M3 residuals ref next yr's replacement

[simonp03]

Still mulling over a newish M3 to put on the drive, but next yr's new M flavoured motors are surely going to hit M3 residuals ... yes?

It's the most practical of the cars I'm looking at, but I don't want to lose say £6-8k in 12 months (approx 5000 miles) simply because of the above.

Or is it more wise to go with an '01 and take less hit?

Who can shed some light on the future? Cheers

[simonp03]

And the same goes for the CSL - first yr's hit was massive - any prediction for the second? Is it wise to buy one for £42k now, without seeing it plummet by £1k per month for the foreseeable future?

[john_p]

I wouldn't bank on seeing the M3 replacement until 2006/2007 - remember it was 3 years following the launch of the E46 (saloon) before the M3 came out.

Obviously there will be the usual spy shots and Autocar articles etc well before launch, but I wouldn't shy away from an M3 now. Probably best to get a 1 yr old model for circa £35k and keep it for a couple of years.

CSL .. pretty soon all the spare stock will be sold .. the cars are rare enough as it is - I wonder if this will push values up over the longer term

[simonp03]

Agreed. Must've got my facts wrong - cheers