E30 resale value with money invested

[ChaosTheory]

Hey guys not sure if this has been brought up or not but what adds value to an e30 and what really doesn't.

For example if I spend money on complete overhaul on suspension, brakes, and engine will I get that money back when it comes to resale or is it just merely dumping money.

It seems every e30 I have owned always needed all of the above.

What is the general consensus on putting money into the e30.

Is there a limit you reach where you just say this is it I won't see a return on the investment.
I'm curious to hear some opinions.

P.s
I currently own an e30 m3 and e36 m3 and a 91 318is

[Steven]

You will never get anything back on en e30 past 5k invested into it. (Talking about common things like suspension stock engine work etc.)

[ChaosTheory]

You will never get anything back on en e30 past 5k invested into it. (Talking about common things like suspension stock engine work etc.)

Thanks for replying, I'm interested to find out why.
E30s are going up in value correct? So why not invest into them?

[Vegas227]

E30's are going up in value due to them being exposed more. Their cult following is more prevalent now. They honestly have the same value they did before, its just their demand. People are asking and paying way too much for a lot of the E30's today, myself included...

[Dj Buttchug]

You will never get anything back on en e30 past 5k invested into it. (Talking about common things like suspension stock engine work etc.)

this statement is false.

[capn]

The three biggest (in no particular order) factors in the resale value of an E30 are:

1) Number of owners, the less previous owners usually better since the perception is that owner held on to the car longer and maintained it well.

2) Maintenance records, having paper receipts of service done on an E30 is huge. A lot of E30s have people who do the service themselves and usually is hard to provide service (x) was actually done.

3) Rarity (mostly gray market cars), 333i, 320i 2dr plastic bumper, 325i ex 4dr and the 325i cabriolet leather bound edition.

[colorado_cabrio]

Lets get this straight: you can't "invest" in the car by installing parts. Buying and installing suspension can not add more value to the car than the cost of buying and installing the parts. A+B can't equal more than the sum of it's parts.

The value of the underlying car can increase, but the rate of that increase can't be affected by installing parts. The car is worth what the car is worth, and the parts are worth what the parts are worth; and most likely the "value" of installation work quickly depreciate to zero once the parts are used.

Also a word of caution: e30 are appreciating because there is a lot of current interest in the vehicles. This is based on a number of factors, but one of the most obvious is the relative "value" of the car: i.e. you get a lot of car for a low price.

As other cars age and depreciate in price their relative "value" will also increase making them more attractive to the next generation of gearheads.

e30 are not rare at all: and frankly never will be they made millions of these cars (the m3 is an obvious exception). This same lesson was learned by all the dudes who "invested" in muscle cars.

So buy them, enjoy them, use them. But the adage is always true "never invest in a depreciating asset"

[ChaosTheory]

Lets get this straight: you can't "invest" in the car by installing parts. Buying and installing suspension can not add more value to the car than the cost of buying and installing the parts. A+B can't equal more than the sum of it's parts.

The value of the underlying car can increase, but the rate of that increase can't be affected by installing parts. The car is worth what the car is worth, and the parts are worth what the parts are worth; and most likely the "value" of installation work quickly depreciate to zero once the parts are used.

Also a word of caution: e30 are appreciating because there is a lot of current interest in the vehicles. This is based on a number of factors, but one of the most obvious is the relative "value" of the car: i.e. you get a lot of car for a low price.

As other cars age and depreciate in price their relative "value" will also increase making them more attractive to the next generation of gearheads.

e30 are not rare at all: and frankly never will be they made millions of these cars (the m3 is an obvious exception). This same lesson was learned by all the dudes who "invested" in muscle cars.

So buy them, enjoy them, use them. But the adage is always true "never invest in a depreciating asset"

Thanks for the philosophical explanation. I mean it I'm liking a lot of these different answers. Seems everyone has their own interpretation

[colorado_cabrio]

Thanks for the philosophical explanation. I mean it I'm liking a lot of these different answers. Seems everyone has their own interpretation

It ain't philosophy it's economics

[capn]

Slightly OT but I noticed 50% of E30s for sale are listed in this manner:

[word is bond]

Honestly, I don't think any "upgrades" will give you good return on investment in resale value. If you are modifying your car, consider the return on investment to be your enjoyment of the car. Otherwise, I think well maintained original examples will always hold their resale value better.

[Ocell]

I'd think that modifying the car will decrease the value, unless you're replacing with OEM parts. I think people will pay more for a blank slate if they're looking to build a car up. And many people would like to see a clean car that's been kept stock, since it means it likely hasn't been driven hard or hacked up.

[Herr Faust Schinken]

I'd think that modifying the car will decrease the value, unless you're replacing with OEM parts. I think people will pay more for a blank slate if they're looking to build a car up. And many people would like to see a clean car that's been kept stock, since it means it likely hasn't been driven hard or hacked up.

i think there are some well thought out up grades that most would agree adds value, intact IS lip, 15 inch weaves or bbs's, taking car of the suspension some kind of shifter mods, LSDs that work

[einhander]

Non-M E30s are not investments unless you're cheaping out on restomods like some of the un-named east coast body shop owners that used to come around here. But then, you're just a swindler.

The community is small too, so if you buy a car, add some bits to it, and then try to sell it - you're likely selling it to the same community from whom you bought it and they'll call you on your shenanigans.

Also, I want some Fun-Yuns.

[Restoman]

In terms of where to "put" money in the E30, I say where it's needed to be brought back to normal or better. Anything that is bad should be restored.
The term "invest" just doesn't add up. I invest in my car because its a toy not a DD. I'll never see the money back from what I have and plan to have in this car. I don't even care, I'm just enjoying a car that brings me joy!