Not necessarily a future classic, just a nice BMW that you would keep for the next decade that is fun to drive, yet utilitarian, and fairly reliable with diligent maintenance.
I would consider "long term" as keeping a car for 6-10 years before it gets long in the tooth.
I have a G82 M4 for track and weekend use, but I would still like something fairly quick, but it doesn't have to be an M car. My long term BMW would ideally check these boxes:
- Respectable 0-60, less than 6 seconds
- Reliable (for a bimmer) engine that won't grenade like my Audi S4 4.8 V8. Yearly maintenance budget of $3k or less
- 4 door or SUV for convenience.
- A MY2014+ BMW
- ICE or Hybrid, no EVs simply because the technology is evolving so fast, residuals are potentially lower on EVs.
- Sporty yet elegant styling, unique, but not too controversial. So my G82 is out lol!
- For me, under $50k used is the sweet spot financially
My picks so far:
G01 2018-2020 X3 M40i - quick, convenient, traditionally styled BMW. The B48 seem solid and reliable. 355 hp, 0-60 in 4.4s. Almost as quick as my old F80 M3, with the convenience of an SUV makes this a solid choice. Relatively affordable at around $40-50k.
F13 2016-2019 650i Gran Coupe LCI - Still fairly modern iDrive, 444hp, 0-60 4.3s. A sleek luxurious rocket ship. To me the 6 series was always a stunning car. Relatively affordable at around $40-50k.
The downsides is that it is a little large, and the N63 might not be the best engine to bet 6-10 years on. Maybe the N55 640i (315hp, 0-60 5.3s) is better suited long term?
G05 2019-2020 X5 sDrive40i - I had this as a loaner and was very impressed. More comfortable than the X3 M40i, luxurious to sit in. Same wonderful B58 engine in the X3 M40i. 355hp 0-60 5.2s due to weight.
Downsides are its a little bigger and I already have a large SUV so I don't really need it. Upsides is that it looks nicer than the X3 M40i IMHO. Older higher mileage X5M's aren't that much more expensive.
Any M cars to add to this list that is less than $50k used? E90? X5M?