for great deals

dji203 · 08-13-2009, 08:51 AM

it may be reliable but i assure you first major repair will be more $$$ than he or she's comfortable with if that's their price range on a car. get a honda!

08-06-2009, 10:15 AM	#1
Grande D Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: nola Posts: 3,141 My Ride: zhpppppp (o-m-g!) View My Garage	HELP! What BMW for Under $5.5K with Manual/ Reliable! I am looking for a BMW for a buddy. He has realistically around $5K, maybe $6K to spend. It has to be a manual for reliability. I know that some 328/325/323 e46's have started to go just barely into that range, but with around 200,000 miles. I am okay with mileage up to probably 170,000. What car should it be? Help fanatics! I considered e30 but that may be too old. Anything to look for in an e36? How about e34's? Anything else? Another brand such as a nice acura/audi(?) would be okay. Audi's would worry me as far as problems. Once again it has to be a manual and please no hondas/toyotas/subis/etc! Thanks __________________ >>WTB: Your Imola Red ZHP Convertible/Sedan<<

08-07-2009, 06:14 AM	#2
teamdfl Slow in, slower out Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: Awesome, NJ Posts: 4,441 My Ride: 325it View My Garage	A 200,000 mile E30 is more reliable than a 200,000 E46. __________________ Mod the driver first. Participate in your local BMWCCA driving school. Have you joined BMWCCA yet? My Track Schedule The solution to the lack of headroom in the X6

08-07-2009, 01:57 PM	#4
aggieE46 Keep it clean Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Royse City Posts: 8,012 My Ride: Evo, 330Ci, Xterra View My Garage	You could probably get a 99 323i for that. It'd need some work, but so will any e46 you'd buy. __________________ ^No longer looks like this Buy my:: 3.46 Differential Coolant hard line European Head Unit

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

08-07-2009, 01:23 PM	#3
firefirefire90 Banned Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: loves FUPA Posts: 6,763 My Ride: suce ma bite View My Garage	i'd look at an e36. Can find a low mile e36 in the 4k range easily

08-12-2009, 12:03 AM	#5
@@@BAYAREA@@@ Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Los Altos Posts: 6 My Ride: 2001 audi s4 stage 3 View My Garage	i agree with firefirefire he says to look into e36 low miles its a good choice go for a 328i u can find some under 100k miles for great deals

08-13-2009, 08:51 AM	#6
dji203 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: New York City Posts: 303 My Ride: Z4 Coupe, G35x View My Garage	it may be reliable but i assure you first major repair will be more $$$ than he or she's comfortable with if that's their price range on a car. get a honda!