E46 M3 in Laguna Seca Blue

[roygarth]

I like this rare colour,but wondering if it's a bit 'marmite' and might be a difficult coloured car to sell in a few years?

http://www.greensidecars.com/cars#/new-gallery-25/

Thoughts?

[roygarth]

I've not had it inspected yet, but to my very fussy eye it really is mint. Having said that I think it's slightly overpriced.

[roygarth]

MW-M5 said:

Big price but it is a fantastic colour.

Is it more a £16k car?

[roygarth]

Cactussed said:

I have largely decided I want a coupe in LSB but there just aren't any about...

Buy this one. I've been to see it. It's mint.

http://www.greensidecars.com/cars#/new-gallery-25/

[roygarth]

MW-M5 said:

roygarth said:

Buy this one. I've been to see it. It's mint.

http://www.greensidecars.com/cars#/new-gallery-25/

You didn't want to but it then?

I've decided not to buy an M3.

[roygarth]

HerrSchnell said:

MW-M5 said:

You didn't want to but it then?

I imagine the ridiculously crazy price and guilt at having an interior stained with the blood of so many Smurfs on his hands deterred him.

Lol..

[roygarth]

When did facelift happen and what was changed?

[roygarth]

Wills2 said:

It doesn't matter you decided not to buy one....

All info is on this thread:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=493...

Thanks!

Never say never...part of the fun is in the looking and the learning.
I've got an M itch which will be satisfied one day

[roygarth]

Craigwww said:

roygarth said:

Thanks!

Never say never...part of the fun is in the looking and the learning.
I've got an M itch which will be satisfied one day

That car is way over priced !

The colour is actually very desirable but the interior is what will affect the future value. Easily swapped out though.

Don't worry about facelift cars, very few changes which were purely cosmetic anyway.

They are great cars but buying a 'mint' standard M3 at top money is false economy IMO, they will lose too much over the next few years. Better getting a 'CS' which are holding strong money and will continue to rise a little every year. CSLs already over-priced.

Thanks Craig. Which price point and mileage would you go for if buying a normal, non-'CS' car? I'd probably keep for 2 years.

(Have you seen the prices of manual 430's?!?!)

[roygarth]

Craigwww said:

roygarth said:

Thanks Craig. Which price point and mileage would you go for if buying a normal, non-'CS' car? I'd probably keep for 2 years.

(Have you seen the prices of manual 430's?!?!)

Please don't mention manual F430s.. wish I had kept it another year!

The E46 M3 market is a tough one because there are so many cars for sale. Prices are all over the place and they don't seem to reflect which is a good or a bad car. As a bare minimum. If I was looking for a car this would be my ultimate spec for a car that's going to be desirable 2 years down the line and retain most/all of it's value:

1. Budget 10k - 13k
2. Sub 60-75k miles with full FBMWSH, MY2004 onwards
3. Rear subframe fixed under warranty by BMW (alternatively reinforcement plates and resin injection by Reddish etc.)
4. If SMG, New pump fitted by BMW (not recondiiotned - it can't be done)
5. Genuine CSL/CS wheels or OEM only. (check for BMW/BBS logos etc)
6. Cared for leather in Black/Red/Cinamon or Cream only (avoid Blue,Kiwi,Grey)
7. Interior trim - original Piano Black or Storm Grey
8. Body colour in Laguna Seca Blue, Red, Silver Grey, Sapphire Black, Yellow (not Silver/Carbon Black/Phoenix Yellow - too common)
9. Full options inluding rear blind, (rare), must have Sat Nav/HK system.

Acceptable Modifications:

1. Any 'GENUINE' CSL parts (front bumpers, rear diffuser, bootlid, airbox, wheels)
2. Any Storm Motorwerks interior accessories
3. KW, Bilstein coilovers fitted and setup properly

Avoid:

1. Cars with replica CSL Parts (Genuine parts desirable though)
2. 'Reconditioned' SMG Pumps
3. Cheap/Budget tyres
4. 'Inspected and no cracks found' cars above 80k... only a matter of time
5. Cheap coilovers, cars on non OEM springs

If it was me.. I would be pouncing on this one..

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=139...

Thanks Craig, that is very helpful.

[roygarth]

Nice..and love that plate!

[roygarth]

Cactussed said:

Well, I bought one on the weekend.
LSB inside and out.
Sadly, I suffered budget creep but in return I got a stonking car.

Chuffed doesn't even come close.

Lol...I did exactly the same a few weeks ago! LSB inside and out.

[roygarth]

e21Mark said:

I need to stay away from these E46 M3 threads. Every time I sneak a peek, I end up spending the next 2 hours working my way through the classifieds. Second to my E30, they're just about the best looking M3 for me.

I agree. E30 is best looking of all but E46 is a close second.

[roygarth]

Better get in quick guys!

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-33...

[roygarth]

Cactussed said:

Mine's got a few mods:
100 cell cats
Exhaust
Carbon airbox
3.91 diff
Coilovers
6 pots

I don't know about values, but in terms of fun to drive, its right up there with the 355.
The short diff and airbox are hilarious fun.

Mines totally standard as it left the factory. Agree...they are a hoot to hoon around the B roads up here in Norfolk! I can see why people upgrade the brakes - Porsche they are not in that department!

[roygarth]

Cactussed said:

For a grand, a set of K-sports is a really good upgrade.

Thanks. So its OK to only upgrade the fronts?