Resale value on the 135i...your thoughts

[aarong_m3]

Sorry, I'm not sure if i'm in the right post.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on what you think the 135i resale value would look like in 10 years. I know this is a long shot but i based it on a 1997 Toyota Supra Turbo(MSRP:$39k) today 11 years later it's worth between $21k- $30k+. Do you think the 135i will stand a chance of being in the mid $20k in 10 years?

[0002s]

No...10 years it will be 4-10K based on mileage and condition.

*unless they stop producing it after this year or stop the 135i and only have the 128i.

[jtsherri]

I'd say Shawn is probably pretty accurate. I think it'll probably be worth slightly more than that, but $12k-$14k will be on the high end of things.

[ucbsupafly]

Originally Posted by aarong_m3

Sorry, I'm not sure if i'm in the right post.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on what you think the 135i resale value would look like in 10 years. I know this is a long shot but i based it on a 1997 Toyota Supra Turbo(MSRP:$39k) today 11 years later it's worth between $21k- $30k+. Do you think the 135i will stand a chance of being in the mid $20k in 10 years?

Haha... You might as well ask a crystal ball. Even people who get paid millions can't figure out what the stock market will do tomorrow, let alone trying to predict the resale value of a brand new car model 10 years down the road.

With that said, I'll take a stab at predicting the future:

If BMW keeps the 135i production limited throughout it's model life, I think it'll hold the value pretty well. However, even given its limited number, there's no way in hell an 135i will be worth $20K after 10 years. Not unless it's gold-plated.

The resale value of Supra TT you mentioned is an exception, not the norm. Only a handful of production cars can retain that kind of resale value. It takes a very low production number, a large cult following, and a strong aftermarket product support, to sustain the public interest and resale value. The E30 M3 and Supra TT are prime examples.

Lets face it, a 10 year old car that originally cost $40K new will not be worth much, no matter how you slice it. Right now, the BMW subsdized residual puts the 135i coupe at 56-57% after 3 years. In order for an 135i to be worth $20k, it can only depreciate another 7-10% over the 7 years after that. A very unlikely scenerio if you ask me.

I think a more plausible number would be 15-20% of the original price after 10 years. This equates to about $5000-$8000.

p.s. I spec'ed my 135i specifically with the resale value in mind. I figure people who would be looking to buy an 135i 10 years down the road would be looking for a stripper with track car potential. If I don't turn it into a track car myself first, I would love to see the next owner do it.

[Qube]

Lol. We have no idea the advanced they will make in ten years. Case in point, my e34 535i manual sold for $4000 a few months ago. Built in 89. It depends on the intrinsic value of the car. I bought that same car for $4000 three years ago.

To me, the 135 is a 'weekend fling' type car. It has a little too much gadgetry to hold the value of say an e30 even. Back then, cars were built mainly bullet tough. Nowadays... just look at the 'recommended' service intervals.

[aarong_m3]

Thanks for your honest answers everyone. Only time will tell if BMW stops production on these 135i. Keep your thoughts coming...I still like to hear them.