Flite

It's for Brooke. We don't need an ///M. I'd love one, but it'll be a commuter car that will rack up miles fairly quickly. I'd rather not pay ///M service costs. With that said, if I find the right deal on an M, I might pull the trigger. Chances are slim though.

I've got a line on a fairly low mile 540i with the 6 speed for $13.5k right now that I'm trying to get ahold of the guy about.

max671

Don't think with your car guy head, think with your economic sense head. Not that you need to hear that from me but if you're back and forth between a 7-series and a 5-series it's obvious which one would cost less. Worthless post over...

Cobra4B

I'd get an e38 740i w/ some M-parallels and call it a day... that or an e39 M5 I don't care for the newer BMWs. The latest 3-series looks good w/ the top down though.

Flite

I think we've pretty much decided against the 7 series unless I happen to stumble upon a cherry E38. I'm looking for pristine E39 540s right now. I'd prefer a 6 speed. Help me find one.

If you know where there's a cherry E39 ///M5, let me know as well.

split

I think a newish 335i sedan is a good choice, find a certified preowned one.

Fiziks

If you're looking at e39 540i's, 01-03 have the facelifted heal/tail lights. Then the 03 mtech models have the M5 stylings. Something like these are IMO what you should be looking for:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...er_id=44228304

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...aler_id=508944

Flite

Too many horror stories. I don't want a car that spends more time in the shop than my garage.

Plus, I'd end up spending money on a 335.