We at BF are addicted to the used BMW classifieds and we ‘re guessing you are as well. Which makes today ‘s Ask BF particularly interesting. It comes from Benjamin Davis; “what is the best used value in the BMW world? ” Here ‘s the full request:

>I ‘m hoping to gain your perspective on BMW used buying values. It ‘s been a while since we ‘ve lived stateside, but we ‘re headed back next Spring, with a newborn. We may only get to stay through the summer, so thought I ‘d seek recommendations
on a safe, reliable Bimmer. I ‘m willing to do some research and will follow your lead. I ‘m not sure what to say about a price-range. If we need to sell at summer ‘s end–maybe that sets the range?

Price range is obviously important but let ‘s keep it open and hear your thoughts. What ‘s the best used BMW at:

– $10k?
– $20K?
– $30K?

Keep in mind Ben is looking for something that can handle a newborn so a four door is likely a good move.

So with all that said, here are a couple thought-starters:

2004 E46 330i ZHP. Depending on miles expect to pay anywhere from 11-18k. Put plainly this is one those cars that BMW got right in just about every way. The drivetrain is sorted and a joy to commute in or attack the twisties.

2003 E39 540i Sport (six speed). Sense a trend here? Used cars are best at the end of the model run and the E46 and E39 represent solid cars for little money. The 540i Sport gives you a V8 (yes it ‘s made a bit pointless with turbo-charging these days but that ‘s a debate for another day) and a honey of a six speed manual to motivate it all with. Expect to pay between 8k-15k depending on mileage etc. Here ‘s a great example with 63k at $12.9K.