{"id":14253,"date":"2022-01-31T08:00:14","date_gmt":"2022-01-31T13:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=14253"},"modified":"2022-01-31T08:00:14","modified_gmt":"2022-01-31T13:00:14","slug":"what-bmw-under-10000-dollars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=14253","title":{"rendered":"What BMW Should I Buy For Under $10,000"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The used car landscape has changed recently, and things have gotten tougher for budget-minded BMW enthusiasts. But even at the entry point of $10,000, there are still tons of options. Today, we\u2019re looking at some of the best BMW cars you (might be!) able to buy for under $10,000.<\/p>\n<h3>E30 318is<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E30-763_16.jpg\"><noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-384886\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E30-763_16-830x623.jpg\" alt=\"BMW 3 Series Coupe E30 763 16 830x623\" width=\"830\" height=\"623\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E30-763_16-830x623.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E30-763_16-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E30-763_16.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\" title=\"image of BMW 3 Series Coupe E30 763 16 830x623\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-384886\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20623%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E30-763_16-830x623.jpg\" alt=\"BMW 3 Series Coupe E30 763 16 830x623\" width=\"830\" height=\"623\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E30-763_16-830x623.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E30-763_16-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E30-763_16.jpg 1024w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\" title=\"image of BMW 3 Series Coupe E30 763 16 830x623\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2021\/08\/20\/1991-bmw-e30-325i-convertible-auction\/\">E30s haven\u2019t really been \u201ccheap\u201d<\/a> in a while. Since E30 M3s have started commanding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2020\/10\/28\/1991-bmw-e30-m3-sells-for-104000\/\">deep six-figure fees<\/a>, the lower trims have appreciated substantially. However \u2013 ten large can still get you a decently well-kept, higher-mileage 318is. The \u201cis\u201d designation gets you sportier suspension and seats, BBS wheels, a limited-slip differential, and a few more horsepower, making it the best choice if you\u2019re not planning modifications. If you\u2019re planning to modify, pretty much any E30 will get the job done.<\/p>\n<p>Worth mentioning is the E30 325is \u2013 but it generally only exists outside of our budget, and the additional price isn\u2019t worth the added two cylinders in the inline six. The E30 318is represents a wonderful balance between light weight, low cost to run, and low price to entry \u2013 which lands it on our list.<\/p>\n<h3>E36\/7 Z3 Roadster<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_417855\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-417855\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/7-z3-roadster-02.jpg\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-417855\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/7-z3-roadster-02-830x528.jpg\" alt=\"7 z3 roadster 02 830x528\" width=\"830\" height=\"528\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/7-z3-roadster-02-830x528.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/7-z3-roadster-02-1609x1024.jpg 1609w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/7-z3-roadster-02-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/7-z3-roadster-02-1536x978.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/7-z3-roadster-02.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\" title=\"image of 7 z3 roadster 02 830x528\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload size-medium wp-image-417855\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20528%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/7-z3-roadster-02-830x528.jpg\" alt=\"7 z3 roadster 02 830x528\" width=\"830\" height=\"528\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/7-z3-roadster-02-830x528.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/7-z3-roadster-02-1609x1024.jpg 1609w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/7-z3-roadster-02-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/7-z3-roadster-02-1536x978.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/7-z3-roadster-02.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\" title=\"image of 7 z3 roadster 02 830x528\"\/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-417855\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">BMW E36\/7 Z3 Roadster<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2018\/11\/04\/stunning-bmw-z3-roadster-in-palmetto-green\/\">Z3 Roadster<\/a> has always been a bit of an oddball in enthusiast circles. It looks just different enough from a regular E36 to be jarring, and the Roadster never got the enthusiast \u201ccred\u201d its funky coupe relatives got. But it\u2019s tough to argue against a manual transmission, RWD, super-compact size, and under 3,000 pounds. Plus, most of these \u2013 even the 200 horsepower 2.8L versions \u2013 can be had for significantly less than $10,000. When enthusiasts say \u201cthey don\u2019t make them like this anymore\u201d \u2013 the Z3 Roadster is the exact sentiment they\u2019re talking about.<\/p>\n<h3>E85 Z4 Roadster<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/BMW-Z4-E85-photos-16.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-315161\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/BMW-Z4-E85-photos-16-830x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/BMW-Z4-E85-photos-16-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/BMW-Z4-E85-photos-16-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/BMW-Z4-E85-photos-16-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/BMW-Z4-E85-photos-16-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-315161\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20553%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/BMW-Z4-E85-photos-16-830x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"830\" height=\"553\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/BMW-Z4-E85-photos-16-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/BMW-Z4-E85-photos-16-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/BMW-Z4-E85-photos-16-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/BMW-Z4-E85-photos-16-300x200.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The successor to the Z3 Roadster, the Z4 suffers similar stigma from enthusiasts. But just like with the Z3, it\u2019s got some undeniably wonderful qualities. Five or six speed manual transmissions, RWD, and the smooth power delivery of the M54 or N52 inline six (depending on year). Unfortunately, the Z4 is significantly heavier than the Z3, and only the N52-equipped models got a significant power increase (up to 261 horsepower!).<\/p>\n<h3>E90\/E92 328i, 330i, or 335i<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010-bmw-335is-review-30.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-47718\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010-bmw-335is-review-30-750x394.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010-bmw-335is-review-30-750x394.jpg 750w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010-bmw-335is-review-30-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010-bmw-335is-review-30.jpg 1900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-47718\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20750%20394%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010-bmw-335is-review-30-750x394.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"394\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010-bmw-335is-review-30-750x394.jpg 750w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010-bmw-335is-review-30-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010-bmw-335is-review-30.jpg 1900w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Now over 15 years old, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2020\/08\/06\/bmw-e92-3-series-buying-guide\/\">E90 is starting to show its age<\/a> and depreciation is certainly having its way with the chassis. A few years ago you could find a 335i at this price point with no difficulty \u2013 but it\u2019s a different market now. You may have to settle for a 328i or 330i for now, but there\u2019s nothing wrong with that!<\/p>\n<p>The general criteria for buying a good enthusiast BMW is finding a manual transmission, RWD, and a six-cylinder: and the 328i does all of that just fine. The non-turbo E9X chassis isn\u2019t going to win any drag races, but it\u2019s balanced, compliant, and receptive to modifications \u2013 and a great buy at this price point.<\/p>\n<h3>E36 318ti<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E36-768_50.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-393881\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E36-768_50-830x550.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"830\" height=\"550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E36-768_50-830x550.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E36-768_50-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E36-768_50-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E36-768_50.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-393881\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20830%20550%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E36-768_50-830x550.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"830\" height=\"550\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E36-768_50-830x550.jpg 830w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E36-768_50-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E36-768_50-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/BMW-3-Series-Coupe-E36-768_50.jpg 1024w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Speaking of losing all the drag races, it\u2019s the Touring International! I\u2019ve already waxed poetic about this piece of Euro quaintness somehow finding its way to America, but I never miss a chance to spread the gospel. The 318ti is a polarizing 3 Series that produces almost no power and uses bits from the E30 chassis.<\/p>\n<p>But if going fast isn\u2019t a priority \u2013 and it really shouldn\u2019t be \u2013 you can grab one of these for as little as $5,000, even in good condition. And for the more industrious among us, engine swaps are not uncommon and well documented. Go find one, now!<\/p>\n<h3>E60 550i or 535i<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E60-5-Series-images-17.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-212759\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E60-5-Series-images-17-750x500.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E60-5-Series-images-17-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E60-5-Series-images-17-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E60-5-Series-images-17-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E60-5-Series-images-17-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E60-5-Series-images-17.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-212759\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20750%20500%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E60-5-Series-images-17-750x500.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E60-5-Series-images-17-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E60-5-Series-images-17-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E60-5-Series-images-17-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E60-5-Series-images-17-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E60-5-Series-images-17.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>One of only two V8 powered cars on the list, I hesitated to even include the E60 550i at all. It\u2019s now uncommon to find these listed below $10,000, and reliability is certainly not a strong suit. They\u2019re heavy; they\u2019re not particularly quick by modern standards, and the newest tech is over a decade old.<\/p>\n<p>But\u2026they\u2019re cool. You can\u2019t find a naturally-aspirated V8 <em>anywhere<\/em> these days, and it still drives like a BMW \u2013 engaging and playful (but a little heavy). If you know what you\u2019re getting into, the 550i delivers a wholly unique experience today, and that\u2019s worth something.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s also no shortage of high-mile 535i\u2019s (xDrive optional) running around, with questionable maintenance records and a drivetrain malfunction waiting to happen. But they\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2017\/02\/06\/bmw-n54-best-bmw-engine-tuners\/\">N54-powered<\/a> (read: receptive to modifications) and can be downright fast. You can even find them in touring form, making this an exceptionally versatile chassis at this price point.<\/p>\n<h3>E82 128i or 135i<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1351.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-34588\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1351-750x562.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1351-750x562.jpg 750w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1351-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1351.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-34588\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20750%20562%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1351-750x562.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"562\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1351-750x562.jpg 750w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1351-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1351.jpg 1280w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Oh, how things have changed. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2015\/04\/28\/bmw-135i-coupe-a-true-enthusiasts-car\/\">135i used to be the best driver\u2019s car<\/a> you could buy at around this price point. There are some still floating around our budget, but they\u2019ll likely need some significant maintenance items. And if you\u2019re not equipped to deal with that, the 128i does everything the 135i does, just a bit\u2026slower.<\/p>\n<p>You still get old-school BMW hydraulic steering, heavy and responsive. Don\u2019t want a dated-looking screen? That\u2019s okay \u2013 it\u2019s optional, just like power seats! And of course, the holy trinity is present as well \u2013 RWD, six-cylinder, and six-speed manual. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2016\/03\/09\/bmw-1-series-bmws-oft-overlooked-sports-car\/\">128i is probably one of the best modern BMWs<\/a> in terms of retaining the old school feel. The 128i also responds well to a few choice suspension mods, and are great candidates for spirited driving or even track work.<\/p>\n<h3>E39 540i<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E39-5-Series-photos-32.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-211912\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E39-5-Series-photos-32-750x500.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E39-5-Series-photos-32-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E39-5-Series-photos-32-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E39-5-Series-photos-32-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E39-5-Series-photos-32-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E39-5-Series-photos-32.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-211912\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20750%20500%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E39-5-Series-photos-32-750x500.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E39-5-Series-photos-32-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E39-5-Series-photos-32-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E39-5-Series-photos-32-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E39-5-Series-photos-32-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/BMW-E39-5-Series-photos-32.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s getting tougher and tougher by the day, but you can still find a E39 540i from the early 2000s for just around $10,000. It will likely be automatic, but that doesn\u2019t mean it can\u2019t be fun. They\u2019re all RWD, and you can even get a touring model in the US, where the V8 wagon market is limited. With classic good looks, a powerful V8, and plenty of aftermarket support, there\u2019s no reason not to get into an E39.<\/p>\n<h3>E46 330i ZHP<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/bmw-zhp-e46-011.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-79063\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/bmw-zhp-e46-011-750x522.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"522\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/bmw-zhp-e46-011-750x522.jpg 750w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/bmw-zhp-e46-011-1024x713.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/bmw-zhp-e46-011.jpg 1900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-79063\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20750%20522%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/bmw-zhp-e46-011-750x522.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"522\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/bmw-zhp-e46-011-750x522.jpg 750w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/bmw-zhp-e46-011-1024x713.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/bmw-zhp-e46-011.jpg 1900w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>You can\u2019t possibly think that we\u2019ve missed this one, as it has represented one of the best performance bargains since it was new in the early 2000s. The 330i was the best of the E46 chassis (M3 notwithstanding) and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2015\/06\/09\/bmw-e46-330i-zhp-package\/\">ZHP package<\/a> added some performance goodies that made it even better. It will be tough to find a ZHP at this price point these days, but the run of the mill 330i is no slouch either.<\/p>\n<h3>E36 328i<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_164853\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-164853\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/BMW-340i-F30-vs-BMW-323i-E36-60.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-164853 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/BMW-340i-F30-vs-BMW-323i-E36-60.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"728\" height=\"485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/BMW-340i-F30-vs-BMW-323i-E36-60.jpg 728w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/BMW-340i-F30-vs-BMW-323i-E36-60-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-164853 size-full\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%20728%20485%22%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/BMW-340i-F30-vs-BMW-323i-E36-60.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"728\" height=\"485\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/BMW-340i-F30-vs-BMW-323i-E36-60.jpg 728w, https:\/\/cdn.bmwblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/BMW-340i-F30-vs-BMW-323i-E36-60-300x200.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\"\/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-164853\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image: BMW Group Classic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Finally, my favorite on the list \u2013 the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmwblog.com\/2020\/09\/06\/why-i-loved-my-e36-bmw-328i\/\">E36 328i<\/a>. The fun-to-shift ZF five-speed manual trans is a joy, and pairs up great to the M52 inline-six. It\u2019s light and tossable, and nearly everything you\u2019ll ever need to modify on the car has been thoroughly documented on the internet. Seat swaps, suspension setups, and engine swaps \u2013 the E36 chassis has seen them all.<\/p>\n<p>Best of all, BMW sold tons of these in the U.S. \u2013 like, nearly 300,000. Which means they won\u2019t be getting scarce any time soon, and there will usually be one available at whatever your price point is. And at $10,000 you\u2019re getting a moderately well-kept example.<\/p>\n<p>My choice? A manual, 100k mile or so 328is, which might run you $8,500 in a desirable color combination. But you can certainly find a sedan or convertible and come in well under-budget \u2013 and be having more fun than almost anyone on the road.<\/p>\n<p>These are all just suggestions \u2013 but for the money, these are almost certainly the best choices. It\u2019s a shame some of the better bargains \u2013 like the 135i \u2013 have appreciated so significantly.\u00a0 Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments below!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The used car landscape has changed recently, and things have gotten tougher for budget-minded BMW enthusiasts. But even at the entry point of $10,000, there are still tons of options. Today, we\u2019re looking at some of the best BMW cars you (might be!) able to buy for under $10,000. E30 318is E30s haven\u2019t really been [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":14254,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14253","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14253","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14253"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14253\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14254"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14253"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14253"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14253"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}