R200k daily driver first time BMW - which is best?

[Benji]

This has probably been covered multiple time before, but I am too lazy to search and if you are too lazy to respond, dont

I have a mandate to get all my mates into a BMW. My next "victim" is driving/paying off a Honda POS that he bought new and is currently on about 80k km. He has realized that for similar money, he could be in something interesting. He initially was tempted by a Z4 coupe, but needs something a bit more practical, must be auto.

I am thinking E82 125i or E87 130i, maybe a 120d. My mate isnt much of a "speed demon" so he would be happy with a slower car, but I am terrified of a BMW with a 4-cyl engine. Are there any good ones out there that I could recommend to a first time BMW buyer? How is a F20 118i?

His price range is between 150-200k, preferably similar (ish) mileage to his Honda. His commute is about 20km a day, he is not too concerned with fuel consumption, however, it must be reliable.

Any other suggestions?

 

[Benji]

E92 325i could also be an option...

 

[///M Individual]

The BMW 4 cylinder diesels are reliable bud. Stay away from the petrols unless its the LCi F series with the B48 which I doubt will be in budget anyway.

For that price I would suggest an F30 320d. Try and find the cleanest and lowest possible mileage for that price.

The E series you suggested are great just the tech is older and he will probably feel it moving from the newer Honda. I doubt the F30 has everything a newer Honda has tech wise as well but still better than going E-series.

 

[TBP88]

This has probably been covered multiple time before, but I am too lazy to search and if you are too lazy to respond, dont

I have a mandate to get all my mates into a BMW. My next "victim" is driving/paying off a Honda POS that he bought new and is currently on about 80k km. He has realized that for similar money, he could be in something interesting. He initially was tempted by a Z4 coupe, but needs something a bit more practical, must be auto.

I am thinking E82 125i or E87 130i, maybe a 120d. My mate isnt much of a "speed demon" so he would be happy with a slower car, but I am terrified of a BMW with a 4-cyl engine. Are there any good ones out there that I could recommend to a first time BMW buyer? How is a F20 118i?

His price range is between 150-200k, preferably similar (ish) mileage to his Honda. His commute is about 20km a day, he is not too concerned with fuel consumption, however, it must be reliable.

Any other suggestions?

I tested an E87 130i auto and it was great fun, the only issue your buddy will have is fuel consumption, so depending on his use case that might be an issue and finding one now that is in decent shape, they're pushing 20yrs old and most are *very* rough.

 

[VinceM]

Won’t go wrong with the 2.0d (if fuel efficiency is priority).

If he is a petrolhead, 130i E87 or 330i E90


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[Benji]

I think my mate is leaning toward a coupe - hence initially being interested in the Z4, but the practicality aspect is a turn off. He is currently leaning towards a E92 325i auto. I think that platform wont come with any nasty surprises and wont be too thirsty either.

 

[///M Individual]

I think my mate is leaning toward a coupe - hence initially being interested in the Z4, but the practicality aspect is a turn off. He is currently leaning towards a E92 325i auto. I think that platform wont come with any nasty surprises and wont be too thirsty either.

In that case yes any of them with a 6 cylinder NA should be good.

 

[Benji]

The BMW 4 cylinder diesels are reliable bud. Stay away from the petrols unless its the LCi F series with the B48 which I doubt will be in budget anyway.

For that price I would suggest an F30 320d. Try and find the cleanest and lowest possible mileage for that price.

The E series you suggested are great just the tech is older and he will probably feel it moving from the newer Honda. I doubt the F30 has everything a newer Honda has tech wise as well but still better than going E-series.

It is a Honda Amaze with a brown interior, I think cycling might be more luxurious OK so N20 is bad? How about N46 as found in E90 and E87?

 

[modocrat]

Walking > N20 / N46

 

[///M Individual]

Walking > N20 / N46

Agreed - Do not consider any 4 cylinder petrols prior to the B48.

I know he wants a coupe, but if he can find a clean E90 330i/E93 330i that would trump the E92 325i in my opinion.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Walking > N20 / N46

unless you dont really like your friend

I vote E92 325i manual. Get a android/apple car play unit in it and call it a day.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

It is a Honda Amaze with a brown interior,

so anything else is actually an upgrade

 

[TBP88]

I think my mate is leaning toward a coupe - hence initially being interested in the Z4, but the practicality aspect is a turn off. He is currently leaning towards a E92 325i auto. I think that platform wont come with any nasty surprises and wont be too thirsty either.

Z4 coupe practicality isn't too bad. As you should know
Not 100% sure of the auto+N52 combo though? I'd vote 130i, it'll be well under budget, can be had with 2 doors for a sportier look and you'll have your buddy with a lot of change left to get any issues sorted on purchase.

 

[FISAACS]

unless you dont really like your friend

I vote E92 325i manual. Get a android/apple car play unit in it and call it a day.

@Benji in total agreement with the e92 325i manual as I have one myself. I haven't seen any for sale within your specified mileage though.

Disa valves, thermostat, water pump, power steering pump and a suspension refresh will need to be considered, please ask your friend to confirm if this was done recently, if not he'll obviously have to budget for it.

 

[modocrat]

@Benji in total agreement with the e92 325i manual as I have one myself. I haven't seen any for sale within your specified mileage though.

Disa valves, thermostat, water pump, power steering pump and a suspension refresh will need to be considered, please ask your friend to confirm if this was done recently, if not he'll obviously have to budget for it.

Do you advise he removes the bumpers pre-purchase? 😛😜

 

[FISAACS]

Do you advise he removes the bumpers pre-purchase? 😛😜

I assumed that was a given 😔but yes, most definitely 😁

 

[VinceM]

Old BMWs repairs & maintenance are costly relative to purchase price, especially since their pricing strategy went whack!

Whats the maintenance budget?


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[///M Individual]

Old BMWs repairs & maintenance are costly relative to purchase price, especially since their pricing strategy went whack!

Whats the maintenance budget?


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This is true vs his Honda Amaze which probably costs nothing to maintain having had service plan/warranty.

 

[6spdmanual]

Please please please - not an F20 118i. Those are a problem waiting to happen.

 

[KarshS]

E82 120d auto (Proper Solid car) or E82 125i if he is at the coast. The M Sports still look amazing.
I find the N/A Cars at altitude abit lazy in Auto. These will probably just need a suspension refresh, dampener pulley, gearbox service and you set to go.

130 is amazing but damn that fuel and small tank is crazy. Found myself living at the fuel station.