One of Every M3 Generation for only 75k!?

"alexotics" (alexotics) 10/09/2013 at 18:36 • Filed to: BMW

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I spent some time on Craigslist today and bookmarked a few interesting (read: suspiciously cheap) FS ads. I then noticed I had bookmarked 4 M3s - one of each generation. Just for fun, I totalled them all up and what do you know? 75k.

That's a lot of enthusiast auto for 75k. Imagine having spent that entire sum on a base trim SLK55AMG?

Sure the E92 doesn't have a title, the E46 has high mileage, the E36 is probably wasted, and the E30 is in need of a massive overhaul... but hey, 75k.

From youngest to oldest:

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rch/ctd/409136…

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/410941…

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/410536…

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/ctd/411801…

I'd be interested to get OPPO's opinion on which would be the most rewarding buy. I'm talking financially and over a 2-3 year timeframe. As best as one could from a CL post, try and take in to account the basic work that needs/may need to be done on each car listed above.

And if anyone was about to ask, YES I have already contacted the E30 owner and sent him a long list of questions.

Blondude > alexotics 10/09/2013 at 18:37

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E30 because E30.

Volvosaurus-Rex > alexotics 10/09/2013 at 18:40

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E30 will probably appreciate. The others not so much.

I'm confused why you don't own 4 M3s right now.

scoob > alexotics 10/09/2013 at 18:40

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30K for an E92?! Oh, automatic. NEXT.

Personally I'd go E46.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > alexotics 10/09/2013 at 18:41

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the E30, because you could put it on a boat and sell in in Australia for twice that. :P

The E92 you could sell for 100k if you got it converted to RHD

alexotics > Volvosaurus-Rex 10/09/2013 at 18:44

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But will it appreciate enough in the short term to justify the expensive repair bill that would await me a week after purchasing the thing? Perhaps breaking even after a few years of fun in the perhaps more solid E46 would be a better decision? Just food for though, but you're probably correct.

dieselwagon > alexotics 10/09/2013 at 18:46

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E30 isn't superb value to start with but it wont depreciate as long as it doesn't get into any worse condition.

The E92 is probably the second best option if you're not intending to put a lot of miles on it, then probably wont lose much value or you having to put much into it.

I would stay away from the other two, unless you don't mind throwing away $6k on a ruined E36 in a nasty red.

alexotics > scoob 10/09/2013 at 18:46

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Since the E92 couldn't be insured and only used on the track, the SMG does make sense. And I agree, the clean E46 with Competition wheels and proper maintenance record does stand out from the bunch.

Volvosaurus-Rex > alexotics 10/09/2013 at 18:57

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Rust is about the only thing on an e30 that doesn't come out close to even for appreciation. The E46 is not bulletproof either, especially with those miles, but it will definitely not appreciate.

Where am I and who typed all that crap using my handle? Appreciation is what happens with open road and a full tank of gas. Any repairs needed to get there are worth it.

Z_Stig > alexotics 10/09/2013 at 19:04

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The E46 only has 100k miles on it and $14.5K is a great price for it. The E92 is junk with no paperwork; probably has more value as a parts car. The E36 I would strip for the track as the '95s are easier to mod engine wise. But the E30 seems priced a tad high but if it's well sorted, fair price.

iLikeCarsAndSkiing > alexotics 10/09/2013 at 19:08

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I would not go for the e46 or the e36. Too high miles on the e46 and I'm sure you will run into problems. e36 is cheap and easier to maintain, but that e30!! I would go with the e92 because it is so cheap with only 25,000 kms! That's like 15,500 miles, and I have never seen an e92 for sale in the states less than like 32k with miles that low. But, if this is not going to be your daily, then e30.

iLikeCarsAndSkiing > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 10/09/2013 at 19:11

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Really? Explain this please...

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > iLikeCarsAndSkiing 10/09/2013 at 19:16

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http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/resul…

iLikeCarsAndSkiing > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 10/09/2013 at 19:19

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ya you should do this then

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > iLikeCarsAndSkiing 10/09/2013 at 19:35

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I'd have to own and drive the E92 in Canada for 12 months before I could bring it over, the E30 would be easier because it's pre 1989.

Maybe some time in the future

iLikeCarsAndSkiing > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 10/09/2013 at 19:38

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Oh... are you actually going to buy one of these or just looking for fun? If you are actually going to buy one I would say e46 or e30

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > iLikeCarsAndSkiing 10/09/2013 at 19:43

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I was answering OP, I'm not the one interested in them.

alexotics > iLikeCarsAndSkiing 10/09/2013 at 20:15

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I'd potentially put in an offer on the E30 M3, but a lot of things would need to check out. The E46 is kind of on my radar as well. I'll have to have a think.

alexotics > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 10/09/2013 at 20:17

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Great site, ridiculous prices. I'm intrigued...

Could the E92 be imported without a title?

alexotics > Volvosaurus-Rex 10/09/2013 at 20:20

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Yeah rust, rust, rust. E30s need careful checking behind the rear lights, underneath the front windows by the frame, and generally around the trunk. I just picked up a 1987 325is coupe two weeks ago for a winter project and 'no rust' was pretty much the only demand. I happened to find an immaculate one at a great price though, so I'm happy. :D

Brian Tschiegg > alexotics 10/09/2013 at 20:33

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You'll pay that much for insurance.

alexotics > Brian Tschiegg 10/09/2013 at 20:35

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If you insure all 3 year round it would range between 12-18k total per year.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > alexotics 10/09/2013 at 20:39

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I don't think so, because it's post 1989 and not on the Special Enthusiasts Vehicle Scheme register it would have to come over as a Personal Import, which you'd have to show you legally owned and drove it as your personal car for 12 months before bringing it over.

It could possibly be brought over for track use only.

alexotics > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 10/09/2013 at 20:44

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Interesting. I noticed on the site though that rough E30 M3s went for 30ish grand. That wouldn't make importing this particular above M3 profitable as I assume it's not in terrific shape.

iLikeCarsAndSkiing > alexotics 10/09/2013 at 20:53

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Either way, you will have loads of fun with both until you have a check engine light, then dump some cash and fix it, then more loads of fun, then probably another check engine light. Good luck!

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > alexotics 10/09/2013 at 21:08

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that's true, they really came down since I was looking at them last year. There wasn't one below $45k 12 months ago.. and I'm almost sure that $32k one was there then.

Nintondo-San > alexotics 10/14/2013 at 21:33

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How does the E30 need a massive overhaul? Looks fine to me.

Patrick Frawley > alexotics 10/14/2013 at 21:41

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Am I correct in remembering that the Canadian E36 M3s had the Euro/ITB motor? I would be so there, especially at that price.

alexotics > Patrick Frawley 10/15/2013 at 00:12

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The first two years did, I think. You can find finer examples at slightly higher prices in the province. Come pay us a visit!

Poorsha > alexotics 10/15/2013 at 01:08

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The E30 will probably be the least depreciating. However, there isn't much info in the ad and it would be safe to say that there is a fair amount to be done. And the S14 isn't cheap (ask me how I know). You may qualify for classic car insurance for the E30 as well, and save some money there.

The E36 (if the North American version) will probably be the least expensive to maintain but I don't think it will be the most valuable down the road. If it is the Eur0-spec version (with S50 engine), then buy it now! The E36 might be the blandest out of the bunch, but it is still a very nice car especially a good daily driver.

The E46 and E92 will also be very expensive to maintain but they are the newest with the most luxury conveniences.

If you just want to drive it (as you should) then get which ever one you like driving and which one is worth it to you. As far as collectibility, out of those examples, the E30 will be your best bet (assuming it is still in decent shape).

Poorsha > Patrick Frawley 10/15/2013 at 01:14

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You are correct, sort of. I believe the North American version started being sold in Canada in 1997.

Poorsha > Nintondo-San 10/15/2013 at 01:18

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I wouldn't say "massive", but without much knowledge (not much provided in the ad) I wouldn't assume it isn't perfect either. It would be safe to budget at least a couple thousand for maintenance, especially since the S14 is not cheap at all.

alexotics > Poorsha 10/15/2013 at 02:19

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Thanks for the detailed analysis! Full disclosure, I already own a reliable and fun daily driver ('07 VW GTI) and I have a white 1987 325is 5-speed Coupe in the garage for on those rare Vancouver sunny weekends.

Ideally I'd replace my GTI with a 135i or a 997 Coupe, but I just can't shake the idea of owning an appreciating fun car, like an E30. Most vintage 911s I don't fit in so those are out of question. I couldn't see myself driving an E36 anywhere else than on the track. The E46s are fun but I don't want it to blow up on me, and E9x M3s are scary awesome but still need to come down in price. It's tough.

Than the other question is whether I'd like the E30 M3 THAT much over my 325is. I mean, how much more fun can you have? I think I'd miss the straight six.

Anywho, lots of time to think. :D

Poorsha > alexotics 10/15/2013 at 02:52

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Wow looks like you have a lot to think about, but that is good.

As far as being different from your 325is, well I think it would be quite different, both in a good and bad way. You will certainly miss the torque of the straight six, especially in day-to-day driving. The S14 really shines when you keep the revs up - mainly on a track or weekend, spirited driving. The interior won't be much different from what you have now, and while the M3 only shares a single body panel with 3-series (hood), the same general look (although more aggressive) of the E30 is also shared. So it pretty much comes down to how the M3 drives differently from your 325, and the only way for you to find that out, is to get out there and drive one.

Good luck!