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By Department 69
Prices checked October 2026.
These six BMW M cars have sub-$40,000 price examples on CLASSIC.COM. The figures below are comparison bands drawn from original-spec sales, dealer asking prices or a labeled market benchmark. They are not guaranteed good-condition valuations. A pre-purchase inspection and maintenance records matter more than any single transaction.
1997 BMW M3 sedan, five-speed manual
Price evidence: $23,899 to $35,750, two recorded original-spec manual-sedan auction sales. The lower-priced car showed 74,000 miles and the higher-priced car 59,000 miles. This is a transaction comparison, not a condition rating. 1997 manual-sedan sales.
The E36 M3 is the oldest car here. Car and Driver's buyer's guide says parts are often cheap and easy to come by.
- Ask about water pump and radiator service. Car and Driver says to treat both as 60,000-mile consumables. Car and Driver buyer's guide.
- Inspect the fender bottoms for rust. Car and Driver says rust is commonly found there. Rust guidance.
2004 BMW M3 convertible, six-speed manual
Price evidence: $25,250 to $31,000, recorded original-spec manual-convertible sales. The examples showed 67,000 and 32,000 miles respectively. Neither sale certifies the next car's condition. 2004 manual-convertible sales.
Turner Motorsport's buyer's guide advises most shoppers to prefer the coupe because the convertible is heavier and less rigid. Budget for a structural inspection before cosmetic upgrades.
- Have the rear subframe mounts inspected for cracks. Turner calls them notorious for cracking. E46 inspection guidance.
- Ask for VANOS repair records. Turner calls the VANOS system a weak point. VANOS guidance.
2013 BMW M3 coupe, dual-clutch automatic
Price evidence: $32,297 CLASSIC.COM market benchmark to a $38,000 recorded auction sale of an original-spec automatic coupe with 50,000 miles. The benchmark is a model-market estimate, not an individual sale or proof of condition. 2013 automatic-coupe market.
The E92 M3 uses a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V8, the S65. This entry is the dual-clutch automatic, so it is not priced like a manual car. Reserve money for engine-specific maintenance.
- Request rod-bearing inspection or replacement records. S65 reliability guide.
- Ask about throttle-actuator faults. The guide says the electronic throttle actuators wear out. Throttle-actuator guidance.
2013 BMW M5 sedan, dual-clutch automatic
Price evidence: $26,500 to $31,392 in two original-spec automatic-sedan asking prices, with 79,000 and 61,000 miles. Neither is a completed sale. A cheap F10 M5 can be an expensive ownership decision. 2013 automatic M5 listings.
PistonHeads notes it was the first M5 with a twin-clutch transmission. A high-output twin-turbo car has servicing demands, so buy maintenance history first and horsepower second.
- Ask about hesitation under light throttle. The guide lists leaking injectors among the suspected causes. F10 M5 buying guide.
- Check the four pipes that carry coolant to the turbos. PistonHeads says they can leak a little. Cooling-system guidance.
2016 BMW M2 coupe, six-speed manual
Price evidence: one recent sale at $31,500, an original-spec manual M2 sold at auction with 76,000 miles. One sale is not a market value. 2016 M2 sales.
The original M2 is the newest car here. It pairs a six-speed manual with the M2-specific N55B30T0 engine. Check modifications carefully.
- Ask whether the factory plastic charge pipe has been replaced. Go-Parts says it is known to crack under boost. N55 issue reference.
- Look for oil-filter housing gasket leaks. Go-Parts says a leak drips onto the serpentine belt. Oil-leak reference.
2000 BMW Z3 M Roadster, five-speed manual
Price evidence: $17,750 to $19,500 from two original-spec manual-roadster auction sales, with 36,000 and 58,000 miles respectively. These are completed sales, not condition guarantees. 2000 M Roadster sales.
The M Roadster is the open-air choice here. Start the inspection underneath the car.
- Check the differential mount in the rear floor panel. S14.de calls it the Z3 topic par excellence. Z3 structural guidance.
- Inspect the plastic rear window of the fabric top. S14.de says it yellows, clouds over and cracks. Z3 roof guidance.
How we picked
We chose identifiable BMW M variants with model-specific pricing evidence below $40,000, an understandable ownership case and inspection concerns we could source. Prices from auctions, active listings and benchmarks are labeled separately. For any candidate, verify the VIN, factory gearbox, title, service records and mechanical condition before treating an advertised number as a buying opportunity.