E46 M3 values vs. E9X M3 values

[Toby22]

Long term, I think the E9X M3 will hold its value better. Base model sedans will be the highest (no iDrive, no sunroof, cloth interior). The DCT is far more reliable, don't think 6 speeds command a significant premium.

The DCT and that v8 is the reason I want an e92 m3. The looks had to grow on me, unlike the e46 which looked amazing from the start

[jet_dogg]

The better looking car will attain the higher value.

[Maxima SE]

Clean low mileage examples of both will rise in value. One factor to consider is the ratio of 6spd/smg E46 cars is much higher than 6MT/DCT on the E9X. Also, there are a lot of people that actually prefer the DCT over the 6MT on the E9X but you can't say the same about SMG on the E46. So theoretically, a DCT car is not necessarily inferior. '11-'13 ZCP E92s have continued to rise in value in both trans types, with the 6MT's fetching a higher premium by 2-5 grand. If collector value is what you are after, then you want to score yourself an uber rare '11 ZCP E90 6 MT or a 6 MT LRP. Those will be cream of the crop E9X cars.

[bigjae46]

Clean low mileage examples of both will rise in value. One factor to consider is the ratio of 6spd/smg E46 cars is much higher than 6MT/DCT on the E9X. Also, there are a lot of people that actually prefer the DCT over the 6MT on the E9X but you can't say the same about SMG on the E46. So theoretically, a DCT car is not necessarily inferior. '11-'13 ZCP E92s have continued to rise in value in both trans types, with the 6MT's fetching a higher premium by 2-5 grand. If collector value is what you are after, then you want to score yourself an uber rare '11 ZCP E90 6 MT or a 6 MT LRP. Those will be cream of the crop E9X cars.

I don’t get the collector thing. These cars are amazing…they need to be driven. What’s the point of having a car that is an amazing drive sit in the garage?

I am the original owner of a 2011 E90 DCT with no sunroof, no IDrive and cloth interior…checks every box except for 6MT. The paint is Monte Carlo Blue…1 of 3 MCB E90s ever made. It’s a collector car. I daily drive it. It compels me to drive it.


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[yhp2009]

I own both (E46 M3 and E90 M3). If you've ever REALLY driven an E9X M3 through a turn...there isn't any way you can say I like the E46 M3 better. The only people that really moan about the weight are the ones who compare numbers. The weight is mostly inconsequential except for low speed switchbacks. Any place where the weight becomes an issue, you stick the throttle to the floor and slide it.

Long term, I think the E9X M3 will hold its value better. Base model sedans will be the highest (no iDrive, no sunroof, cloth interior). The DCT is far more reliable, don't think 6 speeds command a significant premium. Prices for cars haven't really dipped below $20k. You can get some E9X M3 sh1tboxes for under $20k, at one point you could get a decent E46 M3 for about $10k-$15k.

The E46 M3 is a great car. The E90 M3 is better.

Interesting feedback. For me the conclusion was that people will like the e9x m3 for different reasons than what an e46 m3 brings.
Back in 2008 i owned a zhp which was a phenomenal car despite its engine limitations, but wanted to get the e9x (v8, 400+hp, all new design). I was sold and was ready to pull the trigger and went in for a test drive. I left the dealership feeling underwhelmed. It felt too big and bulky for me, and the power did not make up for that. In contrast the zhp was much slower but felt more raw, compact and nimble. Perhaps some feel this more than others, but i found it to be a different beast altogether.

[Obioban]

Interesting feedback. For me the conclusion was that people will like the e9x m3 for different reasons than what an e46 m3 brings.
Back in 2008 i owned a zhp which was a phenomenal car despite its engine limitations, but wanted to get the e9x (v8, 400+hp, all new design). I was sold and was ready to pull the trigger and went in for a test drive. I left the dealership feeling underwhelmed. It felt too big and bulky for me, and the power did not make up for that. In contrast the zhp was much slower but felt more raw, compact and nimble. Perhaps some feel this more than others, but i found it to be a different beast altogether.

I had 100% the same experience. Back in 2008, I had a down payment on the car and dealer allocation #1, went to the dealer to test drive... and got my deposit back.

[maw1124]

They are two VERY different cars... and "more power" isn't the point... a close friend has an E9X with the Vortech blower system... he's a M3 fan, currently owning every series except the E46M which got out of hand price wise before he got one... "bigger and more powerful isn't everything" seems to me the point that the E46M makes most of all... somewhere between the Mazda Miata and the E39M is where this demand lies, it seems to me... the S54 Clownshoe will appreciate for the same reason... if you want a fast luxurious sedan you're not looking at a 3 Series BMW... M3s are not those and shouldn't try to be.

maw

[yhp2009]

I had 100% the same experience. Back in 2008, I had a down payment on the car and dealer allocation #1, went to the dealer to test drive... and got my deposit back.

Oddly enough i find myself wanting to revisit the e9x m3 lately. Knowing how things panned out after that generation, it makes it a sweetheart imo last hurrah of the m division. Probably would go for the sedan due to its functionality

[Epoustouflant]

I have many, many thoughts on this topic. Posting to subscribe. I will contribute later today hopefully.

[Obioban]

Just because it just came up, and seemed pertinent. Gavin Green, from car magazine:



This sort of sentiment seems to increasingly common.

[TexaZ3]

This sort of sentiment seems to increasingly common.

Mostly from people who don't drive these cars all the time or have ability to switch between generations often. Nostalgic hoopla.

[Obioban]

Mostly from people who don't drive these cars all the time or have ability to switch between generations often. Nostalgic hoopla.

Back to back like this?

https://mikessteeringcolumn.wordpress.com/2016/02/13/comparison-2004-bmw-m3-vs-2011-bmw-m3/

[lemoose]

Back to back like this?
https://mikessteeringcolumn.wordpres...s-2011-bmw-m3/

or this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiqdUW2JyBE

or this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYKUFbXe5F0&t=377s

or this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uNiye9G8HI&t=618s

?

[yhp2009]

Always thought there was enough fundamental differences between the two generations that made it difficult to compare. An extreme example would be like comparing a miata to a muscle car. Objectivity goes bye bye. But honestly its all about subjectivity anyway. You like what you like

[Obioban]

Always thought there was enough fundamental differences between the two generations that made it difficult to compare. An extreme example would be like comparing a miata to a muscle car. Objectivity goes bye bye. But honestly its all about subjectivity anyway. You like what you like

Completely agreed. I don't actually think the e46m is "better" than the e9Xm-- it's just better matched to what I want from a sporty DD. If I lived in a city, and drove their primarily, the e46m would be a pretty terrible car. If I lived in the woods and had to off road to get home, any car would be a terrible DD.

For my country/suburbs lifestyle, with occasional highway and/or track use mixed in, I've never driven anything I like better.