Will 2017 be the year we finally see the E46 M3 value increase significantly? According to a recent Road & Track article, the BMW E46 M3 is on the list to be one of the 10 cars that will “skyrocket” in value. We saw the E30 platform skyrocket in price so that means the E36 and E46, respectively, is next in line! But don’t get too excited.
If you think about why certain cars all of a sudden have a surge in value and if you have a little bit of marketing knowledge, you’ll understand value is triggered by demand. Well, at least it’s a huge part of it. So what causes demand on older cars all of a sudden?
Let’s take a look at the classic example. The MKIV Toyota Supra. Why did demand go up? Well, the production number is one factor and the Hollywood-hit movie The Fast and the Furious was a huge factor. The E46 M3 doesn’t have a production number low enough to spark any positive value forecasting nor does it have a Hollywood-hit movie.
Price Trend
If you take a look at the price trends for the E46 M3, you’ll find it to be generally on the decline according to CarGurus.com. There is a spike for whatever reason on 12/19/16, but to me it just seems like an outlier.
Production Numbers
Okay, what about the production numbers? It’s an M3! It has to be rare! Well, not really. Take a look at the information below via and see the comparison between the E30 and E46. Information via bmwmregistry.com.
BMW E30 M3 Production Data – Standard Models
| Production Code | Units | Year Start | Year End | Spec |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AK01 | 5,187 | 1986 | 1989 | Europe |
| AK03 | 5,300 | 1987 | 1990 | North America |
| AK05 | 4,585 | 1986 | 1989 | Europe |
| AK05 | 1,512 | 1989 | 1990 | Europe |
BMW E46 M3 Production Data – Standard Models
| Production Code | Units | Year Start | Year End | Spec | Gearbox | Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BL91 | 16,038 | 2000 | 2006 | Europe | 6MT | Coupe |
| BL91 | 7,800 | 2000 | 2006 | Europe | SMG | Coupe |
| BL92 | 12,510 | 2001 | 2006 | Europe | 6MT | Coupe |
| BL92 | 5,855 | 2001 | 2006 | Europe | SMG | Coupe |
| BL93 | 26,202 | 2001 | 2006 | North America | 6MT | Coupe |
| BL93 | 10,851 | 2001 | 2006 | North America | SMG | Coupe |
| BL95 (CSL) | 841 | 2003 | 2003 | Europe | 6MT | Coupe |
| BL96 (CSL) | 542 | 2003 | 2003 | Europe | 6MT | Coupe |
| BR91 | 4,822 | 2001 | 2006 | Europe | 6MT | Convertible |
| BR91 | 3,039 | 2001 | 2006 | Europe | SMG | Convertible |
| BR92 | 7,234 | 2001 | 2006 | Europe | 6MT | Convertible |
| BR92 | 3,754 | 2001 | 2006 | Europe | SMG | Convertible |
| BR93 | 17,577 | 2001 | 2006 | North America | 6MT | Convertible |
| BR93 | 8,796 | 2001 | 2006 | North America | SMG | Convertible |
A total of 5,300 E30 M3 models were produced for North America while a total of 63,426 E46 M3 models were produced for North America.
Verdict
We’re gonna compare apples to apples and compare the production numbers only. It took almost 30 years for the E30 M3 to skyrocket in value. At that rate, the E46 M3 will have it’s chance in 2031. Of course, that’s a soft-wool blanket statement, but with the production of the E46 being 12 times as much, I think the blanket is going to stay cold for a while. Maybe if you have a dime-piece sought out trim like an Alpine White with Cinnamon interior and 6MT transmission you might get lucky, but if you’re still optimistic about the general demand going up just hope for the continued owner-abuse of VANOS systems and failed rod bearings to eliminate more E46 M3’s on the road and accelerate the inflation process.
Leave your comments below. We’d love to hear from you.
All valid points. However:
In the next 5 to 10 years a lot of E46 M3 will disappear for various reasons (lack of maintenance, cost to bring back to life; crashes, floods, fires etc etc);
Even if production numbers are much higher than E30s, E46s will be judged as the latest of an era, and probably the most elegant version of all (personal statement though).
Then one needs to discriminate:
– auto (low value) vs MT;
– coupe (much more valuable) versus convertible;
– RHD models, limited interest except few countries; so LHD more valued;
– color and color combo (white/cinnamon for example);
– accident free or not;
– maintenance records;
– CSL (Europe) will remain a special deal too.
Hope it contributes.
Note: would love to see a table showing by year the different versions and colors for Europe and ROW !!!!! Models fitting all the above will become pretty tough to find …
I think its also important to differentiate between coupe’s and transmission. a 6MT coupe is much more valuable than the alternatives.
I think the value will go up steadily especially those that have had bearings replaced and the vanos refurbished. I have 2 E46 M3s and 1 E36 M3 so maybe I’m just hoping. Last year I was offered 180k(rands)compared to this year was 270k(rands)but also due to repairing all faults ie vanos and bearings. These old M cars are the best driving experience for the money and I don’t regret it, not for a second.
Fingers crossed. 🙂