Denis54

I currently own a 1997 BMW M3 with 75,000 miles on it. This is my fourth consecutive BMW. Next month, I will have owned my M3 for 6 years. As unbelievable as it might sound, my car is stiil worth approximately 55% of my original purchase price.

The new M3 is a fantastic car. However, it has a rough ride and does not have an automatic transmission. I will spare you the details, but a manual transmission is not an option for me anymore (SMG is good but too complicated for my wife).

All this to say that I am now thinking that a C32 could be a perfect car for me. How do you think a C32 will depreciate compared to a new M3.

Also, how do you compare the 2 cars.

FrankW

55%, that's about a little more. i would assume that you bought the car for around 47k. now a 97 M3 probably still worth around 20k if you sell by your self.

as my knowledge Mercedes-Benz has always been holding better values than the BMW. The 97 C36 AMG probably still has around 25k in value.

model change is what make the value depreciate FAST. for the C-class which came into the state as 01 model won't be changed for at least 5-6 years. the 3-er will have the complete make over in late 05 as 06 model, which will be a year early than the next C. i would think that the C32 would held better value.

But, i don't think that your wife will mind learning how to drive the SMG if you truly wants the M3. It's not that hard to learn, just put the gear in N and start the engine like you would with the manual car.

Boo2

Demand and availability is another factor. Not sure about the M vs the AMG, but I know that in general, the four year depreciation rate is roughly 4%-6% higher for BMW's (lower is better).

rrf

If your 97 is not auto and you are concerned about $ just get the 97-98 M3 auto sedan. $23k for a perfect car with some mileage. Won't catch a C32, but sounds like it would be a good car for you. Getting into a C32 or M3 new is going to be a 60K proposition.

Faheem Daddy

I paid $25,000.00 for my 2000 C230K Sport a year ago, and I just checked the Kelly Blue Book value last week. I've added 30k miles in this past year (I do a lot of commuting), and the retail value on my car is still a little over $25,000.00. Can't beat that...Mercedes-Benz baby.

-Faheem

Juke-box

i agree....mercedes benz seem to depreciate in a very wierd way.

last week, i saw a C36 going for 40k canadian, that's about 27Kusa. and i saw a C43 going for 56k canadian!! i was like wtf?! is this thing a depreciation buster? 56k canadian would equal 38kusa around....

seems like they hold their value very very well.

peet

Sorry... 47k for a 97 M3 nope. I bought a 1998 M3 4 door (a little more rare than the 2 door but let's keep going) for $41000 including taxes (out the door). Sold this car for $34000 last month.

That's right, 5 years of use - I added about 10k in parts that went with the car so really cost of ownership was $50 or so. Still not a bad return.

And I bought a C230 Coupe (cuz I wanted one!) Hopefully I can see a similar return.

FrankW

damn, that must be some desperate buyer

vinmanc32

A '97 4D M3 with about 60k miles would sell today for about 28 grand. I dont know how much they cost new so cant give you a percentage of original value (which is an important factor). A comparably equipped C36 would sell today for about $29,500. New this car was about 51 grand plus options. 6 years and 60k miles the car is still about 55% of original value. Its actually more since the options depreciate much faster. I hear they both hold the values fairly well and the difference looks minimal.

Faheem Daddy

Before I got my C230k, I was looking at a 95 BMW M3 coupe, and I broke the 50k mile mark on it when I took it for a test drive...and the guy wanted $25k for it...so I highly doubt a 97 M3 could go for $47k...unless that thing has been souped up so much it can fly...?

-Faheem

Boo2

My friend just bought a 96' M3 for $15k (90k miles). Good condition & runs great/fast.

Denis54

Thanks to all those that posted a reply. Sorry I could not post any answers as I was travelling.

I paid CDN $60 for my car and have been offered CDN $33. I feel the buyer will probably be ready to pay a little more.

I test drove an SMG2 and agree it is fanstastic. I doubt my wife would be willing to even try to learn it. She is the least "techno" inclined person I know. She is 54 so it is getting pretty difficult to change her habits. I often think that instead of one 54 years old wife, I would be much better of with 2 that are 27.... (Just joking)

The reasons why I am less interested by the new M3 are:

Automatic transmission to please my wife.

Rough ride of the new M3. My 97 is not smooth but the new ones are wost. I hope the C32 is smoother. I just retired and will now travel more. I want a car with a smoother ride than what the new M3 offers.

4 doors for the C32 vs 2 for the M3.. My present M3 is the 4 door version and I prefer this

Boy racer look of the M3. I prefer the understated look of the C32

rrf

C32 then, no doubt. You will love it right out of the box.

Looks like the depreciation will be similar to the E46M3, more importantly, the C32 fits your needs well. I am sure you will never feel disappointed.