Best Affordable Used BMWs on the Market Right Now & How To Improve Them
Recently, we’ve talked about the used car market, especially as it relates to collectible BMWs. While you may have missed your chance at an affordable E30, E36, or E46 M3, there are still plenty of cool BMWs with tons of potential as interesting daily drivers or even some potent track builds. This week, we’re going to look at just a few of the best affordable BMWs on the market right now and give you a few tips on how to make them even better with a little help from your friends here at Turner Motorsport. So, if you’re looking for your next project or something to jump on before prices skyrocket like everything else, then settle in for this edition of Turner Motorsport Weekly. | | Affordable 3-Series - E36 Vert
Despite the recent climb in E36 prices, you can still find E36 Convertible models at relative bargains, even for extremely clean ones. Due to the nature of old convertible tops and the headaches they can cause (trust me, I’ve owned a few,) they tend to fetch anywhere from 25-50% of what a similar condition and mileage E36 model would currently see. If you have an E36 bug and need one in your life, you should definitely consider an E36 vert of any model. Even the 325ic is a fantastic car with tons of potential. With a bit of weight reduction, a roll bar or half cage, coilovers, a quick steer / roll-center correction kit, tune, and some more aggressive cams, the E36 325ic can be a stout little ripper.
I know, you’re probably asking yourself ‘are convertible headaches worth it.’ I can tell you from experience, yes, they are. If you get the car you want at a bargain, spend a bit of time and elbow grease replacing or repairing the top so it holds water, and have the option to cruise with the top down, all those problems disappear. Owning a convertible can be a blast, especially if you take the time to make it proper. Or find a hard top and never worry about the canvas top again. Regardless, here are some recommendations for an E36 vert build that will have you completely forgetting that it isn’t the more desirable coupe: | | Turner Motorsport Power Pulleys M5X/S5X - underdriving the accessories frees up more power for your engine to put to the wheels, which means more fun on the street or track.
Coilovers - Whether you go with the affordable Raceland setup or a more competitive kit from Ohlins, BC Racing, KW, or ECS Tuning, dropping the ride height, increasing the spring rate, and adding camber/caster/damper adjustability means you can fine-tune your handling for better performance and stellar looks. Nothing looks quite as good as a slammed E36 vert rocking some OEM+ wheels like M-Systems, Style 5s, or M-Parallels.
Turner Motorsport Adjustable Rear Trailing Arms (Street / Track) - Lowering your E36 will change the camber in the rear. Without a way to dial it back, you’re not maximizing your handling and traction. Our Adjustable Rear Trailing Arms give you the adjustment range you need to bring your camber back within spec. The street versions offer a bit more comfort for daily driving, while the track versions eliminate deflection with hime joints for better performance on the track.
Quick-Steer / Roll Center Correction - Similar to the adjustable camber arms, our roll center correction and quick steer kit allows you to bring the roll center back to where the control arms are level and operate in their full intended range for precise handling even when extremely lowered. This kit has the added benefit of changing the input needed for lock-to-lock steering, effectively giving you a quicker steering ratio for better turn-in and agility through the corners.
Turner Motorsport Double-Adjustable Short Shift Kit - No one likes a sloppy shifter with farm-truck throws from gear to gear. Our double-adjustable shift kit allows you to adjust both the height and throw length of your shifter to suit your preferences as well as replaces many of the bushings and mount that result in a tighter, crisper, more engaging shifting feel. | | Affordable 5-Series - E34
Somehow, the E34 hasn’t experienced the same exponential increase in value that the other BMWs of that era have. Classic styling, the mechanical nature, relatively small size, and range of engine options give the E34 a lot to love. It’s one of the prettiest BMW body styles ever made and can still be lived with on a daily basis without much sacrifice. Whether you’re just looking for a neat daily build that won’t let you down or a blistering V8 highway cruiser, there’s an E34 for you.
Bear in mind, though, you’ll likely spend a bit more for a 1995 M50-powered E34 or the V8-powered 540i, as those are considered fairly desirable, but for what you’re getting, the prices are still low compared to the E36, E30, and E39. Here’s what we recommend if you’re looking for an E34 to live your 1980s business executive dreams: | | BC Racing Coilovers - Since you have to weld in the fronts like you do with E30 coilovers, we suggest BC Racing BR series coilovers. They are one of the easiest coilover options on the market and specifically designed for you to weld them into the front knuckles. You can expect tons of adjustability, better handling, and much better looks for a relatively low-cost upgrade.
APEX Wheels - I have to admit, I love the ‘stance’ scene, and the E34 is one of the coolest cars you can apply that style to, but nothing looks quite as good on the E34 as a set of APEX ARC-8s with some aggressive, thick, sticky tires. The DTM look suits the car and gives it a mean presence on the street. Again, APEX wheels are light, durable, and designed specifically for BMW fitment, so you’re checking all the boxes while not spending a whole bunch to make your E34 look proper. | | Affordable 5-Series - F10
Somewhat of a different direction, the modern F10 5-series has seen a nice depreciation and offers tons of bang for your buck, especially with the N55-powered 535i/xi. They aren’t exactly on the same level of ‘affordability’ as the other options on this list, but for what you’re getting, the F10 is definitely a luxury performance bargain.
With the modern technology, comfy interior, powerful turbo engine options, and easy tunability, the F10 has the potential to be a classy, sporty, and engaging commuter car that still holds a presence on the road since most folks perceive it as a ‘very nice car.’ Here’s what we suggest, particularly for the 535i: | | | Turner Motorsport F10 N55 Carbon Fiber Intake - A benefit of modern turbo engines is how easy they are to unlock hidden power. One quick and easy upgrade that will improve power, sound, and engine bay cleanliness is our carbon fiber intake. Reduce your intake temperatures, increase the volume of air to your engine, and hear that hearty turbo induction noise with this simple upgrade. | | Affordable 7-Series - E38 740i/iL
Last but certainly not least on our list, the E38 sporty shorty 740i and long wheelbase 740iL offer luxury, space, and comfortable cruising in style. The powerful M62 V8 makes a fantastic noise and the classic yet still modern lines of the big body executive sedan give it a unique presence on the road. Slammed on the ground sitting on some OEM wheels, these cars offer a perfect look for the discerning, classy, BMW enthusiast. Here’s what we suggest: | | Turner Motorsport Big Bore 84mm - This kit includes a brand new N62 84mm throttle body, and a Plug and play harness to convert the M62 to the N62 larger throttle body. The N62 throttle body offers increased throttle response, as well as a 10.25% increase in cross sectional area. This is a great way to increase airflow into your engine, and make more power. This kit is made specifically for M62TU cars (DBW).
BC Coilovers - Once again, lowering your BMW is always the answer. A slammed big-body sedan always delivers stellar looks, especially when its the iconic E38. BC Coilovers are a fantastic mid-range option that won’t break the bank but still give you tons of adjustment without sacrificing ride quality. | | | | Wrapping Up
They may not be everyone’s first choices when it comes to desirable BMW builds, but we think these models, among others, are right now the best options that are still affordable. Even if you’re on a budget, there are some excellent choices here with tons of potential for upgrades. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a cool BMW, so if you’re lamenting the price hikes E30s, E36s, E46s, and others, you should try broadening your horizons. Who knows, maybe your next build on a budget will be your favorite BMW ever. As always, you can find everything you need to maintain your BMW and build it exactly how you want right here at Turner Motorsport. All that’s left is to decide which one to take home.
Speaking of choices, which one would you pick? What do you think about our short list of affordable BMW options? Let us know at [email protected] and you might find your story in a future edition of Turner Motorsport Weekly. | | | | |
About the Author
Craig Daugherty is a die-hard BMW enthusiast with a particular taste for E30s, engine swaps, and manual transmissions. A graduate of Lipscomb University in his hometown of Nashville, TN, Craig holds an undergraduate BA in English alongside an MS in Renewable Energy. Before introducing Turner Motorsport Keys to Performance and Turner Motorsport Weekly in 2017, he was the co-owner and co-founder of Tennessee30 Garage in Nashville and an active member in the Old Hickory BMWCCA chapter. With more than a decade of BMW experience and as an amateur or professional automotive journalist, his interests are evident in each weekly article. He’s the man behind the keyboard and who many of you correspond with in response to each edition and the source for all things BMW news here at Turner Motorsport!
Thanks for reading!
Craig Daugherty | | | | |
