SMG / Manual value on M3 CS?
Discussion
jonlwright said:
Hi,
Looking for a quick well informed opinion on this.
Most M3 CS I have seen are SMG. However, I am considering a deal on a manual car.
Is a Manual the kiss of death in terms of resale value on an M3 CS, or is it just as sought after?
I would of thought they are the most sought after and certainly will be in the future. I am sure the CSL would of been in even more demand if there was a choice between man or smg. Looking for a quick well informed opinion on this.
Most M3 CS I have seen are SMG. However, I am considering a deal on a manual car.
Is a Manual the kiss of death in terms of resale value on an M3 CS, or is it just as sought after?
Historically there's always been a significant price difference between SMG & Manual cars - usually about £2k. And from what I've gathered over the years the manuals can be a bugger to sell, especially given the sheer volume of SMG cars on the market. Rightly or wrongly, for the same price most people would probably opt for SMG - and hence they don't sell for the same price.
BUT.... the market has changed. It's no longer a premium price product and so the differntials have been eroded - although I imagine do still exist.
I've owned both over the years. And although the manuals are still superb cars, there's something about SMG that adds a bit more magic and gives you more options when pressing on. I loved SMG (after a long period of denial when I had the manual) - and wouldn't consider a manual M3 now full stop. It's a great bit of kit.
It's a personal choice though, so see if you can get some serious testing in both under your belt before you commit.
Don't buy it just because you've been offered a deal. Make sure you buy it because it's the one you want the most.
Cheers
RS
BUT.... the market has changed. It's no longer a premium price product and so the differntials have been eroded - although I imagine do still exist.
I've owned both over the years. And although the manuals are still superb cars, there's something about SMG that adds a bit more magic and gives you more options when pressing on. I loved SMG (after a long period of denial when I had the manual) - and wouldn't consider a manual M3 now full stop. It's a great bit of kit.
It's a personal choice though, so see if you can get some serious testing in both under your belt before you commit.
Don't buy it just because you've been offered a deal. Make sure you buy it because it's the one you want the most.
Cheers
RS
Edited by M3RMS on Wednesday 18th February 15:12
I recently bought an M3 CS and decided on the manual over the SMG. Though the SMG is a technical masterpiece and offers quicker changes, for me the manual offers the more involving drive - there's something very satidfying about dipping the clutch pedal and slotting the gearstick from one gear to another.
And on the question of value, SMG may have a small premium, but as these beasts age and come into the possession of those who won't/can't meticulously maintain them, I suspect the SMG is more likely to end up with problems.
And on the question of value, SMG may have a small premium, but as these beasts age and come into the possession of those who won't/can't meticulously maintain them, I suspect the SMG is more likely to end up with problems.
smaller said:
I recently bought an M3 CS and decided on the manual over the SMG. Though the SMG is a technical masterpiece and offers quicker changes, for me the manual offers the more involving drive - there's something very satidfying about dipping the clutch pedal and slotting the gearstick from one gear to another.
And on the question of value, SMG may have a small premium, but as these beasts age and come into the possession of those who won't/can't meticulously maintain them, I suspect the SMG is more likely to end up with problems.
+1 on both counts! And on the question of value, SMG may have a small premium, but as these beasts age and come into the possession of those who won't/can't meticulously maintain them, I suspect the SMG is more likely to end up with problems.
In terms of driving the SMG v manual thing is really down to personal preference and I'd go with the manual for much the same reasons you've given; could equally understand why others may prefer SMG though!
Where value is concerned I'd also agree that as they get older the SMG cars are likely to be viewed with greater suspicion by prospective owners. In actual fact it wouldn't surprise me if the manuals end-up being worth slightly more a couple of years down the track but only time will tell on that one!
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