[RoundelM3]

2 suggestions:

1. Buy a CPO car from a reputable dealer - CPO will insure that everything is in good working order or it'll get fixed, and it extends factory warranty out to 6 yrs/100K miles.

2. Get a copy of BMWCCA's Roundel magazine and look at the cars in the classified section - all are CCA-member owned and well-maintained.

You should be able to get a decent 07-08 335i Sedan or Coupe in the mid-20s prices range. If you are looking for something comparable to the Golf size-wise, the 1-series would be a good choice. Best part about buying CPO is that someone else takes the depreciation hit. My 07 E92 was a CPO with 3200 miles on it in January of 08, and I've had 30K+ miles of good experience with it. HPFP replacement is the only major issue I've had and that was handled with a free BMW loaner and no cost to me.