BMW M3 (E90): Spotted

Is it too soon to be throwing out the 'future classic' card?

We all know of those cars that are more fondly remembered once they're out of production, and the previous generation E90 M3 could well be of them. Following the E92 coupe, this was to be the glorious return of the M3 saloon after a generation away.

Except it never was, was it? It arrived right in the middle of a financial crisis and it would seem the majority of buyers still preferred the coupe. You probably saw an E92 M3 yesterday, but an E90 four-door? Must be a while back. In fact of the 222 V8 M3s for sale on PH currently, just 18 are saloons. That it didn't address some of the V8 M3 flaws (the steering, most notably) may have seemed a missed opportunity, or perhaps it looked too similar to a regular 3 Series for some.

Now, however, when engines like that 4.0-litre V8 won't be seen in small saloons again, there's a renewed appreciation. Where the C63, M3, RS4 and IS F all once had V8s that revved way past 7,000rpm, all are now turbocharged (or soon going to be) and, in the case of the Lexus, replaced only by a coupe.

M3s have (and will continue to be) discussed on PH a great deal, but this particular saloon caught our attention as perhaps the nicest example currently on sale. It's an LCI (Life Cycle Impulse, BMW's fancy term for a facelift) car, even rarer as M3 saloons go and desirable thanks to the updated iDrive it introduced. It has some Competition Pack wheels too, which just look fantastic here. Oh yes, and £4K's worth of Akrapovic exhaust...

It's still only covered 28,000 miles, the service history is comprehensive and there's still some BMW extended warranty remaining. For those after a four-door M3, there surely can't be many (if any) better.

Do you want a manual? Here perhaps more than anywhere else it's no great loss, BMW's notchy shift and vague clutch substituted in this M3 for the DCT. It's one of the best dual-clutch boxes, and ideal for making the most of that sensational powerband. Should you want a manual one, this Interlagos Blue car has been for sale for months (we've been admiring it in the office for months, that's why we know).

The M3 had some very strong rivals when new and they've continued into the used market, something like this C63 surely proving a very tempting alternative. Don't forget about that Lexus too. All will require a healthy fuel and tyre budget...

Whatever you decide, it will be interesting to see what happens to the values of M3 saloons going forward. This is a car that will continue to depreciate for a while but which must be as rare as a 1M Coupe in the UK. And with that engine; however the price ends up, that will be something to savour!

BMW M3 SALOON (E90)
Engine: 3,999cc, V8
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch DCT, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 420@8,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 295@3,900rpm
MPG: 25.2 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 263g/km
First registered: 2011
Recorded mileage: 28,111 miles
Price new: £54,085 (plus options)
Yours for: £33,500