[arondale]

The title sounds weird, but basically I can afford any 2016 and older used BMW. I used to work from home as a consultant, but have a new position that will require I commute 45 miles a day. While I own multiple cars, none of them are cars I want to put miles on. I had a VW GTI lease, but turned in the car after 3 years only putting 19K on the odo.

At first I started looking at used i8s as my new office has electric plug-in parking spaces that are mostly empty, giving me preferred parking. But, I'm not sure I want a $1000/mo car note. Then I started looking at '14-16' M6 GCs with 30k-45K miles. I just love the looks of them. Then I started looking at M4 convertibles, regular 650 MCs, then '13-'16 M5s. I am drawn to the 4.4 twin turbo motor, but out of warranty could be costly. I can afford the maintenance, but the smarter self tells me to either get a low mileage car under 20K miles, or get an older year BMW and deal with the maintenance.

This will be my 1st BMW. My first BMW experience was a 2011 bmw 335i convertible Turo rental and I was surprised how quick it was and loved the open hard top.

Living it Atlanta where it is hot in the summers, my 1st preference is cooled seats. My 2nd preference is comfort. Massaging seats would be awesome, but not a requirement. 3rd preference is sportiness and strong pulling motor.

What is your favorite BMW for commuting under $40K? $30K? $20K?

Thank you very much in advance!

[oolas3]

For what you’re doing, don’t think you need or really want a M car. I would look at the “regular” 6 series a couple years old. It’s more of a GT type of car but that’s perfect for commuting.

[cfm56d7b]

I also like 6 series but the V8 in 650i has not been particularly reliable.

435i Gran Coupe with N55 engine is perhaps one of the more balanced alternatives, considering price vs performance vs reliability. N55 engine has been very reliable with the exception of a few engines affected by excessive connecting rod bearing wear. But - no cooled seats.

[******]

Originally Posted by arondale

The title sounds weird, but basically I can afford any 2016 and older used BMW. I used to work from home as a consultant, but have a new position that will require I commute 45 miles a day. While I own multiple cars, none of them are cars I want to put miles on. I had a VW GTI lease, but turned in the car after 3 years only putting 19K on the odo.

At first I started looking at used i8s as my new office has electric plug-in parking spaces that are mostly empty, giving me preferred parking. But, I'm not sure I want a $1000/mo car note. Then I started looking at '14-16' M6 GCs with 30k-45K miles. I just love the looks of them. Then I started looking at M4 convertibles, regular 650 MCs, then '13-'16 M5s. I am drawn to the 4.4 twin turbo motor, but out of warranty could be costly. I can afford the maintenance, but the smarter self tells me to either get a low mileage car under 20K miles, or get an older year BMW and deal with the maintenance.

This will be my 1st BMW. My first BMW experience was a 2011 bmw 335i convertible Turo rental and I was surprised how quick it was and loved the open hard top.

Living it Atlanta where it is hot in the summers, my 1st preference is cooled seats. My 2nd preference is comfort. Massaging seats would be awesome, but not a requirement. 3rd preference is sportiness and strong pulling motor.

What is your favorite BMW for commuting under $40K? $30K? $20K?

Thank you very much in advance!

A nice X5 is what I would recommend. Great commuting vehicles with nice storage space for that occasional haul which pops up for us all from time to time. A clean, safe, garage kept unblemished 2014 wth less than 39000 miles, say... for slightly under $30k... That should do the job. Amazingly, I have such a vehicle! And I don’t live all that far from you! I’ll await your no doubt eager inquiry for more details! Oh, and it does have cooled seats.

[F30lolz]

2012-2015 Alpina B7.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...&firstRecord=0

Go all in like a boss.

[10"]

E82 128i or 135i. The last great non-M BMWs. The last standard series BMWs that drove like actual BMWs and not a soggy bowl of Golden Grahams sitting on a table for 3 hours.

45 miles a day is reasonable. I used to do 130 miles a day and did it for 5 years. Don't ever buy something boring for a commute...and don't ever buy something like an M6 it will kill you with repair bills no matter how enticing the idea is. A used M3 might work though!! You can now find used M2s around $40k (and falling still) fairly easily as well. Find a happy medium of something you can afford and something you can enjoy. Don't buy a dull SUV; a sign you've given up on life and driving.

[Shiza]

Originally Posted by 10"

E82 128i or 135i. The last great non-M BMWs. The last standard series BMWs that drove like actual BMWs and not a soggy bowl of Golden Grahams sitting on a table for 3 hours.

45 miles a day is reasonable. I used to do 130 miles a day and did it for 5 years. Don't ever buy something boring for a commute...and don't ever buy something like an M6 it will kill you with repair bills no matter how enticing the idea is. A used M3 might work though!! You can now find used M2s around $40k (and falling still) fairly easily as well. Find a happy medium of something you can afford and something you can enjoy. Don't buy a dull SUV; a sign you've given up on life and driving.

Yeah what he said.


get yourself a 1M,M2, or an E9x M3 if you want a fun drivers car.

[CTinline-six]

Originally Posted by Reed

Yeah what he said.


get yourself a 1M,M2, or an E9x M3 if you want a fun drivers car.

This. Best bang for the buck I think.

[arondale]

I'm very appreciative for the responses so far. I'm liking the value of the 650i xDrive Gran Coupe. It rains quite a bit, so the AWD would help. I'm still researching and combing thru the forums. The 650i convertible is not out of the mix yet either. Not sure I like the soft top compared to the many hard top options in BMWs line-up.

I'm really looking for the most comfortable GT car. Something I want to drive everyday and will enjoy for 2-4 before swapping for something else.

[detroitm2]

I may be bias, but I have a grin on my face everytime I drive my M2. This car is just so fun to drive.

Fully appointed luxury, it is not. Smooth, it is not. But none of that matters to me, this car is just a blast to drive every day.

You can probably find a good used model for around your $40K mark if you shop around. With the Competition model coming out this year, a lot of people are offloading their 2016-2018 models.

[10"]

Originally Posted by arondale

I'm very appreciative for the responses so far. I'm liking the value of the 650i xDrive Gran Coupe. It rains quite a bit, so the AWD would help. I'm still researching and combing thru the forums. The 650i convertible is not out of the mix yet either. Not sure I like the soft top compared to the many hard top options in BMWs line-up.

I'm really looking for the most comfortable GT car. Something I want to drive everyday and will enjoy for 2-4 before swapping for something else.

You don't need AWD for rain, man.

Just invest in some really good tires like PSS or PS4S.

You should seriously look at the M2, IMO...good value on the used market. It will also make your commute happier.

[arondale]

Originally Posted by laszlof

I may be bias, but I have a grin on my face everytime I drive my M2. This car is just so fun to drive.

Fully appointed luxury, it is not. Smooth, it is not. But none of that matters to me, this car is just a blast to drive every day.

You can probably find a good used model for around your $40K mark if you shop around. With the Competition model coming out this year, a lot of people are offloading their 2016-2018 models.

While I agree the M2 and 1M is likely the best drivers car BMW - most M2s have a MT, which is not great for Atlanta, GA... 4th highest traffic in the US. I have a 600HP tt 6MT fully built audi wagon with air ride, ...traffic and fuel economy is the #1 reason why I choose not to drive it daily. For my purposes, lengthy commutes in traffic omit MT considerations. I'm looking for a very nice GT car that is comfortable, works well in traffic, is reasonably reliable, and has cooled seats for hot summer days. '12-'16 6-series may be a very good fit. Considering others though. I've seen some '15 A8 L 4.0Ts. Different car, but better bang for buck in some aspects. Panamera S eHybrids are also in consideration and get some awesome economy for commuting. But BMWs are at the top of my list. I really want a nice 2dr or 4dr GT car. Something very comfortable but with some sport to it.

[detroitm2]

Originally Posted by arondale

While I agree the M2 and 1M is likely the best drivers car BMW - most M2s have a MT, which is not great for Atlanta, GA...

FWIW, about half the US made M2s were DCT. Also, I dont mind driving manual in traffic, commuted for 6 years when I lived in Alpharetta down to Grant Park area. To to each their own.

[arondale]

After looking at more M2s and seeing ATs in the 40s with low mileage... I def. agree. Worth considering. Just have to come to terms of not having cooled seats as an option.

[detroitm2]

Originally Posted by arondale

Just have to come to terms of not having cooled seats as an option.

After living in Atlanta, I'd have to agree. Thats a bit of a trade-off. Black leather + direct punishing sunlight is no fun.

[alex2364]

Originally Posted by arondale

Living it Atlanta where it is hot in the summers, my 1st preference is cooled seats. My 2nd preference is comfort. Massaging seats would be awesome, but not a requirement. 3rd preference is sportiness and strong pulling motor.

If OP's 1st preference is cooled seats, any 2/3/4 series and M2/M3/M4 is out of the question. Those have never offered cooled or massage seats. It sounds like he wants a GT or luxury cruiser. A 6 series or maybe a Lexus would be better.

[arondale]

Conv. M4s are not a bad option either. Like the 335i, hard top convertible, similar experience to M2, but a little larger.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=202075480

[arondale]

Originally Posted by alex2364

If OP's 1st preference is cooled seats, any 2/3/4 series and M2/M3/M4 is out of the question. Those have never offered cooled or massage seats. It sounds like he wants a GT or luxury cruiser. A 6 series or maybe a Lexus would be better.

What year did BMW start updating the iDrive displays with higher resolution displays? It's one thing I've found difficult to find on the forums. Also, if you spend a lot of time in Atlanta heat, and have had cooled seats before, it is one of those things you want after experiencing it for some time. My wife's M37S has cooled seats and is an awesome option I use in her car all the time, especially when wearing suits in the heat.

An M4 conv. would be a nice option to cooled seats, however.

[arondale]

Originally Posted by alex2364

If OP's 1st preference is cooled seats, any 2/3/4 series and M2/M3/M4 is out of the question. Those have never offered cooled or massage seats. It sounds like he wants a GT or luxury cruiser. A 6 series or maybe a Lexus would be better.

Does anyone know if the vent option on the M4 convertible blow both hot air and cool air, matching A/C temp, or just hot air?

[NorthernDancer]

Don't forget that sheep skin seat covers are cool in summer and warm in winter. They cost a lot, but............

A call to the President of the Peachtree Chapter of BMWCCA in Alpharetta might be a very good idea. His phone number is shown in Chapter web page.

[Lex]

Sorry, had to mention a Mini Cooper S with sport exhaust Amazing car

[overlook637]

Test drive the i3. Probably the best city commuter car ever produced. I've now got a m4, but I would not want to commute in city traffic with it. Should be able to find a used loaded i3 for a great value in the Atl market. The instant torque, perfect balanced car, and size makes it a complete hoot in traffic. We wore out a set of rear tires in 10k miles.