Prices: where's the bottom?

[ChiBimmer]

I was in the market for an E46 M3 and noticed E9x prices are basically the same *controlling for mileage and condition*. I've driven a good '08 with 100k miles that was $18k and on autotrader that seems to be the going rate. It's kind of shocking jumping from $15k E46 that's ratty as hell. Where do you think prices will bottom on the E9x? Per CarGurus prices have been roughly $2k per year on '08s and there don't seem to be signs of stopping yet.

[LuckiSevens]

Originally Posted by ChiBimmer

I was in the market for an E46 M3 and noticed E9x prices are basically the same *controlling for mileage and condition*. I've driven a good '08 with 100k miles that was $18k and on autotrader that seems to be the going rate. It's kind of shocking jumping from $15k E46 that's ratty as hell. Where do you think prices will bottom on the E9x? Per CarGurus prices have been roughly $2k per year on '08s and there don't seem to be signs of stopping yet.

It's Condition and spec isn't it, if you're after any E9x then I'm sure you can get one for $18ish, but expect to be spending $... the one I bought is pristine but it still had the wrong battery in it, a tire was damaged by the scam garage that fitted the new tires that came with the car... mine really is top notch example so I expect the spending is over for a while provided I don't become obsessed and start buying unnecessary stuff for it like extra wheels 🤔😃lol

[jv92red]

That E46 M3 a SMG or MT?

[amrazM]

$18k will get you a 2008 Jerez on bamboo dct In neglected condition

[ChiBimmer]

Originally Posted by LuckiSevens

It's Condition and spec isn't it, if you're after any E9x then I'm sure you can get one for $18ish, but expect to be spending $... the one I bought is pristine but it still had the wrong battery in it, a tire was damaged by the scam garage that fitted the new tires that came with the car... mine really is top notch example so I expect the spending is over for a while provided I don't become obsessed and start buying unnecessary stuff for it like extra wheels 🤔😃lol

For sake of argument assume either the $18k car needs $2k or the $22k off the lot for excellent condition.

Originally Posted by jv92red

That E46 M3 a SMG or MT?

MT coupe

Originally Posted by amrazM

$18k will get you a 2008 Jerez on bamboo dct In neglected condition

Autotrader has 111 coupes and sedan 6 MT, 52 under $25k, 20 under $20k. Maybe 10% are actually DCT.

[SAMM3Y]

I'm sure a lot of those "6mt's" are really dct. So annoying when looking for actual 6mt m3's how many dealers list the dct as a manual gearbox

[MikeyDawg]

Originally Posted by SAMM3Y

I'm sure a lot of those "6mt's" are really dct. So annoying when looking for actual 6mt m3's how many dealers list the dct as a manual gearbox

You are correct sir.

Having just shopped for an E90 MT, I didn't find anything under 20 I was even vaguely interested in....25-30k was the min price for anything I seriously considered.

Just depends on what you're looking for I suppose.

[ChiBimmer]

Originally Posted by MikeyDawg

You are correct sir.

Having just shopped for an E90 MT, I didn't find anything under 20 I was even vaguely interested in....25-30k was the min price for anything I seriously considered.

Just depends on what you're looking for I suppose.

What didn't you like about what you saw?

[Ervin87]

If you are an enthusiast who knows what you want, you will soon realize that the cheap ones are cheap for a reason. Usually beat up, multiple owners, accidents reported, and so forth. KBB values go out the door when you are buying an E46 M3, and same would apply for E92 M3. Usually it takes me months to find the right car, mostly because so many of them are advertised incorrectly and when you see them in person, you are shocked at how bad they really are.

[jd501]

Originally Posted by Ervin87

If you are an enthusiast who knows what you want, you will soon realize that the cheap ones are cheap for a reason. Usually beat up, multiple owners, accidents reported, and so forth. KBB values go out the door when you are buying an E46 M3, and same would apply for E92 M3. Usually it takes me months to find the right car, mostly because so many of them are advertised incorrectly and when you see them in person, you are shocked at how bad they really are.

This. I still miss my '05 E46 (not enough to give up the E92), such that I watch the market in LA for them all the time. I seen a ton of trashed SMGs in the 12-15s, and some really really poor condition verts / SMGs in the sub 10s. The few that I'd actually want (coupe, 6MT, Nav, black interior) are in the 20-30 range, some even more. The range is pretty large, I think due to mileage.

Just checking craiglist right now, I see a red on red, '06, 6MT no NAV, 50k miles listed at 29, and a '06, black on black, SMG, NAV, 140k miles listed at 16.

[Solo_M_Tech]

Price on these cars is all about condition, history, and spec. Finding a well maintained, one or two owner with rare spec'd options or an "enthusiast" option list, will net more money. Clean, well maintained Sedans are a premium. Fetching close to 30k in central Florida (private market value). Whereas the same car with questionable history, multiple owners, and purchased through an auction then sold buy a joe blow dealer, will be 15k less in sell price.

KBB, Black Book, and NADA don't apply here in my opinion. The value of the car is exactly what people are willing to spend. Book riders will always want a deal and realist, the enthusiast, will pay more for a better condition car every time. You're going to spend the money, either with a cheap car and repairs, or up front for car that doesn't need work.

[Transfer]

There are so many variables to these cars between options, colors, mileage, maintenance. It's really complicated to value an individual or group of similar E9x M3s. Not to mention value to the buyer varies. I spent probably 10% more on my car than whatever average most buyers might decide on, because it ticked all the right boxes for me and was difficult to find.

So it's hard to determine a bottom because the value has too many variables.

[Eddybro]

Originally Posted by Solo_M_Tech

Price on these cars is all about condition, history, and spec. Finding a well maintained, one or two owner with rare spec'd options or an "enthusiast" option list, will net more money. Clean, well maintained Sedans are a premium. Fetching close to 30k in central Florida (private market value). Whereas the same car with questionable history, multiple owners, and purchased through an auction then sold buy a joe blow dealer, will be 15k less in sell price.

KBB, Black Book, and NADA don't apply here in my opinion. The value of the car is exactly what people are willing to spend. Book riders will always want a deal and realist, the enthusiast, will pay more for a better condition car every time. You're going to spend the money, either with a cheap car and repairs, or up front for car that doesn't need work.

Spot on.

And anyone familiar with these cars will usually be able to tell what a 20k e90/e92 looks like, versus one that was purchased for over 30k within 10 seconds of looking at the car closely..

Good luck!

[Perfectmax]

Last year I bought an 09 with DCT for $35k. Probably high but it was pristine, had 15k miles and the color and options I wanted.

[MrGatsby]

Originally Posted by amrazM

$18k will get you a 2008 Jerez on bamboo dct In neglected condition

Hey now, Jerez on bamboo is a beautiful combination.

[velociti]

Originally Posted by Perfectmax

Last year I bought an 09 with DCT for $35k. Probably high but it was pristine, had 15k miles and the color and options I wanted.

This. I was in the same boat with an '09 E90 6MT with 23k miles. A lot of it comes down to the particular build, body style, transmission, and condition. Nice examples will carry a premium, while those with a long, hard life will be below 20k.

[94jedi]

Mileage, condition, service history, and the usual e9x gotchas taken care of (RB's etc) along w/ spec will all help determine value.

[ChiBimmer]

Many of you have pointed out that age, miles, and specs will determine value. This is true. I'll re-focus the question: Where do you think E9x M3 prices in CarGurus database will fall to? As I understand it this is the average asking price of dealer cars. This average includes all the transmissions, body styles and differently spec'd cars. In the case of the E46 which like the E9x has coupes and verts and manuals and automatics, the average is about $15k and has been stable for a few years.

[LuckiSevens]

Originally Posted by ChiBimmer

Many of you have pointed out that age, miles, and specs will determine value. This is true. I'll re-focus the question: Where do you think E9x M3 prices in CarGurus database will fall to? As I understand it this is the average asking price of dealer cars. This average includes all the transmissions, body styles and differently spec'd cars. In the case of the E46 which like the E9x has coupes and verts and manuals and automatics, the average is about $15k and has been stable for a few years.

Mines a 2011 e93 M3 MT 38k mls Individual Brilliant White with Individual Platinum leather one of one in the world. Also has every other option including individual audio, ordered new by a Canadian finance company so no expense was spared on spec - so therefore it's worth $50k 😃

[RedScytheM3]

Originally Posted by LuckiSevens

Mines a 2011 e93 M3 MT 38k mls Individual Brilliant White with Individual Platinum leather one of one in the world. Also has every other option including individual audio, ordered new by a Canadian finance company so no expense was spared on spec - so therefore it's worth $50k 😃

Is 50k what you paid or financed it for?

[ChiBimmer]

Originally Posted by LuckiSevens

Mines a 2011 e93 M3 MT 38k mls Individual Brilliant White with Individual Platinum leather one of one in the world. Also has every other option including individual audio, ordered new by a Canadian finance company so no expense was spared on spec - so therefore it's worth $50k 😃

Basically this thread has turned into every member of this forum screaming at me, "I know what I have!" 😂😂😂

[randrews15]

Originally Posted by MrGatsby

Hey now, Jerez on bamboo is a beautiful combination.

Le Mans blue and Bamboo is where it is my friend. I get compliments on the color combo all the time.