Another part of BIMMERTIMES original series: “What is the best BMW for the Money?”
In this series we discuss the best used BMW under $25000. For your reference, this article applies mostly in 2012 and 2013.
Surprisingly, there are many great choices in this price range. That was not the case a year ago. Reason, prices dropped as new generations of the most exciting models came to market… BMW released new generations of the BMW 1-Series (in Europe at least), the F30 3-Series is in dealerships, as well as the new F10 5-Series and the F13 6-Series.
Sporty, Yet Comfortable Coupes Under $25K:
A great selection of pre-owned 2-door coupes in the $25K price range. Starting out with the infamous BMW E92 335i Coupe that is powered with a 300hp 300ft-lb of torque twin-turbo charged 3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. This car has got the looks and the power to back it up. Not to mention how tunable this engine is. Capable of over 600hp from bolt-ons and software upgrades alone. For less than $25000, this iconic 3-series is our top pick.
Second choice goes out to the 2004-2005 645ci and the 2006 & up 650i coupe. Powered with a 4.4-liter 325hp/330lb-ft of torque and 4.8-liter 360hp/360lb-ft of torque V8s respectively, and mated to either a 6 speed manual, automatic, or an SMG transmission. Elegance, power, and extreme styling that helped increase BMW sales even with the controversial design that is nothing short of a statement. Update January 1st 2013, prices are dropping fast as new models roll out, so we must add the E60 535i and 550i to the list.
Third choice in this category is the BMW E82 128i, while we wait for the 135i with 6 speed manual to drop in price as the new 1 Series comes to market. Update January 1st 2013, the E82 BMW 135i Coupe is now below $25k in most US States. If you are looking for performance and fun in a small short wheel base package, this should be your top pick. Check out BimmerTimes own 135i here, now long gone.
Rare, Stylish, and Unique:
Z4 3.0si coupe and the Z3 Mcoupe are next in line. These cars are instant classic that will eventually fade away into collector category because of their rareness and beauty. The Ferrari FF barrows many design ques from the Z3 Mcoupe if that should tell you anything. A clean Z3 Mcoupe should run you any where between $21000 and $25000, while a clean 3.0si Z4 coupe goes for $24000 and up.
The Ultimate Driving Machine for $25K:
The ultimate 4-door sedan choice happens to be the BMW E39 M5, powered with a 400hp 5-liter V8, matted to a 6 speed manual transmission.
Don’t worry, we didn’t leave the E46 M3 2-door Coupe out of this list. As clean low mileage 2003 & Coupes (not convertibles) are going for $24000 and up, while earlier 2001 with higher mileage are going for around $19000.
Looking for a cheaper BMW? Check out our list of the Best BMW under $15000 here.
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