[R3dShift]

So I'm staring down the purchase of my first car. Its a big moment. After much deliberation, I have decided upon a BMW. I have driven a number in the past (some friends have BMWs, although primarily E30s...I'm looking into a different beast entirely) and I know that it is the make that I am looking to get into. I considered an Audi for a short time, but decided that it is not for me.

In any event, I need to do something very quickly, and I'm having a hard time getting advice on the matter. I would really like a manual transmission 3 series, but if I could get a lower mileage/better condition 3 series in automatic, should I? I love the feel and control of manual trans, but I suppose it isn't necessary..

The only advise I have been given is that I would be better off with an E46, but I'm not finding one that meets my criteria (<$13000, <100k miles are my NEEDS, manual transmission and sedan are my PREFERENCE). That leaves an early model E90...is that a bad idea? I'm concerned about higher repair costs (I understand it is a BMW - I'm trying to mitigate the repairs as much as possible).

These are the cars that I am currently looking at:

2006 330xi

2007 328xi

2007 328xi

2008 328xi

2004 330ci

I've only been looking on Cars.com, within 100 miles of 18055. I'm open to all suggestions, but these are my current front runners. I looked at a 2004 330xi last night in Lancaster, PA, but it had some electrical issues (mirrors moving on their own, sunroof not closing all the way) that I asked the dealership to fix before I consider it further, but I'm not sure that I even should.

Thanks so much for any help you guys are willing to give me!

[rick100]

I like the 2 coupes. The 2008 has premium packages and it is newer. The 2007 does not indicated any package and it is older but manual

I would do manual if i was you. My friend has a 2007 and its pretty nice

[R3dShift]

The 2008 is actually a sedan. I definitely like the 2008...the problem I have with the coupe is, unfortunately, that it is not AWD. I guess it isn't a necessity, but I'm slightly concerned about driving it in the winter. Maybe someone could chime in with info on driving a RWD BMW in adverse conditions?

[SgtGoldy]

from what I understand (which is very limited knowledge) BMW isn't great in snowy/icy conditions.

My personal suggestion:
Save a bit more and get a used 335i

[rick100]

Originally Posted by R3dShift

The 2008 is actually a sedan. I definitely like the 2008...the problem I have with the coupe is, unfortunately, that it is not AWD. I guess it isn't a necessity, but I'm slightly concerned about driving it in the winter. Maybe someone could chime in with info on driving a RWD BMW in adverse conditions?

if you look at the links you gave us , they are all AWD (XI) so I don't understand where you get the RWD from

RWD can also be driving in the snow , you just need good winter tires. My friend has a mustang gt that he drives everyday and he has not issues in the snow. Unless there is a storm or you live somewhere where the don't clean the roads you should be fine.

[Nebraska330xi]

That 330 is a good price, that would be a great car. Im biased thou. As a first car you can do most of the maintenance based on DIYs on this board for the N52s common problems. you WILL want a 335 about 2 months after you realize you cannot spend enough money to put 5 HP in the car though. That being said you don't need a 335 as a first car, get that 330 which is much quicker than your average corolla. You will miss sport pack, navigation is shit in the early ones so thats no big deal thou.