E46 M3 prices....increasing

[Shezbo]

I have been after an E46 M3 - few a while and cannot believe how low mileage cars have shot up in value.

Dealers who specialise in them, cannot get enough of them (their words).

People are waking up to a classy good looking car, with four seats a decent boot, that goes like stink, yet is as docile as they come.

Glad I got mine, it's a lovely thing!

[Shezbo]

XMT said:

People seriously under estimate the cost of keeping these cars to a good standard.

As much as I love the E46 M3 I still dont think its all that.

Must admit I am slightly puzzled by this statement, what else is soundly built, goes pretty swiftly, can be had in tin or convertible tops, can seat four and a can be purchased for the same price as a 4 year old Fiesta...there is a 80k example for sale for £8k presently?

I have owned a few classic's mainly 1960's car's and I have had more questions about the M3 than some of them, it certainly does not get ignored like "some" classic's (at classic car shows!).

I suppose £8k would get you a decent MGB - GT....but I know which I would own, the M3 is "good fun!"

[Shezbo]

TR4man said:

Shezbo - such an unusual moniker. Don't suppose you used to have a TR6 by any chance?

I did indeed, had several in fact and a very nice TR4a too!

I am sure I recognise your moniker too...really smart powder blue TR4, by chance?

Sorry (an age thing) forgotten where, or how we possibly know each other and importantly your name...

regards Mark

[Shezbo]

e21Mark said:

I've only had the use of an E46 M3 for a few weeks but I loved the thing. I thought it was a hugely capable car and with some sensible mods it can keep a lot of expensive stuff honest. I also like the aggressive styling and the CSL type air box is the icing on the cake. I even like the SMG despite it being a bit dimwitted and clunky when manoeuvring in Sainsbury's car park. Cliche I know but it reminded me of the E30 and what an M car is all about.

As has been said though, owning and running an M3 can be bloody expensive. Routine maintenance can be bad enough but suffer a spun shell or VANOS failure and it'll sting like hell when you get the bill. Mind you, any M car has the potential to do that I guess?

Given the way E36 M3 prices have gone though, I am pretty sure E46 values won't be far behind. I just hope I can get myself one before they're out of reach.

• off to check and see what the cheapest M3 is at*

Good man...some bargains to be had fight now, you will not have the chance next year, the market may well have moved on by then. I certainly should have purchased a 911 Targa (circa 1989 vintage) when they were £16-18K 3 years ago...and are £30k+ now.

Go for it - best regards

[Shezbo]

MikeyC said:

a fast 'vert with interesting engine seems a good idea to me, not everyone's choice I agree

someone where I used to work had one some years back - he'd px'ed it from a Z3M Coupe (always kept the miles low on it)
guess he might be regretting that considering their price now!

Get one now, before they get to silly money, lovely thing!

[Shezbo]

Welshbeef said:

For owners on the E46 M3 can you confirm what Roma is 70mph in 3rd gear? I've a sneaking suspicion that you'll only ever to be able to access max power in 1st and 2nd. Actually even if you risk it in 3rd the remaining 3gears you will not get the benefit /would be interesting to know the max power you can achieve in 4th.

Nipping down to 1st for the extra acceleration.

What? Re-read your post and post again (in English this time - LOL).

[Shezbo]

Welshbeef said:

It's very straight forward

Roma = rpm

The rest is RTFQ.

OK so Roma = rpm (don't know why and I have never heard of that??) what does the rest of your post actually mean...i.e. what are you saying?

Referring to 4th and 1st gears means what, in what context???