BMW's E46 generation 3 series was sold from 1999 to 2005 and it was known for its well balanced chassis and smooth inline-6 engines. If you want a fast one, you can get the M3 version for less than the price of this next example...but it won't have a 400+ horsepower V8 that'll drink 87 octane fuel and leave twin black stripes everywhere you go. Find this 2000 BMW 323ci V8 offered for $16,900 in Long Island, NY via craigslist. Tip from Jeff.
The '75-'83 BMW 3-Series Baur Targa is a strange intersection of BMW E21 handling/driving goodness with a unique convertible/targa styling...and I've gotta admit that I'm really not an expert on these wild looking things, but they guys over at Baurspotting can give you the full details of how Karosserie Baur would hack the top off a new BMW 3-series and offer a unique and safe alternative to the ragtop. Not many were built and not many remain, but they are still cheap. Find this 1983 BMW 323i Baur Targa offered for $6,500 in Clovis, CA via craigslist.
What is the deal with the prices people want for ALMOST new classics. Are they worth it? Would you pay almost one hundred large for a 1985 BMW 323i found here on zee German ebay
bidding for $69,900 EUR ($82667 USD) with only 260 kms on the odometer? For that kinda coin you could get the nicely equipped BMW M4 --which would depreciate...but only if you drove it -- which the same can be said for the '85 E30 323i. Hmmm...this is a conundrum wrapped in an enigma interwoven with a quandary.
The E46 generation BMW 3-series is still considered a high water mark for the 3-series in terms of design, chassis, and drive-ability. Around here you'll see us lavishing praise on the brutally fast (and honestly cheap) E46 M3, but the lesser 323/325/330 offerings offer a decent driving experience for a basic buy in. Find this 2000 BMW 323CI w/2JZ Power here on eBay
currently bidding for $9,000 with a few hours to go.
The E21 generation BMW 3 Series is one of the better generations of BMWs to pick up clean examples for next to nothing for a number of reasons. First, the E21 doesn't have the cachet that the E30 has and as such the market isn't flooded with stanced E21s or buoyed by fanboy dreams of the ultimate driving experience. Sometimes being in the minority is a good thing...certainly for your pocket book if you pay attention. Find this 1980 BMW 323i Euro Import for sale in Portland, OR for $7,500 via bimmerforums.com
The BMW E30 323i was not exported to North America, so we yanks never got the L-jetronic fuel injected M20B23 inline-6. After 25 years of age, foreign-market cars can be legally imported into the US and this one has reportedly been through the rigorous California BAR certification process and has been 50-state legal for the past 10 years. Find this 1985 BMW 323i Baur Targa for sale in Allentown, PA for $6,250. Tip from David K.
After yesterday's rare Dutch treat, an E28 Schulz Tuning Touring, time to take a look at a much more common, attainable and modern take on a shift-your-own BMW wagon. The E46 was basically an evolution of the seminal E36 3-series. With added complexity and potential for expensive failure they are also more modern, lightweight and stiffer than their predecessors. E46 values are now down to dirt-cheap levels and present a compelling alternative to the budget 3-series shopper. Especially since the "Touring" wagon version was sold new in North America, unlike its blockier E36 ancestor. Find this 2000 BMW 323iT with 5-spd manual conversion here on bimmerforums.com, available in Leicester, MA for just $4250 or best offer. Big thanks to Frederic D. for the tip!
We've all seen what Karosserie Baur did to countless defenseless BMW 2002s, but what we didn't know is that the heinous hack jobs continued into the '80s! Okay, to be fair, Karosserie Baur has a long résumé of coach building, including manufacture of the Porsche 959 supercar and the Baur Targa design maintains most of the original chassis rigidity by keeping the vehicle's original roof frame intact...but the aesthetics take some getting used to. Find this 1982 BMW E21 323i Baur Targa located in Australia for the asking price of $10,000 AUD (or $10,316 USD) via carsales.com.au.