What model would you suggest for a rookie?

[SCOTT26]

BMW 114d.

[Wozich]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

BMW 114d.

You serious? Or you just want to piss off the whole forum?

That's like saying to someone who wants to buy a sports motorcycle to buy a 50cc Vespa.

[Feddersen]

I know this is a 3-series forum and I don't know if the model is available in your country but if you are only 2 persons but want options to be more than two in the car, want decent performance and economy go find a E82. They come in diesel from 118d to 125d and gasoline from 120i to 135i. With the M-performance suspension even the slowest one can be fun to drive.

It is absolutely one of the best driving machines BMW has ever produced. Here a picture of mine with my son in it.

[AntDX316]

From what you know and what you are most likely looking for in a BMW I highly recommend checking out the new BMW M2. Look at the videos on youtube as they are amazing.

Like this one.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by TheBat-Dad

Hello Bimmerpost,

Tl;dr version: What bmw (model and year) would you recommend for someone who has never owned a performance car?

what is your budget for this car? How long do you plan on keeping it? Are you planning on servicing/repairing yourself?

[MaynardZed]

I would get a BMW minivan

[Fundguy1]

Any 335i body style will work. They all can have the optional ski bag. Even my vert has it and the back seat cussing will go flat for the pooch. Pick one you like and test drive. If you're in a snowy area, an x drive or subaru wrx are worth consideration.

[OuttaTheWoods]

M2

[WreckerX5d]

335/340i, M3, M5, all good choices for you. Don't get a 320i expecting it being a sports sedan, they're not. You'll get bored of the power in maybe 3 minutes of driving. You sound like a responsible person, so just buy the car that suits your end results once you get used to it. It doesn't take that long really to grasp the power of a car. It's not like we're suggesting a car for a 16 year old male..

[Fazerfahrer]

Originally Posted by TheBat-Dad

Hello Bimmerpost,

Background:
I love driving, but have only ever owned compacts (Mazda protege 5, and mazda 3 currently), and a wicked '96 purple dodge grand caravan (the hotbox). I have a lot of miles under my belt, especially highway, so I consider myself a pretty decent driver at high speeds. I have always wanted a fast sports car, and now I have the cash and means to do so.

Muchos gracias!

...high speed sounds funny for me with our Autobahn. Does it mean more than 100 miles per hour

To be serious I would propose pending on your budget a BMW 2 series, top,down would be M2, M240i or M235i.

[VRG_135]

Originally Posted by TheBat-Dad

Hello Bimmerpost,

Tl;dr version: What bmw (model and year) would you recommend for someone who has never owned a performance car?

Background:
I love driving, but have only ever owned compacts (Mazda protege 5, and mazda 3 currently), and a wicked '96 purple dodge grand caravan (the hotbox). I have a lot of miles under my belt, especially highway, so I consider myself a pretty decent driver at high speeds. I have always wanted a fast sports car, and now I have the cash and means to do so.

BMW's have always caught my eye, and they are regarded as the ultimate driving machine. But based on everything I have read, the current bimmers don't seem to bring home the cheddar. I am more interested in a previous gen version as it seems everyone on these forums (and in the press) constantly harps on bmw as having lost their way, so I am more interested in finding that era that seems to be held up to godlike status like a grizzly chuck norris riding on a horse made of bacon.

A couple caveats:
1) I don't know how to drive a manual. Yea I know, I am what's wrong with the auto industry now-a-days, I am ruining it for the rest of us, etc. etc. Spare me. By no means am I opposed to manuals, but I just never needed to learn so it didn't happen. I likely will learn someday but it can't be on this car.

2) Fuel efficiency. I know this is probably a deal killer for older bmw's, but if it was slightly better than poking a hold in a jerry can that would help prevent the wife from harping on me every time I drive it.

Muchos gracias!

My brother (who was in a similar situation to you) owned a 128 in DC, and absolutely loved it. The 1's/2's have more room than you think, and are very sporty and fun to drive, and get good MPG. I have a 135, but am a speed/power freak. I don't think yo can go wrong with either one, and you'll have a car less common than a 3 series. With any of these cars, if not under factory warranty, get one. It will give you great peace of mind.