Z3M investment - yes or no?

[Gizmozed]

Hi all.
Thought i would put my views regarding the 'should I shouldn't I' dilemma for investing in a Z3M.
When you look at the production numbers for right hand drive cars produced in Z3M form there is just shy of 1000 cars.
Not all of these cars actually came to the UK as there is quite a few other countries that drive on the left, and of those that did come to the UK there is about 500 examples remaining according to the web site www.howmanyleft.co.uk. and searching for Z3 M Roadster
With this amount of cars actually in the UK, (in my eyes) it makes it a 'No Brainer' that they will be sought after and prices will continue to rise.

Interesting comments Yamsel, thanks for your input.

 

[Badman 666]

I think the z3m is one of the best looking cars bmw have created (apart from the beautiful 507)

I have a decent well maintained one
It's not for sale because I love it.

It's not all about money.

 

[Gizmozed]

I think the z3m is one of the best looking cars bmw have created (apart from the beautiful 507)

I have a decent well maintained one
It's not for sale because I love it.

It's not all about money.

Thanks Badman - it's not all about money with me either. I have a genuine love for the Z3 and the M variant and it would be used (not too much as I have two other cars and wouldn't want to clock up the miles too much).

However, I wouldn't buy the car if I believed that it was likely to depreciate by any considerable amount over the next five to ten years nor would I be happy to wrap it in cotton wool and leave it unloved in a dark garage. If the figures quoted regarding actual numbers of UK Z3M's are to be believed, I can't see anything else but win win (and I get to own/drive/admire/love a beautiful motor car) - happy days.

I agree that I have missed the boat in terms of high returns but that doesn't mean to say that these increasingly rare cars are about to become worthless, quite the opposite I believe. If I can buy a nice example at a good price, enjoy it for a few years and sell it on (when I can no longer get in and out of it lol) and make a small profit, that's good enough for me.

 

[Badman 666]

Thanks Badman - it's not all about money with me either. I have a genuine love for the Z3 and the M variant and it would be used (not too much as I have two other cars and wouldn't want to clock up the miles too much).

However, I wouldn't buy the car if I believed that it was likely to depreciate by any considerable amount over the next five to ten years nor would I be happy to wrap it in cotton wool and leave it unloved in a dark garage. If the figures quoted regarding actual numbers of UK Z3M's are to be believed, I can't see anything else but win win (and I get to own/drive/admire/love a beautiful motor car) - happy days.

I agree that I have missed the boat in terms of high returns but that doesn't mean to say that these increasingly rare cars are about to become worthless, quite the opposite I believe. If I can buy a nice example at a good price, enjoy it for a few years and sell it on (when I can no longer get in and out of it lol) and make a small profit, that's good enough for me.

I hope you can find one at a good price, drive it now and again, (the less you drive it the more it's a treat when you do) look after it and at least get back what you paid for it. That's a bonus.

For me, driving it every couple of months is a real treat. Daily drives become the norm and not special imho.

 

[FRANKIE]

Thanks Badman - it's not all about money with me either. I have a genuine love for the Z3 and the M variant and it would be used (not too much as I have two other cars and wouldn't want to clock up the miles too much).

However, I wouldn't buy the car if I believed that it was likely to depreciate by any considerable amount over the next five to ten years nor would I be happy to wrap it in cotton wool and leave it unloved in a dark garage. If the figures quoted regarding actual numbers of UK Z3M's are to be believed, I can't see anything else but win win (and I get to own/drive/admire/love a beautiful motor car) - happy days.

I agree that I have missed the boat in terms of high returns but that doesn't mean to say that these increasingly rare cars are about to become worthless, quite the opposite I believe. If I can buy a nice example at a good price, enjoy it for a few years and sell it on (when I can no longer get in and out of it lol) and make a small profit, that's good enough for me.

If you lived over here, this wouldn't be a bad car. California, no rust, good price........2.8................

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-BMW-Z3-/162564035780?hash=item25d99254c4:g:rEwAAOSwrhBZBAsB&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-BMW-Z3-/162564035780?hash=item25d99254c4:g:rEwAAOSwrhBZBAsB&vxp=mtr

 

[Renaud]

For me, driving it every couple of months is a real treat. Daily drives become the norm and not special imho.

Fully agree with the comments throughout this thread and especialy with Badman. However, I continualy find myself in the dilema of whether I should keep my car or sell it on to someone who will get more use out of it. From MOT to MOT, I did 322 miles last year and this makes me think I could move back to a flat 6 and possibly get more use from it, but last time I did that I kept the Porsche for a year and then moved back to a Z3M. I think I'm turning into a serial Z3M-Monogamist!!

Ive recently seen a few dealers reduce the pricing on their Z3M's, so I think the prices are starting adjust and will probably drop further (in my opinion). In theory, this should put you in good position when it comes to negotiating. Good luck in what ever car you go for..

 

[Badman 666]

Fully agree with the comments throughout this thread and especialy with Badman. However, I continualy find myself in the dilema of whether I should keep my car or sell it on to someone who will get more use out of it. From MOT to MOT, I did 322 miles last year and this makes me think I could move back to a flat 6 and possibly get more use from it, but last time I did that I kept the Porsche for a year and then moved back to a Z3M. I think I'm turning into a serial Z3M-Monogamist!!

Ive recently seen a few dealers reduce the pricing on their Z3M's, so I think the prices are starting adjust and will probably drop further (in my opinion). In theory, this should put you in good position when it comes to negotiating. Good luck in what ever car you go for..

322 miles! Ha I did less than 200! That was 200 enjoyable miles. A mate of mine who used to be on here Hornel z3m did even less! His is a real minter!

 

[Gizmozed]

If you lived over here, this wouldn't be a bad car. California, no rust, good price........2.8................

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-BMW-Z3-/162564035780?hash=item25d99254c4:g:rEwAAOSwrhBZBAsB&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-BMW-Z3-/162564035780?hash=item25d99254c4:g:rEwAAOSwrhBZBAsB&vxp=mtr

Nice car Frankie - my last one was a 2.8 too, hence my desire to own another one ...

 

[Pingu]

Thanks Badman - it's not all about money with me either. I have a genuine love for the Z3 and the M variant and it would be used (not too much as I have two other cars and wouldn't want to clock up the miles too much).

However, I wouldn't buy the car if I believed that it was likely to depreciate by any considerable amount over the next five to ten years nor would I be happy to wrap it in cotton wool and leave it unloved in a dark garage. If the figures quoted regarding actual numbers of UK Z3M's are to be believed, I can't see anything else but win win (and I get to own/drive/admire/love a beautiful motor car) - happy days.

I agree that I have missed the boat in terms of high returns but that doesn't mean to say that these increasingly rare cars are about to become worthless, quite the opposite I believe. If I can buy a nice example at a good price, enjoy it for a few years and sell it on (when I can no longer get in and out of it lol) and make a small profit, that's good enough for me.

Zero-cost motoring is not an investment.

If the thread was Z3M Zero-Cost motoring - Yes or No? The answer would be quite possibly if yo do minimum miles. Not because the miles depreciate the value, but because each mile costs about 25p.

Annual cost for 1,000 miles = £250 in fuel, £100 in servicing + MOT, £300 in insurance, £250 in VED = £900

I would expect £900 in appreciation could be easily achievable if you buy cheap and polish & shine

 

[Nodzed]

the most pleasure your going to get out of the ///3 m is the doughnuts you can do in it,and looking back at it when you park it

Hooligan

 

[Nodzed]

Fully agree with the comments throughout this thread and especialy with Badman. However, I continualy find myself in the dilema of whether I should keep my car or sell it on to someone who will get more use out of it. From MOT to MOT, I did 322 miles last year and this makes me think I could move back to a flat 6 and possibly get more use from it, but last time I did that I kept the Porsche for a year and then moved back to a Z3M. I think I'm turning into a serial Z3M-Monogamist!!

Ive recently seen a few dealers reduce the pricing on their Z3M's, so I think the prices are starting adjust and will probably drop further (in my opinion). In theory, this should put you in good position when it comes to negotiating. Good luck in what ever car you go for..

Now yours is one I would lock away TBH (correct me if I'm wrong but its the last S54 off the line?) it is stunning too. I'd mothball it and buy another to drive.

 

[Medskipper]

Hi Peeps,

I am seriously considering the purchase of a 1998 Z3M as an investment and I thought who better to advise me that you lot hence the post.

The car seems to be in immaculate condition, is Imola red and has done 89,000 miles.

I know that these cars are fast becoming very sort after and are very desirable but I have no idea of current or likely future values - any input would be welcome.

Here's a couple of photos of the car in question ...

View attachment 58917

View attachment 58918

View attachment 58919

View attachment 58920

It looks a beauty, but as there were so many made I fear it's going to be a couple of decades before it's an investment. Just buy it and enjoy!

 

[katkwak]

It only an investment if it's less than £10k and less than 50k miles with FSH, all MOTs, all tax discs, all receipts (incl the ones for future storage). You will need to have it inspected and confirmed to be PERFECT.

For maximum investment return, you will need to have free access to a storage facility that will keep it free from the environment. You will need to be able to insure it for peanuts, or be rich enough to be able to take the hit of not insuring it. You will keep it SORN'd and not drive (enjoy) it. Ownership is not free, unless you are rich already.

There are much better investments that historically will rise at a more predictable rate.

These cars have had their blip. The financially astute will be getting out of the M Roadster market at the moment, not getting into it. Jumping on a financial bandwagon is the way fools and their money are parted.

If you want to invest in a car, invest in a desirable car that was new (as in new model) in 2000-2005 - an unmolested E46 M3, perhaps. If you can find an unmolested one, they are still a lot of car for the money - which is what you want.

,

 

[Tfp]

I agree with the above, I think the Z3m's have gone up too far.

Not sure many have actually changed hands for the high prices they've been advertised for.

20k buys you a lovely Gen 2 cayman S

 

[Twin Turbo]

Regarding investment and cars - it's linked to the economy and disposable income people have.

As said above buy the car and enjoy it - but don't expect massive increase in value.

I know there conversations about e89 35is been a future classic as there less cars produced than z4m. And is actually a quicker car, this could be a future classic with greater returns. But with any investment greater the gains greater the risk.

I know my brother tried investment on a split screen Morris minor and lost a lot. However he has made a great investment in an 911 1972 tAgra - probably increased in value by 10 fold.

There is a simple economics supply and demand - is there is demand and limited supply - values increase.

My reservation about the e89 is there going to be the demand even though it's not an m-car but to get an nice E86/85 you can talk 15k but less desirable ones for around 5k.

Best time to buy a Classic car is when there is a recession - or when peeps have little disposiable cash.

However I would like to add - the benefit of z3m - if you keep it and prepared to own it for some time - you could have an investment that you enjoy as well been an pension pot

 

[Renaud]

Now yours is one I would lock away TBH (correct me if I'm wrong but its the last S54 off the line?) it is stunning too. I'd mothball it and buy another to drive.

I think Nodzed has come up with the solution there, you need one good example to keep as a garage queen and potential investment, then another one to drive around in.

Think I'll grab myself a big cup of coffee, a packet of Hobknobs and spend the next hour or two scanning the classifieds!

 

[Ianmc]

For me, cars are there to be used. Keep it well maintained, (reasonably) clean and then enjoy driving it. If the time comes to sell, it will be worth what someone is prepared to pay. Absolutely no point in speculating/worrying over future values, life is too short for that.

 

[gookah]

I think you have missed the boat. They were going for as little as £5-6k, a couple of years ago, now they are £13k upwards. I don't think they will rise much more now for quite a while.
You will be buying at a high price now, and I think it has plateaued for now. I would think it will take another 5 years for it to start a large rise in value again.

 

[t-tony]

If even then Pete. Isn't hindsight a wonderful thing?

Tony.

 

[gookah]

i wish i had known then......