BMW lover

Hello Bimmer Enthusiasts,
My name is Matt, and I am a 15 year old from sunny California!

I am looking to get my 1st self-purchased car soon, and would love to hear some advice and learn new things. Currently, I drive an 06 Jaguar XJR that was handed down to me, it has less than 30k miles, and I truly enjoy driving it. However, I think a BMW would be much more fitting for a younger driver. Don't get me wrong: I love dusting "rice rockets" in a 400hp RWD saloon car (of course, only when the law has it's head turned around!) However, the styling is WAY too bland for my tastes, and I think the car is more suited towards a older audience. Also, R-Series Jag parts are hard to find and expensive.

Now, I've been looking at the M Series and the 8 Series Bimmers, and I have no idea where to start. I am in love with the 8 Series, but the parts availability is putting me off- the Jag has given me many nightmares. My budget is 17k or less, and would like something newer than the 1980s models.

I am a massive automobile fanatic, and I fix/maintain the family cars myself- if you have 2hands, why not do something that will make you proud? After doing the job, you can stand back and truly enjoy your handiwork. The maximum experience I have car-wise is rebuilding an engine- Two things I don't touch are non fuse-related electronics issues and transmission issues.

I apologize for the long introduction, but my eagerness got the best of me!
Thank you, and enjoy your Ultimate Driving Machine- life is too short!

Matt