I think an F25 with the 8 speed & N55 is a well kept "BMW secret", if you will. Thing is probably a rocket... a baby X3M so to say, & not very expensive. E83 is going to be cheaper of'course, but as user above me stated, i think you are getting way more bang for your buck with an F25.

There are pros of the E83. Cheap, relatively reliable. I basically maintain my neighbors E83. It has the older M54, & despite his best effort he cannot manage to run the thing into the ground. It just goes & goes & goes. The facelift model with the N52 i cant speak on. I've read the N52 is problematic but my buddy who purchased one seems to not have many if any issues at all. To be fair, his car is relatively low miles (under 100k). I know what i would do... 8hp + N55 all day long.