Any enthusiasts care to explain?

L-M

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/M3/E30-kell/200838190012834/advert

Why E30 M3's are making such massive money? I've seen a few recently up around 25k, and they're standard. (I know that one is track prepared or whatever, but still).

Graham_B18C

Were they Limited edition to something like 500? I could be totally wrong but I heard that somewhere before...

L-M

Grahamo999 wrote: »

Were they Limited edition to something like 500? I could be totally wrong but I heard that somewhere before...

I thought it was just because they were used for drifting/diffing what ever you like to call it.

Graham_B18C

Can't imagine the drifting lads would spend that on an M3 when they could get a fully kitted out S15 for that money.

From Wiki:

The E30 M3 road car

The first road-going version produced 195 bhp (145 kW; 198 PS) (catalyzed model). Evolution models (not sold in North America) continued with 2.3 liters but adopted revised exhaust-cam timing, increased compression along with the lack of a catalyst producing approximately 215 hp (160 kW). Later the Sport Evolution model production run of 600 (sometimes referred as Evolution III) increased engine displacement to 2.5 L and produced 238 hp (175 kW). 786 cabriolets were also produced, all by hand in BMW's Garching plant; at the time the 215 hp (160 kW) example was the world's fastest four-seat convertible.



Could this be one of the Evo models?

They could be going for such huge amounts because thay are a classic and in a few years will be a very desirable and probably rare classic.

Lets be honest, it really is a crackin looking car!

kdevitt

Limerick man wrote: »

I thought it was just because they were used for drifting/diffing what ever you like to call it.

There were far more than 500 built. They definately aren't just used for drifting or diffing. Its one of the best handling cars your money car buy, they are rare, and they're in demand. Essentially its an appreciating classic.

That one has had a wad of cash spent on it, hence the asking price. There are some limited edition versions which command a premium as well. Would prefer a completely standard one myself to a modified one.

CharlieCroker

A totally origional one is worth big money alright but no-where like that.
Maybe €5000 less. That ones worth even less but I think Kelly's are like that for everything.

Buddy of mine has an IMMACULATE '89 E30 M3 Johnny Cecotto special edition. Think he was looking about €17-18k last yr for it on irish plates

kdevitt

CharlieCroker wrote: »

A totally origional one is worth big money alright but no-where like that.

I would have thought that myself... until I saw... http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/984587.htm

CharlieCroker

kdevitt wrote: »

I would have thought that myself... until I saw... http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/984587.htm

Christ on a bike with a wobbly wheel!!!!!!!!
That car is mint but not worth that!! Unfortunate case of a person thinking their car is worth more than it is, imho!!!!

mick.fr

kdevitt wrote: »

I would have thought that myself... until I saw... http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/984587.htm

This car got some serious service history lol

unkel

Those prices are crazy :eek:

That said, in theory every price of every thing sold is set where demand and supply meet. Maybe demand is just crazy? Or are the asking prices a tad hopeful?

caesar

This is a bargain by comparison:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/956997.htm

x in the city

Whatever about the limited edition or great handling, they look ancient by today's standard.

Only complete fanatics would buy one of them over a new model car.

And I would imagine their safety ratings wouldn't be so good either/.

x in the city

caesar wrote: »

This is a bargain by comparison:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/956997.htm

That is a looker alright, but the interior looks tinny and alfaesque. but i guess it is old

Anan1

x in the city wrote: »

Whatever about the limited edition or great handling, they look ancient by today's standard.

Only complete fanatics would buy one of them over a new model car.

And I would imagine their safety ratings wouldn't be so good either/.

When you say 'complete fanatics' do you mean car enthusiasts?

kdevitt

x in the city wrote: »

And I would imagine their safety ratings wouldn't be so good either/.

I'll make sure not to buy one for my missus for doing the school run!

Rowley Birkin QC

x in the city wrote: »

Whatever about the limited edition or great handling, they look ancient by today's standard.

Only complete fanatics would buy one of them over a new model car.

But the E30 is such a cool car, I know the image of them here has been changed by boy racers and that but they really are a classic in design and performance.

If I was ridiculously wealthy, footballer wealthy, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one like the Pistonheads example, if only for a blast for weekends. Beautiful car and I can only imagine a fantastic drive, only had experience of driving an E30 320. I mean just look at it......

Slidey

x in the city wrote: »

Whatever about the limited edition or great handling, they look ancient by today's standard..

They look un-fcuken-real

Would have one over a 05 M3 anyday.





I expect beemer bashers anytime soon...

L-M

@Slidey

They look unreal alright, in those photo's. But no way would I buy one over a 02/03 M3 with CSL wheels... No way...

Biro

They're gone up big time in price since last time I looked. Which is a while ago. I remember thinking about one back about 6 years ago, could be picked up for probably 15k, maybe less. Rare as anything. Didn't seriously consider it at all, as I was too young to insure it, but the longing for owning one crossed my mind alright! Wish I bought one now! I remember a mate of mine knew a guy with one. LHD would make them even more expensive to insure.
30k sterling is a lot for one with 122k miles on it. I think they're gone past the realm of being a unique bargain! Prefer one to an E46 any day!

mick.fr

Biro wrote: »

LHD would make them even more expensive to insure.

Few companies do actually care (Or most likely do want to screw you) if this is LHD or not.
I am with AXA, they don't give a rats ass. Same price.

CoDy1

From insurance experience, the LHD question is nearly obsolete at this stage, with all the eastern european cars around these days, bigger risk is the fact that its an M, LHD or RHD.

Still definately would though, the E30 is my no.1 3 series model by far. Beautiful.

MarkN

x in the city wrote: »

Only complete fanatics would buy one of them over a new model car.

130k plus for a new E92 or a piece of classic metal, bit of a difference in price there in the way but yes I doubt there's any of M3s out there in the care of someone that doesn't know what they have.

ninty9er

I'm no Beemer apologist, but the E30 is the best looking BMW in the last 2 decades. I have a particular soft spot for the Touring.

Matt Simis

On a very related topic, Ive been looking at mid-90s 850CSIs (ie the BMW "M8" version) vs 840/850Ci (regular BMW models).

-The regular, same year 8series can be got for like £5-6k plus €5.5k VRT.
-The CSI commands a hefty premium at £13kish plus similar €6k VRT.

Now the CSI is 80 to 100bhp more (380BHP), has better suspension and 4 wheel steering, slightly different body parts, steering, seats and of course the BMW M badging, kudos and heritage. Even at such a big difference, I still think if I got a non-CSI Id spend the next year uprating parts (when I could spend it doing maintenance on a real CSI!) and Im gravitating towards a car thats 80% the same but twice the price.

Im justifying it to myself on the grounds that if Im paying €6k VRT I may as well spend my "tax" on the best one (given the VRT is almost the same on all of them).



Yeah its got pop up headlights and looks like a Wallstreet jerks car from 1.5 decades ago, but IMO thats part of its charm.


EDIT: Bizarrely the price for RHD CSIs in the UK is way under the 30 to 40k they still get in the US and continental Europe, so maybe I shouldnt be complaining!

Slidey

I remember seeing one when i was about 12 in Jersey while on holidays there with the parents.

Needless to say I was in total away and wasted a whole film snapping pics!