[Raikkonen]

I have the opportunity to buy one of two cars, and am quite frankly torn between which I should pursue.

I have unfortunately chosen to purchase just one, and only one...

One is a 1992 Mercedes 500e, and the other is a 2006 BMW M3 with the Competition package.

As both cars can be purchased for roughly the same price (>$40k), i have to hedge my bets on which I think will appreciate more, as in my opinion, if kept in their current condition, will no longer depreciate in value.

Mercedes: Mechanically and cosmetically perfect (essentially), two-owner, extremely low miles, desirable color combo, 2 fanatical owners, all books, services records, keys, etc., etc.

BMW: Last year of e46 M3 production, manual transmission, competition package, desirable color combo, hyper low miles, original owner, all records, and AS NEW.

Both cars, as they stand, could be placed directly on the museum floor of their respective manufacturers.

Whichever car is chosen, I will store in a climate controlled garage, and will drive >500 miles annually. They'll both be kept in perfect condition cosmetically and mechanically.

The car will be a 85% investment/15% pleasure acquisition.

The question: 20 years from now, when we're all passengers in autonomous electric transportation pods, which will be worth more???

I'm not looking for financial advice nor opinions on what to do with my money (or why I'm choosing to do this in the first place), I'm simply looking for educated viewpoints from knowledgeable enthusiasts like myself, who are very familiar with both of these models.

I look forward to everyone's thoughts and viewpoints on these two contemporary automotive masterpieces!!!

[Red Bread]

500E, assembly by Porsche, predates in house AMG cars. Much more special.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

500E, assembly by Porsche, predates in house AMG cars. Much more special.

We had a 500E. I concur 100%. How many miles are on each? Unless they are already really, really low you're taking about putting 10k miles on. That's high for something super low and will matter, but if not the difference between a car w 40k vs 50k isn't going to amount to much so you can drive more.

[Raikkonen]

I have to say I agree with both of you.

I feel as if adding 10k to the 500e (currently @ 40k miles) will make much less of a difference in value then 10k miles put on the M3 (currently @12k).

The M3, given its relative availability, must be kept at extremely low mileage to retain its utmost value, where a 500e nowadays is considered extremely low @50k miles anyway.

I should also note that I'm banking on the investment with the M3 because of the fact it's the last model year, low mileage, a competition package car, a true manual, and the last of a 30 year line of normally aspirated 6 cylinder BMW performance cars...

Where on the flip side, the 500e (e500) W124 was its own unique, individual model...not a package or a trim level....I feel that this makes it far more valuable.

My only hesitation is this: I would have thought by now that 500e's would have already appreciated much more than they have (are they on the cusp now?)

And secondly, everyone is talking about the e46 M3 being a future classic for all of the obvious reasons, and owning the last and the best (in mint condition with low mileage) would be a great car to stick in a garage for twenty years...hmmmm...

[mazharracer]

i would rather buy a property fix it and flip it and u would make more out of it

[Red Bread]

Just to pick on the E46 for a second, but 2001 and 2002 S54 E36/8 M Coupes are already worth considerably more and E86 MC's are starting to rebound too and were the last car to use the S54.

While I'm not a huge fan of E9x M3's, they were the last n/a M car, so if anything gets a lift from that, it would be those, not the E46.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Raikkonen

I feel as if adding 10k to the 500e (currently @ 40k miles) will make much less of a difference in value then 10k miles put on the M3 (currently @12k).

Not to rain on your parade but from what I can tell that is pretty high miles on the Benz for your 20 year investment horizon plan, barring some unforeseen event. Said another way, I cannot imagine 40k/50k/60k making a damn bit of difference, it won't have 5k miles on it. I don't see it being worth $100K or anything crazy like that. If you want to drive it and enjoy it that's actually an upside for you, and the value should be relatively stable. When I say "unforeseen event" I mean along the lines of MB and Porsche coming out with another project like that one in like 20 years to rekindle interest in the 500E. Take a look at 2002 values before and after the M235 was launched and it was featured so prominently in the advertising.

Actually think you may have better luck with an E39 M5 TBH.

The downside to the BMW is they made a ton of them (comparatively speaking).

Nothing wrong with either car obviously - but the investing game you're trying to play is not that easy. Best to pick one you'd enjoy and if it goes sideways great, up and that's a bonus.

At least you're not getting in late on the air cooled Porsches or Dinos or anything else that you can think of that has skyrocketed already.

Some of the early Asian stuff may be a smart bet at the moment. 500 miles a year that you plan to drive is not "enjoy it and hope for the best" so if you are looking purely from an investment perspective I'd broaden your search a bit.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Just to pick on the E46 for a second, but 2001 and 2002 S54 E36/8 M Coupes are already worth considerably more and E86 MC's are starting to rebound too and were the last car to use the S54.

While I'm not a huge fan of E9x M3's, they were the last n/a M car, so if anything gets a lift from that, it would be those, not the E46.

I think the M roadsters actually may be poised for a pop now that the coupes are getting a little crazy.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I think the M roadsters actually may be poised for a pop now that the coupes are getting a little crazy.

Z4's, sure, Z3's were flexy fliers. My MC was something silly like 2.6x stiffer than the MR.

Round numbers put the Z4 convertible nearly equal to the Z3 MC and the Z4 MC was slightly stiffer than either.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Z4's, sure, Z3's were flexy fliers.

Should have been more specific, that's what I meant...

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Should have been more specific, that's what I meant...

I've started to see a few really clean ones recently. Pretty cool way to experience the S54 as the E46 convertible was pretty flexy and heavy too.

[Raikkonen]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Just to pick on the E46 for a second, but 2001 and 2002 S54 E36/8 M Coupes are already worth considerably more and E86 MC's are starting to rebound too and were the last car to use the S54.

While I'm not a huge fan of E9x M3's, they were the last n/a M car, so if anything gets a lift from that, it would be those, not the E46.

I agree with you, but in my "right now" situation, I feel E9x M3's are still depreciating, while late model, low mileage, mint e46's have finally stabilized.

My $.02 (Purely observational... )

[Raikkonen]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Not to rain on your parade but from what I can tell that is pretty high miles on the Benz for your 20 year investment horizon plan, barring some unforeseen event. Said another way, I cannot imagine 40k/50k/60k making a damn bit of difference, it won't have 5k miles on it. I don't see it being worth $100K or anything crazy like that. If you want to drive it and enjoy it that's actually an upside for you, and the value should be relatively stable. When I say "unforeseen event" I mean along the lines of MB and Porsche coming out with another project like that one in like 20 years to rekindle interest in the 500E. Take a look at 2002 values before and after the M235 was launched and it was featured so prominently in the advertising.

Actually think you may have better luck with an E39 M5 TBH.

The downside to the BMW is they made a ton of them (comparatively speaking).

Nothing wrong with either car obviously - but the investing game you're trying to play is not that easy. Best to pick one you'd enjoy and if it goes sideways great, up and that's a bonus.

At least you're not getting in late on the air cooled Porsches or Dinos or anything else that you can think of that has skyrocketed already.

Some of the early Asian stuff may be a smart bet at the moment. 500 miles a year that you plan to drive is not "enjoy it and hope for the best" so if you are looking purely from an investment perspective I'd broaden your search a bit.

You're right, they did and do make a TON of BMW M cars, so you have to find a really unique model for it to have any chance of being a "collectible".

I have to disagree on the 500e comment however, as 40k miles is EXTREMELY low for one of these models...finding one with less, and in perfect condition is nigh on impossible...20 years from now, having one with 50k miles, it will be referred to as a "time capsule"!

[Torgus]

I find it hard to believe buying either car is going to be a worthwhile investment...

Raikkonen finish?

[3GFX]

By appeal and story line, I like the Benz better. More romance to it, between the Porsche and Benz involvement.

BENZ (wikipedia data)
1992 - 4,416 Units
1,528 landed in the USA.

BMW (bmwmregistry)
2006 - 3,011 Units
2,410 landed in the USA

So they are almost on par for rarity; so you're getting into colour and build date now.

I still lean to the Benz as a collector.

Have we mentioned the mileage on both? Could be a big play.

[3GFX]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I think the M roadsters actually may be poised for a pop now that the coupes are getting a little crazy.

Z3Ms are on the rise.

Z4Ms to head there within 5 years I'm sure.

[Sedan_Clan]

I don't even understand how this is even a question. I'd take that "AS NEW" ZCP 6MT E46 in a heartbeat over the Benz.

[overcoil]

I would contact RMSotheby for advice or at least view their cataloguese on upcoming auction to read if either of those cars are listed. 500E / M3 two really fine cars - two really great looking designs.

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/23590/lot/116/

[Raikkonen]

Originally Posted by Torgus

I find it hard to believe buying either car is going to be a worthwhile investment...

Raikkonen finish?

It doesn't have to be "worthwhile", it merely has to appreciate.

The question is, between the two, which will appreciate more?

I'm also certain that 20 years ago, many didn't consider their $10k e30 M3 an investment, nor their $10k pre-1974 Porsche 911...

[Raikkonen]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I don't even understand how this is even a question. I'd take that "AS NEW" ZCP 6MT E46 in a heartbeat over the Benz.

My heart is with you, but my wallet may be with the Benz!

[Torgus]

Well my vote would be the BMW. But i'm biased.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Raikkonen

You're right, they did and do make a TON of BMW M cars, so you have to find a really unique model for it to have any chance of being a "collectible".

I have to disagree on the 500e comment however, as 40k miles is EXTREMELY low for one of these models...finding one with less, and in perfect condition is nigh on impossible...20 years from now, having one with 50k miles, it will be referred to as a "time capsule"!

Think you missed my point w little bit. 20 years from now 40-60k miles will all be about the same from a value perspective. It's not going to be a car w under 10k or over 100k. Point being you could drive it a bit more and not cost yourself big $$$$$ every time it leaves the garage.