BMW X3 Forum
BMW X3 Forum
Welcome to the ultimate G45 BMW X3 community.
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      09-08-2018, 07:52 AM   #23
10"
Colonel
10"'s Avatar
No_Country
5110
Rep
2,297
Posts

Drives: orange BMW 1M.
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: world

iTrader: (0)

find a late 2013 128i, 135i or 135is.

the 1ers back seat is perfect for small children....and in terms of BMWs it's the last great series of BMWs that actually drove well and were enjoyable to drive like a classic BMW. Smaller than the E93 and more tossable......and easily found in manual. The F-series BMWs totally lost the plot.

The problem is finding a good one with low miles. the 135is prices have stopped falling and piggybacking on the 1M they might be creeping up. 128s and 135s are pretty easy to find in that budget though.

Even if they are 5 years old...if you can find one with less than 30k miles they should be reasonably reliable for some years...particularly the 128.
__________________
don't read this. too late...
Appreciate 1
Run Silent15088.00
      09-08-2018, 09:46 AM   #24
Yes2m3cs
Captain
Yes2m3cs's Avatar
United_States
156
Rep
851
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3CS 2016 M4
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Sunshine State

iTrader: (2)

GTI all day long...still love mine! My M4 sits and GTI gets the nod everyday

Good luck
__________________
2018 M3CS - Alpine White
2016 BMW M4 - Vorsteiner | Michelin MPSS | Dinan | Swift | M Performance Carbon Everything (Garage Queen)
2016 VW GTI - Unitronic Stage 1 Tune | AWE Track Edition Exhaust (Daily Driver)
Appreciate 0
      09-08-2018, 10:36 AM   #25
Darth One
drunk poster
Darth One's Avatar
United_States
6611
Rep
3,649
Posts

Drives: M4 GTS | E46 M3
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

the 135i is a good recommendation as well for an enthusiast. the reason i didn't recommend it is that if they feel their E93 is 'long in the tooth', i'm loath to recommend an even older BMW.

i had a love-hate relationship with my 2008 135i...well, it was all love except that it was the only BMW i've ever owned that stranded me multiple times on a faraway highway. it was the dreaded HPFP, and it eventually qualified to be lemoned. but ironically enough, i would still say the thing is reliable...it was just that one design flaw.
Appreciate 0
      09-08-2018, 02:53 PM   #26
whyzee125
Brigadier General
2007
Rep
4,032
Posts

Drives: Dinan stage 2 335i
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Chattanooga Tn

iTrader: (0)

Is-f?
Appreciate 0
      09-08-2018, 03:40 PM   #27
Red Bread
Major General
United_States
4458
Rep
9,160
Posts

Drives: Smog machines
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by usshelena725 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Darth One View Post
the 135i is a good recommendation as well for an enthusiast. the reason i didn't recommend it is that if they feel their E93 is 'long in the tooth', i'm loath to recommend an even older BMW.

i had a love-hate relationship with my 2008 135i...well, it was all love except that it was the only BMW i've ever owned that stranded me multiple times on a faraway highway. it was the dreaded HPFP, and it eventually qualified to be lemoned. but ironically enough, i would still say the thing is reliable...it was just that one design flaw.
True, but this is for a 110lb woman who regularly drives alone through the mountains.

I want to minimize the breakdown risk as much as possible.

I know it's only available in an auto, but thoughts on the A3 2.0T. The ecu tuning to 300hp?
APR stage 1 is easy. The DSG is actually better for tuning than the standard manual in the GTI or Golf R. Didn't sway me, I'll buy an upgraded clutch later.

But the quattro A3 is a good unit, and not much slower than an S3, just with a softer suspension and a few less options.
Appreciate 0
      09-08-2018, 03:51 PM   #28
stevenvillatoro
Captain
stevenvillatoro's Avatar
United_States
735
Rep
611
Posts

Drives: ‘18 M240i, Estoril Blue
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: San Diego, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 BMW M240i  [0.00]
Too bad the need for a tiny back seat; otherwise an ND Miata would be the ticket.
__________________
—Steve

'19 MX-5 Miata GT-S soft top
Past BMWs: two '57 Isetta 300s, '70 1600, '72 Bavaria, '78 320i, '18 M240i
Appreciate 0
      09-13-2018, 04:52 PM   #29
Viffermike
Colonel
Viffermike's Avatar
United_States
1767
Rep
2,947
Posts

Drives: Coming: '25 SG/black M2
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Big D

iTrader: (0)

I would take a second look at Mini -- specifically the John Cooper Works version of the Cooper S. (The GP is veritable unobtanium -- kudos, Darth One , for scoring one).

Saying that a Mini has gotten 'bigger' over the years is like saying that Kelly Ripa has gotten bigger over the years. She's still relatively small, nimble, energetic and a looker.

Beyond that in the European car space (if she's so dead-set against anything American or Asian), the best options have been discussed, IMHO. In addition to a Mini, I'd personally target the Golf R or a BMW 1 or 2 Series -- but if either of the latter are out of warranty, beware of maintenance costs.
__________________
--Life is a journey made more exciting with a fast car.--
--Helmets are for closers.--
<<Current: 'Johnny Boy' '23 CR MINI JCW 2-door. Gone (but not forgotten): 'Allie' '18 NBM Porsche 718 Cayman; 'The Blackened' '15 MG 228i M Sport w/aFe filter/scoop, JL 600/6 w/Hertz drivers, P3Cars multigauge, other goodies>>
Appreciate 1
Darth One6611.00
      09-13-2018, 05:06 PM   #30
BEM-S4
Major General
BEM-S4's Avatar
United_States
4539
Rep
8,942
Posts

Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (5)

Were it not for the back seat stipulation I'd say Z4 3.0si coupe. Yes you might have a little maintenance to worry about, but you could get a warranty. And they've pretty much bottomed out you could drive an excellent car for 5 years and basically get your money out of it. That's a hell of a lot of car for $15K. But in the realm of things that you'd actually look at - the GTI is my stock answer for pretty much every car question when a budget is involved.
__________________
2022 Macan S
2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon
2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
Appreciate 0
      09-13-2018, 06:16 PM   #31
Red Bread
Major General
United_States
4458
Rep
9,160
Posts

Drives: Smog machines
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by usshelena725 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by BEM-S4 View Post
Were it not for the back seat stipulation I'd say Z4 3.0si coupe. Yes you might have a little maintenance to worry about, but you could get a warranty. And they've pretty much bottomed out you could drive an excellent car for 5 years and basically get your money out of it. That's a hell of a lot of car for $15K. But in the realm of things that you'd actually look at - the GTI is my stock answer for pretty much every car question when a budget is involved.
Yeah, we have a 4yo daughter, so some sort of a semi back seat is a requirement.

I really wish the A3 came in a manual. That would be the winner right there. Or the ability to find a CPO BMW 328i. Things are rare ducks, man. There are like maybe 10 or 12 in the whole United States right now that are under $25k.
You don't want an F30. Or said another way, I drive my GTI every time over my wife's F30.
Appreciate 1
Efthreeoh19276.00
      09-13-2018, 08:05 PM   #32
bucketfoot
Captain
bucketfoot's Avatar
1223
Rep
892
Posts

Drives: 2024 BMW 230i xDrive
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Centennial, CO

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by usshelena725 View Post
Or the ability to find a CPO BMW 328i. Things are rare ducks, man. There are like maybe 10 or 12 in the whole United States right now that are under $25k.
Don't know if you are excluding xDrive, but at our local dealerships alone there are 2 non x-drive CPOs under $25K and another at $25.5K. If you add in xDrive there are another 3.
__________________
This post sent using 100% recycled electrons.
Appreciate 0
      09-13-2018, 09:31 PM   #33
10"
Colonel
10"'s Avatar
No_Country
5110
Rep
2,297
Posts

Drives: orange BMW 1M.
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: world

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Bread View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by usshelena725 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by BEM-S4 View Post
Were it not for the back seat stipulation I'd say Z4 3.0si coupe. Yes you might have a little maintenance to worry about, but you could get a warranty. And they've pretty much bottomed out you could drive an excellent car for 5 years and basically get your money out of it. That's a hell of a lot of car for $15K. But in the realm of things that you'd actually look at - the GTI is my stock answer for pretty much every car question when a budget is involved.
Yeah, we have a 4yo daughter, so some sort of a semi back seat is a requirement.

I really wish the A3 came in a manual. That would be the winner right there. Or the ability to find a CPO BMW 328i. Things are rare ducks, man. There are like maybe 10 or 12 in the whole United States right now that are under $25k.
You don't want an F30. Or said another way, I drive my GTI every time over my wife's F30.
I'd rather take a Lyft than drive an F30...
__________________
don't read this. too late...
Appreciate 3
Red Bread4458.00
Efthreeoh19276.00
Viffermike1767.00
      09-14-2018, 08:40 AM   #34
Run Silent
Run Deep
Run Silent's Avatar
United_States
15088
Rep
4,123
Posts

Drives: Back and Forth To Work
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: The Mountains

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by 10" View Post
I'd rather take a Lyft than drive an F30...

What makes you feel that way?

I've had F30's as loaner vehicles several times whilst my E93 was in for service. While certainly not as visceral of a driving experience as my E93 is, the F30 is quite a nice car in my opinion.

I would compare the road manners of the F30 to a VW Jetta/Passat or Audi A3/A4. Slightly firm, but not sporty. My wife would be fine with that. She just doesn't want the floaty style of the Toyota or the 'firm just to be firm' style of the Hyundai Genesis.
Appreciate 1
      09-14-2018, 09:35 AM   #35
ISSA335
Second Lieutenant
ISSA335's Avatar
48
Rep
272
Posts

Drives: 2007 E92 335i
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Oklahoma

iTrader: (-1)

Garage List
Thought about A c63? They're getting cheaper for like a 2010-2012, not sure if she wants something that "old" but interiors are very nice and would be fast, fun, reliable and has a back seat
Appreciate 0
      09-14-2018, 09:37 AM   #36
10"
Colonel
10"'s Avatar
No_Country
5110
Rep
2,297
Posts

Drives: orange BMW 1M.
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: world

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by usshelena725 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 10" View Post
I'd rather take a Lyft than drive an F30...

What makes you feel that way?

I've had F30's as loaner vehicles several times whilst my E93 was in for service. While certainly not as visceral of a driving experience as my E93 is, the F30 is quite a nice car in my opinion.

I would compare the road manners of the F30 to a VW Jetta/Passat or Audi A3/A4. Slightly firm, but not sporty. My wife would be fine with that. She just doesn't want the floaty style of the Toyota or the 'firm just to be firm' style of the Hyundai Genesis.
There's literally nothing I like about the way the F30 drives. I much prefer to be in a Golf or Civic or Focus or whatever...something suitable to its own genre.

The F30 feels like a Camry that's been put in heavy makeup and a glittery dress to come across as 'european'. Hate the steering, hate the aesthetics, the braking, the suspension, the disconnection. If anything it just angers me how far BMW reduced the dynamics of their base model line. It used to be that you could walk into a BMW dealership and drive the cheapest, most basic BMW and get a fantastic driving experience! Underpowered maybe but dynamically sound and special. These ethos simply don't apply anymore.
__________________
don't read this. too late...
Appreciate 1
Efthreeoh19276.00
      09-14-2018, 09:54 AM   #37
Alfisti
Brigadier General
6976
Rep
3,299
Posts

Drives: 2008 Saab 9-3 Combi
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Toronto, Canada

iTrader: (0)

More i think about it the more Mini starts to make sense.
Appreciate 1
Viffermike1767.00
      09-14-2018, 10:11 AM   #38
Red Bread
Major General
United_States
4458
Rep
9,160
Posts

Drives: Smog machines
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Man, drive the Mini. Both motors run out of the will to live at about 4K rpm. It's hard to believe anyone who buys a Mini test drove a GTI. I tried to convince myself I liked the handling too, but it's just harsh for the sake of being harsh, the limits are pretty low.

I'll echo 10's take in the F30, it's just hard to parse that it's a BMW. If you take the time to jam the right buttons, it's almost fun. It if you just get in and drive, it's a bland, anonymous experience that could be a Hyundai, a Lexus or any rental car. The only hope is adding 50 to the chassis code, as the F80 is great aside from the obvious size.
Appreciate 3
10"5109.50
Efthreeoh19276.00
Viffermike1767.00
      09-14-2018, 04:55 PM   #39
Darth One
drunk poster
Darth One's Avatar
United_States
6611
Rep
3,649
Posts

Drives: M4 GTS | E46 M3
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Chicks dig the Countryman. If you want to talk her into a Mini, that would be my play.

I agree with 10" on the F30. Super disappointing. And such an insult to the legacy of cars like the E30 325i and E46 323i
Appreciate 2
Run Silent15088.00
10"5109.50
      09-14-2018, 09:02 PM   #40
See5
BMW Fan
See5's Avatar
United_States
469
Rep
728
Posts

Drives: Nothing
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Atlanta

iTrader: (0)

I have an F56 now and previously had a MkVII GTI. Even though they have some overlap in price and configuration, they occupy different spaces IMO.

Compared to a Cooper S Hardtop, the GTI is bigger, quicker, and a better value. However, I do find them to be kind of boring. The F56 is pretty fun to toss around and works better as a point and shoot city car. It really has an interesting feel to it.

Both are very competent on the highway and in corners but neither car(especially the MINI) has a ride quality to write home about.

Overall, just drive both. Either one can be loaded up with all of the things you'd see in a nice 3-series.

Last edited by See5; 09-14-2018 at 09:08 PM..
Appreciate 1
Red Bread4458.00
      09-15-2018, 09:35 AM   #41
Efthreeoh
General
United_States
19276
Rep
19,764
Posts

Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 10" View Post
There's literally nothing I like about the way the F30 drives. I much prefer to be in a Golf or Civic or Focus or whatever...something suitable to its own genre.

The F30 feels like a Camry that's been put in heavy makeup and a glittery dress to come across as 'european'. Hate the steering, hate the aesthetics, the braking, the suspension, the disconnection. If anything it just angers me how far BMW reduced the dynamics of their base model line. It used to be that you could walk into a BMW dealership and drive the cheapest, most basic BMW and get a fantastic driving experience! Underpowered maybe but dynamically sound and special. These ethos simply don't apply anymore.
I was just in a brand new F30 320i on Tuesday this week; I had my Z4 in for the PCV recall and got a shuttle ride to work. The car jockey driving me had literally just pulled the car off the lot (it was going into the dealer's loaner fleet), so the window sticker was still in the car. $43,600 for that POS. The Jockey was complaining the car had a "weird vibration". The car had 32 miles on it. The F30 still sucks from the passenger seat perch and I could tell it drove no better than the several I've had as loaners and test drives over the past few years.

One of the Mods moved my Thread on this subject to the F30 Forum (I originally posted it here in this section), man you shoulda seen the shit storm that started. They closed the Thread ASAP
__________________
A manual transmission can be set to "comfort", "sport", and "track" modes simply by the technique and speed at which you shift it; it doesn't need "modes", modes are for manumatics that try to behave like a real 3-pedal manual transmission. If you can money-shift it, it's a manual transmission. "Yeah, but NO ONE puts an automatic trans shift knob on a manual transmission."
Appreciate 1
10"5109.50
      09-15-2018, 03:14 PM   #42
dgoldenz
Lieutenant Colonel
2123
Rep
1,894
Posts

Drives: Vanquish, FF, 392 Wrangler
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Las Vegas

iTrader: (1)

Probably a little over budget but check out the JL Wrangler. I just leased one for $368/mo including tax with $0 paid up front for 36 months/10k miles. My other car is an E92 M3 and they are totally different rides but the Wrangler is amazing. Driving with the top off is awesome, gives you that king of the road kind of feel, has Carplay/Android Auto (if you get the 7" screen option), and the V6 engine actually has some power while most of the SUVs in that price range have a turbo 4 cylinder instead. The manual trans is pretty great, though I got the auto.
Appreciate 1
Red Bread4458.00
      09-17-2018, 03:09 PM   #43
trouterdog
Registered
3
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: 2017 M2
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by xG35guy View Post
GTI all day long...still love mine! My M4 sits and GTI gets the nod everyday

Good luck
I've been driving a mk7 GTI for the past 3 years. I strongly agree that it checks most of the boxes - manual transmission, practicality, fun to drive.
Appreciate 2
Run Silent15088.00
Yes2m3cs156.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:47 PM.




x3:
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST