What modern affordable BMW would you keep in your garage for the long term??

jmg · 08-14-2022, 08:17 PM

Not necessarily a future classic, just a nice BMW that you would keep for the next decade that is fun to drive, yet utilitarian, and fairly reliable with diligent maintenance.

I would consider "long term" as keeping a car for 6-10 years before it gets long in the tooth.

I have a G82 M4 for track and weekend use, but I would still like something fairly quick, but it doesn't have to be an M car. My long term BMW would ideally check these boxes:

Respectable 0-60, less than 6 seconds
Reliable (for a bimmer) engine that won't grenade like my Audi S4 4.8 V8. Yearly maintenance budget of $3k or less
4 door or SUV for convenience.
A MY2014+ BMW
ICE or Hybrid, no EVs simply because the technology is evolving so fast, residuals are potentially lower on EVs.
Sporty yet elegant styling, unique, but not too controversial. So my G82 is out lol!
For me, under $50k used is the sweet spot financially

My picks so far:

G01 2018-2020 X3 M40i - quick, convenient, traditionally styled BMW. The B48 seem solid and reliable. 355 hp, 0-60 in 4.4s. Almost as quick as my old F80 M3, with the convenience of an SUV makes this a solid choice. Relatively affordable at around $40-50k.

F13 2016-2019 650i Gran Coupe LCI - Still fairly modern iDrive, 444hp, 0-60 4.3s. A sleek luxurious rocket ship. To me the 6 series was always a stunning car. Relatively affordable at around $40-50k.

The downsides is that it is a little large, and the N63 might not be the best engine to bet 6-10 years on. Maybe the N55 640i (315hp, 0-60 5.3s) is better suited long term?

G05 2019-2020 X5 sDrive40i - I had this as a loaner and was very impressed. More comfortable than the X3 M40i, luxurious to sit in. Same wonderful B58 engine in the X3 M40i. 355hp 0-60 5.2s due to weight.

Downsides are its a little bigger and I already have a large SUV so I don't really need it. Upsides is that it looks nicer than the X3 M40i IMHO. Older higher mileage X5M's aren't that much more expensive.

Any M cars to add to this list that is less than $50k used? E90? X5M?

tturedraider · 08-14-2022, 08:56 PM

Either my 2018 F30 340i M Sport or a 2020 G20 M340i.

kiw1 · 08-14-2022, 10:35 PM

We're thinking about keeping our 21 X5 40i. It's such a comfortable and capable car. In Dec we had a ton of snow and with winter tires it's very capable.

BMWCCA1 · 08-15-2022, 06:57 AM

My daily-driver 2013 128i M-sport stick is staying with me forever. If I need more room, my wife drives an E90 and I have three 5-series and a pickup truck.

tracer bullet · 08-15-2022, 07:17 AM

I didn't think I'd keep my 135i 11+ years but here I am. Wish I'd bought the 1M but it's a bit late for that now. Well of course they can be found but I'd rather spend it elsewhere and there aren't time machines.

I keep wondering about a Z4 if the M40i gets a manual. We talk around here about how the upcoming M2 will be the last ICE car from BMW with a stick... it may actually have a mate. One that, while it won't perform as highly on paper, will be smaller and lighter...

W/// · 08-15-2022, 07:18 AM

I just picked up a 22 X3 M40i as a company car a few months ago, and I absolutely adore this thing. Enough so that I'd say it's easily my pick out of all the "non M" cars in the last 10 years. I'd absolutely consider getting a personal one before they stop making them I like it that much.

Right size, practical but not too big, physical HVAC buttons, right amount of tech, more than fast enough for a DD but can still get 30+ MPG pure highway. B58 is just about one of the best BMW engine ever IMHO. I personally wouldn't go for an N/S63

itrocks4u · 08-15-2022, 08:12 AM

Long term: 2019 M4CS. Almost ready to turn it in

Daily driver: 2015 435ix or the new 440i/340i variant

rice_rocket88 · 08-15-2022, 11:30 AM

X3 and X5 are all awesome.. I myself went rogue and got a '19 X2 m35i . I had a bad back, the height is enough for me, but still low enough it's kind of like a lifted wagon.. handles very well. The m35i variant has more power, and with the M bits like exhaust it's a hoot to drive. I don't take the kids out in it, but it's large enough to fit people in it if I need to. The b48 engines seem pretty rock solid with almost no problems at all. Something to consider.. (and there might even be an X1 m35i released soon. I like the look of both, but the X2 is more unique to me. The X3 m40i has a bigger motor (b58), which makes things nicer and more powerful over 80mph, but I don't need the space at all, and it adds another 10K to the price. It also fits even nicer in the garage because it's so much smaller. (The X5 is so fat I had to flip the mirrors in just to barely get it past the garage doors (I have 2 doors, not a single double wide one). The X3 is also wide, but obviously not as much. And of course with your budget you can get brand new instead of looking for used cars.

NYG · 08-15-2022, 12:19 PM

Not gonna lie, the X7 is one of the most comfortable vehicles I've ever driven. Drives much better than a Bentley Bentayga.

whyzee125 · 08-15-2022, 12:32 PM

Most of their current lineup is way too modern for me.

I would definitely like to own an F8x or f32 440i, M2 comp.

The bigger cars BMW puts out now just don't appeal to me at all. I hate the tech aspect of modern luxury cars. It would take a ton of convincing to make me buy anything but an e38 if I wanted an all out luxury car that's not a Range Rover.

pseto · 08-15-2022, 01:16 PM

For M cars, I'd say the S52 M cars and F8X have been bulletproof and the most reliable M engines ever

DrFerry · 08-15-2022, 01:24 PM

M2. (Under $50K)
.

.
https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...2-first-drive/
.
The M2 Competition. (Over $50K)
.

.
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/2-series/m2-coupe
.
OR The M2 CS (Way over $50K)

.

.
https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/07/30/v...e-on-the-road/

wtwo3 · 08-15-2022, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYG

Not gonna lie, the X7 is one of the most comfortable vehicles I've ever driven. Drives much better than a Bentley Bentayga.

Surprised to hear that... but I guess that's a good thing since I have an X7 on order!

NYG · 08-15-2022, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Surprised to hear that... but I guess that's a good thing since I have an X7 on order!

The new X5 drives better than the Bentayga too. The X7 is an upgrade (in terms of ride comfort) on the X5 so yeah... it's wild. As much as I've been disappointed with the M brand lately, BMW is blowing everyone away in the SUV market IMO. Would love an X7.

ToddBlack88 · 08-15-2022, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tturedraider

Either my 2018 F30 340i M Sport or a 2020 G20 M340i.

I would go this way.

If you want a little special, but not over the top, still utilitarian, but bulletproof motor, look for a Canadian spec 2017 or 2018 M performance edition 340i.
Only 200 produced per year, 50 of 4 different colours, special leather interior, and every option available for the car in that model year.

I have one, and love it.

Shiza · 08-15-2022, 02:49 PM

E90 M3 ZCP. Do the rod bearings and you have a very reliable car with a great engine. Not the fastest M car but the most fun and engaging for a new(ish) BMW.

jmg · 08-15-2022, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYG

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Surprised to hear that... but I guess that's a good thing since I have an X7 on order!

The new X5 drives better than the Bentayga too. The X7 is an upgrade (in terms of ride comfort) on the X5 so yeah... it's wild. As much as I've been disappointed with the M brand lately, BMW is blowing everyone away in the SUV market IMO. Would love an X7.

The X5 really blew me away how well it handled for an SUV. It really puts all the other SUV's I've ever driven to shame.

jmg · 08-15-2022, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tturedraider

Either my 2018 F30 340i M Sport or a 2020 G20 M340i.

These are solid cars, I think for me personally though, I've had 2 F30's and 2 F80's and while they are great, I just want a new experience for the next 6-10 years. I already have a G82, so the G20 is not a consideration. If I didn't have the G82, an M340i would be on the list.

Equilibrandt · 08-15-2022, 03:58 PM

A lot of these are north of $50k

For me, in the 30-50k range, you couldn't beat the final year of the BMW 340i - 2018, M-Sport trim level.

If you asked me today, and price wasn't capped, I'd opt for a 2023 M340i. The G20's incredibly easy to live with for the long term.

wtwo3 · 08-15-2022, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmg

The X5 really blew me away how well it handled for an SUV. It really puts all the other SUV's I've ever driven to shame.

I'm trading in my X5 for an X7 with dyanmic handling package.... super excited to try it out and see how flat it corners. I've heard DHP works wonders and makes the X7 a 3 row SUV that's actually worth driving.

RugbyBro · 08-15-2022, 05:43 PM

On your list X3 M40i hands down; really good product overall.

eleven11 · 08-15-2022, 06:28 PM

F31 wagon. I've had mine for 4 years, and will probably keep it for quite a few more. Not as refined as some of the other options you've mentioned. I've had fun modifying it - good handling, enough pep (B48). Tastefully modified, I personally like the styling and rarity of it compared to the SUV offerings and most of the non-M models.

08-14-2022, 08:17 PM	#1
jmg Lieutenant General 20601 Rep 14,681 Posts Drives: G87 M2 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2025 BMW M2 [9.50] 2022 G82 M4C X-Drive [9.81] 2018 F80 M3 CS [9.92] 2018 BMW i3 REx [4.87] 2015 BMW i3 REx [3.00] 2016 BMW F80 M3 [7.63] 2016 BMW F30 340i ZTR [10.00] 2013 BMW F30 328i [8.50] 2006 Audi S4 25Quattro [7.33]	What modern affordable BMW would you keep in your garage for the long term?? Not necessarily a future classic, just a nice BMW that you would keep for the next decade that is fun to drive, yet utilitarian, and fairly reliable with diligent maintenance. I would consider "long term" as keeping a car for 6-10 years before it gets long in the tooth. I have a G82 M4 for track and weekend use, but I would still like something fairly quick, but it doesn't have to be an M car. My long term BMW would ideally check these boxes: Respectable 0-60, less than 6 seconds Reliable (for a bimmer) engine that won't grenade like my Audi S4 4.8 V8. Yearly maintenance budget of $3k or less 4 door or SUV for convenience. A MY2014+ BMW ICE or Hybrid, no EVs simply because the technology is evolving so fast, residuals are potentially lower on EVs. Sporty yet elegant styling, unique, but not too controversial. So my G82 is out lol! For me, under $50k used is the sweet spot financially My picks so far: G01 2018-2020 X3 M40i - quick, convenient, traditionally styled BMW. The B48 seem solid and reliable. 355 hp, 0-60 in 4.4s. Almost as quick as my old F80 M3, with the convenience of an SUV makes this a solid choice. Relatively affordable at around $40-50k. F13 2016-2019 650i Gran Coupe LCI - Still fairly modern iDrive, 444hp, 0-60 4.3s. A sleek luxurious rocket ship. To me the 6 series was always a stunning car. Relatively affordable at around $40-50k. The downsides is that it is a little large, and the N63 might not be the best engine to bet 6-10 years on. Maybe the N55 640i (315hp, 0-60 5.3s) is better suited long term? G05 2019-2020 X5 sDrive40i - I had this as a loaner and was very impressed. More comfortable than the X3 M40i, luxurious to sit in. Same wonderful B58 engine in the X3 M40i. 355hp 0-60 5.2s due to weight. Downsides are its a little bigger and I already have a large SUV so I don't really need it. Upsides is that it looks nicer than the X3 M40i IMHO. Older higher mileage X5M's aren't that much more expensive. Any M cars to add to this list that is less than $50k used? E90? X5M? Attached Images __________________ 2025 G87 ///M2 LCI - KWHAS, Millway Motorsport Uniball Camber Plates, SPL Adjustable Tie Rods, Unit17 OEM++ Spoiler Previous: 2022 G82 M4 Comp X-Drive • 2018 F80 M3 CS • 2016 F80 M3 Last edited by jmg; 08-14-2022 at 08:24 PM..
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08-14-2022, 08:56 PM	#2
tturedraider Major General 6133 Rep 6,884 Posts Drives: 2018 340i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Chicago, Edgewater (via Texas & Tennessee) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [8.89] 2020 BMW M340i xDrive [9.00] 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [8.00] 2006 BMW 330i Sport [6.60] 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [7.83] 2000 BMW 328i [6.17]	Either my 2018 F30 340i M Sport or a 2020 G20 M340i. __________________ www.bmwcca.org member #388003 - Use me as a referral & you could win a one day ///M Driving School!! ___________________________________________
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08-14-2022, 10:35 PM	#3
kiw1 Lieutenant 625 Rep 439 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 Comp xDrive Join Date: May 2022 Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA iTrader: (0)	We're thinking about keeping our 21 X5 40i. It's such a comfortable and capable car. In Dec we had a ton of snow and with winter tires it's very capable. __________________ 2022 M3 Comp xDrive - Frozen White 2024 X5 40i xDrive - Black Sapphire Metallic 2021 X5 40i xDrive - Black Sapphire Metallic - SOLD 2012 Audi A4 Avant - SOLD Insta: mtn_m3cx
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08-15-2022, 06:57 AM	#4
BMWCCA1 BMW Owner Since 1971 2635 Rep 1,577 Posts Drives: 1964 700 Sport Cabriolet Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Central Virginia iTrader: (2) Garage List 2013 BMW 128i [10.00]	My daily-driver 2013 128i M-sport stick is staying with me forever. If I need more room, my wife drives an E90 and I have three 5-series and a pickup truck.
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08-15-2022, 07:17 AM	#5
tracer bullet Brigadier General 4277 Rep 4,642 Posts Drives: '25 Z4, '15 X3 35i (135i sold) Join Date: May 2011 Location: Saint Paul, MN iTrader: (1)	I didn't think I'd keep my 135i 11+ years but here I am. Wish I'd bought the 1M but it's a bit late for that now. Well of course they can be found but I'd rather spend it elsewhere and there aren't time machines. I keep wondering about a Z4 if the M40i gets a manual. We talk around here about how the upcoming M2 will be the last ICE car from BMW with a stick... it may actually have a mate. One that, while it won't perform as highly on paper, will be smaller and lighter...
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08-15-2022, 07:18 AM	#6
W/// Lieutenant General 8042 Rep 12,538 Posts Drives: F82GTS, E36/E92M3, Z4M Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: SC iTrader: (13)	I just picked up a 22 X3 M40i as a company car a few months ago, and I absolutely adore this thing. Enough so that I'd say it's easily my pick out of all the "non M" cars in the last 10 years. I'd absolutely consider getting a personal one before they stop making them I like it that much. Right size, practical but not too big, physical HVAC buttons, right amount of tech, more than fast enough for a DD but can still get 30+ MPG pure highway. B58 is just about one of the best BMW engine ever IMHO. I personally wouldn't go for an N/S63 __________________ Current: 16 F82 M4 GTS, Black Sapphire/Black, DCT 08 E92 M3, Sparkling Graphite/Bamboo Beige, 6MT 07 E85 Z4M Roadster, Alpine White/Red, 6MT 99 E36 M3, Techno Violet/Dove Grey, 6MT
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08-15-2022, 08:12 AM	#7
itrocks4u Colonel 649 Rep 2,449 Posts Drives: F80, F36, E90 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (3)	Long term: 2019 M4CS. Almost ready to turn it in Daily driver: 2015 435ix or the new 440i/340i variant
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08-15-2022, 11:30 AM	#8
rice_rocket88 Major 323 Rep 1,154 Posts Drives: E60 F48 F39 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	X3 and X5 are all awesome.. I myself went rogue and got a '19 X2 m35i . I had a bad back, the height is enough for me, but still low enough it's kind of like a lifted wagon.. handles very well. The m35i variant has more power, and with the M bits like exhaust it's a hoot to drive. I don't take the kids out in it, but it's large enough to fit people in it if I need to. The b48 engines seem pretty rock solid with almost no problems at all. Something to consider.. (and there might even be an X1 m35i released soon. I like the look of both, but the X2 is more unique to me. The X3 m40i has a bigger motor (b58), which makes things nicer and more powerful over 80mph, but I don't need the space at all, and it adds another 10K to the price. It also fits even nicer in the garage because it's so much smaller. (The X5 is so fat I had to flip the mirrors in just to barely get it past the garage doors (I have 2 doors, not a single double wide one). The X3 is also wide, but obviously not as much. And of course with your budget you can get brand new instead of looking for used cars.
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08-15-2022, 12:19 PM	#9
NYG Brigadier General 12591 Rep 4,327 Posts Drives: Audi R8 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (0)	Not gonna lie, the X7 is one of the most comfortable vehicles I've ever driven. Drives much better than a Bentley Bentayga.
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08-15-2022, 12:32 PM	#10
whyzee125 Brigadier General 2099 Rep 4,161 Posts Drives: Dinan stage 2 335i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Chattanooga Tn iTrader: (0)	Most of their current lineup is way too modern for me. I would definitely like to own an F8x or f32 440i, M2 comp. The bigger cars BMW puts out now just don't appeal to me at all. I hate the tech aspect of modern luxury cars. It would take a ton of convincing to make me buy anything but an e38 if I wanted an all out luxury car that's not a Range Rover.
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08-15-2022, 01:16 PM	#11
pseto Major General 890 Rep 7,752 Posts Drives: E92 M3 ZCP, F80 M3 ZCP- beater Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rockville, MD iTrader: (4)	For M cars, I'd say the S52 M cars and F8X have been bulletproof and the most reliable M engines ever __________________ Paul Seto - BMW Car Club of America President, National Capital Chapter (MD/DC/NoVA) Director, National Events ///M Chapter Become a BMW CCA member; Click HERE to join and use my member #339225 for a referral Join our NCC Facebook Page
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08-15-2022, 01:24 PM	#12
DrFerry Field Marshal 7528 Rep 1,973 Posts Drives: '08 E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Greenville, SC iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [5.25] 2015 BMW X5 [4.50]	M2. (Under $50K) . . https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...2-first-drive/ . The M2 Competition. (Over $50K) . . https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/2-series/m2-coupe . OR The M2 CS (Way over $50K) . . . https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/07/30/v...e-on-the-road/ __________________ '08 E92 M3 DCT Melbourne Red/Bamboo Beige Leather/EDC/SSP Spec-R DCT clutch/SSP Pro-Gold DCT Fluid/Quaife LSD/3:45 Final Drive/BE Bearings & ARP Bolts/LUX H8 180/DCT Tune by BPM Sport/PFC Z-Rated Pads/ECS Brass Brake Caliper Guides/Alex Shop Solid Sub-frame Bushings/Motul 600/Tint Last edited by DrFerry; 08-15-2022 at 04:25 PM..
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08-15-2022, 02:49 PM	#16
Shiza Major 1206 Rep 1,002 Posts Drives: M3, X5, Ram 2500, Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: US iTrader: (1)	E90 M3 ZCP. Do the rod bearings and you have a very reliable car with a great engine. Not the fastest M car but the most fun and engaging for a new(ish) BMW.
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08-15-2022, 03:58 PM	#19
Equilibrandt Auto/DCT Zealot 643 Rep 460 Posts Drives: M3, Miata Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Mazda MX-5 GT [0.00] 2017 BMW F80 M3 ZCP [10.00]	A lot of these are north of $50k For me, in the 30-50k range, you couldn't beat the final year of the BMW 340i - 2018, M-Sport trim level. If you asked me today, and price wasn't capped, I'd opt for a 2023 M340i. The G20's incredibly easy to live with for the long term. __________________ - 2017 BMW M3 Competition / Silverstone II / DCT - 2020 Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring / Machine Grey / Soft Top / (Awaiting CARB-EO) Edelbrock Supercharger
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08-15-2022, 05:43 PM	#21
RugbyBro Brigadier General 7283 Rep 3,671 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: SF iTrader: (0)	On your list X3 M40i hands down; really good product overall. __________________ Current: E92, E46 Prior: F80, F82, F32
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08-15-2022, 06:28 PM	#22
eleven11 Major 442 Rep 1,482 Posts Drives: -F31- Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Derby City iTrader: (0)	F31 wagon. I've had mine for 4 years, and will probably keep it for quite a few more. Not as refined as some of the other options you've mentioned. I've had fun modifying it - good handling, enough pep (B48). Tastefully modified, I personally like the styling and rarity of it compared to the SUV offerings and most of the non-M models.
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