Don’t Buy a G80 BMW M3 – Here Are Three More Desirable BMWs to Buy Instead

Don’t Buy a G80 BMW M3 – Here Are Three More Desirable BMWs to Buy Instead

The latest G80 BMW M3 is a great car, but at £82,420, there are better, more collectible M cars that will hold their value and potentially appreciate over time. If you’re looking for something special, here are three BMW M models that are better buys than the latest generation M3.

1. BMW 1 Series M Coupe (1M) – An Instant Classic
Price New: £39,990
Price Now: £40,000-£60,000

The BMW 1M was an instant hit when it launched in 2011. Limited to just 6,309 units worldwide, it combined a compact, lightweight chassis with a turbocharged 3.0L straight-six, producing 335bhp. What made it special was the pure, driver-focused experience—a throwback to BMW’s golden era of M cars with a manual gearbox and less tech to distract.

Unlike most performance cars, the 1M has not depreciated significantly. Well serviced, low milage examples are now worth more than their original price. With modern M cars becoming heavier and more complex, the 1M’s analog feel and rarity make it a strong investment pick.

2. BMW E46 M3 CSL – The Ultimate M3
Price New: £58,455
Price Now: £60,000-£120,000

The E46 M3 CSL is considered by many to be the greatest M3 of all time. BMW stripped out the unnecessary weight, fine-tuned the 3.2L straight-six to 360bhp, and fitted one of the best chassis setups ever seen on a road car. Only 1,383 units were built, making it incredibly rare.

Prices have surged in recent years, with the best examples now exceeding £100,000. The combination of lightweight engineering, intoxicating induction noise, and a pure, engaging drive makes the CSL one of the most sought-after M cars ever. If you want a BMW M3 that will hold its value and feel truly special, this is the one.

3. BMW F90 M5 CS – The 4-Door Supercar
Price New: £140,780
Price Now: £110,000-£145,000

If you want something modern but still special, the BMW M5 CS is a no-brainer. With 626bhp from a twin-turbo V8, it’s the fastest M5 ever built, capable of 0-62mph in just 3.0 seconds. But it’s more than just straight-line speed—BMW transformed the M5 CS into a track-capable, lightweight, limited-edition monster.

Despite its high initial price, the M5 CS has held its value well, with many cars selling close to their original retail price with low mileage examples being advertised above list. As BMW moves towards hybridisation, the M5 CS is likely to become one of the last great petrol-powered super-saloons, making it a smart investment.

The Best of BMW

The G80 M3 might be the latest model, but these three offer something rarer, more exciting, and financially smarter. Whether it’s the raw, driver-focused 1M, the legendary E46 CSL, or the brutal M5 CS, these BMWs are likely to stand the test of time better than the current M3.

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