ArkiStan

Well, I know they must be better than US cars. But how do they compare to Japanese cars? Better? similar?

Anyhow, to get to my point, I'm asking this because in about 4 years when I get out of the army, I'll be back in the states looking for a car and I'm really interested in a used M3. Not the current model, but the older ones. Maybe a '96 or a '97. I'm just trying to estimate how much these models might cost around the year 2005. What are your estimates?? Here are some general Blue Book values for TODAY :

'96 M3:
retail: $27,000
private: $23,500

'97 M3:
retail: $30,000
private: $27,000

SpeedEng

I think bmws have a better resell value than most jap cars
cause of the quality level, it is a bit better than jap cars

Nanotech9

a good 88 - 90 M3 (the e30 body style) will still run you $12k - $15K (in nice condition)

i woudl say those prices will drop to $20K (private) / $23K (retail) for the '96 year.

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TommyBoomfiger

bimmers get better than average resale, usually better than most japanese cars except maybe some luxury cars. 3, 5 and M series usually hold their value very well, but 7 and 8 series, not so well. you can get an 850 for the same as a brand new 3 series sometimes.