E46 M3 values vs. E9X M3 values

[jet_dogg]

I have both. 2003 e46 6 speed and 09 e92 DCT. I think if you compare stock to stock the e92 M3 wins but if you compare a heavily modified e46 to a close to stock e92, the e46 wins. You need to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. E92 doesn't have the vanos or subframe issues of the e46 so that is something to also consider. I think it would be difficult to find someone that owns both and considers the e46 "better".

My buddy has both and is selling his e92. Years ago when I was considering one he just said go drive one and you'll forget about it.

This is super comfy and I have no issues dailying this. DCT is a gem in traffic or when eating/drinking.

Literally lol'd at this.

I learned long ago that you need a hooptie in the fleet. Ironically my hooptie is a Gen 2 Raptor.

Gotta have a beater.

[thegenius46m]

The market is hilarious right now for any enthusiast car, but I see E46 being the next E30 M3 as time goes by and cars start disappearing. It's the last raw M3 with the perfect balance of power, handling, and classic bmw looks that everyone loves. We are 15yrs out of production for this platform and the community has not even started to show signs of dying. Quite the opposite actually as the aftermarket is STILL coming out with new products and services.

[maw1124]

My buddy has both and is selling his e92. Years ago when I was considering one he just said go drive one and you'll forget about it.

Correct, this part... one of the most forgettable fast-ish cars I've ever driven... not quite M3 and not quite fast V8 either... literally, the dog that went to cat school... or the cat that went to dog school... the best of neither.

maw

[lastMleft]

I 100% need to revisit this thread.

If I'd sum it up with an analogy, the E46 and E92 comparaison feels like the Air-Cooled v Watercooled Porsche 911 gap.

They are such different driving experiences.

I think it’s the weight difference....very noticeable to me.

[maw1124]

That's probably true...

maw

[Epoustouflant]

I think it’s the weight difference....very noticeable to me.

True, there is no way the E46 is 3,400 lbs, feels more like a Cayman at 3,100lbs.

[Tbonem3]

Just to wrap this one up, for me personally, I ended up selling the E46 M3 6spd daily and bought a 2011.5 E90 in much better spec for only $9k more (and 48k miles versus 128k on e46).

Kind of hilarious to compare the 2 cars with only a $9k differential, but I think some were right in this thread that the E46 (6spd coupe especially) will continue to rise in value. I suppose I could have held on longer, but, personally, I kept wishing the 2002 car was as nice as my 2004, but it was never going to be, and I'm getting older so a 4dr with DCT made a lot of sense (was looking at E60 too).

Now, I have a well modded E46 6spd slicktop and a bone stock E90 dct slicktop. Can I compare them? Yes. Should I? I don't quite think so. Horses for courses... Owning a DCT is perfectly fine, since I have the 6spd as well. One feels like a cup car, the other an M5.

[lastMleft]

Just to wrap this one up, for me personally, I ended up selling the E46 M3 6spd daily and bought a 2011.5 E90 in much better spec for only $9k more (and 48k miles versus 128k on e46).

Kind of hilarious to compare the 2 cars with only a $9k differential, but I think some were right in this thread that the E46 (6spd coupe especially) will continue to rise in value. I suppose I could have held on longer, but, personally, I kept wishing the 2002 car was as nice as my 2004, but it was never going to be, and I'm getting older so a 4dr with DCT made a lot of sense (was looking at E60 too).

Now, I have a well modded E46 6spd slicktop and a bone stock E90 dct slicktop. Can I compare them? Yes. Should I? I don't quite think so. Horses for courses... Owning a DCT is perfectly fine, since I have the 6spd as well. One feels like a cup car, the other an M5.

Pics of the new whip?

[Tbonem3]

[lastMleft]

Looks good.... gonna keep her stock?

[jet_dogg]

Wait how do you see its genitals from here?

[Tbonem3]

Looks good.... gonna keep her stock?

Thanks prob not

[lastMleft]

Thanks prob not

I’m still looking for one in alpine white with fox red....you got lucky finding a slick top super rare!

[Thrifty S50]

I’m reviving this very dead thread to state an observation I made while watching Formula Drift this season. There are six E46’s competing in the pro league. There are zero E9X’s competing.

im not sure how that translates to future values, but it makes you think “why”. IIRC the e46 is the most widely used chassis this season. More so then s14/ s15 ( from what I counted)and 2 more I believe then last season. Is it just that capable of a chassis? And why not any E9Xs? Is it too big? Too costly? This season there is the aston and the Ferrari competing, so kind of moots those two previous reasons.. As an E46 M owner I can tell you it definitely adds to the nostalgia of owning this chassis (Motorsport pedigree is everything), especially seeing a lot of the E46 competitors doing well, as alot of e46s went to top 16 in STL.

How I DO think this will translate to values is that those of us who remember back when E46 M3s were posters on our wall, and now in our driveways, as well as seeing them currently kick ass in a delicately chaotic tightrope-sword-fight of a Motorsport such as Formula D, well, it’s going to make it impossibly difficult to get rid of for us.

just my 2¢

[Obioban]

I’m reviving this very dead thread to state an observation I made while watching Formula Drift this season. There are six E46’s competing in the pro league. There are zero E9X’s competing.

im not sure how that translates to future values, but it makes you think “why”. IIRC the e46 is the most widely used chassis this season. More so then s14/ s15 ( from what I counted)and 2 more I believe then last season. Is it just that capable of a chassis? And why not any E9Xs? Is it too big? Too costly? This season there is the aston and the Ferrari competing, so kind of moots those two previous reasons.. As an E46 M owner I can tell you it definitely adds to the nostalgia of owning this chassis (Motorsport pedigree is everything), especially seeing a lot of the E46 competitors doing well, as alot of e46s went to top 16 in STL.

How I DO think this will translate to values is that those of us who remember back when E46 M3s were posters on our wall, and now in our driveways, as well as seeing them currently kick ass in a delicately chaotic tightrope-sword-fight of a Motorsport such as Formula D, well, it’s going to make it impossibly difficult to get rid of for us.

just my 2¢

Certainly increases e46 value by decreasing supply.