V10 SMG: 2006 BMW M5 E60

I know what you'll say. Another BMW...sheesh, you DT guys must have some kind of sponsorship from Bavaria.  Not quite (although we'd love to get some kick back from BMW if you guys are reading this...send unmarked cash in brown paper envelopes care of the crazy cat lady down the street)..but if you can find another company that sells nicely styled manual transmission equipped sports sedans and V10 powered hoonmobiles, I'll become a fan boy for that OE too.  Deal?  Anyway, BMW M division's first bruiser sedan was the 1988 BMW M5; they had previously dabbled in the M1 supercar and 4-cylinder powered E30 M3 but it was the E28 M5 that set the standard for a fast M-sedan.  Multiple generations later that formula had outgrown its inline-6 roots and by the E60 generation the M5 was powered by an F1 inspired V10 with a screaming high 8250 rpm redline.  Today these M5s are out of factory warranty and can be purchased for less than a new Honda Accord. Find this 2006 BMW M5 E60 starting bid at $1000 with estimated value $17k here on SecondDaily.com.

Super Man Gearbox: 2003 BMW M3 E46

If you want a late model car that looks good, goes fast, and gets lots of middle fingers from other drivers, look no further than an E46 M3. Seriously, I should know, I recently picked one up as a daily driver replacement for my 04 STI...and while the STI got interesting looks from people who assumed the owner was 18 years old and vaping (I assure you I am NEITHER) the BMW gets a completely different amount of disrespect from everyone who assumes you are a spoiled rich brat who doesn't use blinkers (once again, I assure you I use blinkers and am old enough to remember the 70s). Regardless, the E46 with SMG gearbox offers a moderately civilized driving experience on the open road, and a neck-snapping grin-inducing experience on the track that is hard to beat for the entry price...but not for long because prices are creeping up. Find this 2003 BMW M3 E46 here on eBay offered for $14,995 buy-it-now or make-offer located in Midlothian, VA.

10k: Salvage SMG: 2003 BMW M3 E46

There are few cars that will match the E46 M3 performance per dollar ratio.  Not just few cars, probably none.  This E46 M3 hits 60mph in about 4.7 seconds and trips the 1/4 mile lights at 13.5 seconds and 105 mph.  In case you were wondering, that is fast for a street car.  But it isn't just a one trick pony, the E46 also features one of the nicest handling chassis this side of a Ferrari...and you can get one for about $10k.  Find this 2003 BMW M3 E46 offered for $9999 in Philadelphia, PA via craigslist.  Tip from K2 Mystery Car.
 

15k: iS'not Manual Gearbox: 2002 BMW M3, E46 SMG

The E46 generation M3 was built from 2001-2006 and BMW sold a staggering 85,000 of the screaming coupes around the world.  The sedan versions of the M3 seem to skip generations and the E46 was only available as a coupe or convertible, but it was equipped with a screaming 8,000 rpm capable inline six cylinder engine and a six speed gearbox.  Find this 2002 BMW M3 E46 equipped with SMG trans for sale in Fairfax, VA for $14,000 via craigslist.