Cast your mind back to 2007 when the current
E92 BMW M3 coupe
was launched. Only the most rose-tinted spectacles will see a car that met with universal acclaim; many reviews cited poor steering feel as a dynamic bugbear and felt 1,665kg was simply too heavy for an M3.
£20K for the car, then there's the fuel bill...
Yet time has been kind to this M3. Beneath the iffy steering was a balanced and exploitable chassis, aided by an M Differential and three-mode EDC adjustable dampers. When it arrived, the DCT dual-clutch gearbox was a revelation compared to the previous single-clutch SMG unit. The M3 saloon made a welcome return also, offering to many a more resolved driving experience with some added cool.
And every model had that stunning 4.0-litre V8 powering it. Producing 420hp, 295lb ft and capable of revving to 8,400rpm, it really was the M3's crowning glory and another legendary BMW M engine.
Now, with over 50,000 E9x-generation M3s sold across saloon, coupe and convertible bodystyles, BMW is finishing production ahead of the F30 model and upcoming M4. So what better time to delve into the classifieds for some V8 M3 bargains?
Decent manual coupes now start at £20,000. This 2007 example has covered 48,000 miles and appears fine in the photos but the seller makes no mention of service history or MOT. For another £1,500, this Melbourne Red coupe comes with a Milltek exhaust, service history and four new tyres.
Much heavier, but think of the noise
For £21,000 but with quite a few miles (88,000), this
Jerez Black manual saloon
is another intriguing option. It certainly serves to make the saloon we featured as a
Spotted
recently look even better value at under £20K with 30,000 fewer miles.
BMW chose to launch the DCT dual-clutch 'box with the convertible, perhaps indicative of its intended use as a less focused transmission option. The first two-pedal E93 M3s are around £25K, whilst this 2009 car is interesting at £28K if the colour scheme isn't too Essex. A couple of rare manual convertibles are available as well.
In 2010, BMW introduced the Competition Pack to the M3. It comprised new, CSL-esque wheels, a firmer Sport mode for the EDC dampers, a 10mm ride height reduction and a more lenient stability control. A £3,315 option new, we found this Interlagos Blue car for £34,950.
For when 450hp just won't do...
There's currently just a single
M3 GTS
for sale on PH, which isn't surprising given only 135 were originally sold. This
GTS
has been G-Powered so now produces 626hp and is yours for €154,000. Rarer still is the
M3 CRT
(Carbon Racing Technology), a saloon with the GTS's 4.4-litre, 450hp engine and a wealth of carbon technology. As the
E46 M3 CSL
previewed a carbon roof for the E92 M3, expect much of the CRT's carbonfibre-reinforced plastic to feature on the next M3/M4. Just 67 were sold by BMW.
Although they will only continue to depreciate, nearly-new M3s are now available for significantly less than list price. How about a 700-mile manual coupe on 18-inch wheels for £42,490? We won't see a car like the E9x-generation M3 again, which gives as much to mourn as celebrate, so why not experience it now?