The 5 Cheapest, Reliable, High-Performance BMWs You Can Buy Right Now

►High-performance BMWs are typically the ones wearing an M badge. They come with motorsports pedigree, exotic engines, and big price tags to match. Look a little harder, though, and you can find more than a few BMWs with plenty of performance without the M treatment.

You can find good performance from a handful of different models with the right engine. The E9X 335i models came equipped with massive power potential but some suspect reliability. Other models, like the E82 128i and E46 330i ZHP, have less power potential but have sublimely balanced chassis and the reliability to make up for any lack of oomph. Even a manual-equipped E83 X3 3.0i can give a thrill when set up the right way. Check out why we love these models right here on Top Picks.

00:00 - Intro
00:43 - BMW E90 335i
03:13 - BMW E46 330ci/i ZHP
06:11 - BMW E36 M3
08:51 - BMW E83 X3 3.0si
10:50 - BMW E82 128i
12:38 - Wrap-Up

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[fatoputso]

The e36 just stands out. Looks are classic yet timeless. Quick enough for fun, handles and brakes so balanced. Address the common concerns and this car will outlive any sports car.

[bmwseries]

I think the E39 5-Series with M54 is a good choice. 528 and 530

[grvl]

Depends on how much performance you want; an e9x 330i is quite quick and the n52b30 engine is super reliable. Just not that much tuning potential, but plenty quick.

[DigitalDissident]

*N55* E82 135i. Over 300hp stock, RWD, Coupe, Small, nice interior, Manual or Dual Clutch, 6cyl +Turbo, amazing sound.

[dsong]

I think there is a huge difference between "reliable" and "reliable for a BMW", and some of these cars def. fall under the latter category.
Reliable fullstop = keep up with fluid changes and brakes and it will last forever
Reliable for a BMW = all of the above plus changing cooling system components(esp. waterpump+T-stat) every 60k mile, ignition coils every 60k miles, bunch of gaskets every 90k miles, replacing ton of cheap plastic components as they break

Even the most reliable car on that list, the 128i can only be considered "reliable for a bmw"

[omeridrizi]

Acted fast a year ago and scored an E82 128i 6 speed manual transmission titanium silver for $6200. 175k miles on the clock it runs like a new car, it's a perfect daily driver. Of course maintenained correctly with FCP euro parts.

[KG-rkqu]

Bought my 2005 Orient Blue 330i ZHP the day this video came out. Didn’t even need to watch this beforehand😂

[petrsvetr]

in EU I have the e87 130i. Its 5door hatchback with n52b30 and 258hp. I just added torsen LSD. My wife drives it as compact hatch arround town with kids. the engine is smooth and torquy in low rpm for her with just enougj performance. I drive it for fun and go up to 7k rpm, the car is great fun on the dry, wet and snow;-)

[GRQPEFRYI]

Hey there, the level of expertise and value of your channel is off the charts. After watching your series on Porsche Cayenne's i bascially got hooked to this channel as i am about to purchase my first car (ever) I am 36 years old and it took me a while to do my drivers license and now i am obsessed with driving possibly trying to catch up on some mileage ;) In Germany the market seems to be packed with BMW's, as its on top of the list of my favourite car brands i was looking for a Guide that would revolve around BMW 1 Series. If you find the time and think it would make sense to make a Video or Series about the 1 Series of BMW, you would make me very happy. Hope there are others out there that would be interested in that as well. Thanks for your amazing work !

[mr_sparkly_face]

Loving these lists, thanks as always to the guys at FCP!

[BMWEiMSport]

N52B30 for the win! Twice in this list. Love my euro spec !! Chip this puppy with the right bolt ons and you are having major fun.

[themadcentrist]

I just purchased a ZHP in great shape needing mostly cosmetic TLC at an incredible price (No more than a good standard 330i w same millage). Its an incredible car. The sum is much greater than the parts. If you can find one, grab it. Only 6500 were made and they are gaining in value.

[hduncan]

Having an automatic 128i, I'm not thrilled, but also don't feel it's as big a penalty as many automatics out there. Thanks to the gearing difference out back, it's still plenty quick, and still tickles the 7, 000 rpm mark (sometimes).

Now to have a manual with the rear end gearing and three stage intake manifold swap... that'd be most peoples dream for these things.

For what I need, and as a first BMW, it's been better than the Mazda6 manual wagon I had a few years ago, even with the water pump and thermostat (which I knew were a risk, so I expected them around my mileage), window regulator, and now I see a small leak at the entry to the radiator-- that just means reassurance after changing it all, including an aluminum Mickey Mouse.

I really wanted an E91 and had already done the research here at FCP. When a 128i plopped into our inventory at work, and it filled my want for a small rwd coupe like a BRZ, it gave me the BMW experience I'd been craving. Not as practical as the wagon, but I've used the rear seat, and the fold down seats have proven themselves for hauling a 2021 Silverado front valence and some Wrangler side steps to our surprise. Not to mention very few small coupes have over-the-shoulder visibility like the E82. Audi TT is probably the next closest.

[AnthonyStromDesign]

thank you for including the 128i. they are so underrated. They are a joy to drive as well as easy to work on. They are reliable making it a great choice for those who wants to get into BMW but are worry about reliability. the N52 engines are bullet proof. Highly recommended.

[RothBeyondTheGrave]

FCP is good at mind reading. Minutes before getting this notification I was thinking how sick I am of the body roll & chassis slop in my c207 even after literally being about 40% away from a brand new car underneath (including new rear subframe). W204-W212'S undoubtedly are more rigid, but I think it's getting close to BMW 'o clock for me. I NEED a properly tuned chassis!! A c207 w/ pano roof is NOT it.

[fvhitmanhire]

E36 M3 was by far the most reliable BMW I've ever owned... I sold it with 240k miles and since upgraded to an E46 M3 with 70k miles :) Now the E36 M3 may have gotten the 'watered down' engine compared to its EU counterparts, but its still a zippy fast car and looks amazing. Low mileage, 'clean title' ones are hard to find cheap $ so you may have to settle for the higher miles and potential 'salvage' titled ones.

[johnnytacosauce]

I just bought an n55 e92 and its overall fun and reliable other than the gaskets every car has their issues that come from factory. But honestly if you buy a bmw my best advice is to make it as reliable as possible before doing the fun mods.

[carlosbonilla]

Excellent choices… glad to see 2 out of the 5 options have the N52 engines… I’d equate this engine to the VW 2.5 5 cyl (last forever) and a Honda K20/K24… 👍👍

[Ayixlia]

I have a 2000 323i, yes, a 323i sedan that has a 450HP M52TU supercharged.

[Tupeutla]

focus on N55 engine, no major issues, one turbo twin, just some fuel pump or oil leak but all are located on the top and easy to to fix

I know some people talk about S55 or S58 but 2 turbos and no more space and double the the price to fix

an for sure if you want to make investment, go, go, FAST to the B58 engine, before BMW and ecologists will ruin your dreams .
I have one B58 . you know guys one twin turbo is not as powerful as Ms, but you have a lot of space ! to replace it for a BIG one, a car for life ....