Justifying the complete M over the (typically) solely barely much less high-performing M Efficiency mannequin, or perhaps a base mannequin, isn’t simple. However one cause some will spring for the M3 over the three Collection, for instance, is a persistent rumor that claims M automobiles maintain their worth higher. Utilizing knowledge gleaned by the researches over at iSeeCars, we put every M automotive up in opposition to its lesser in a special form of face-off: one that may decide which holds its worth higher over a five-year interval.
BMW 2 Collection vs. M2 Depreciation
In 5 years, the common BMW 2 Collection loses round 52.3% of its full worth. Because it seems, the M2 isn’t simply a lot quicker round a monitor. It’s additionally the higher place to park some cash, shedding simply 40.6% of its worth over 5 years. Apparently, this knowledge signifies that, base-for-base, each the M240i and M2 lose round $27,000 over the identical five-year span. This assumes each are bought for his or her begin MSRP. For the M240i, that’s $52,700 whereas the M2 begins at $68,200.
BMW 3 Collection vs. M3 Depreciation
The M3 is likely one of the most iconic components of the BMW M lineup. So, one would count on values to be good after 5 years. Residuals really float round 54.2%, based on the info we’ve. In the meantime, the usual 3 Collection loses simply 51.4% of its worth, really undercutting the legendary M automotive by just below three %. Slightly than calling out the M3, we’ve to admire each. Luxurious automobiles holding round half their worth after 5 years is unusual at finest. We see it as a testomony to how in-demand the present 3er actually is.
BMW 4 Collection vs. M4 Depreciation


The BMW 4 Collection Coupe loses 48.1% of its worth within the first 5 years. That’s really very good for any luxurious automotive, however particularly good for a luxurious coupe. The BMW M4 Coupe beats the usual automotive handily, solely shedding 44.1% of its worth in the identical time. In the meantime, droptop variations carried out much less impressively. The usual 4 Collection Convertible loses 51.5% of its worth within the first 5 years. M4 Convertibles outperform the common automotive, solely seeing 50.1% deprecation.
BMW 5 Collection vs. M5 Depreciation
The BMW M5 is one cool piece of equipment, however the numbers aren’t doing sizzling. The high-performance tremendous sedan loses 60% of its worth in half a decade. The common 5er, alternatively, would possibly shock you by the truth is doing even worse. The posh mid-size sedan loses 61.4% of its worth in 5 years. It is going to be fascinating to revisit these numbers after the M5 Touring has had a while on the secondhand market.
BMW 8 Collection vs. M8 Depreciation
Three totally different physique kinds means there’s loads of knowledge to dissect. Let’s kick issues off with the 8 Collection Coupe, which loses 52.9% of its worth over 5 years. The (in)comparable M8 Coupe, in the meantime, loses 51.7% of its worth. Whereas these numbers are very shut, it’s vital to keep in mind that the M8 Coupe’s base MSRP was round $40,000 greater than the usual 8er. The BMW 8 Collection Gran Coupe loses 60% of its worth in 5 years.
Technically, the M8 Gran Coupe does a hair higher, shedding 59.6% of its worth in the identical time interval. Lastly, we’ve the M8 Convertible, which loses 54.5% of its unique MSRP in 5 years. The 8 Collection Convertible, once more, fares only a bit worse than its M-badged brother, shedding 55.1% of its worth.
BMW X3 vs. X3 M Depreciation
You’ll be able to’t precisely exit and purchase an X3 M lately, sadly. However over 5 years, the info reveals they’ve misplaced 52% of their worth. In the meantime, the common X3 has dropped 53.9% of its unique MSRP. Given the unbelievable quantity of X3 SUVs offered, simply over half isn’t utterly terrible depreciation for the mannequin. Extra curiously, the X3 M’s depreciation projections keep constant on the seven- and ten-year marks. However we guess low-mileage, well-kept examples will beat these figures within the coming years.
BMW X4 vs. X4 M Depreciation
One of the vital polarizing automobiles within the M lineup additionally has an fascinating quirk in terms of depreciation knowledge. Each the X4 M and the BMW X4 will lose an equivalent 53.3% of their worth over 5 years. That is the one mannequin on the checklist with equivalent values throughout each fashions. Just like the X3 M, we count on low-mile X4 M fashions to turn into collectable within the not-so-distant future.
BMW X5 Collection vs. X5 M Depreciation
The BMW X5 M loses a reasonably hefty — a minimum of, relative to the aforementioned M SUVs — 56.3% of its worth after 5 years. Humorous sufficient, the common BMW X5 doesn’t fare too significantly better, shedding 56.1% of its unique sticker value in the identical half decade.
BMW X6 Collection vs. X6 M Depreciation
The BMW X6 loses 55.3% of its worth in 5 years, which is just a bit bit lower than the complete M model. The X6 M drops by 56.5%. Not solely is it shocking that the X6 M loses extra worth than the usual automotive, however it’s additionally a bit shocking to see the X5 depreciate extra closely than the coupe X6 model. Although, maybe the decrease manufacturing of the X6 permits it to carry worth only a smidge higher
So — Do M Automobiles Actually Maintain Their Worth Higher?
Importantly, the info doesn’t measure curiosity or values after ten years. Which, coincidentally, is the place many M variations begin seeing their second life as collectors scurry after “future classics” with low miles and impeccable data. However even discounting this market phenomenon — which, in equity, happens with lower-tier automobiles to a small extent, too — it’s clear. Most M fashions retain worth higher than their respective non-M counterparts.
Though, the distinction in depreciation is usually extraordinarily miniscule. And, from a uncooked numbers standpoint, that also means the M automotive is shedding extra money. Take the M5 for instance. The M5 loses 60% of its $121,900 MSRP over 5 years, or roughly $73,140. The 5 Collection loses 61.4% of its worth. So, a base $59,900 5er loses $36,779 over the identical interval. After all, there are some issues you’ll be able to’t put a value on. The enjoyable of an M automotive might be one in every of them — however that’s a choice the numbers gained’t provide help to make. Nicely, these numbers, anyway. Go test some horsepower and 0 to 60 figures and circle again, hmm?
Supply: iSeeCars