e36 M3 convertibles - why so cheap?

[anonymous-user]

I'm looking for an early e36 M3 coupe at the moment for occasional trackdays, etc.

Something I have noticed however, is that the convertibles don't seem to fetch as much money as a decent coupe. Not that I'm interested in one but was the convertible a compromised M car?

[Vixpy1]

One word, Scuttle shake, ok thats actually 2 words, but its pretty bad on the E36

[mat205125]

I would speculate that a really good coupe is now becoming quite a cherished comodity to enthusiasts who are looking for a great performance car for relatively little money. They will hopefully be looked after accordingly. Whilst cosmetically tidy cabriolets are out there, I'd speculate (again, maybe drawing too many stereotypes) that mechanical maintenance are a second priority to them.

I've not driven an E36 cab, so cannot comment on scuttle shake, however don't recall ever seeing one out on a track day where a coupe is more naturally at home.

[alanruss]

St John Smythe said:

I'm looking for an early e36 M3 coupe at the moment for occasional trackdays, etc.

Something I have noticed however, is that the convertibles don't seem to fetch as much money as a decent coupe. Not that I'm interested in one but was the convertible a compromised M car?

I have bought one, and the scuttle shake can be bad, you can get a hardtop for them on eBay for less than £400 and that firms things up pretty nicely. I'd defo have mine on when I get it on a trackday.

I wouldn't agree that they won't be as well looked after. In fact I wasn't after a convertible per se when I was looking but mine was so mint for £6.5K I couldn't turn it down.

I guess if you are a journo that has access to the world finest machinery then you could say the convertible is compromised, but its 321PS of power, with awesome M Division goodies (if you go for the M3 Evo) for £6-8K!

I think the values are lower as people looking for a convertible are happy with the 328i or look for a 320 - 330 E46 so there is less demand for the E36 M3 Cab.

I'm loving mine at the minute as on British roads with their limitations it makes a great noise and is fast enough, but you get to have the top down! You could exceed the national 60mph (single lane) in 2nd!

[shamrock]

alanruss said:

St John Smythe said:

I'm looking for an early e36 M3 coupe at the moment for occasional trackdays, etc.

Something I have noticed however, is that the convertibles don't seem to fetch as much money as a decent coupe. Not that I'm interested in one but was the convertible a compromised M car?

I have bought one, and the scuttle shake can be bad, you can get a hardtop for them on eBay for less than £400 and that firms things up pretty nicely. I'd defo have mine on when I get it on a trackday.

I wouldn't agree that they won't be as well looked after. In fact I wasn't after a convertible per se when I was looking but mine was so mint for £6.5K I couldn't turn it down.

I guess if you are a journo that has access to the world finest machinery then you could say the convertible is compromised, but its 321PS of power, with awesome M Division goodies (if you go for the M3 Evo) for £6-8K!

I think the values are lower as people looking for a convertible are happy with the 328i or look for a 320 - 330 E46 so there is less demand for the E36 M3 Cab.

I'm loving mine at the minute as on British roads with their limitations it makes a great noise and is fast enough, but you get to have the top down! You could exceed the national 60mph (single lane) in 2nd!

Exactly.

The difference in performance between the coupe and convertible is so minor that you would have to be driving at 10/10 to notice the difference.

Besides it has more than enough power and handling to see off most cars, including more modern cars.

The condition of each M car is dependant on the owner. Mint ones are becomming harder to find. If anything, I'd say the coupe will have had a harder a life as the vert is bought for track days, etc.