E46 M3 values vs. E9X M3 values

[lastMleft]

Can I get your thoughts/predictions on the rising values of these M cars?

Let's say both cars are of relatively equal in spec/mileage (perhaps a little higher for old e46)/condition.

Pre facelift coupe 6spd vs pre facelift e92 dct is my particular concern.

Factors to consider:

Production #s
E9x last N/A most peak motorsports bmw (but more complex/expensive)
E46 from peak design/culture era that holds a special place in most of our hearts (best aftermarket/knowledge/DIY friendly)
Perhaps rising gas prices play a role. Perhaps not because those of us that can afford these cars can afford rising gas prices?
Not concerned with big fixes like RACP/vanos/bearings/actuators - more concerned with general trends

Thanks!

Are you planning on purchasing an e90x?

[lastMleft]

The current price to performance ratio for the E9x gen is unmatched, though prices are starting to climb. With prices for E46s on par with E9x, it does make it hard to justify an E46 purchase but at this point, these purchases (and those in the future) are likely to be more emotional in nature as opposed to rational which will lead to irrational pricing.

Both are beautiful looking cars in their own right. I think BMW hit it out of the park with both the E46 and E92 styling. I am partial to the E92 but love the classic E46 shape.

Spot on!

[ggeezer]

The current price to performance ratio for the E9x gen is unmatched, though prices are starting to climb. With prices for E46s on par with E9x, it does make it hard to justify an E46 purchase but at this point, these purchases (and those in the future) are likely to be more emotional in nature as opposed to rational which will lead to irrational pricing.

Both are beautiful looking cars in their own right. I think BMW hit it out of the park with both the E46 and E92 styling. I am partial to the E92 but love the classic E46 shape.

[jet_dogg]

I'd be surprised if that ever happens.

[usdmej]

I love the e46 but the e92 is just beginning to climb in pricing. I think it’s got a higher ceiling all things considered.

i don't agree, but would not be surprised if this happened

[d33p]

I personally like the looks of the e46 more than the e9x.

[Epoustouflant]

The s54 complete engine is lighter than the s65 complete engine, FYI. When Bmw claimed the s65 was lighter, the technicality they were skating by on was citing short block weights (no heads, cams, valves, etc.)

Reminiscent of BMW saying the F8X was 3,400 lbs when launched. Good info.

[TexaZ3]

yes it sounds delicious..... I made a mistake of listening to this video...... needless to say I just dropped $2200 on an M performance exhaust for my E92. I've been eyeing it for over a year and will probably regret spending the money tomorrow morning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tPADIl-IF0

Nice.

[Maxima SE]

The S65 sound so good what a gem,

yes it sounds delicious..... I made a mistake of listening to this video...... needless to say I just dropped $2200 on an M performance exhaust for my E92. I've been eyeing it for over a year and will probably regret spending the money tomorrow morning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tPADIl-IF0

[James31]

I love the e46 but the e92 is just beginning to climb in pricing. I think it’s got a higher ceiling all things considered.

[lastMleft]

Steve Dinan recently called the S65 the greatest engine BMW has ever made. I feel like that’s confirmation of attitudes toward this motor and will be a continued driver of good prices for these cars.

The S65 sound so good what a gem, I think both will hold there values both are great platforms the e90x is just a little heavier than the e46.

[Obioban]

Your solenoid failure is an outlier and definitely isn't a common problem on the S65. That V8 has less self destructing ways than an S54 (Vanos tabs) and requires less maintenance (no valve adjustments), for more performance and less weight.

The S65 is a reliable motor once the bearings and actuators are changed. The S85 is a more complex engine, with 2 extra cylinders. The S65 improved upon the S85 by simplifying the VANOS oil system by eliminating the high pressure oil pump in the pan.

The s54 complete engine is lighter than the s65 complete engine, FYI. When Bmw claimed the s65 was lighter, the technicality they were skating by on was citing short block weights (no heads, cams, valves, etc.)

[Epoustouflant]

Coming off an S85. I loved it. The sound was brilliant. I had a full RPI race exhaust. Miss her to this day. On track felt surprisingly nimble. No where near the E46M. But, my heart always felt for the E46. Personally, I agree with it being the greatest engine, as most ambitious, but not greatest. Greatest is like a package deal, like Michael Jordan or something. During the time of ownership vanos solenoids were 1.2k a piece and needed 4. If you got deep pockets, I mean really deep then it's great. The engine is super picky and if you're not on top of it. You'll know.

Personally the best engine for me is one that delivers a good amount as a full package, weight, power, and maintenance. And a good aftermarket, which the s65/85 didn't have and if they did was stupid expensive.

While I miss the car, I don't miss the maintenance.

Your solenoid failure is an outlier and definitely isn't a common problem on the S65. That V8 has less self destructing ways than an S54 (Vanos tabs) and requires less maintenance (no valve adjustments), for more performance and less weight.

The S65 is a reliable motor once the bearings and actuators are changed. The S85 is a more complex engine, with 2 extra cylinders. The S65 improved upon the S85 by simplifying the VANOS oil system by eliminating the high pressure oil pump in the pan.

[simonnim]

Steve Dinan recently called the S65 the greatest engine BMW has ever made. I feel like that’s confirmation of attitudes toward this motor and will be a continued driver of good prices for these cars.

Coming off an S85. I loved it. The sound was brilliant. I had a full RPI race exhaust. Miss her to this day. On track felt surprisingly nimble. No where near the E46M. But, my heart always felt for the E46. Personally, I agree with it being the greatest engine, as most ambitious, but not greatest. Greatest is like a package deal, like Michael Jordan or something. During the time of ownership vanos solenoids were 1.2k a piece and needed 4. If you got deep pockets, I mean really deep then it's great. The engine is super picky and if you're not on top of it. You'll know.

Personally the best engine for me is one that delivers a good amount as a full package, weight, power, and maintenance. And a good aftermarket, which the s65/85 didn't have and if they did was stupid expensive.

While I miss the car, I don't miss the maintenance.

[maw1124]

Don’t get it twisted Fellas… my M3 introduction was from an E36… and I was looking for an E36 when I decided the E46 was really for me… I needed the extra power and thought (way back then, circa ‘09) that long term the E46M was the better car… I just wanted to hear other people’s thoughts… it’s a debate worth having so I thought I’d spark it here… I know what I think but that doesn’t negate the thoughts of others… I actually appreciate them all… but the E46M was the one I wanted to own…there are tons of cars I appreciate but don’t want to own.

Cheers,

maw

PS... all that being said, these will always appreciate in value... https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...t-lightweight/
… and this was unexpected… https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...onvertible-66/