Nic325i

Memory says it sat for $45k forever last time it was for sale. It might be rarer than a Sport Evo, but I can't see it ever being as collectible - Evo III was the pinnacle of race homologation specials, M3 vert was (ducks for cover) a parts bin special done to use up bits and shift a few E30 shells before the introduction of the E36. To my mind the M3 kit doesn't even suit the vert body shape. Rarity alone doesn't mean much - RHD E28 M5 is about the rarest of the lot, and look how long those sit on trademe at mid 30k mark. I think it is the first rule of cars that you rarely (never) get back the cost of a restoration on sale. I once saw an article that listed four factors governing the collectibility of cars - essentially a collectible car would have at least 3 of the 4. I think they were 1) rarity 2) competition history 3) beauty 4) performance IMHO an E30 M3 vert is too compromised wrt the last three of the above to be worth 90-100k Nic

Not sure about servicing etc. A4's of similar vintage had very common suspension problems based on research I did when thinking about getting one. Driving wise, probably not bad, but magazines tend to suggest that older Audi's understeer badly. Engine mounted too far forward is the problem I believe. If you want this type of car, why not get a golf? Same chassis, more interesting engines, cheaper.

The times seem close to contempory magazine tests for example the ones here seem to average about 6.5s for the 3.6 M5, although Autocar UK were quicker than the above times for both types of M5. Power figures should be representative??? All figures in magazines etc are reported based on bench dyno etc...

This could result in some "interesting" feedback being posted...

276MPH!!! who needs a Veyron Reserve met at $10,000 - seems a good price. Interior/wheels must be worth a bit on their own

Amazing - we've had them for the last few years and always get multiple times the value back. I wouldn't say that we eat out to much either. To the OP, if you are still struggling, PM me - a friend is selling them as a fundraiser for Irish Dancing, I can put you in contact if it helps.

M20 engines are renowned for cracking their cylinder heads also. Don't ask me how I know... Nic

The first line is often written something like "Finding a good woman is the product of time and money"

Hard to imagine anyone coming forward with that sort of coin when you could find an Alpina B6s or spec. ed. M3 for similar, even if the mileage is low.

Something to watch is that there are two diameters of Mtech II wheel around - smaller ones came on (amongst other things) late E30 M325i's, larger ones were on E34's I think. Very nice wheel to use, mine was a bit worn but still felt fantastic. They clean up well with leather repair product too. RealOEM has part numbers: 370mm: 32332226086 385mm: 32332226085 Suede: 32332226808 (listed as M3 Sport Evo specific, so I presume the suede wheel) Us dollar prices are listed as about $440 for all.

+1 spot on

As said, 150k on a 7/8 year old car is not ridiculous - we bought a 2003 Mazda 6 last May (4 years old) with 133k on the clock. Now done 144k, have not had to do anything in the year, now due for a service and not expecting any problems. High k's diesel probably means someone long distance commuting every day. Have heard that chipped diesels can go bang pretty quickly if done wrong - think it was in relation to 330d's, but may well apply to others. Nic

This is the best BMW M site I know of - not sure if it is the type of FAQ you're after though.

Agreed, but it trips off the tongue a lot better than "hard working, intelligent b@st@rd".

Surely this is going to compromise ride and handling though since the unsprung weight is so much greater. I have read several articles where handling of new BMW's has been compared unfavourably with that of earlier generations - normally blamed on reduced compliance of RFT's. Regarding storing a spare - can't you buy sealant/inflation cans. Might result in ditching the tyre afterwards, but I believe that is the case with RFT's anyway. edit: Links to articles here, here, and here.

Same guy owns the M5 and the M3. I've heard many times that Icelanders are "different" to other people

The one on trademe isn't a 750iL though - it's an L7, which is even longer.

If leather does crack/dry out, it is an easy afternoons work to recondition it back to goodness. If (when) cloth tears, it is time to spend dollars.

I won't disagree that the Model T was reportedly crap, but current opinion seems to hold most Euro Fords (Focus/Fiesta/Mondeo/S-Max etc) in pretty high regards, especially with respect to handling, which has to be engineering based. Even if power/litre of an engine has any bearing on the prowess of a car (same link posted in other thread), stating that a cars specific power output beats a 70's Chev (or mustang, or other US V8) is not much of a compliment. In summary, neither the model T or beetle would get close to my top 5 - maybe Mclaren F1 - unsurpassed Original Mini - changed car design Audi Ur Quattro - ditto Jensen FF - flawed, but way ahead of its time E30 M3 - just because

Interesting article questioning whether specific power output (i.e. bhp/litre) actually matters in the slightest.

Like Britain in the 80's? Strikes, picket lines, pit closures?

Yes, the centre parts come off - same wheel underneath as the throwing star wheels. No, I doubt it would be a good investment then or now - not like it is one of the super limited edition models - 20 Jahre Edition etc. IMO, E34 M5 will never be as collectable as E30 M3 anyway due to lack of motorsport history.

If you have time in Singapore make your way to the Long Bar at Raffles and grab a Singapore Sling. Pricey (all booze is in Singapore), but nice to be able to say you've done it. Once in the UK Chatsworth (big stately home/country park) is worth a look. Adding to London suggestions, Imperial War Museum is free and fascinating, esp if you are interested in history at all. Tower of London is expensive but worth it. York is excellent - impressive Cathedral, bizarrely narrow streets, tonnes of history.

No indication of reserve, and it's left hand drive - but as the seller says, that means it's how it was intended to be Nice

It was definitely Autocar.