I want to buy NOT an e30, need help car shopping

[Jb325is]

Yeah good point. The M-sport is a lot cheaper, I think if I came across a decent one that was a 6 speed for less than 10 I would buy it. I'd rather pay a little more for a nice m5

I thought briefly about C5 Vette or S2k but I want a nice road trip car (gf + 2 dogs) and need something with some more seats.

I also looked into the 330i zhp, they are really cheap! Not a fan of the e46 interior or the m54 though. Still wouldn't be a bad option though, if I see a nice one locally I'll check it out probably

[CorvallisBMW]

E55s have a soft spot in my heart. So much torque!

[slammin.e28]

I also looked into the 330i zhp, they are really cheap! Not a fan of the e46 interior or the m54 though. Still wouldn't be a bad option though, if I see a nice one locally I'll check it out probably

They are so easy to work on.

Like....easiest car ever.

...and everything that goes awry with them....is easy to fix.

[Rev Run D]

why not a e36 m3?

[Jb325is]

They are so easy to work on.

Like....easiest car ever.

...and everything that goes awry with them....is easy to fix.

Practicality is not my thing. While I do like some of the interior pieces with the ZHP, e46 non-M's seem really boring. The 6-speed is pretty cool though I guess.

why not a e36 m3?

Meh, I don't know. Just never really wanted one.

[mitchlikesbikes]

if you like the wagon/AWD thing with the s4 avant then maybe look into the volvo v70r. that's what i plan on getting eventually. low key, wagon, awd, comfy, 300hp turbo I5, and can be had with a 6 speed manual. also responds well to exhaust and a tune to make a little extra power to keep up with the s4s 340hp

[MX339]

I'd have to say the M5 is pretty high up there on the list of great roadtrip/highway cruisers. The E39's (as well as E46's) are pretty timeless in the aesthetics department as well. Honestly, I think with the things you're looking for the M5 is the way to go. We've gone on many a trip in my old man's. You really do need to come take a look at it; I think it's exactly what you're looking for.

I have to say Slammin isn't too far off with a ZHP. The M54's are definitely less maintenance intensive than the S54, but just a bit lackluster. I've had some limited time in one and I'd have to say it was pretty enjoyable overall, but that was also due to the fact it was my favorite (and rarest) color combo with Alpine and Alcantara. The Alpine coupes in general are pretty rare, and there's actually one up in TN right now: http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/4755296858.html

They do look damn good for being a non-M car...

[mitchlikesbikes]

I'd have to say the M5 is pretty high up there on the list of great roadtrip/highway cruisers. The E39's (as well as E46's) are pretty timeless in the aesthetics department as well. Honestly, I think with the things you're looking for the M5 is the way to go. We've gone in many a trip in my old man's. You really do need to come take a look at it; I really think it's exactly what you're looking for.

the current record for cross country driving was set in an e39 m5, so this is definitely plausible

[DEV0 E30]

As far as dollar a cents (sometimes sense) goes I feel like since your E30 is an absolute monster, I'd pair it with maybe something not as exciting but infinitely more reliable for the money you're talking about (but that's me.)

the current record for cross country driving was set in an e39 m5, so this is definitely plausible

What Alex Roy did in 2006 equates to what a person will be doing commonly on the highway as a daily driver? You're stretching for a connection, but sure.

E39 is my favorite M5 (tied with E28) and possibly favorite "modern" sedan but I don't know if I'd want one as a daily unless I had no problem keeping it in tip top shape by dropping it off at an indie shop I trusted, often if need be.

My own opinion, but to seriously enjoy a car that is starting to get older (even with low miles) is you should be able to spend money on it as if the purchase price was double what you paid (not quite new, but you get my point).

If I was at a level where I didn't even react to a $3k+ repair bill then I'd go for it. Average cost per month would obviously be lower than that, but the problem with the clapped out M5's I've seen is they can fall from grace quickly if they aren't cared for, not saying you wouldn't.

We like what we like, and I can't fault you for wanting a gorgeous M5 and I'm sure you don't need a financial lesson but to others it's a good idea to really understand your own finances before pulling the trigger.

[rturbo 930]

CTS-V? Are those under 15k yet?

[BLACKCHARM88]

I vote for 1970 Lada, especially with Russia's economy going down the tank its a good investment Lol

[E30 Wagen]

I'd be looking at E92 or E90 lci 335i.

Second would be a E39 540i. I'd love to find a cheap 540i with a bad engine or something, and swap in a low mileage 4.6 with a nice exhaust and some tuning to make it more fun.

Next would be a clean e24.

Something non-bmw would be a Lexus is250 or the old is300. I also like the '06-'07 Acura TSX, but fwd...

[Stanley Rockafella]

CTS-V? Are those under 15k yet?

FINALLY a car worth mentioning!

[Jb325is]

They are, but I would never buy that over an m5. The build quality and fit and finish on those is absolutely terrible. Seriously, massive pieces of shit.

I looked at 335i's, and they are at the top of my price-range. I do like the e90 body style, but I've driven a 330i sport, which was boring, and don't really want to pay a premium for a 335 because I feel like they are still going to get a lot cheaper

Looked at TSX's and TL's, my parents have an '06 TL and it's nice... I just can't see myself buying one. TSX is too cheap and plasticky. I haven't driven a facelifted TSX, only a first-gen.

[cale]

Highway/roadtrip car definitely a 5-series.

Do some research on engine work many of the s62's have to go through, it's scary to think about potentially encounter and will make you search long and hard for the right car. It's absolutely a car you buy with quality and records being the biggest thing you need to consider. We're talking upwards of $5k to deal with carbon buildup in the heads, it's not a car you want to buy because the price is right.

Better option as a daily like others have said, 540i. It's own share of gremlins, make sure the cooling system is up to snuff but much cheaper to work on and repair. It's a gorgeous car and the high sticker price means there are still a few pristine examples that pop up from original owners who've had it dealer serviced since new.