Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Ellis]

Last Friday I was offered a 2003 BMW M3 E46 Convertible by somebody I know because he has made the change from young and carefree to young, no longer carfefree but with wife and newly born baby.
He's had the BMW for 5 years, it's done 58k miles and has been cherished.

"Future classics..." were some of his words. I think that I'm too old now for a young man's icon such as this but I thought afterwards whether it will be a classic, the E46 and it's predecessor the E36.

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The one I was offered is the same colour as the silver E46 above but with a red rather than black interior and it's a manual 6 speed and not one with the SMG gearbox.

I know two BMW M3 owners who now both own the latest (2007 - on) version and both have told me that they really liked the E36 model, the first photo. Raw basic power with fewer driver aides and more fun.

Are they future classics?
In all likelihood, yes, but I can't help but think that the vast numbers sold
will have an effect on desirability or will the classic of 2030 have to have some basic (by the standards of 2030) computer technology which will by then be so elementary that anybody will understand.

Or will tastes and opinions have moved on ?

Your opinions please.
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Starting Handle Expert

1964 Jaguar Mark 2 3.4 litre
1962 Land Rover Series 2a 88"
2002 BMW M3 E46 Cabriolet

[Bitumen Boy]

I reckon the main problems are going to be the electronics, followed by the electronics and, um, the electronics. A car that nobody will be able to fix hasn't much chance in the long run.

[mikeC]

I don't think electronics will be a problem in the future. Most young car enthusiasts (not necessarily classic car enthusiasts) seem quite happy to tinker with the electronics - but suggest using a spanner and they run away in horror!
I can recall back in the 'sixties when people were suggesting that cars of the 'fifties would never become collectors cars - where would the owners get replacement (curved) windscreens or hydraulic rubbers?
Short term no doubt the electronics on modern cars will become an issue, which will weed out a large number, leaving the survivors as rarities from a bygone era to be cherished in their turn.

[ukdave2002]

I wouldn't worry about the electronics, for a start they are pretty bullet proof, and as history has proved from the early days of motoring when blacksmiths started to turn their hand to car repair; the repair industry will adapt.

Diagnostic equipment that would have cost thousands 5 years ago, can now be picked up (new) for less than a hundred. And whilst electronics may confuse a back street grease monkey, don't forget we have been fixing electronic equipment in non automotive applications for decades!!

I'd go for it!

Dave

[Rdover]

Even Marinas and Austin Princesses are regarded as classics ... basically anything kept long enough has value, just look at Beetles and Model T's.

I would go for it, keep it in great nick and lowish miles and enjoy
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Richard