Beautiful styling and an aggressive power is the only way to describe the BMW 540i Sport Wagon. Its 8 cylinder 4.4 liter engine has 282 hp and a whopping 324 lbs of torque launching this family truckster 0-60 mph in about 5.9 seconds and does the ¼ mile in about 14.4 seconds at 95.6 mph. With the optional sport suspension the BMW 540i Sport Wagon’s handling is very unlike a typical station wagon. As with all 5 series BMW from this time period the BMW 540i Sport Wagon is rear wheel drive.

The BMW 540i Sport Wagon is only available with a smooth 5 speed Steptronic automatic transmission with the ability to manually up shift or downshift. The comfortable and spacious interior lends itself to long trips. The exterior has classic lines with an aggressive overtone.

This body style was produced from 1999 to 2003. A 1999, 2000 or 2001 should be readily available in the $10 to $20K price range. As with any used vehicle you definitely should have a pre purchase inspection completed.

See the other Top 5 Fahrcar.com Sport Wagons:

2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant
2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T Manual Transmission
2002 and 2003 Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon
2002 and 2003 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8

Comparing a BMW M3 E46 and a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR may sound a little silly to some people. What you may be surprised by is that some think the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is no match for the BMW M3 E46 and others feel just the opposite.

So what makes these two vehicles competitive?

1. They both cost about the same. The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR IX MSRP is around $36,924 ($36,299 MSRP and Destination and handling of $625 according to Mitsubishi’s website). As with any used car the condition largely dictates the price, but you should be able to acquire a relatively nice example of a 2001, 2002 or 2003 BMW M3 E46 for around the same price (with an aftermarket warranty) if not less (as of the publish date of this article).

2. Very similar performance numbers.

3. Similar audience except for a small age gap.

4. Both cars are relatively track ready for the weekend warrior.

5. Lastly, both vehicles represent benchmarks among their peers.

So let’s examine these cars in the following categories:

Performance:

BMW M3 E46 (2001, 2002, and 2003): The BME M3 E46 came stock with a 333 hp and 262 lbs of torque inline 6 cylinder engine. This rear wheel drive (RWD) sports sedan is able to push 0 to 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds and the ¼ mile in about 13.1 seconds at 106 mph.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR IX (2006): The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR has a turbo charged inline 4 cylinder engine that pumps out an impressive 286 hp with 289 lbs of torque. With a 143 hp per liter, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is capable of going 0 to 60 in about 4.6 seconds and the ¼ mile in about 13.4 seconds at 104 mph.

Handling:

The Mitsubishi has the upper hand on the twisting back roads with its all wheel drive power train. This is not to say that the BMW M3 E46 has poor handling, just it requires more driving expertise to manage through the turns then the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR. The BMW M3 E46 advantage over the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is at the higher speeds. The Mitsubishi Evolutions power is more pronounced at less than 100 mph, where the BMW M3 E46 has been designed for Autobahn high speed driving. Both of these vehicles have a somewhat harsh ride and could prove challenging on long trips.

Styling and Finish:

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR looks the part of the boy racer, with its large spoiler and the aggressive front end. The BMW M3 E46 on the other hand does have an aggressive look, but maintains BMW’s overall 3 series design. Hands down the BMW M3 E46 wins in the department of finish. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR has a rather dull interior with very little frills.

BMW M3 E46 Interior

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Interior

Ownership Costs:

The BMW M3 E46 can carry some expensive maintenance bills especially since it is a used luxury vehicle, but the Mitsubishi is also expensive to maintain considering is has Brembo brakes and its tires cost over $250 a piece to replace. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR carries a higher liability risk than the BMW M3 E46 resulting in increased insurance costs.

The Verdict:

When you spend $35,000+ on a new or used car it is nice to be reminded of your investment every time you go for a drive, with this in mind, I lean more towards the BMW M3 E46. Unfortunately the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR really lacks the fit and finish of the BMW M3 E46. The Mitsubishi does have aggressive acceleration and excellent handling, but the BMW gives you performance, handling all while maintaining fit and finish.

Please see also articles on the BMW E30 M3 and the BMW E36 M3

So you don’t like the new body style of the new E60 BMW M5 (2006 – present), but love the awesome performance that comes with it. Well, Dinan has a solution for you and it is call the E39 BMW M5 Dinan S3 (1999-2003 E39 body style).

Dinan took the already impressive E39 BMW M5 ’s V8 and super charged it to 621 hp and 502 lbs of torque. The idea of adding a supercharger to any car seems relatively simple, but keeping the car street able and maintaining any type of reliability requires a lot of engineering and knowledge. Dinan is known for their ability to add power while maintaining the reliability of a vehicle. Not only does Dinan increase the power of the E39 BMW M5 but also sets the vehicle up to handle the incredible power increase (221 hp over the stock 400 hp). According Dinan the S3 is capable of a top speed of around 191 mph.

So for about $70,000 plus a stock E39 BMW M5, you can have probably one of the fastest M5’s on the road and give exotics a real run for their money. Learn more about Dinan at Dinancars.com.

Here is a video from the M5Board.com of a Dinan BMW M5 S3 from the passenger seat.

So you are looking for German engineering and classic lines, well here is a short list of our top 5 picks for Sporty German cars between $10,000 to $20,000 (as of this publish date). We choose these cars for their performance and overall everyday drivability. Keep in mind that this list represents the opinion of the author. Keep in mind that prices can vary in different markets and the pricing was based off of edmunds.com “true market value” and listings available online on Autotrader.com and Ebaymotors.com.

(They are in no particular order)

1996-1999 BMW E36 M3 – If you needed one word to describe the E36 BMW M3, the word would have to be “handling”. The naturally aspirated inline 6 cylinder engine packs a smooth and sweet sounding 240 hp and 236 lbs of torque (USA version). Capable of going 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 145 mph (electronically limited). During its production the E36 BMW M3 was the benchmark for sports sedans.

In 1997 and 1998, BMW offered a 4 door version of this special sedan. Among owners and enthusiasts it is a common belief that the 4 door has a stiffer body. In 1998 and 1999 they offered a convertible version.

Prices range from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on condition, year, etc. As with any used car you should definitely consider having a pre purchase inspection (PPI) completed.

1978-1983 Porsche 911 SC – In 1978 Porsche released the 911 SC with a new more reliable power plant and a much needed galvanized body. Powered by an air cooled flat 6 cylinder engine, the Porsche 911 SC had 180 hp at 5500 rpm in 1978 and 1979, 188 hp in 1980 and 204 hp at 5900Rpm in 1981, 1982 and 1983. The Porsche 911 SC managed 0 to 60 mph in about 7 seconds and had a top speed around 135 mph.

Sporting the classic style that has defined Porsche since the 1960’s, this vehicle is absolutely stunning. Pricing can vary greatly due to condition, but there are definitely some good examples available for under $20,000. Make sure you find a good Porsche mechanic and you should absolutely get a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI).

2000-2002 Audi S4 (B5) – In 2000, Audi released their answer to the BMW M3 in the USA (was available in Europe from 1997). Powered by a twin turbo charged V6, the Audi S4 (B5) has 250 hp and 258 lbs torque. The Audi S4 is capable of going 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and is electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph. The S4’s real advantage lies in its all wheel drive system which has been the root of Audi’s identity since the 1980’s.

The Audi S4 was available in as a 4 door sedan and also as the Avant (wagon). Pricing ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on condition. The 4 door sedan in good supply, while the Audi S4 Avant is much rarer find. Again, as with any used vehicle a pre purchase inspection is a good idea.

1997-1999 Porsche Boxster – In 1997 Porsche released this beautiful roadster with a warm reception from the American public. This Porsche was priced within range of a much larger group of people than its 911 big brother. The Porsche Boxster is a perfect example of what a roadster is suppose to be; fast, fun and easy to drive. The Boxster is powered by a smooth 6 cylinder that generates 201 hp and 188 lbs of torque. The Porsche Boxster will run 0 to 60 mph in about 6.7 seconds.

A good example of a 1997 to 1999 Porsche Boxster and be purchased between $10,000 to $20,000. The years are chosen based off of the pricing, you may be able to find a 2000 Porsche Boxster under $20,000, but the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Porsche Boxsters are more readily available in this price range. Pre Purchase inspection is once again suggested.

1998-2000 BMW M Coupe- The BMW M Coupe definitely commands a second look. You will either love the look or absolutely hate it. Awkwardly beautiful is how I like to describe this sport coupe. Powered by the BMW M3’s 240 hp and 236 lbs of torque inline 6 cylinder, the BMW M Coupe will sprint 0 to 60 mph in about 5.3 seconds.

Handling is excellent and the sound is equally impressive. Pricing for a 1998, 1999 or 2000 BMW M Coupe is on the upper end of the 10,000 to 20,000 range. Once again a pre purchase inspection is suggested.

All of the aforementioned cars are somewhat specialty vehicles that can and do require expensive parts and maintenance to insure they continue to perform.

This is just a short list from a long list of awesome German vehicles. Please feel free to comment on your favorite German car in this price range.

For 2007 BMW will be introducing a convertible roadster that will absolutely flatten the competition.

With a 330 hp and 262 lbs of torque (at 4900 rpm) 3.2 liter 6 cylinder engine this two door convertible claims to rocket 0 – 60 in 4.9 seconds. BMW claims their new Z4 M Roadster will redline at 8000 rpm. The Z4 M Roadster will come standard with a 6 speed transmission. The 2007 BMW Z4 M Roadster in will weigh in at 3197 lbs.

The new M Roadster will keep the same styling as the standard Z4. Besides the M badge this will be a tough beast to identify.

Please see this article on the BMW M Coupe

In 1986 BMW introduced a new race car to compete in “Group A” European Touring Car Championship racing. The only problem was that in order to compete, you had to have a road version on the car, hence the BMW E30 M3.

What makes the E30 M3 so special is that it was almost an exact replica of the race car used in competition. The engine was a high revving inline 4 cylinder that produced 192 hp and 170 lbs of torque (at 4750 rpm). From 1986 till 1991 the BMW E30 M3 evolved to remain competitive on the track. In the USA we only saw the 192 hp version, but in Europe they where privy to a 238 hp version (1990 E30 M3 Sport Evolution). They are extremely recognizable with their flared fenders to accommodate the oversized tires.

According to Car and Driver the USA 192hp version of the BMW E30 M3 sprinted 0 – 60 in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 141 MPH. The 238 hp European version made the 0 – 60 run in 6.2 seconds with a top speed just over 150 MPH.

Availability of these used production race cars is limited. Their performance is no secret so take caution if you are looking to purchase one of these machines.

Please see these other articles on BMW E46 M3 and the BMW E36 M3

For 2007 BMW will be returning to production a legendary model that has not seen production since 1989, the BMW M6. The 2007 BMW M6’s body is based off of the new E63 645 coupe. The M6 will share the same V10 500hp engine as the new E60 BMW M5.

BMW claims the new M6will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The braking should be anything less than steller with high-performance brakes with cross-drilled compound brake discs. For 2007 the BMW M6 will only be available with a 7 speed SMG gearbox which is also the only option currently available in the M5. There are talks of offering a 6 speed manual in the future.

BMW has also taken care to cut the weight where ever possible by including a carbon fiber roof. Actual numbers speak louder than words and I look forward to experiencing the return of this legend.

In 1986 BMW introduced what would soon become a legend among BMW enthusiasts the M5. This special 5 series BMW was introduced to the world in the 1984 Amsterdam Motor Show.

1986-1988 BMW M5 E28

The first of these special sports sedans was the BMW M5 E28 which came with an inline 6 cylinder that produced 286 hp at 6500 rpm (the North American model had 256 hp at 6500 rpm) and 251 lb/ft or torque at 4500 rpm (the North American model had 246 lb/ft torque at 4500 rpm) . The BMW M5 E28 weighs 3153lbs and came standard with a 5 speed transmission. The E28 M5 European version rocketed 0-60 mph in about 6.1 seconds and the ¼ mile in about 14.6 seconds at 85.7 mph.

1989-1995 BMW M5 E34

This second generation BMW M5 upped the performance to 315 hp. After 3 years of production, BMW upped the E34 M5’s hp to 340 at 6900 rpm and the torque to 296 lb/ft at 4750 rpm. The E34 M5 weighs 3788 lbs and came standard with a 5 speed transmission. This version managed 0-60 mph times less than 6 seconds.

1999-2003 BMW M5 E39

After a couple of years in hiatus the new BMW M5 appeared. This celebrated version of the BMW M5 has a v8 power plant with 394 hp at 6600 rpm with 368 lb/ft of torque at 3800 rpm. The E39 M5 weighs 4024 lbs and came standard with a 6 speed transmission. With 0-60 mph times under 5 seconds, the E39 M5 held the title as one of the best production sports sedans for several years. This example of the BMW M5 is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

2005-present BMW M5 E60

The new E60 BMW M5 is an absolute monster among sports sedans. The new E60 M5 has a 500 hp at 7750 rpm V10 engine that has 384 lb/ft of torque at 6100 rpm. It weighs in at 4050 lbs and currently comes standard with a 7 speed auto clutch manual transmission (rumors are that they will be offering a standard manual transmission in the coming years). The new E60 BMW M5 will jump 0-60 mph in about 4.5 and do the ¼ mile in about 12.6 seconds hitting 115mph. The new BMW M5 E60 is a 4 door supercar!

The next new to be released BMW M3 will be powered by a V8. The V8 is said to be a 4.0 liter, 415 hp engine based off the V10 engine that currently powers the BMW M5. Rumors are that it will be offered with both their SMG transmission and a standard 6 speed transmission.