A car to cherish - E30 325i Sport or E30 M3 - opinions....

[Por911T]

Gents - I am in the motor trade and many vehicles pass through our hands every year . I have been brought up in the trade and everything is for sale at all times meaning I never have car for more than a few months , may sound good but it gets a bit tiresome . Being a serious car enthusiast/fanatic ( a glutton for punishment , I know ! ) Im looking for a car for keeps that its verging or approaching classic status . Ive always been a massive fan of the E30 M3 and 325i Sport . So , what would you choose as a ' forever car ' for driving enjoyment / joy of ownership ( i know the M3 is probably 50% more expensive ) . I would be talking about a truly coucourse example not a basket case . Looked closely at this last year but couldnt decide . Opinions please - thanks Barry

[m3evo2]

Both very nice cars and I would love a 325i Sport, but something to cherish and to increase in value it has to be a good E30 M3 for me. I know Sports are also increasing in value but I dont think as much as an M3 will especialy if it's a Evo I, II, III, Cecotto, Ravaglia etc. Both cars, M3, Sports, good ones are getting hard to find these days but good luck with your desicion and search.

ETA - What about a 320is?

Edited by m3evo2 on Wednesday 29th August 21:28

[Mustard]

One more alternative to throw into the pot is a 325i Motorsport Convertible

As said, the 325i Sport will be/is collectable but the M3 will always be an The 80's Icon.... Finding a truely Concourse M3 maybe a challenge though!

[retrorider]

a good e30 m3 is better than money in the bank

[BMGM3]

M3, everytime.

[Geneve]

The E30 M3 Coupe without question.

It's a proper 'homologation' production car, bit like the original 911 Carrera RS, built at a time when the factory were committed to motorsport.

I love these sorts of cars. I have an original RS and run a 997GT3 day to day, but recently bought an E30 M3 for the 4-seat practicality and it's an absolute gem. Quick enough, but what a beautiful chassis and superb steering.

Best cars seem to start around the £10k mark, more if you want a limited edition, which seems terrific value.

IMO originality and history are key. I'd avoid anything with any rust, even if it's been repaired.

Edited by Geneve on Monday 3rd September 22:24

[m3evo2]

Geneve said:

The E30 M3 without question.

It's a proper 'homologation' production car, bit like the original 911 Carrera RS, built at a time when the factory were committed to motorsport.

I love these sorts of cars. I have an original RS and run a 997GT3 day to day, but recently bought an E30 M3 for the 4-seat practicality and it's an absolute gem. Quick enough, but what a beautiful chassis and superb steering.

Best cars seem to be around the £10k mark, more if you want a limited edition, which seems terrific value.

IMO originality and history are key. I'd avoid anything with any rust, even if it's been repaired.

For concourse cars expect more in the region of £15K plus, and rising.

[Schnell]

m3evo2 said:

Geneve said:

The E30 M3 without question.

It's a proper 'homologation' production car, bit like the original 911 Carrera RS, built at a time when the factory were committed to motorsport.

I love these sorts of cars. I have an original RS and run a 997GT3 day to day, but recently bought an E30 M3 for the 4-seat practicality and it's an absolute gem. Quick enough, but what a beautiful chassis and superb steering.

Best cars seem to be around the £10k mark, more if you want a limited edition, which seems terrific value.

IMO originality and history are key. I'd avoid anything with any rust, even if it's been repaired.

For concourse cars expect more in the region of £15K plus, and rising.

If the OP requires one for keeps, then IMO this is the route to follow. The dogs are of course much cheaper, but then they are err, dogs

Having just shelled out a comparative fortune for my M3 Evo and after driving a number of tired examples, I am firmly of the belief that you do indeed get what you pay for.

The 325i sport is of course a marvelous car, but not in the same league as the ///M.

[Por911T]

Thanks for all the replies - the E30 M3 really does tick all the boxes for me . I sold my 996 turbo and while back and have a real hankering for a truly immaculate low mileage E30 M3 as a collectors piece . I imagine finding the right car will be a massive task given the newest one are now 15 -16 years old . Im looking for concourse show winning standard - it has to be that good or nothing . I looked this a few years back but the right car didnt materialise and I bought the 911 turbo . Being in the trade Im soooo sick of jumping from car to car and relish the thought of owning a truly immaculate eighties icon (and not for resale purposes as per our norm) Would appreciate if you all kept your eyes and ears peeled . Im in no hurry - as Ill wait for the right car . Im also aware that many of these are probably in collections by now , tucked away for many years to come . cheers

[sleep envy]

have owned both - e30 M3 every time

Por911T said:

Im looking for concourse show winning standard

you'll need £20k plus if you're looking for the best of the best

sold my 45k kms sport evo back in 2000 for £18k - not quite concourse but wouldn't have taken much to get it there and estimate it's worth well over £20k now if still in the same condition

have alook at www.mobile.de - some minters pop up every now and again

[m3evo2]

Keep em peeled something will crop up, might take time but worth the wait. Took me a few years to find mine, was looking for exact same thing.

[Por911T]

When it comes to buiness I am tight arsed scotsman - however - where cars are concerned my purse strings seem to loose slightly of their own accord !! Seriously - Im fully aware that the perfect E30 M3 wont come cheap but exclusivity comes at a price .