BMW M3: A Comprehensive Price Guide Across Generations

The cost of a BMW M3 can vary significantly depending on the generation, specific model, optional features, and market conditions. As of 2024, focusing on the current sixth-generation model (G80), the pricing typically ranges as follows:

In Europe, the starting price for a new BMW M3 is generally between €85,000 and €100,000. This base price can increase substantially with options and packages:

• Standard M3: Typically starts around €85,000 to €90,000
• M3 Competition: Usually priced from €90,000 to €95,000
• M3 Competition xDrive (all-wheel drive): Starts from about €95,000 to €100,000
• M3 Touring (wagon): Generally priced from €100,000 to €105,000
• Fully loaded models with all options: Can exceed €120,000

Key factors influencing the price include:

• Drivetrain: xDrive all-wheel drive system typically adds €4,000 to €5,000
• Transmission: The standard M3 comes with a manual, while the Competition models feature an automatic. Opting for the Competition model adds about €5,000
• M Driver's Package: Increases top speed and includes driver training, typically costing around €2,500
• Carbon fiber roof: An option that can add approximately €2,000 to €3,000
• Premium paint options: Can range from €1,000 to €4,000 extra
• Interior upgrades: Such as premium leather or carbon fiber trim, potentially adding €3,000 to €7,000
• Performance upgrades: Carbon ceramic brakes, for instance, can add about €8,000 to €9,000

It's worth noting that prices can vary between different European countries due to local taxes and import duties. Additionally, as a high-demand performance model, dealer markups may apply in some markets, potentially pushing the actual transaction price higher than the MSRP.

The price of a new BMW M3, specifically the sixth-generation model (G80) introduced in 2021, starts at around €85,000 in most European markets. However, the final cost can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Base Models:
  • Standard M3 with manual transmission: Typically starts between €85,000 and €90,000
  • M3 Competition (automatic transmission): Usually priced from €90,000 to €95,000
  • M3 Competition xDrive (all-wheel drive): Starts from about €95,000 to €100,000
  • M3 Touring (wagon version): Generally priced from €100,000 to €105,000
• Packages:
  • M Driver's Package: Increases the top speed and includes professional driver training, usually costing around €2,500
  • M Race Track Package: Includes carbon ceramic brakes and other performance enhancements, which can add €8,000 to €10,000
• Exterior Options:
  • Metallic paint: Adds approximately €1,000 to €1,500
  • Special finishes like Frozen or Individual colors: Can cost up to €4,000
  • Carbon fiber roof (for sedan models): An option that typically adds €2,000 to €3,000
• Interior Options:
  • M Carbon bucket seats: Can add €3,500 to €4,500
  • Full Merino leather upholstery: Typically costs an additional €2,500 to €3,500
  • Carbon fiber interior trim: Usually adds €1,000 to €1,500
• Technology and Comfort Features:
  • Driving Assistance Professional package: Can add €2,000 to €3,000
  • Harman Kardon surround sound system: Adds about €1,000
  • M Drive Professional (including drift analyzer): Costs around €2,000

A well-equipped BMW M3 with several popular options can easily reach €105,000 to €110,000. For buyers who select all or most available options, particularly on the M3 Competition xDrive or M3 Touring models, the price can exceed €120,000.

It's important to note that prices may vary between different European countries due to local taxes, import duties, and market-specific packaging of options. Additionally, as a high-performance model, the M3 may be subject to dealer markups in some markets, especially for early allocations or in areas with high demand.

The cost of a used BMW M3 can vary widely depending on factors such as the generation, model year, mileage, condition, and specific variant. As of 2024, here's an overview of what you might expect to pay for a used M3 in Europe, focusing on the more recent generations:

Fifth Generation (F80) (2014-2018):

• Early models (2014-2016):
  • Price range: €40,000 to €55,000
  • Higher mileage examples may dip below €40,000
  • Well-maintained, low-mileage cars can command up to €60,000
• Later models (2017-2018):
  • Price range: €50,000 to €70,000
  • Low-mileage, well-optioned examples can reach €75,000 or more
  • Special editions like the M3 CS can command €80,000+

Sixth Generation (G80) (2021-present):

• Being a recent model, used examples are less common but starting to appear on the market
• Expect prices to range from €70,000 to €90,000 for lightly used examples
• Nearly new models with very low mileage may be priced only slightly below the new car MSRP, around €80,000 to €95,000
• M3 Touring models, due to their novelty and high demand, are likely to maintain values close to new prices

Older Generations:

• Fourth Generation (E90/E92/E93) (2007-2013):
  • Price range: €25,000 to €45,000
  • Well-preserved, low-mileage examples can exceed €50,000
  • Special editions like the M3 GTS can fetch over €100,000
• Third Generation (E46) (2000-2006):
  • Price range: €20,000 to €40,000
  • Pristine, low-mileage examples can reach €50,000 or more
  • The rare M3 CSL can command prices over €80,000
• Second Generation (E36) (1992-1999):
  • Price range: €15,000 to €30,000
  • Exceptional examples can exceed €35,000
• First Generation (E30) (1986-1991):
  • Due to their iconic status, prices vary widely from €50,000 to well over €100,000
  • Pristine, low-mileage examples can exceed €150,000

Factors influencing used M3 prices include:

• Mileage: Lower mileage examples command a premium
• Condition: Well-maintained cars with no accident history are valued higher
• Options: Desirable options like the Competition Package can add value
• Service history: Full BMW service history can significantly impact the price
• Rarity: Limited editions or special models often command higher prices
• Modifications: While some buyers value tasteful modifications, others prefer stock examples, which can affect pricing both ways

It's worth noting that M3 prices, especially for older generations, have shown strong appreciation in recent years due to their collectible status. When considering a used M3, potential buyers should factor in potential maintenance costs, especially for higher mileage examples, as performance parts and specialized service can be expensive for M models.