A moment of silence for all ‘M-thusiasts’ as the last BMW M3 coupe rolls off the production line. This marks one of the most significant event in car history – as the BMW M3 has always been the weapon of choice for drivers. Since 1986, the M3 coupe has carried the badge with grace and stature – spanning 4 generations of absolute driving pleasure.
From now on – the M3 badge will live on but only in sedan form as BMW has renamed its new coupe, the 4-series. Attention has now shifted to the BMW M4 coupe and convertible models but as we look into the classic M3s – we notice a price hike especially to the E30 M3s, marking them as collectible items now. In Malaysia, the E30 M3 price seems to be hovering around RM200k.
At the same time, the E92 M3 will also be known as ‘The Last of the Normally Aspirated M car’, with the new replacement BMW M4 is speculated to drop two cylinders and back to in-line 6 – with turbochargers scrammed into the engine as well. Gone of the days of unadulterated power from M-power’s signature high-revving normally aspirated engines.
For those in the market for a driving machine, well start looking into the BMW M3 E92 if you have not. Just like the E30, the E92 is set to be a future classic and experts speculate that the prices will hike in the next couple of years. Depending on the manufacturing year, you are spoilt for choice in the BMW M3 department – but the challenge will be to find one in the right interior colour and a reasonably low mileage. Expect most M3s in the market to hit more than 50,000km at least as they are now hovering around 3-4 years old.
It’s a sad moment to see the E92 go and the growling V8 will be missed by many. It’s no doubt one of the best cars of its time and with this, we bid farewell to the M3 E92 – the last of the mohicans.
