I am currently in the market to purchase a preowned 540iA and can't help looking at M3s and M5s every chance I get.
I just find it amazing that, in the current market, the E46 M3s are going for the same, if not more, money than the same year E39 M5s. The MSRP on a 2001 M5 was $69k where the MSRP on a 2001 M3 was only $45k. It appears that the 5 series are like Rodney Dangerfield and "get no respect."
I have not driven a M3 or a M5 but when I first started looking at BMWs, I was torn between the 330i and the 540i. Once I drove the 540, there was no question which car I was going to buy. The 5 series was much nicer IMHO. I assume the same goes for the comparison between the M3 and M5.
So why do you think the M5s have depreciated so much more than the M3s?
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| Reply » Current Market Prices of E46 M3s vs. E39 M5s |
Well generally the more expensive the car, the more depreciation you'll suffer. However that doesn't explain the difference you've seen as one would expect that an M5 of an equivalent year and condition should be worth more than a comparable M3.
I have no idea, but it's interesting. I'll take a look at some used M5 prices around here.
Personally I think I'd stick with the 540s if I were you. Maintenance on M cars is really expensive, relative to non-M models. However you may be able to afford more than I could, so it might be right for you.
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| Reply » Current Market Prices of E46 M3s vs. E39 M5s |
Probabaly since the E46 M3 is still available new from the dealerships and the E39 M5 already has a replacement in the showrooms. 
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| Reply » Current Market Prices of E46 M3s vs. E39 M5s |
Quote: | Probabaly since the E46 M3 is still available new from the dealerships and the E39 M5 already has a replacement in the showrooms. |
The E39 M5 is the model of yesteryear.
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| Reply » Current Market Prices of E46 M3s vs. E39 M5s |
I agree with the previous replies...an E46 M3 still has a lot of unique charm and versatility. While a brand new Pontiac GTO is a very compelling alternative to an E39 M5.
However, go drive them...the differences between an E46 M3 and E39 M5 are a bit more complex than the differences between a 330 and a 540.
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| Reply » Current Market Prices of E46 M3s vs. E39 M5s |
Quote: I am currently in the market to purchase a preowned 540iA and can't help looking at M3s and M5s every chance I get.
I just find it amazing that, in the current market, the E46 M3s are going for the same, if not more, money than the same year E39 M5s. The MSRP on a 2001 M5 was $69k where the MSRP on a 2001 M3 was only $45k. It appears that the 5 series are like Rodney Dangerfield and "get no respect."
I have not driven a M3 or a M5 but when I first started looking at BMWs, I was torn between the 330i and the 540i. Once I drove the 540, there was no question which car I was going to buy. The 5 series was much nicer IMHO. I assume the same goes for the comparison between the M3 and M5.
So why do you think the M5s have depreciated so much more than the M3s? | Well its simply because the new shape of the M5 V10 '06 is available and has been released since early this year in a few cities around the world
(middle eastern cities in particular- which always get the new shapes well ahead of time then anywhere in NorthAmerica...because there is a high surge of demand in those countries! A lot of wealthy people are car fanatics and drive the latest shape and the top of line models....its funny there used car market is not even 1/5 of ours here in North America.....because new cars are usually jus driven to the point where they just junk them once they are done drivin few years......for people who cant afford new ones....The S550 '07 was observed there earlier this year in the spring by a few friends of mine who were present in dubai)
Anyways...US and Canada have started to recieve it now as well....which is why the E39 (M5's) have depreciated...also because since the new shape 5 series was introduced in 2004 that has alos depreciated the value of the M5...
However the same doesnt quite go for an M3 because the new shape M3 is not available as of yet...but will be a few years down the road....but the new 3 series'06 has been released and that has also affected the M3's value because the shape is starting to look old....
The model and shape is the sad reality of huge depreciation and savings on older model vehicles! 
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Current Market Prices of E46 M3s vs. E39 M5s