How much would you pay for a very good B3S...Now...

Fast3000 · Post by **Fast3000** » Sun Feb 02, 2014 12:50 pm

Like the title really....they have fluctuated in price since last year....meaning they were lower in price last year! How much would you pay?

jolls · Post by **jolls** » Sun Feb 02, 2014 1:25 pm

I think the only answer to this is how much your willing to pay. I'm not sure but I don't think they are an investment just yet but would be quite happy to be proved wrong.

Hodge · Post by **Hodge** » Sun Feb 02, 2014 2:26 pm

As above really, Cabriolet and Tourings are easily priced in the teens, Coupes between Â£6k - Â£9k. Spend your money on condition and history rather than mileage. I can't tell how much to spend, just buy the one you like, I'm sure more knowledgable types will be along with better details, but it's a start

I'm assuming we are talking about E46s

Cheers

Fast3000 · Post by **Fast3000** » Sun Feb 02, 2014 4:57 pm

Thanks guys. yes as I have pondered thinking about a potential purchase. it does come down to how much your willing to pay on them.

Being a newbie to 'posting on this forum' i think alpinas also have the credibility angle as well. which helps keeps their value. e.g. whos owned it, how long for, where theyve driven it. some of which can be found on this forum.

appreciate it guys....i am in a supply and demand dilemma at the moment!

ali · Post by **ali** » Sun Feb 02, 2014 8:20 pm

Also enquire as to any head gasket issues.
The 3.4 lump usually chews through them every 80-100k or there abouts. Its not a matter of if but when it will go. Factor in replacement costs when haggling a price

simon13 · Post by **simon13** » Mon Feb 03, 2014 1:19 am

munich legends have managed to get 14k for that black B3s touring! its a nice car with reasonable milege and great spec in terms of factory options

Fast3000 · Post by **Fast3000** » Mon Feb 03, 2014 12:48 pm

Thanks guys.

regarding the head gasket, i am guessing they are mileage / usage related rather then age related?

rc944 · Post by **rc944** » Mon Feb 03, 2014 5:53 pm

ali-bumble wrote:Also enquire as to any head gasket issues.
The 3.4 lump usually chews through them every 80-100k or there abouts. Its not a matter of if but when it will go. Factor in replacement costs when haggling a price

id be surprised if this issue is statistically significant

Hodge · Post by **Hodge** » Mon Feb 03, 2014 5:54 pm

Generally speaking the majority of 3.4 B3s are more than 10 yrs old so mileage wise are around the 100k mark were many things need replacing through wear/age, the HG is just one, as is the water pump, shocks or wings etc, some cars are running on the originals of these with no problems, other have had them replaced, I know this is no real help, just comments in general

Cheers

rc944 · Post by **rc944** » Mon Feb 03, 2014 5:56 pm

i paid just over 6 for mine a few months back with a basic spec and a list of things needing attention... its an 04 vintage with 64k miles and 2 previous keepers and good supporting paperwork and provenance but its some way from being close to the condition i want it in

rc944 · Post by **rc944** » Mon Feb 03, 2014 5:58 pm

bottom line with these is that if you are put off by the things that would normally be associated with e46 ownership then might not be a wise move!

on the other hand their quirks are so well documented with so many good specialists out there that its easy to get comfortable with the cost of ownership just have your eyes open

the one that gets me though is the front wing rust and the plonker at bmw who signed off such a poor design for the arch liner...

Post by **Charles** » Mon Feb 03, 2014 10:38 pm

simon13 wrote:munich legends have managed to get 14k for that black B3s touring!

Brings a smile to my face

bobbly · Post by **bobbly** » Mon Feb 03, 2014 10:57 pm

simon13 wrote:munich legends have managed to get 14k for that black B3s touring! its a nice car with reasonable milege and great spec in terms of factory options

No they haven't: it's still available when i looked today and as it's been in stock 6-8 months, now, I'd suggest it's well overpriced and no-one fancies it at 14 big ones

Maybe it's the colour....

@ the OP: as Hodge said in the 1st reply: depends which version you are looking at (you could show us) and saloons, tourings and convertibles are more desirable than coupes. A couple of nice examples sold late last year, with a good low-miles saloon around Â£10k. Top money in my book.

Buy on condition and history and whether it exudes a nice feeling. You will find cheap ones, but they will be tired and maybe high-milers. They are full of standard E46 niggles in old age, so have a thorough look round it before you agree a price.

HTH
Bobbly

simon13 · Post by **simon13** » Tue Feb 04, 2014 6:41 pm

bobbly wrote:
simon13 wrote:munich legends have managed to get 14k for that black B3s touring! its a nice car with reasonable milege and great spec in terms of factory options
No they haven't: it's still available when i looked today and as it's been in stock 6-8 months, now, I'd suggest it's well overpriced and no-one fancies it at 14 big ones Maybe it's the colour....

@ the OP: as Hodge said in the 1st reply: depends which version you are looking at (you could show us) and saloons, tourings and convertibles are more desirable than coupes. A couple of nice examples sold late last year, with a good low-miles saloon around Â£10k. Top money in my book.

Buy on condition and history and whether it exudes a nice feeling. You will find cheap ones, but they will be tired and maybe high-milers. They are full of standard E46 niggles in old age, so have a thorough look round it before you agree a price.

HTH
Bobbly

One of my best friends works at ML in the workshop and text me on sunday to say it had sold. Maybe i'm full of shit?

Me and him think its more like 10k but the woman who's bought it was happy with the price. As i'm sure the nice chap who owned it before!

tourings are where its at, due to rarity and usefulness. Hence the highest price a B3s has sold for for years! A nice similar car last year in estoril blue fetched 10k also.

Fast3000 · Post by **Fast3000** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 11:09 am

Sadly missed out on the B3S I was considering... low mileage but we just couldnt agree on a price.

Now looking at Z4 Roadsters! woohoo!