Anybody know much about E36 M3's here?
 

I'm poking around on autotrader, and I don't know if it's just me, but are these cars WAY overpriced?

Basically, I'm tossing around the idea of selling the S, and buying an M3. It's a fleeting thought, and I'd only do it, IF I could swap cars, AND pay off my $12K loan, without taking any money out of pocket.

I figure, with 38K on the clock, and 8 months left on the warranty, I could get $28K for my car, and I have another $4K in mods/parts I could part out (please, don't even ask).

So, best case, my max budget on the M would be $18.5K (sales tax would round it out to 20K). I'd want something like a 99 with less than 50K. It would HAVE to be in excellent condition for me to even consider it (in other words, pampered by an enthusiast). Most of the cars I look at are mid-20's. Is that really what they go for, or can I find something in my price range if I keep looking?

mmmm fikses......

HA!
 

You said pampered by an enthusiast!

When I hear the word "enthusiast," I see R compounds and double apexes.

They do hold their value well, though, and kick ass on the track...especially with a blower equipped with water injection.

Have you tried finding an M coupe?

I'll buy your ToyGuy Shifter if you sell your car....
 

Keep my email handy!

Regarding the M3 yea its a tough decision...I looked at them but felt like you that most were a bit overpriced. Overpriced may not be the best word because its nice to see a car hold its value so well...but I felt that for me I'd rather have a new car for the money.

Blech...don't like the M coupe.
 

Well, there are two kinds of enthusiasts...those that use the car for the purpose it was designed, and those that admire the car for the purpose that it was designed. I want a car from the later type of owner. There are plenty out there...people that keep a fresh coat of wax on at all times, garage the car through the winters, no track time, etc.

Regarding my mods..."please, don't even ask".

those were gone long ago...
 

somebody made me a sig the other day, and that pic happened to be in my picture poster. I'm not going to have them remove it to put an Avus wheel in it's place! :-P

NO TRACK TIME?
 

What kind of pervert would do that??? :-)

I love the M coupe, it's a purpose built machine, even though it does look like a shoe.

You coming to Mid Ohio next week?

Yup! =)

You'd be looking at 22k-24k for a 99 with low miles. That's still a lot of car for the money.
 

The M cars hold their value really well. I know you want a lower milege car, but realize these cars go forever. The S50/S52 motor is nearly bulletproof and at 100k, they're just getting broken in. Don't be turned off of high mileage E36 M3s, provided the seller can give you full maintenance records. For 18k, you'll likely score a really nice 96 or 97.

Oh, and to answer your question, yes, they really do sell for low to mid 20s. The M cars have a premium that blue book doesn't capture. Hell, Blue Book on my M3 is somewhere in the ballpark of $5k, and even with a salvage title I didn't come close to that figure and I still got a good deal.