Do you think the E46 M3 is a future $100k car?

[jp1984]

So many people seem to be catching on to the BMW enthusiast bug and many of them are viewing the E46 M3 as future $100k cars. (for pristine examples most likely)

I am split, on one hand, bids are already getting close to $100k for perfectly kept low mile examples. On the other, it feels like too many were made and people caught on fast enough to maintain many of them that maybe there are just enough around to keep a bunch in a "normal affordable territory" I guess. They run for a lot of miles if kept up, despite the 3 or so major issues. $$$

I am thinking about picking up a really cheap example that needs a lot of work for a low price. This is a hobby of mine so it isn't exactly p*ssing money away, but I am interested in others view of their collectibility.

[fiveohwblow]

No clue, own mine cause it was a favorite body style and capable. Track the crap out of mine and it’s at 160k original engine. Many of the myths of upkeep are proliferated from pay my mechanic folks who turn not a wrench and pay inflated bmw tax. Simple to own and maintain, truly.

100k? That seems a stretch by a long shot. 40-60k for unmolested examples? Maybe someday soon.

[rmanm4]

I doubt it. The e30 M3 didnt hit that price so cant see the e46 doing it!

Maybe.....a new condition e46 M3 CSL....maybe!

[jp1984]

This almost new NON Comp just went for 91k

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2005-bmw-m3-coupe-78/

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by jp1984

This almost new NON Comp just went for 91k

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2005-bmw-m3-coupe-78/

JESUS

[IcewaterPete]

Originally Posted by rmanm4

I doubt it. The e30 M3 didnt hit that price so cant see the e46 doing it!

Maybe.....a new condition e46 M3 CSL....maybe!

You might want to check BAT’s sold graph. Two even sold for over $250k! Several E30s have closed for over $100k. I could see an E 46 get there down the road if in pristine condition, low miles, 6mt and right color.

[M5Rick]

100K? depends on the mood and auction feeling. Ppl that keep these cars locked away in a cocoon must be sad with a capital S.

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by jp1984

This almost new NON Comp just went for 91k

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2005-bmw-m3-coupe-78/

Don't forget the buyers fee (5% with $5k max) on BaT. That actually sold for $91,000 * 1.05 = $95,550.

[jp1984]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

100K? depends on the mood and auction feeling. Ppl that keep these cars locked away in a cocoon must be sad with a capital S.

Agreed, it is why I would want one that has already lived a (healthy!) life.

This isn't Indiana Jones and these don't belong in a museum, they belong on the street.

[W///]

Originally Posted by jp1984

So many people seem to be catching on to the BMW enthusiast bug and many of them are viewing the E46 M3 as future $100k cars. (for pristine examples most likely)

I am split, on one hand, bids are already getting close to $100k for perfectly kept low mile examples. On the other, it feels like too many were made and people caught on fast enough to maintain many of them that maybe there are just enough around to keep a bunch in a "normal affordable territory" I guess. They run for a lot of miles if kept up, despite the 3 or so major issues. $$$

I am thinking about picking up a really cheap example that needs a lot of work for a low price. This is a hobby of mine so it isn't exactly p*ssing money away, but I am interested in others view of their collectibility.

To be honest, not super relevant for me as I'm just not interested in collector cars like that. I don't want to feel bad putting miles on a car that is known to be fun to drive, not to mention I'd rather have a fleet of well maintained cars with miles than just 1.

Also not a popular opinion, but to me, there's 0 reason E46's should be reaching that price as you mentioned. While it might not have the classic looks of the E46 M3, I much preferred getting my Z4M Roadster. I find it a far more exciting car for the cost of a mint ZHP these days.

[jp1984]

Originally Posted by W///

To be honest, not super relevant for me as I'm just not interested in collector cars like that. I don't want to feel bad putting miles on a car that is known to be fun to drive, not to mention I'd rather have a fleet of well maintained cars with miles than just 1.

Also not a popular opinion, but to me, there's 0 reason E46's should be reaching that price as you mentioned. While it might not have the classic looks of the E46 M3, I much preferred getting my Z4M Roadster. I find it a far more exciting car for the cost of a mint ZHP these days.

I agree with ya, and I am envious of your fleet. I believe the cars should be driven, same as you, as I keep seeing the prices climb it is more of a hypothetical.

[ROASTM]

Originally Posted by rmanm4

I doubt it. The e30 M3 didnt hit that price so cant see the e46 doing it!

Maybe.....a new condition e46 M3 CSL....maybe!

Maybe I'm crazy... but the e30 M3 has absolutely hit that price (and above, for a couple super clean, mint, low mileage examples on BaT..

[BimmerMRide]

$90K for a nice M3 is crazy, but I think folks are appreciating a traditional sports car, less computers etc.

[Ab28]

I think the only ones that will be worth over 100k are sub 10k mileage examples. Like any (most) car, super low mileage garage queens bring the money.

[SpringheelJack]

Originally Posted by jp1984

So many people seem to be catching on to the BMW enthusiast bug and many of them are viewing the E46 M3 as future $100k cars. (for pristine examples most likely)

I am split, on one hand, bids are already getting close to $100k for perfectly kept low mile examples. On the other, it feels like too many were made and people caught on fast enough to maintain many of them that maybe there are just enough around to keep a bunch in a "normal affordable territory" I guess. They run for a lot of miles if kept up, despite the 3 or so major issues. $$$

I am thinking about picking up a really cheap example that needs a lot of work for a low price. This is a hobby of mine so it isn't exactly p*ssing money away, but I am interested in others view of their collectibility.

I think it is too expensive, no more than 50К

[monkeyjuice5150]

lol ppl are dumb.

CSL I can see 100k, but for a ZHP or just a regular m3. No thanks. I've owned a few back in the days. They're not that special.

[RugbyBro]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2005-bmw-m3-coupe-73/

[ExcelonGT]

$90k for an e46?! people have lost their minds

[flybigjet]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...ign=2022-01-12

[jp1984]

I think all that is needed is slicktop, speedcloth 6 speed with low miles. I wonder if this would be the same way without Covid and bitcoin billionaires!

[Obioban]

Originally Posted by jp1984

I think all that is needed is slicktop, speedcloth 6 speed with low miles. I wonder if this would be the same way without Covid and bitcoin billionaires!

I think it's more of a supply and demand thing. If you want a smallish car with a high revving NA engine, good steering feel, manual trans... there's not much in the way of new cars.

Everything that meets the above is going up. The e46M happens to be going up a bit more/faster because it's (IMHO) one of the best examples of that.

[stein_325i]

How about $120k for an E39 M5? And there's still one more day for bidding...

4k-Mile 2001 BMW M5