Need some help as it's time to buy

[blinkmeat]

Another thread on the subject - yes

In the next few weeks I will finally be purchasing a BMW.

I'm not quite sure what I want model wise - So I'm looking at e36 318is - 320i, 325i/is E34 525i,530i,540i and even 735i and 740il respectively.

Budget is between 4-7k depending on how I'm feeling that day.

As a student I travel alot of km's from home so that's a factor ... Ultimately though I don't want to throw alot of cash at repairs ... History is a most obviously but what are some pit-falls on these cars?

Based on personal or well-known knowledge what's the best to buy?

I'd like something relatively sporty but also capable of long-distance comfortable cruising.


Suggestions?

Should be said I'm also looking at Mercedes Benz - 300e - 190e 280e, 240 and 220 classics

[blinkmeat]

that's true - so you'd have a 3 over a 5 or 7?

[blinkmeat]

you're right

I'll being doing some of the work myself obviously as I hear a dealer is 3x the cost

I'm also partial to the 5 as it seems to be a nice compromise - I gotta factor in snow as well