Body paint change vs value

[UlrichFennec]

If it's an original OEM color for the car, I wouldn't worry so much, especially if it was a respray of the original color on the car.

Honestly, just do what you want. If you're concerned about value, keep everything original or get some period correct wheels and do a respray in a factory option color. Some people consider it a huge negative if the car is resprayed. If it's a project that you don't really plan on flipping for a profit or whatever, paint it Dakar Yellow for all we care. Just have fun with it.

[varg]

If you're talking non-M3, value is of less concern with a color change than the cost to do it right. A good quality paint job that looks right is better than iffy original paint. Changing colors properly is more labor intensive than a repaint, that is what I'd consider the biggest concern. You won't get the money back either way, good paint jobs are $$$$

[AlexKing]

Why not wrap it? Won't cost you much, if done right won't harm the paint and means you can enjoy the color you want and pull it off if you feel the need too.

[c0rbin9]

There's always a certain percentage of the owners who fetishize originality - to those owners, a color change will always be a negative. I'm one of those.

[E30 Wagen]

Depends on what you're starting with. If it's original paint that's in decent condition, then I think it could affect the long term value. If it's not the original paint or the paint is in poor condition then it won't matter. The only way I'd paint a car is to take all the trim off and all the glass out, and document everything, then again I'm super anal about paint work. I hate tapelines and engine bays/door jams that don't match.

[Todd Black 88]

On an m3, yes, on a run of the mill e30, no.

[CrazyIvan]

I'm considering on doing a full respray on my e30 with an alternate paint code (still oem).
Would you think this affects the value and appreciation over time?