BMW M3 GTS: Spotted
There are faster, more exotic cars at this price but rarity is on the M3 GTS's side says Harris
It was considerably slower than a GT3 RS, more expensive than the Porsche and Sport Auto revealed that it was around two seconds faster lapping the Nurburgring than the 2003E46 M3 CSL. It also sported a rear deck spoiler of a size that, transposed into the human world, would cause most men to wait for everyone else to have a shower first.
Already pricey, but the only way is up, says Harris
The reasons? Well, the GTS ticks most of the boxes. Save for that spoiler, it looks very good. It also sounds plain illegal due to the titanium pipes, and thanks to the dual-clutch 'box it’s very easy to drive slowly, something that those who spend lots of cash on rare cars rather like. For further evidence of this trend, check prices of the Porsche CarreraGT – pegged down by being near-impossible to drive slowly in Mayfair. And the GTS is very good on track – as you’d expect from something that has many modifications over a standard M3.
Ironically, the fact that it sold in miniscule numbers is probably its greatest attraction now, just three years after it was launched. Being one of so few genuine UK cars almost guarantees that this will become a sought-after car.
Question is, would you value the rarity over the amazing list of faster, more exotic machinery you could own for the same money?
BMW M3 GTS
Engine: 4,361cc V8
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 450@8,300rpm
Torque (lb ft): 325@3,750rpm
MPG: 22.2mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: 295g/km
First registered: 2011
Price new: 115,000 euros (exc VAT)
Yours for: £94,500
See the original advert here.
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Where as the price premium of the E46 CSL when new or second hand is understandable, the price premium of this over the standard (very well sorted) version is a joke.
Fun to drive on track, but then there are plenty of cars that do that, standard M3 included (albeit not quite as fast).
This car epitomises the diminishing returns of tinkering with a well sorted car. For me it represents a major fail that BMW had to make it so expensive and "exclusive" (that word is being used too much of late by Ferrari, I hope BMW do not follow suit!!)
If they'd made just 2 M3 Suctions with a Henry strapped to the bonnet(replacing the normal air intake obviously) and a glovebox full of hoover bags would that be collectable?
I know this is ultimately a better performing car, but the cost is just mental mental mental for the marginal improvement.
Several reasons for me going for the GT3, not least how much of a tit I would look at the country hotel..
Pure track car no problem but that would have been a real luxury and the GT3 is the better car anyway.
Having had two M3 CSL's the noise was a draw however, for a short while...
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