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

[Rev Run D]

why not a e36 m3?

[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.

[CorvallisBMW]

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

[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

[E30SPDFRK]

Reading your list of requirements, I was saying e39 M5 in my head. Don't get a 540i, they have their own share of stupid issues and you'll just be thinking "I wish I got an M5" the whole time. You'll think the same thing if you end up with an e46 M3 too.

W211's are fun, but you don't want a cheap one. A poorly maintained Mercedes will drain your wallet extremely fast.

How about a C5 Corvette? Plenty fast, great on the highway, actual low 30's mpg, cheap and easy to get parts, etc.

[Farbin Kaiber]

E46 330i ZHP.

DONE.

/Thread.

This. I'm goofing around in an '01 330i sport which is almost a ZHP.

/threadmoar

[Jb325is]

yeah I did some reading and I think I've ruled out the s4. Not worth the headaches I don't think.

The W211 E55 really has my attention at the moment, there are a bunch of them under $15k and that seems like a hell of a car for the money

I'm planning on looking at an m5 or two this weekend. There aren't any nice M-sports around me, but I would definitely consider one. Seems like most of them are automatics though. Only gripe i have with them is the seats, they look just like the normal e39 seats? I also don't think they come with the DSP audio, which is a definite selling point for me with the m5.

[CorvallisBMW]

E39 540i/6, V8 fun, none of the M5 headache

I'm tempted to agree. The '03 M-Sport models are an M5 without the S65 basically. Same suspension, brakes, interior, etc but with non of the secondary air issues that come with the S65. Plus parts are automatically cheaper since it's not a "full M".

[Jorgen]

^^ Is that the V8 with the accessories run of a jackshaft from the back of the engine....except the alternator, which has a conventional belt up front.....proving they didn't have to do all the jackshaft shit.

...and this is the timing chain....on the back of the engine....

That would be the lump, sold mine before it needed the tensioners and guides replaced wasn't in the mood to do that.

Also to change the serpentine belt you have to put the front in service position and remove the bumper. The engine has a capacity somewhere north of 9 quarts of oil. I could continue, loved mine when I had it and ran about 80k miles in her before I sold it (and the new owner let his buddy drive it un insured so the guy had to part it out.)

[jdt10768]

E39 540i/6, V8 fun, none of the M5 headache

2003 model year, yup

[Exodus_2pt0]

B5 S4. + Eurodyne. Do eet.

Also I'll give you a heads up on all the shit that needs to be fixed on the stage 1 base file.

[gtdragon980]

^^ Is that the V8 with the accessories run of a jackshaft from the back of the engine....except the alternator, which has a conventional belt up front.....proving they didn't have to do all the jackshaft shit.

...and this is the timing chain....on the back of the engine....

Holy fuck, I wouldn't touch that with a 10 foot pole!

[M-technik-3]

^ buddy just did some work to his....He has this love hate affair going on with the circle guys.

[Stanley Rockafella]

doesn't look like something I'd want own once it's past warranty period

ijs

[ST1G]

^ Now that's some german engineering.