In a world where the $250,000 E30 M3 (yes, it’s happened more than once) and $92,000 E46 M3 exist, vintage BMW enthusiasts looking for a deal might be struggling to find it. Plus, while most will agree that both the aforementioned BMWs have are timeless and beautiful, they’re undeniably slow. They aren’t the best sounding engines either, with both sometimes sounding more reminiscent of a utensil in a blender than an F1-derived motorsport machine. But, I digress. So one must ask: is the E92 M3 the best bang for your buck when it comes to vintage BMW ownership? With the oldest of these V8-powered superstars going on fifteen years old, it’s certainly starting to look like that.
When the E92 M3 debuted in 2007, it was hot. The high-revving 4.0-liter V8 provided motorsport theater with aplomb, angrily shouting to the world about its 414 horsepower. Which makes perfect sense since it derived some engineering from the iconic S85 V10 engine in the then-new E60 M5. It runs a 4.4-second zero to 60 mph time, which is still quick today. Compared to the older M3 variants, it’s a huge jump: half a second quicker than the E46 M3 and only a tenth or two behind the much more modern F80 M3. But you still got Bluetooth, and, thanks to the over-serious M button, the E92 M3 could still be a gentle (ish) cruiser when riding with passengers.
But the E92 M3 still boasts a lot of the hallmarks that make a vintage M3 so desirable in the first place. It’s the last one that retains vaunted hydraulic power-assisted steering in lieu of a modern EPS system. It’s naturally aspirated with independent throttle bodies, providing a linear powerband with high-RPM drama. And, perhaps most importantly, it remains instantly identifiable as a BMW.
Here’s where the E92 M3 really becomes a contender as a great value. You can easily score an E92 M3 in questionable condition for anywhere from $18,000 to $22,000. These are usually higher-mile cars or vehicles that were in…
