BMWs have no resale value? This 37-year old E30 BMW 3 Series costs RM 547k, as much as an M4

Yep, you read that right, this is not a restored classic, what you’re looking at is pretty much the most immaculate, low-mile E30 BMW 3 Series ever sold. Unless you own a time machine and can go back to 1985 to buy it new from BMW.

But, if you don’t have a time machine, fret not, all you go to do is pony up approximately RM 547k (EUR 119k), and Austrian dealer Meyer-Hafner will gladly sell it to you.

According to the ad, this very special E30 is a ‘Zinober Red’ 323i – featuring a 2.3-litre straight-six ‘M20’ pumping out 150 PS and 205 Nm to the rear wheels through a good ‘ol 5-speed manual.  

The 2.3-litre M20 is essentially the ‘pre-facelift’ version before displacement was punched out to 2.5 litres with a newer ignition system for a much meatier 171 PS and 222 Nm in latter 325i versions.

When you factor in the E30’s featherweight, just over 1000 kg kerb weight, you can surmise why the E30 was a genuinely quick car in its time, and forged a reputation for being one of BMW's ultimate driving machines.

And you can tell the owner was a true driver too, because instead of wheels and a bodykit, he/she optioned a dogleg 5-speed manual, Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) at the back, plus a genuine Recaro interior.

This E30 is a great example of how cars from the 80s and 90s eras have skyrocketed in recent time - as they remind of us a time when cars were simple, and driving was an organic and intuitive experience.

So is this E30 worth the asking price – which incidentally costs the same as a used BMW M4 in today’s money – or just capitalisation of a bygone romance?

Also read: RM 15k buys you the best BMW 5 Series, the E39. How much to maintain and repair?

Also read: Buying your first BMW: From RM 15k, a used E46 BMW 3 Series is a perfect starter’s choice